How to Wash Dishes Naturally
The dishwasher soap recipe was easier than I thought it would be. I’ve used other commercial cleaners in my dishwasher and never been quite as happy with them as I was with one particular brand. That lead me to think I’d never be happy with a homemade dishwasher soap. Thankfully, I was wrong.
The main problem I presumed I’d encounter would be spotty dishes. Then, I read the ingredients on the back of most of the commercial rinse aids. Guess what the ingredients included: vinegar. Mmmm, hmmm. Look for yourself. So, I figured I’d skip the added chemicals and just use the real thing. The results: spotless dishes.
One thing I questioned when contemplating whether or not I’d make my own dishwasher detergent was, if the dishes are thoroughly rinsed before they come out then aren’t they chemical free? Short answer is no. Long answer is that even though the trace amounts that are left as residue are very minute, the true hazard lies in the fumes that are dispersed from the dishwasher while it is in operation. I had never considered that. Once I realized how much harm that would do, the decision was easy.
If you happen to wash dishes by hand or if you use dish soap for every day hand washing, I have a recipe for that too. This one works great as an everyday soap. If you have greasy dishes then it is best to use baking soda as a degreaser. Just sprinkle the baking soda on the dishes and wipe it off. The grease goes with it. Then, you can wash as usual.
Homemade Dishwasher Soap Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups of Borax
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 5 packs of True Lemon
- 2 packs of True Orange
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
Add all ingredients into a large bowl. Combine well with a whisk. Use a funnel and pour into a one quart jar or container. To use, add 1 tabelspoon to both soap containers.
Natural Dishwasher Rinsing Agent
- Vinegar
Once the commercial rinse aid has run out, fill the rinse compartment with undiluted vinegar.
Homemade Dish Soap
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of castile soap
- 2 tbsp. vinegar
- 1 tbsp. washing soda
- 27-30 drops of essential oils
Add all ingredients into measuring cup and mix well. Using a funnel, pour the mixture into a squirt container or foaming pump bottle. Use as normal.
Degreaser
- baking soda
Sprinkle a light coat of baking soda over the greasy area. Wipe clean. For dishes: follow up with dish soap. For surfaces: Spray with DIY homemade natural all purpose cleaner spray and wipe to remove any residue.
Download Homemade Dishwasher Soap and Dish Soap Labels
For best results, print on mailing labels or Avery sticker paper. After adhering to bottle, use contact paper over the label to give it added protection.
Clean Modern Label - Dishwasher
Clean Modern Label – Dishwashing
Vintage Antique Label - Dishwasher
Vintage Antique Label – Dishwashing
Classic Natural Label – Dishwasher
Classic Natural Label - Dishwashing
Shabby Chic Label – Dishwasher
Shabby Chic Label – Dishwashing
Funky Fun Label - Dishwasher
Funky Fun Label – Dishwashing
Traditional Contemporary – Dishwasher
Traditional Contemporary – Dishwashing
Simple Earthy – Dishwasher
Simple Earthy – Dishwashing
Other posts in this series: Homemade All Natural Cleaning Products
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