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Dishwasher Detergent

Victoria Siegel

🍽️ BEST DIY ENZYME DISHWASHER DETERGENT

Low-tox • Enzyme-based • Hard-water friendly

Batch size

1000 g (1 kg)
≈ 50–65 dishwasher loads

🧪 DRY POWDER FORMULA (by weight, grams)

🧪 DRY POWDER FORMULA (by weight, grams)

Ingredient%GramsWhy it’s there

  • Washing soda (sodium carbonate)35%350 g

  • Grease cutting, alkalinitySodium citrate20%200 g

  • Softens hard water, prevents filmSodium bicarbonate10%100 g

  • Buffers alkalinity (gentler)Sodium percarbonate15%150 g

  • Oxygen bleach (tea, food stains)Sodium phytate2%20 g

  • Strong chelator (spot prevention)

  • Enzyme blend (dishwasher-safe)3%30 g

  • Digests food soilsSodium sulfate (optional)15%

  • 150 gFlow aid, moisture control

  • TOTAL100%1000 g—

Enzymes should include:

  • Protease (proteins)

  • Amylase (starches)

  • Lipase (fats)

(Most “bio enzyme detergent” powders already contain this blend.)

🔥 WHY THIS FORMULA WORKS SO WELL

  • Lower alkalinity than classic DIY recipes → safer for glass

  • Enzymes do the heavy lifting, not harsh chemistry

  • Chelators (citrate + phytate) prevent haze & spotting

  • Very low foam

  • No surfactants, no soap → dishwasher-safe

This is gentler than many commercial pods, but still very effective.

🧊 HOW TO USE (Your “Slushie” Method — Yes, Do This)

You already discovered the secret. Keep doing it.

For each load:

  1. Measure 1 tablespoon (15–18 g) detergent

  2. Add hot tap water (not boiling)

  3. Stir into a pourable slurry / slushie

  4. Pour directly into detergent dispenser

  5. Start cycle immediately

Heavy soil:

  • Use 2 tablespoons

Why this matters:

  • Enzymes activate when hydrated

  • Prevents clumping

  • Ensures release during main wash

💧 RINSE AID (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

Use one of the following:

Option A (simplest)

  • White vinegar in rinse-aid compartment

Option B (even better)

  • 10% citric acid solution

    • 100 g citric acid

    • 900 g distilled water

This:

  • Neutralizes minerals

  • Prevents spots

  • Helps enzymes rinse clean

🧂 HARD-WATER ADJUSTMENTS (IF NEEDED)

If you see film or haze:

Mild hard water

  • This formula is already tuned — no change

Very hard water

Adjust batch like this:

  • Increase sodium citrate to 250 g

  • Reduce washing soda to 300 g

If spotting persists:

  • Add ½ tsp sodium citrate directly into tub occasionally (not every load)



💸 COST (REALISTIC)

Approximate DIY cost:

  • $2–3 per kg

  • $0.04–0.06 per load

Commercial enzyme pods:

  • ~$0.35–0.50 per load

Home made Dish Soap
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