A few weeks ago I was almost out of dish washer detergent. I didn’t want to run to the store just for detergent so I kept reducing the amount of detergent I used in my dishwasher to stretch it a few more days.
I realized that I don’t need to fill the entire dispenser with detergent to get the dishes clean. Now at a certain point I used too little and they had to be rewashed, but why not see how much detergent your dishwasher really needs to clean the dishes?
This tip won’t make you rich but you don’t save for retirement by playing the lottery either. Little savings add up to big savings over time.
Hey, whether or not it’ll make me rich, having to buy dish detergent (or laundry detergent or whatever) less often is perfectly cool by me
Thanks!
I’ve done this with laundry detergent, and found I can use a lot less than the recommended amount and I don’t know why it never occurred to me to try the same thing with the dishes.
I think that’s part of what I like about your blog: a lot of little brilliances. Like taking some time out on the weekend to chop the veggies you’ll need later and such. It makes so much sense, but I never thought of it on my own. (I passed that one on to my mother, who also really appreciated it, btw.)
So, yup. Again, thanks!
I love it too! I just measure out 1 tbs each load of my dishwasher soap. One box lasts me longer than it used to, even if I do get it @ Dollar Tree.
I agree with you whole heartedly! Got a new dishwasher last Thanksgiving. As I was reading through the instructions, it said to use 1 TABLESPOON of dish washer detergent!!!! I now pour my powdered dish washer detergent into a plastic canister and keep a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon in it. No excuses for using too much detergent now!
If you have hard water use the full amount or you might have to deal with nasty clogs in your DW. Sadly, I learned this from experience.
Love your tips! I have been using less (than suggested) of my laundry detergent while I finish the bottle too.
Have you ever thought of making your own dishwasher detergent? I found lots of sites on how to do it & if you make your own laundry soap, some ingredients are the same. That costs a LOT less than buying a bottle of whatever & you only need about a TBSP for a load.
The recipe I use : 1 cup borax, 1 cup washing soda, 1/2 cup kosher salt. borax & washing soda are in the laundry isle at my commissary. Total about $5 for ingredients & can make LOTS with it.
Or you can make your own and save:
Homemade dishwasher detergent (soap) recipe powder
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup kosher salt
Fill rinse agent compartment with white vinegar (instead of “jet-dry”)
or a liquid version:
Liquid Homemade Dishwasher Detergent II
1 cup liquid castile soap
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2-3 drops tea tree oil
Mix and add 2-3 tablespoons to dishwasher.
If you don’t want to use Borax, this recipe is a good alternative. The dishes were clean and spot free.
When we got our new watersoftener the guy gave us a “measuring spoon” to use for dishwasher and washing machine. The dishwasher “spoon” measures out a teaspoon of detergent for each section in dishwasher dispenser. The washing machine one is for a tablespoon of detergent for each load. He told us that if we used more than that they wouldn’t clean as well.
Yes I have considered it. Maybe one day soon.
I use about 1/2 of what the measuring cup is for any laundry detergent, although I add 1/4 cup of ammonia if I’m doing towels and/or sheets. I’ll try the 1 tbsp. of dishwasher detergent though. Thanks!
So how much was enough (About) so I know where to start? 1/2 full 3/4 full? Any guesses?
I usually use the Finish tabs (because that is what is cheapest at my Costco) and I recently learned that you can cut them in half and they still work just fine. I have been doing that and my dishes are still perfectly clean and I am paying half of what I used to per load!
I would start at 3/4 full and go from there. I’m filling mine a little under 1/2 way full.
I never fill my dishwashser cup. I also cut dryer sheets in half and use the reusable dryer balls. I always try to use as little as possible and still get the job done: toothpaste, dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, even toilet paper!
Hmm….I think I’ll try cutting the Finish tabs too for less dirty loads and see how it does. Along the lines of saving your dishwasher, has anyone tried Tang (the drink) to clean their dishwasher? I’ve had my new one a few months and I think I should clean it. No problems, just want to keep it running nicely. We have SUPER hard well water. I know it’s the citric acid that is supposed to do the trick. I’d rather us that than the harsh chemical cleaners that Finish has. Thoughts?
you should totally do it, it’ll change your life. ;p
our dishwasher repair man said that we only need to use HALF as much detergent as it calls for and the same goes for laundry detergent. i was stunned, but he was completely right!
Do they even sell Tang anymore??? I remember those commercials from when I was a kid!
Try vinegar, it’s acetic acid.
I also us vinegar for my rinse aid.
I make my own laundry soap to save money and also cut down on the downy put in by 3/4 you do not need as much as they say at all …they just want you to use more so you spend more buying the product …
did you know that dish soap is mostly a product that makes suds ? which you do not need in it people think if no suds it is not working that is so not true ….the material for suds cost more than the soap to put in why your paying so much for dish soap ….i go to a restaurant supply store and buy it by the gallon …much cheaper and fill my own old dawn foam bottle and dish soap bottle too …
thanks for the tip and with making my own laundry soap i just might try the dish washer soap too as i already have everything on hand except one thing …
thanks for all your great tips on saving money …it sure is appreciated ..
Tang does work and yes they do still sell it
… I would never drink the awful stuff but it does help clean out the dishwasher ever now and then!
You are just so darn clever!
And, yes, they do sell Tang… Holly drinks it everyday!
Is there a difference in how well liquid and powder detergents work in the dishwasher and laundry?
Powders seem to be alot cheaper in some cases…
We go to Sams Club and buy huge bottles of Dawn Dish soap. We us it in the dishwasher and the washing machine. You only need a teaspoon of dawn in the dishwasher and no more then a Tablespoon in the wash machine depending on load size. My mom said it worked and I didn’t believe it until I tried it….works GREAT!!!