Living Frugal on Cape Cod

Dishwashing Less>More

March 16, 2009

When washing dishes some people wonder what is better, the sink or the dishwasher. With the research I have done online and in my personal life I have found that using a dishwasher is better for the environment. I have read that the Bonn study proves that the dishwasher uses only half the energy and one-sixth of the water, less soap too. Even the most sparing and careful washers could not beat the modern dishwasher. So, if you own a dishwasher, USE IT! No need to wash those dishes by hand anymore. I have also found that there is no need to fill the soap dispensers all the way up.

For many years now when I use the dishwasher I only fill the soap dispensers half way and my dishes come out sparkling clean every time. Not only do I use less detergent that called for I also use off brand soap.For many years I used Cascade and I thought that nothing could work as good until I started buying the store brand which happens to work just as great. I even have the least expensive dishwasher you can buy from Home Depot and I have to say that it works BETTER than my previous dishwasher which was a much more expensive one. It may be louder than some other dishwashers, but I turn it on at night and I don’t even notice it when I am sleeping.

Next time you load your dishwasher, only fill the soap half way and you will find that it will clean your dishes just as good and your soap will last twice as long.

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Homemade Dishwashing Detergent
Washing Dishes for Pennies
© Felicia A. Williams

The recipe for creating your own inexpensive homemade dish washing detergent is quick and easy. The recipe is as follows:

What you’ll need:

Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
20 Mule Team Borax
Distilled White Vinegar

Here’s what you do (read slowly because there are only two steps):

* Step 1: Add one tablespoon of Super Washing Soda to the dishwasher dispenser
* Step 2: Add one tablespoon of 20 Mule Team Borax to the dishwasher dispenser

You’re done. That’s the recipe for homemade dish washing detergent. Now the recipe for removing the water spots that so frequently occur with automatic dishwashers:

* Pour distilled white vinegar into the dispenser for the clear rinse gel.

Once you’ve run your dishwasher, be sure to hold your glasses up to the light and inspect them thoroughly. You’ll find that the homemade detergent cleans as well if not better than the store bought detergent.

UPDATE: I was chatting with a local reader of Frugal Cape Cod Randy Smith of Management Financial dot com and he has been using the homemade dish washing detergent recipe above and he says it works great! It costs less than brand name detergent, easy to use and cleans very well.