DIY project #1 - dishwasher detergent

A few years ago we decided to go non-toxic with all our cleaning supplies and our grocery bill skyrocketed! buying the name brands is expensive!  So in efforts to tame our budget a little bit I decided to try my hand at making some cleaning staples.  First up (mainly because that's what we were out of) was Dishwasher Detergent.  Super simple & works well, too.  Here's what I did:

• 1 cup washing soda (you can make your own from baking soda)

• 1/4 c. citric acid (from Amazon)

• 1/4 c. kosher salt 

• 10-15 drops of citrus essential oil (Optional.  Orange, grapefruit, or lemon essential oils have great cleaning as well as antibacterial properties.)

• Homemade citrus vinegar cleaner

Mix first 3 ingredients well in an air tight container. Add essential oil.  Mix again.  Fill your rinse aid compartment with undiluted citrus vinegar cleaner.  Use 1 tsp. detergent for average loads

Comes to about 8 cents per load.  WOW!   7th Generation dishwashing tabs costs 35 cents a load.