Why make your own dishwasher detergent ? Because it is much more affordable and eco-friendly than conventional powders or capsules.
Unlike the polycarboxylates, phosphonates or zinc acetate or sulfate you may find in the composition of “classic” products, the dishwasher powder recipe I am sharing below contains only biodegradable raw materials that are non-toxic for your health.
That said, not all dishwashers are created equal. The effectiveness of the recipe will depend on 1 the hardness of your water the more limescale it contains, the harder it is for detergents to work, 2 your dishwasher itself its quality and age, and 3 how dirty your dishes are a lot of grease, dried food on the dishes and so on.
INGREDIENTS
- 200 g citric acid helps fight limescale and adds shine
- 200 g sodium carbonate powder a powerful degreaser and enhances the cleaning power of Marseille soap
- 200 g sodium percarbonate whitening, disinfecting and cleansing power
- 50 g green Marseille soap flakes cleanser
Be careful to distinguish between anhydrous sodium carbonate in powder form and sodium carbonate monohydrate also called “crystals of soda”, which is mixed with water molecules. For this recipe, it is important to use sodium carbonate in powder form. The water molecules present in “crystals of soda” may react with the citric acid.
MATERIAL
- blender
- kitchen scale
- airtight recycled container glass jar or plastic box
- mixing bowl
RECIPE
Place the Marseille soap flakes in the blender and blend until they turn into a powder. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered soap flakes with the sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate and citric acid. Transfer into an airtight container.
Be careful: there must be no moisture in the mixture, otherwise the citric acid will react slightly and form a solid block with the other powders in the recipe.
DOSAGE
Fill the compartment intended for dishwasher powder or tablets with two tablespoons of your mixture.