Making your own reusable dishwasher soap tabs is a great way to reduce waste and save money. Here's a simple recipe to create your own:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
- Distilled white vinegar (for spraying)
Optional Additions:
- A few drops of essential oils (e.g., lemon, lavender) for fragrance
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Ice cube tray or silicone mold
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and coarse sea salt. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined. Citric acid is essential for its ability to help clean and remove spots from dishes.
Add Essential Oils (Optional): If you want to add a pleasant fragrance to your dishwasher soap tabs, you can mix in a few drops of essential oils at this stage. Choose scents that you enjoy and that are safe to use around dishes and in the dishwasher.
Mist with Vinegar: Lightly spray the dry mixture with distilled white vinegar. The vinegar will cause a slight fizzing reaction, but it's normal. The vinegar helps bind the ingredients together.
Pack the Mixture into Molds: Using a spoon or your fingers, press the mixture firmly into an ice cube tray or silicone mold. Make sure to pack it tightly to prevent the tabs from crumbling later on.
Allow Drying Time: Set the molds aside in a dry place for 24 to 48 hours, or until the tabs have completely dried and hardened. This step is crucial as it ensures the tabs hold their shape and stay solid.
Remove the Tabs: Once the tabs are completely dry, carefully pop them out of the mold. Store the dishwasher soap tabs in an airtight container until you're ready to use them.
How to Use the Dishwasher Soap Tabs:
Load your dishwasher as usual with dirty dishes, making sure not to overload it.
Place one of the homemade dishwasher soap tabs in the detergent compartment of your dishwasher.
Close the compartment and start your dishwasher on the desired cycle.
Remember that homemade dishwasher soap tabs may not have the same strength as commercial ones, so they might not work as effectively with heavily soiled dishes. However, for most everyday dishwashing needs, they should do a decent job while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.