The Dirty on Dishwashing Detergent

We are lead to believe that our dishwasher liquids and tabs are harmless. They are advertised with magical names, pictures that make us feel happy and vibrant colors to attract us to their label. What is actually inside of that plastic bottle that will surprise you! Did you know that manufacturers can still get away without listing the chemicals used in cleaning products? They are not legally obliged to disclose any of the ingredients.

There are many chemicals found in our day-to-day dishwasher detergents: phosphates, chlorine bleach, petroleum, ammonium sulfate, fragrances, benzyl acetate, dyes and even formaldehyde! While each of these common chemicals have important uses of their own in our cleaning products (to disinfect, prevent hard-water stains, etc.) they each have their own affect to our health and environment.

Phosphate residues on dish surfaces may cause nausea, diarrhea and skin irritations. Phosphates are still active even after waste water treatment. When they enter waterways, they act as fertilizers and encourage overgrowth of algae, which leads to drastic reduction of oxygen in water. This results in the depletion of other living organisms like fishes in water bodies.

Chlorine bleach is highly corrosive and can cause many health troubles like respiratory, skin irritations and stomach disorders. When combined with other cleaners, it produces toxic fumes, which are proved carcinogens and pollutes the environment.

Dyes add no cleaning power at all, yet they are another frequent culprit when unexplained allergies or rashes appear. Many are proven carcinogens and almost all are endocrine disruptors.

Fragrances are usually to blame in cases of chemical sensitivity, allergic reactions, and rashes. Once again, due to legal loopholes, manufacturers do not have to list ingredients in their fragrances. Scary thought, isn't it?

The list goes on and each time we use a dish, these toxins left behind get absorbed in our system, accumulating over time and wreaking havoc on our health. Major ailments linked to these chemicals include cancer, infertility, allergies and birth defects.

There is another option, a healthier option, and after many trial and errors with DIYing my own, I FINALLY found one that has it all. A perfect solution to clean, disinfect and assist with water stains!

Ingredients

1 cup super washing soda

1/2 cup table salt

1 cup baking soda

1 cup citric acid

1/2 teaspoon rosemary essential oil

1 teaspoon lemon essential oil

1 medium airtight glass jar (I use a mason jar)

Directions

1) In your medium glass jar, combine washing soda, baking soda, citric acid and salt, stir/shake thoroughly

2) Add rosemary & lemon essential oils, shake/stir thoroughly

That's it! When ready to wash dishes, I shake the jar a few times to ensure the heavier washing soda hasn't settled and I scoop 1 tablespoon into the detergent box! Makes 56 loads

I purchased all of these ingredients for $30 (I already had my essential oils on hand!) and it will last up to 272 loads! This is compared to buying "natural" tabs at $10 a box that only do 46 loads. That's half the cost and if you or your family go through dishes the way we do, it adds up!

Yet again, another money saver that's healthier for you, your family & the environment <3

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