Home solutions: Cut dishwasher costs with homemade detergent

Sometimes store-bought dishwasher tablets are ineffective, and their price can make your head spin. It turns out there's an alternative that you can easily make at home using a few household ingredients to tackle even the toughest stains.

The dishwasher is one of those appliances that makes our daily lives easier, saving us time and energy while ensuring our dishes are sparkling clean. However, using store-bought tablets or capsules doesn't always produce the desired results.

Many people believe that chemical cleaning products are indispensable. However, it turns out that ingredients available in our kitchens can be just as effective, if not more so, in combating dirt.

One such ingredient is borax, or sodium salt, which is significantly cheaper than expensive, store-bought tablets. A kilogram (about 2 pounds) of borax costs only between $2 to $4, while a small package of dishwasher tablets can range from $10 to even $20. The difference is substantial, and the results are surprisingly good.

Preparing a homemade cleaning solution for the dishwasher is simple and takes just a moment. You only need a few ingredients to make it.

In a bowl, mix one cup of borax and half a cup of baking soda. Baking soda is known for its cleaning properties and, when combined with borax, forms a powerful duo against grease and food residues. Pour the mixture into the compartment of the dishwasher where you usually place the capsule.

Instead of store-bought rinse aid, pour vinegar into the designated slot. It acts as a natural shining agent that effectively removes water stains, leaving dishes spotlessly clean.

Set the dishwasher to a one-hour program and watch as plates, pots, and glasses come out perfectly clean. Baking soda and borax remove even the toughest stains, while vinegar gives the dishes a streak-free shine.

This simple solution saves money and helps protect the environment by avoiding chemicals and plastic packaging.