It took me a while to find something that would work be a natural and cheaper replacement for our dishwasher. We have been using Finish Power Tabs since we moved into our house – and they did a great job making our dishes clean. But at the fabulous Costco price of 14.99 for 110 loads, they were not a fabulous deal and they were also not natural. If there’s a place where I want to be safe, natural, and environmentally friendly, it’s around my dishes.
I found many homemade recipes for dishwashing detergent online, but they all contained borax. Another ingredient that I do not want in my kitchen!
We purchased a powdered form of safe dishwasher detergent for $5.59 for about 100 loads. It was a great price and works very well to get our dishes clean! Yay! I am a bit concerned, however, that when I went to Costco at the beginning of the month I could not find it with their other dishwasher detergents. I am hoping it will be coming back or the search may be on again!
I read that instead of using expensive and icky for you rinse aids you can use vinegar (once again that wonderful liquid can be used!). It works like a charm! I only wish that I had known this trick earlier rather than waste our money on toxic products that were much more expensive.
Readers, do you have any recommendations for healthy and natural dishwashing detergents if Costco does not carry my new found powder anymore? Any suggestions?
This post is a part of Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.
This post is a part of Kitchen Tip Tuesday at Tammy’s Recipes.
I am going thru the same process as you trying to find a good dishwasher detergent that’s environmentally friendly AND gets my dishes clean. After trying to make my own with Borox (didn’t like), and with Dr. Bronner’s Soap (didn’t clean), and buying Palmalive Eco (gunked up my machine), the only kind I like is the Method Tablets. But it’s around $4-5 for 20 tabs
Still searching.. looking forwrd to reading what others submit to you for what works for them 
If there’s a Trader Joe’s near you, you might be able to find something. The store is similar to Whole Foods, but without the expensive prices, and they carry things like eco-friendly toothpaste, shampoo, etc. When we moved in mid-November we got our detergent there (it’s store brand) and we’re still going strong – the box doesn’t say how many loads, but it’s 50 oz. I don’t know the cost as Ian’s mom and grandma picked up our groceries while we were running other errands. But my guess is it wasn’t too terribly expensive! If you don’t have one, sorry my tip isn’t much help. And good to know about the rinse aid. When we run out of the stuff we have, I’m definitely trying it!
I keep reading about how amazing Trader Joes is, but there is not one close to us! I’m so bummed!
You Must. Name. the Powder. I have been following your detergent escapades closely. I’m not close to a Costco, but regardless, I have to know the name of the powder you like!!! I have tried several of the same things you have, including the homemade detergent with borax. Right behind you!
The powder that I like is the Kirkland brand environmentally friendly powder. Kirkland is Costco’s store brand.
It’s been hard for me to find one that works too. How come you don’t like borax? Just curious.
I don’t want to use borax as I have read that it may be toxic. I would rather not take chances with something that can come in contact with our food. A well written article can be found here: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/05/borax-is-it-safe.html
1-2 cups castile liquid soap (Dr. Bronner’s or Mountain Rose Herbs are good choices as they are organic and the main ingredients are coconut oil & olive oil) You will have to experiment with the quantity of castile soap depending upon the hardness of your water.
1/2 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
3 drops tea tree oil
1/2 cup white vinegar
I found this on-line, and I am tempted to try it myself!
http://timbuck2momwrites.blogspot.com/2009/01/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-failure.html (christschild was the one who posted this in the comments)