Washing dishes might not be your favorite chore, but that doesn’t mean you have to waste money on the task. A few simple practices can help you stretch your pennies while keeping things sparkly clean. Plus, for close to a decade, we’ve been making and using a D.I.Y. Dishwasher Detergent. It’s simple, affordable, works well, and one batch lasts well over a year.
Clean Your Machine
If you own a dishwasher, odds are good the machine you count on to clean your dishes could use some TLC. Over the years, build up on the sides and bottom of your dishwasher decreases efficiency, wasting time and money. In the end, your dishes might be paying the price.
An easy and simple solution comes in the form of my favorite cleaner – white vinegar. Running a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher on the hot water cycle can help remove dirt and grime that’s built up over time. You’ll also want to be sure the drain in your dishwasher is clear and if there’s rotating arm it can spin freely.
I also LOVE using Lemi Shine products. This Natural Dishwasher Cleaner can help you get things back on track. The best price on these items is typically found at Menards and made even sweeter when you can take advantage of the 11% Rebate. I also sprinkle a tiny bit Lemi Shine in the bottom of my dishwasher (not in the soap compartment) every load to keep dishes from becoming chalky.
Use White Vinegar as a Rinse Agent
Another great use for White Vinegar is as a rinse agent. Simply fill the small compartment where you’d normally put Jet Dry or another rinsing solution. If you find your silverware or glasses have become spotty, you can also run a cup of white vinegar in the top rack during a full load of dishes, too.
Adjust the Water Heat
Experts say dishwashers should wash dishes with water between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Most water heaters are automatically set to 140 or 145. You may want to consider turning down the heat to save money on energy expenses. Your dishes will be just as clean and your energy bill will go down.
Speaking of the dishwasher, it’s also a good idea to get better acquainted with yours. Dig out the manual and/or look it up online. Scan YouTube videos for your make and model. You may be missing out on functionality options you don’t even know you have.
Use Salt and Vinegar to Scrub Pots
If your copper bottomed pots and pans become spotty and dirty over time, you can get them shining again with a simple practice. Wet the bottom, then sprinkle with salt. Allow this to set for 5-10 minutes. Then, spray with white vinegar. Scrub with a steel wool scrubber. You’ll be shocked at how quickly this transforms the bottom of your pot.
Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent
As I said, we’ve been making our own dishwashing detergent for close to a decade. The last batch I made we’ve used for close to three years. You only need four ingredients. And when you’re done, you only need to use 1 tsp per load. Here’s what you need:
- 1 Box Borax
- 1 Box Washing Soda
- 3 Cups Epsom Salts
- 24 Packets Unsweetened Lemonade
Typically, I layer the ingredients so that they’re easier to mix. Be careful not to get the mixture wet because it will clump and harden. Store in an air tight container so moisture doesn’t get inside. It doubles as a fantastic scour for tubs, sinks, and showers, too.
I know the lemonade seems like a weird ingredient, but the principle ingredient is citric acid. As stated above I also use Lemi Shine in the bottom of the dishwasher. You don’t need much but I do find that it helps prevent cloudiness as does regularly refilling the rinse agent with white vinegar. You can find more tips on making the Dishwasher Detergent in my original post from 2012!
I’d love to know the ways you save money and keep dishes clean. Share your best tips in the comments.
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