So, I realize that it has been two weeks since my inital posting on this recipe. We have learned alot in those two weeks.
1. Our dishwasher is old, poor and just plain old not working well and will probably need to be replaced this year. We've looked into repairing it, but the reality is that this machine was abused before we got it and hasn't fared well. Repair would be only slightly less costly than replacing and if we replace, we can go with a more efficient model.
2. The recipe works... pretty well. It works beautifully for stoneware and plastic. Does a much better than ok job on glass. Is hit or miss with silverware.
We have varied our silverware washing routine several times: insert full of food, insert used but without chunks, insert lightly pre-washed and just give up and handwash. Insert lightly pre-washed works pretty well. We just rinse our silverware with clean water and insert into the machine for sterilization.
Knowing that this recipe is so accessible, green and miserly, it is a winner for us. It isn't a fail safe, but then again... nothing in our dishwasher ever has been.
The recipe again is:
4 parts Borax (1 cup)
4 parts Baking Soda (1 cup)
1 part CANNING/PICKLING salt (1/4 cup)
1 part Citric Acid (1/4 cup)
A few drops of favorite antibacterial essential oil per batch (a batch for us is a popcorn tub)
Where to buy citric acid and oils: my new favorite organic, fair trade supply source: www.mountainroseherbs.com. They are great to work with, their prices are really fair and it is USDA organic and Fair Trade. How can I argue? I just wish I had a local vendor selling their stuff!
What if you have a batch of another kind of homemade dishwasher detergent that doesn't work? I am mixing mine with water and using it as porcelain bathroom scrubber. Be sure to rinse with vinegar water afterwards or else you will have that dreaded white film that vetoed the recipe from your dishwasher to begin with.
Happy home cleaning!
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