[MaddieMay]

I'm new here, so forgive me if this question has been asked a million times. (Or feel free to direct me to an archived post.)

Instead of using a commercial detergent, a friend recommended that I use a 50/50 mix of baking soda and borax. I did just that and did my first load today. When the dishes came out, some of them had a "film" on them, almost like they weren't cleaned all the way.

What did I do wrong? The only thing I can think of that *might* have changed things was that the dishwasher left on the heat drying cycle (not on purpose, though). There is Jet Dry in the dishwasher (leftover from the previous owners) and I plan on switching that to vinegar as soon as it runs out.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Nicole

 

[Spastica]

http://www.recipezaar.com/162019

If you have hard water, you may need to use a bigger proportion of baking soda than borax.

Also, it doesn't take many washes to get rid of the jet dry in your dishwasher. Pour whatever vinegar will fit in your rinse aid dispenser.

Use only 2 tablespoons of your mixture.

It may help to put citric acid in your powdered mix. I know chefs know where to find citric acid, but I'm not sure where. Some people even use powdered lemonaid mix!

Maybe adding some lemon juice in your original powder mix will help.

 

[MaddieMay]

Thanks for the suggestions! We have really, really hard water, so I will try more baking soda next time. I didn't measure either, just filled it up. That was probably half my problem right there! I'll also try the lemonade/lemon juice trick. The Jet Dry is taking forever to run out, I tried adding vinegar and I just got a teeny, tiny bit in. I'm definitely excited to see how the next load goes-thanks again!

Nicole

 

[Spastica]

The baking soda and borax mixture has smaller particles than regular dishwashing detergent, so see if throwing your powder mix on the bottom of the dishwasher, instead of the the powder dispenser, helps. This will make sure that the powders are dissolving better.

I haven't tried borax, but I use detergent and throw baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. It works a lot better than if I try putting baking soda in the dispenser (I got a lumpy mess when I did that).

 

[MaddieMay]

Ugh-I'm frustrated. I don't know what is going on. I've adjusted things three times and some of my dishes are still coming out filmy. I upped the baking soda, so now it's 2 parts baking soda to 1 part borax. I used citric acid and also put the mixture on the bottom of the dishwasher. I know we have really, really hard water, but I thought by now things would be taken care of. I want to use natural cleaning products so badly and I'm not off to the best start.

I'd hate to have to break down and buy regular detergent.

Nicole

 

[Spastica]

Perhaps washing soda will work? It's tougher than baking soda and is the ingredient in dishwashing detergent, but without the phosphates, dyes, bleach, and other stuff.

 

[*Jessica*]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spastica It may help to put citric acid in your powdered mix. I know chefs know where to find citric acid, but I'm not sure where.

http://www.mothernature.com/shop/det.../03611/S/99157 You can buy citric acid here.

 

[solidcitizqueen]

I don't know if this is any help, but I used the homemade laundry soap I found online here (or on frugal living), and then put some plain baking soda in the open compartment (w/ no lid), and poured white vinegar in the jetdry spot. My dishwasher had nasty buildup foul sour smell from the previous owner of the house we bought, and I've never felt comfortable using it. I'd rinsed bleach through it, and whatever else I could find to "unclog" it. The remedy above took care of it, somehow, and no more ickies in the dishwasher, and no more foul sour smell. I like doing dishes by hand, so I can't say if I'd have the film problem you've had, and we also have hard water. Best of luck, and don't give up! Taking things back to basics and simple and natural is the way to go!