This non toxic DIY dishwasher detergent is easy, affordable, efficient, and all natural! You will get sparkling clean dishes without all the harsh chemicals.
Why you will love this non toxic DIY dishwasher detergent:
If you are into non toxic living, you understand how harmful some of the ingredients in everyday household products can be. Even dishwashing detergent is loaded with carcinogens and endocrine disruptors such as artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes, chlorine, and even formaldehyde. I definitely don’t want to eat off of a plate washed with those ingredients! Instead, I prefer to make my own.
This recipe for dishwasher detergent is so easy to make and all natural! It will give you peace of mind knowing that the dishes you are eating off of haven’t been washed using toxic chemicals.
What you will need:
One medium-large bowl
A whisk
One mason jar with lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Mesh sieve (optional)
Funnel (optional)
Baking soda
Citric acid
Orange essential oil
Why should you avoid conventional dishwasher detergent?
Before running to the store and grabbing what is available, you may want to learn why conventional dishwasher detergent is not the best option. Dishwasher detergents that you find in stores are much more alkaline than baking soda. In fact, some are so strong that they can cause chemical burns if left on the skin. The more concentrated the detergent, the more toxic it likely is. Some harmful ingredients you may find in the leading brand’s formulas are:
Fragrance- chemicals used to make fragrances are classified as carcinogens (cancer causing), neurotoxins (destructive to nerve tissue), obesogens (compounds which cause weight gain), endocrine disruptors (cause hormonal imbalance), etc.
Sodium metasilicate- may cause severe skin burns, eye damage, and respiratory irritation.
DEA/MEA- endocrine disruptor, carcinogen, accumulate in liver and kidneys, causing organ toxicity
Steering clear of these types of chemicals is essential to creating and maintaining good health, which is why I am sharing this recipe! Generally, the less ingredients a product has, the less toxic it is. Once you see how simple it is to make, you’ll never go back to store bought detergent!
Why are these ingredients better?
As mentioned above, conventional dishwasher detergent is loaded with harmful chemicals. All of the ingredients in this non toxic DIY dishwasher detergent are safe and effective!
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is alkaline and easily removes stubborn bits of food that are stuck to dishes and dissolves grease. Another use for baking soda is deodorizing! Between this and the orange oil, you kitchen will smell fresh each time you run the dishwasher.
Citric Acid
Citric acid helps make sure you don’t have any water spots left on your glassware after drying by breaking down hard water. It is also great for cleaning the dishwasher itself!
Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil is used in many non toxic cleaning products for a good reason! Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make a great non toxic cleaning agent. Orange oil is especially good for dishes as it is a powerful solvent that cuts through grease, but will not cause corrosion or rust.
How to make this non toxic DIY dishwasher detergent:
First, pour 2 cups of baking soda into your medium-large bowl and break up any clumps with your whisk.
Add 4 tbsp citric acid and mix together.
Add 15 drops of orange essential oil and use whisk to blend.
Finally, pour into mason jar using a funnel if needed.
That’s it! This is such a simple recipe and gets your dishes sparkling clean! You can easily double the recipe if you like to make it last longer. Let me know in the comments below if you make this dishwasher detergent and what you think!
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