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More and more consumers are thinking about the composition of household chemicals and prefer to use environmentally friendly powders and gels, free of phosphates and chlorine. Such funds are much more expensive than conventional ones. The way out is do-it-yourself dishwasher detergents.
Homemade dishwashing detergents vs store bought
Many people know that household chemicals for a dishwasher include components that can harm the body and the environment. Manufacturers claim their products are harmless and advertise the benefits in every possible way. Emphasis is placed on fast washout of gels.
In fact, to wash off the products from the surface of the dish, you need to rinse it under running water for at least 10-15 seconds.
You have come across unfamiliar “chemical” names on the label and you may not have guessed what harm they cause. Most often it is:
- phosphate, phosphonate;
- chlorine-containing substances;
- Surfactants;
- sodium;
- formaldehyde.
As well as “blurred” names: bleach, fragrance. In this case, the manufacturer does not decipher the components that are part of them.
These substances can accumulate in the human body. Most of them do not decompose in nature, which leads to a decrease in water quality.
Therefore, we suggest making eco-powder, tablets or gel at home.
The easiest option. Mix one teaspoon each of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a glass of warm water to make a liquid.
An aqueous solution is unlikely to cope with complex contaminants, but it is an excellent option for washing plates and appliances.
Even using folk recipes, do not forget to add special salt to the dishwasher, which protects parts from scale.
How to make powder
What will be needed for cooking? Everything is at hand.
First option. The universal recipe is suitable for washing dishes by hand and in the PMM: prepare half a glass of borax and the same amount of mustard powder. Mustard lathers well, helping to clean dirt from dishes.
Add one glass of soda ash, stir. Store the powder in a dry, dark place.
Some users complain that mustard powder clogs the filter, atomizer nozzles. Others recommend this method for use.
The second option. This composition is aimed at a greater washing effect, it contains a small amount of surfactant. You will need: 25 g of neonol and sulfanol, 950 g of soda. Surfactants serve to foam and enhance the cleaning properties of soda. After studying the composition of the detergent in the store, the buyers decided that it was possible to wash the appliances in a less aggressive way.
One kilogram of powder will cost 50 rubles. You can buy surfactants in the store.
Additionally, do not forget to add salt to the ion exchanger tank.
How to prepare pills without leaving home
If the powder is done, what should we do with the pills? Today it is one of the most popular and expensive detergents: 3-in-1, 4-in-1, 5-in-1, 8-in-1 and so on. Manufacturers do not get tired of adding more and more new components. We offer an affordable alternative.
Consumer reviews have convinced us of the effectiveness of homemade pills.
- Mix 350 g of washing powder (its composition is not much different from detergent for PMM) with 150 g of soda (for softening and cleansing). Add some water for viscosity. Blend until smooth and spoon into ice cube trays (or other). The main thing is that the water tablet is placed in the dispenser compartment.
- Take 80 g of baby powder (for example, “Stork”), 18 g of soda. Mix them up and add some dish detergent. Knead and spread into molds. Use at a temperature of 40 degrees (Eco program).
- Mix 150 g of baking soda with 200 g of borax, 1,5 kg of magnesia. Condition with lemon juice or citric acid solution (gives dishes shine and shine). This composition is more environmentally friendly than previous options.
What is important to consider:
- Size. A large tablet will not fit in the compartment.
- Protection. Wear gloves and a mask when preparing. The components are very dusty.
- Concentration. A large dose of soda does not dissolve well, leaving plaque on the appliances.
- Mood. Don’t want to stir? Pour dry ingredients, but some may wake up.
How to make your own gel
Simple and versatile recipe:
- Boil one liter of water.
- Add 50 g of laundry soap shavings.
- Stir until smooth.
- Pour 45 g of soda ash (not food).
- Stir until dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool down.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.
The unique product is ready to use. Pour it into a convenient bottle, use it to wash clothes or wash dishes.
As a rinse, ordinary apple cider vinegar is suitable – 9%. Add it to the rinse aid compartment at the rate of: 1 tablespoon for 6 sets of dishes.
More complex option: five tablespoons of lemon juice, two tablespoons of essential oil, one spoon of glass cleaner. The ratio can be increased, but keep in mind that homemade rinse aid is not stored for as long as a store-bought one.
Advantages and disadvantages of independent work
The main advantages:
- Low cost. Homemade ingredients are 10 times cheaper than the “chemistry” that is added to professional products.
- The composition can be adjusted depending on the needs. You will be calm, knowing what you wash the dishes with.
Cons:
- Time costs. You need to spend 20 to 30 minutes preparing tablets or gel. Of course, it’s easier to go to the store and buy everything you need.
- Homemade detergent does not look as attractive and does not last long.
- You will have to calculate the dosage yourself for a good result.
Read user reviews to determine if you need to experiment at home. For a change, you can try, and if you don’t like it, switch to regular products.