Dishwasher detergent

I absolutely enjoy saving money!  I enjoy it even more when I buy things that people use on a regular basis and yet don't think "hmmm, could I make this at home and save money?"

Surprisingly, you don't need dishwasher super-sparkle elegance finishing touch after wash rinse in your dishwasher.  The reason?  The dish detergent that you use is too harsh for your dishwasher.  awesome, huh?  it is typically too hard on your dishes actually making your water harder, and can etch your glassware.  How much does that suck?

Well, I've found that with this recipe, it makes your water softer, getting your dishes cleaner with less soap.  SNAZZY.

How to make it:
1c. borax
1c. washing soda
1c. kosher salt (the coarser the salt the more chunks coming off, but you can use iodized if that's all you have)
4 pks. lemon kool-aid.  (I used the walmart version for .12c a packet.  Why do you use this?  the citric acid and the lemon scent- makes them awesome!)

mix all together and store in a container.  Yes, I typically triple or quadruple the batch (it takes exactly the same amount of effort, why not?!).

How much to use?  depends on your dishes. Typically a Tablespoon will take care of what you need, especially if you use the rinse aid I wrote about.  If you need to use extra, fill up both reserves, the time-release one (with the lid) and the other one that would give you the soap in the pre-wash.  I would not use more than 1/4 cup at a time.  1, it's just wasteful and 2, you could damage the machine or  your dishes and I'm not responsible for that. :)

enjoy and let me know if this works for you!

Liquid dish soap

After much internet searching, I have found an amazing homemade SUPER FRUGAL dish soap- NOT for dishwashers- the dishwasher detergent will be another post.

What you need for this:
1T finely grated soap flakes (use your favorite, it's not like you're going to be eating it.)
1T distilled white vinegar -you have it on hand for every other recipe of mine anyway!
1T washing soda
1 1/2 c. HOT water.  Why hot?  you need to dissolve everything.
essential oils such as lavendar, lemongrass, lemon, orange, rosemary, eucalyptus, etc.  "kitcheny" scents.

Ok, in a heat-safe bowl, pour in your dry ingredients, followed by vinegar and then stir until dissolved.  Let sit for about 24 hours and stir randomly throughout the day, to ensure that everything is staying dissolved.  (it will, just make sure you stir to keep it from clumping).

Once everything is said and done, add some essential oils to your liking.  Personally I'm a lavender junkie, but Rosemary and Lemongrass would smell amazing.  So would a citrus dish soap! (traditional, no?)  You could even make a floral with lavender, rose, geranium (which is a type of rose), etc.  The possibilities are endless!

Pour into recycled dish soap bottle or other squeeze-type bottle.

TADA!  Dish soap that cost you MAYBE 6 cents for the whole bottle.  Compare that to the $3.00+ (with tax) that you're paying now and THAT is Smart and Savvy for this Diva!

Oh, btw, you CAN use this is the homemade soft scrub recipe that I posted before.

Quick tip, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda too to help soften the water and soften your hands!