Toxin-Free, Affordable, Effective

I will likely never buy dishwasher detergent again. I was blown away by how simple and effective (your dishes will get clean) this recipe is, and how much safer for your body and the environment!

Instructions

Measure and mix all together in a large mason jar or other glass container. Use 1-2 TB per load.

FYI

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral composed of boron, oxygen, sodium and water. Washing powder is simply sodium carbonate from salt and limestone. Citric acid is organic and food-grade so no worries on toxicity there. All stuff made from recognizable elements without anything weird added in.

If your water is harder/softer than mine in Boulder, this might be less effective. You can add a couple drops of dishwashing detergent or white vinegar to boost cleaning power.

Health Tips

Why make your own dishwasher detergent?

Health: Most commercial detergents are full of nasty chemicals which are potentially very risky to your health, and they use artificial dyes and fragrances which are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they mess with your hormones. You may be ingesting these chemicals daily by eating off dishware that was soaked in them.

Environment: This is a great way to reduce waste and your contribution to polluted waterways. When you make your own detergent, it is one less thing you use in life which creates trash, since you can keep refilling the same container. This should make you feel good! You also help the planet by not putting dye, bleach, fragrance, and other toxic chemicals into the water.

Knowledge: You know what you’re putting on your dishes, and therefore into your body and the water. Instead of being clueless as to what makes something go from clean to dirty, you get little more involved in the process… maybe you start to wonder why advertisers make us think we need these complicated products in the first place. And, if you try it and decide it’s not for you, it’s okay, I will still love you. Pick another awesome healthy habit instead.

Does it work?

Yes! I have yet to open the dishwasher and notice dirty or dull looking dishwater. In fact, my dishes are NOTICEABLY cleaner than they every were using natural dishwashing detergents from whole foods.

Alternatives

Not into it? Branch Basics makes good products which use minimal to no toxic chemicals. They cost a little more than making your own, but you save on convenience. Recycle your containers when you use them up to cut down waste.

Learn More

• For other toxin-free beauty products check out The Oil Cleansing Method, and The No Poo Method.
• Read more about common detergent ingredients and their potential harmful effects.