Common household products get dishes clean.
Dishwasher detergent is specifically formulated to work in a dishwasher and isn't easily replaced with other commercial cleaners. Several natural alternatives, however, are safe to use in the dishwasher and might already be in your cupboards. Never use liquid dish soap intended for hand-washing dishes in the dishwasher. It is formulated very differently from liquid dishwasher detergents and contains foaming agents that can cause clogs and drainage problems in the dishwasher, along with a foamy mess in the kitchen.
Borax
Borax is sodium chlorate, a naturally occurring mineral compound that is often used in cleaning products, particularly laundry soap. Borax is usually shelved with laundry detergents and is easy to find in stores. Mix equal parts borax and washing soda for a natural, effective powder soap substitute for the dishwasher. If you have hard water, increase the amount of washing soda.
Washing Soda
Washing soda is sodium carbonate, an alkaline compound commonly found in a variety of cleaning products, cosmetics and food. Washing soda is more difficult to find than borax. It is sometimes labeled as washing soda crystals, soda ash or sodium carbonate. If you can't find washing soda, you can substitute baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, but this forms a much weaker cleaning solution.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Sodium hexametaphosphate is a chemical compound used in the production of cleaning agents and in ionic water treatment. This water-soluble white powder can take the place of traditional dishwasher soap and is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sodium hexametaphosphate is often sold as a water softening agent. If you can't find it in stores, you can sometimes purchase it from a local water treatment company. Check your local regulations before using sodium hexametaphosphate. Many areas have imposed restrictions on the use of phosphates for water softeners and detergents, and some have banned them altogether.
Considerations
If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent, but you don't want to make your own substitutes, purchase commercial detergent that is phosphate free. Many supermarkets and department stores carry low- or no-phosphate detergents as do organic and health food stores. Use white vinegar in the rinse cycle of your dishwasher as an inexpensive, natural alternative to commercial rinse aids. The vinegar will help prevent water spots and streaks on the dishes.
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