Household: Make Your Own Dishwasher Tablets

"There are things I like to splurge on: good food, good wine, clothes that are a little more expensive but will last longer. On the other hand, there are things I’d rather not spend too much money on because I don’t (personally) see any added value in the more expensive versions. You could say that I try to save my pennies in one area so that I can then spend them in another. And then there’s of course the small matter of looking after our planet! I have to admit that I’m by no means perfect when it comes to behaving in an eco-friendly way, but I do try to do my small part to not burden the environment with even more harmful chemicals."

This is where some old-fashioned and thrifty cleaning tricks and tips come in very handy. Knowing what regular store cupboard items can be used for cleaning is not only environmentally friendly, but safer for children and pets as well as budget saving. Example: descaling the kettle with vinegar instead of some chemical descaling product. It works and it costs pennies whilst being safe (apart maybe from the boiling water, but that’s another subject) for anybody who is around. This then brings me to dishwasher tablets and this “recipe” for making your own. With only three ingredients, these are not only easy to make, but cheap and safe as well. Bicarbonate of soda is know as a great cleaner, lemon juice brings a fresh scent and helps to degrease and salt reduces limescale. I would suggest using one for a “light” load and two for a heavier one.

Put the bicarbonate of soda and salt into a large bowl and mix.

Add the lemon juice through a fine-meshed sieve.

Mix with your hands until the lemon juice is combined with all the dry ingredients.

Put the mix (it will be slightly dry and that’s ok) into the ice-cube tray.

Press the mix down and leave to dry over night.

Once done, you can store them in a jar or leave them in the (designated) ice-cube tray and take one tab out when needed.

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