Homemade Dishwasher Tabs

by Hibiscus House

2013, that was when I first made these. It was one of the most popular posts from the former Dolly is Cooking website.
Do you like saving money? Do you want a homemade alternative to famous name brand items? This is one of those items you should have for back up if nothing else.

homemade dishwasher tabs, appliances, cleaning tips, diy

Ingredients for a Single Batch

1/2 cup each Borax, Washing Soda and Epsom Salts

1 Tbs each Citric Acid and Baking Soda

2 Tbs White Vinegar 5% Acidity,

2 tsp Citrus Essential Oil. I used Orange

Silicone Mold

*Hint it would help if mold compartments fit the dishwasher compartment

Container ~ Airtight with Lid and Labeled

Silicone Molds are wonderful for this project! Just make sure the compartments measure up to your dishwasher detergent dispenser.

Dry them in the molds overnight and remove place on layered paper toweling to dry completely.

Store them in an airtight container. It can be plastic or a beautiful clear glass canister like mine. If you follow me you know I love clean sparkly glass. Things are beautiful when displayed in them. (even something you use everyday.)

Join me over at the website for more information and fun.

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 5 questions

DORLIS on May 05, 2016
IS THIS GOOD FOR SEPTIC TANKS? DO YOU GET ANY RESIDUE IN THE WASHER?

1
Lisa on May 05, 2016
Is this safe for septic tanks?

3
Sal5633121 on May 06, 2016
Hi, I'm in Australia, and was wondering if you knew what we call washing soda over here please? I can't find it anywhere - should have ordered it on eBay I think, as I did the borax (which you can't purchase here easily either) :) many thanks :)

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6 of 14 comments

Kathy Gydus on May 05, 2016
It's not a good idea to just "just throw them in the bottom of your dishwasher." Your dishwasher releases the tabs at a certain time in the wash cycle. Since the washer goes through a pre-wash cycle, the tabs may melt before they get a chance to clean your dishes.

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- Hibiscus House on May 05, 2016
  Good comment. I was saying that if someone didn't have a mold to fit their dishwasher compartment. I have opened after pre-rinse and added mine that were too large and ordered silicone later to fit compartment. That is all I meant by that. It worked fine like that until my molds arrived.
  
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- Hibiscus House on May 05, 2016
  @Kathy Gydus I took that comment off it isn't on the article on the website guess I just decided to talk on here..Anyway you are right and others might do that and get a bad result. I wouldn't want that. Thanks!
  
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DORLIS on May 05, 2016
I usually put some baking soda in bottom of washer ever once a while or it developes a musty odor. Thanks for letting me know.

2 Reply
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- Hibiscus House on May 05, 2016
  Sounds good to me. I mentioned on website that I do alternate after a while with store brands that are stronger to keep the haze down and always, always use a rinse agent. Thank you Dorlis ! I love your name by the way!
  
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- DORLIS on May 05, 2016
  @Dolly Sarrio Thank you
  
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