The dishwasher is undoubtedly one of the most convenient and ingenious inventions, at least when it comes to household chores. No longer having to worry about having to wash mountains of dishes and pots by hand is truly wonderful, especially if we live with multiple people.
However, it may happen that you run out of dishwasher detergent and have to wash the dishes by hand . Luckily, there is a better solution: you can use some common cleaning products, which you surely have at home, which are an excellent alternative to dishwasher detergent .
Sodium bicarbonate
Known for its abrasive properties, baking soda cleans thoroughly and neutralizes bad odors. Fill your dishwasher’s detergent drawer with baking soda and run a normal wash cycle.
White vinegar
The acidity of white vinegar will remove grease residue from dishes and pans. Fill a glass halfway with vinegar and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher. The force of the water will distribute the vinegar evenly during the wash cycle.
Sodium carbonate
This natural ingredient, not to be confused with sodium bicarbonate (which we talked about before), is often used in the formula of dishwasher detergents.
Simply fill the detergent drawer of your dishwasher with this product and start a normal wash cycle.
Lemon juice
Just like white vinegar, lemon juice is acidic and is very effective at eliminating food residue. Pour half a cup of lemon juice and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Be sure to strain the lemon juice to remove traces of pulp and seeds.
How to prepare a DIY detergent for the dishwasher
If you prefer natural and alternative solutions to the cleaning products you buy at the supermarket, the DIY dishwasher detergent recipe that we suggest below will undoubtedly be right for you.
You need:
- half a spoonful of citric acid
- 1 tablespoon of soda ash
Mix both ingredients well and place them in the detergent drawer of the dishwasher.
In the rinse aid drawer, however, put some white vinegar until it is completely full.
Run a normal wash cycle and you will see how the dishes will be very clean and fragrant .