Dishwasher soap is easy to make, and cost effective. I mix up a batch in an empty canister, and pour it in the dishwasher as needed.

Mix and use per dishwasher load:
1 Tablespoon Borax
1 Tablespoon Baking soda

Mix equal parts Borax and Baking Soda, and add 2 Tablespoons per load. Increase proportion of soda for hard water. Use vinegar in the rinse cycle.
Lorraine

Finding the Right Combo

I personally tried using just baking soda, just borax, and a mixture of the two but none of those worked. What does work for me is mixing baking soda and borax with my dishwasher soap. I fill a container half full with the dishwasher soap then a quarter baking soda and quarter borax. I also use vinegar instead of Jet Dry in the rinse dispenser.
Janice

Extend Detergent

Oh yes! For several months, I used a simple combination of 1/2 Borax and 1/2 baking soda and found that my dishes came out sparkling and spot free. I liked this mix because I felt it was easier on our aerobic septic system than regular dish detergent alone. However, I discovered some of the dishes were not getting totally clean (I like to just throw them in the washer with only minimal scrubbing). I began to pour a tiny amount of Cascade (bought with a coupon, of course) in the dispenser then covered it with the other mix. I am very pleased with this combination and it takes only seconds to do! I add Borax to my powdered laundry detergent as well to make it last longer. With three children, Borax and baking soda have been major dollar stretchers to our budget.
KT

Using the Correct Amount Saves Money

We find that even the brand-name dishwasher detergent is very inexpensive when you use the "correct" amount! You only need one or two tablespoons of detergent in your dishwasher! That's right, and 1 tablespoon is almost always enough. Your dishes will come clean without any of that chalky residue. The big box of Cascade (155 oz) that we purchase at Sam's Club for $5.99 lasts us for one year! No kidding and we run our dishwasher an average of once per day. Our dishwasher is a 1997 model. If you have hard water you may need to use the 2-tablespoon amount more often, but not always. Today's dishwashers are so efficient that they don't need those both chambers filled with detergent. Save money and have cleaner dishes by using less detergent!
Judi

Vinegar Plus

I go to the "Dollar Store" in our area and buy their brand of dishwashing detergent. It's much cheaper then even Wal-Mart. Then in addition to the dishwashing detergent, I add white vinegar. I buy it by the gallon and put it in the reservoir where you would put the "name brand" stuff. This does a wonderful job for me. If you are low on dishwashing detergent you can use just the vinegar. It does a wonderful job keeping your glassware clear and clean if you have hard water in your area as well.
HC

Vinegar And Prewash

I am the kind of gal who can't put the dishes in the dishwasher dirty. I have to wash them first. I guess I have had too many come out with spots on them. We have hard water and I have been fighting that nasty build up of gunk. I couldn't tell whether it was residue from my detergent or minerals. I would have to buy that dishwasher cleaner at least once every two months. I had almost given up on the dishwasher, until the light dawned on me one day. Now, since I already clean my dishes, I just put white vinegar in the drawer. Our dishes and the dishwasher have never looked so good. Also I have found less spots on my dishes. My jet dry rinse has vinegar in it also. Just make sure vinegar mixes ok with your rinse aid.
SD

Baking Soda Sparkle

I buy the large box of Dollar General brand dishwasher powder at the local Dollar General. It is $2 and I then mix equal amounts of baking soda and the dishwasher powder. The baking soda is a great extender! By mixing the two my dishes are extra clean. The dishwashing powder and the baking soda not only makes my dishes sparkle but makes my dishwasher smell and look clean. A lot of value for just a couple of bucks!
Penny

Using Washing Soda

We have used a mixture of washing soda (not baking soda) and borax. It worked for awhile and then the glasses got dingy. Then I read about adding white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Check it out. Can be found in the laundry aisle.
MO

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