Natural Dishwasher cleaner?

[MamaBug]

I am really trying to green up our food and beverage things. I have tossed 90% of all my plastic and what I have left I made sure is the safe kind. I don't run them through the dishwasher anymore either.

I am finding that my glass glasses do not smell right to me after they are supposed to be clean. I cleaned out the washer with vinegar and baking soda and am hoping that helps.

What I want to do it ditch the chemical cleaner and try something all natural. Could I used baking soda and vinegar on a regular basis to do the dishes in there? Is there a certain amount to use so I don't waste?

Any ideas would be greatly apprecaited. I use commercial brands and have not tried any all natural....if they work I am willing to try that as well

[MidnightCommando]

Tang! Buy a container, dump it in an empty dishwasher and run the longest cycle you have. I can attest this really works, especially if you have hard water. Also, have you cleaned out your grinder and traps? makes a huge difference, get the manual out and it will tell you how.

I also use a product that I use every cycle. I cannot remember the name but it comes in a small green container and the main ingredient is citric acid.

HTH!

As for everyday washing. I am no help! I've tried every product under the sun and Palmolive powder is the only thing that works here but it might have something to do with our water.

[Drummer's Wife]

For actual washing of the dishes w use Ecover tablets. Even with hard, well water they clean the dishes good.

[horsecrazy100]

We just bought soap nuts to try. They say they work great in the dishwasher too!

[Scarlet_Redhead]

We use Seventh Generation Dishwashing Detergent (hand washing kind and machine washing kind) We love it! You can print off a coupon on their website. When I find it on sale I stock up!

A tip I heard a long time ago was, run the tap till it gets really hot, then turn on the dishwasher. This way it is using hot water right away and it disolves the granuals quicker. Don't forget to clear out the garbage disposal before you run the disherwasher.