Today I am going to show you an easy DIY Dishwasher Gel.
After making this gel I wondered why we shell out so much money for chemical laden store bought brands?
Two of the chemicals found in store bought dishwasher detergents…even in some of the so called “natural” brands are 1,4 Dioxane and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
- 1,4 Dioxane is found in products that make suds and is a known carcinogen.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (or SLS) is also found in products that create suds and is a known skin irritant, pollutes groundwater and is a penetration enhancer-meaning it allows other chemicals to enter your bodies cells.
I don’t know about you but not only do I not want to pollute the water with these chemicals but I also don’t want to pollute my family! If you think about it, does your dishwasher really remove all this detergent from your clean dishes? The soap film left on seemingly clean dishes, silverware and cups is then consumed by your family when the dishes are reused!
These chemicals are something I DO NOT want to expose my family to! While it is impossible to avoid chemical in the world {without going crazy}….it is possible to control the exposure within your home. How empowering as a mother to be able to help the health and wellness of your children.
A vast majority of the DIY detergent recipes are a combination of baking soda, borax and washing soda but this creates a powder detergent. I don’t know about you but I am a gel kinda girl. I find when I use powder I always get a slight film residue no matter the amount of vinegar I use.
Below is an Easy DIY Dishwasher Gel that uses less ingredients than the powder alternative and it works great!
Supplies:
Mason Jar
1 Cup Washing Soda
3 Cups Warm Water
3 TBSP Castile Soap
Lemon and Thieves Young Living Essential Oils (optional but oh so required)
Directions:
Add the ingredients to a mason jar and shake until the washing soda is dissolved. Seriously shake it….don’t be scared, get that arm workout! Once it is blended leave the jar upside down and shake throughout the day until it gels. I shook it approximately every 30 mins for about 4 hours. In reality it was more like every time I remembered and saw it on the counter 🙂
If you are using the essential oils, which I HIGHLY recommend, add about 15 drops of each before shaking.
To use the gel, add 1-2 TBS (I do 2) to each load in the detergent compartment. For extra cleaning power you can add an extra TBSP on the door, or add more lemon and thieves.
*Some more dishwasher tips: If you have hard water add vinegar to the rinse compartment or to a cup on the top rack. You can also add some salt for extra cleaning power!
Below is a printable graphic of the recipe for easy reference. DIY recipes are not only healthier and more economical but they are easy. An added bonus is a little goes a looonnng way and you will find you won’t be making this recipe constantly!
Enjoy and let me know how this recipe works for you!
xoxo-
Jen
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