Forum Thermomix

Thermomix Recipes for TM5 and TM31 => Non Food Recipes => Topic started by: keiramax on January 23, 2012, 12:46:23 am

Title: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: keiramax on January 23, 2012, 12:46:23 am
Not sure where I got the recipe from (I think Amazing Scents) but thought I'd add it to the list of home made cleaning products.

1 cup bi Carb soda - cooking grade ie McKenzies
1/2 cup Citric Acid
1/3 cup Crushed lectric Soda
20 drops lemon essential oil

I haven't made it in a TM yet but it's fairly simple to do by hand

Crush the lectric soda in a mortar and Pestle until fine grains - I'm assuming a quick blitz in TM would do the job

Mix ingredients into a bowl in the order listed

Mix thoroughly and press into ice cube trays

Leave for 1 hr, pop out and store in an airtight container

Tips
Don't overfill the ice cube tray, depending on your dishwasher make and model it may not fit into the holder
Set the dishwasher to tablet setting if your dishwasher has this function.

Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: meganjane on January 30, 2012, 02:56:47 pm
Wow, great recipe, thanks so much. I'd probably just leave it as a powder, but nice to know that it can be made into little blocks.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on January 31, 2012, 08:47:18 am
Keira ax, thanks.  Going to try this.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Meagan on January 31, 2012, 08:49:07 am
Exciting! Looking forward to hearing reviews  ;)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Aussie Brenda on January 31, 2012, 08:52:57 am
Hi, was wondering if this would set hard  in a big blob if left and not put in the icecube trays, I mixed a pkt of Bi-carb with some dishwasher powder to break it down a bit, the dishes come out clean but twice now I have had to really give the inside of the dishwasher a good scrub it was going really yukky.  Have you had success with the mixture over say a month of using it.?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on January 31, 2012, 10:24:49 am
I have just made some of this recipe to give it a try.  It set up a bit in the bowl of the TMX.  I put into one of the plastic 1 k yoghurt jars and will give it a go tomorrow.  Will report back.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Cornish Cream on January 31, 2012, 10:40:02 am
I just worked out "lectric soda" is washing soda. :D
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: hools003 on January 31, 2012, 11:16:32 am
I've made up a similar one I found when I googled dishwasher powder. Mine uses washing soda, bicarb of soda, salt and citric acid! Works well. Also use white vinegar as rinse aid.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on February 01, 2012, 09:00:16 am
  Used it today,  1 dessertspoon in dishwasher, this one is a goer.  Glasses nice and clean,  no scum or anything nasty on plates or saucepan. I normally use Finish liquid ,  as Mr Wedgewood says that it will be kind to your crockery. Will use this for everyday and still use Finish on good crockery. 
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: obbie on May 05, 2012, 01:15:56 am
I will mix this up today, as I have everything at home.

Robyn
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: dede on May 05, 2012, 01:43:21 am
Sounds interesting. Would be certainly a lot cheaper than the Dishwashing tablets :)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Wonder on May 05, 2012, 05:13:41 am
I'll be very interested to see how this goes
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on May 05, 2012, 06:08:49 am
Made this as powder.   Good.  Not sure that it is cheaper than  Finish liquid.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Frozzie on May 05, 2012, 08:41:55 am
I have been using cheap plain white vinegar as my rinse aid for ages now in my dishwasher without any hassles plus it has natural antibacterial properties..i use a gel liquid for washing though for washing but would be interested how this goes long term..
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 19, 2012, 02:57:21 am
I made 1/2 a batch of this the other day - citric acid was only in a small tub which was the reason I could only do a small batch.  It will last a few washes though seeing as you only use 1 dessertspoon per load.  So far I am very happy with the results but like Chookie, don't know how the costings would compare to what I generally use which these days is not Finish as their prices have gone through the roof lately.  I use Morning Fresh or Kwit powder.  Anyone know where you can buy citric acid in larger quantities than those 125g tubs?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Katiej on June 19, 2012, 03:25:03 am
Anyone know where you can buy citric acid in larger quantities than those 125g tubs?

An online soap supply shop perhaps?  Maybe MJ would know a good place.
Or maybe Gaganis Brothers would have large packets of food grade citric acid.  They have huge packets of everything!
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 19, 2012, 05:44:44 am
Thanks Katie.  I have sent them an email asking for size and price and will then compare it with Foodland - it would have to be cheaper in bulk though.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 19, 2012, 11:30:14 am
Heard back from Gaganis Katie  - "we do sell Citric Acid in 25kgs which is in stock at the moment at $76.30 a bag".   I don't think I will need that much LOL
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Katiej on June 19, 2012, 11:57:13 am
hhmm 25kg might be slightly more than you were after  ;D
If you do want it, I'll come with you to help you carry it!

There are much smaller packets available on ebay, or maybe a place like Goodies & Grains in the Central market may have some.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on June 19, 2012, 12:34:41 pm
Judy,  I also find that the cost of the Citric Acid is the issue with this recipe.  I haven't been able to buy it for less.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: dede on June 19, 2012, 01:01:20 pm
Would be good to be able to but citric acid in 1kg bags. 25 might be a bit much lol :)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: dede on June 19, 2012, 01:09:50 pm
There is quiet a bit of citric acid available on eBay. You can buy 400g for around $11
Or 2 kg for about $23.
I guess buying baking soda in bulk would be a good idea as well.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 19, 2012, 01:15:12 pm
I think costing and researching the ingredients is the answer - thanks for your input girls.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: stacelee on June 20, 2012, 03:38:28 am
Greenliving Australia also have citric acid for cheesemaking so I'm assuming that anywhere that sells cheesemaking supplies would probably have it.  I am pretty sure I have also seen bags of it at the greek deli that I go to.  Hopefully I'll be going there on Saturday so I'll have a look.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 20, 2012, 03:41:39 am
I also read last night that it is available in beer making shops - have one of those not too far away so will pop in there next time I am passing and check it out.  It is just around the corner from a swimming pool shop where I read on here that bi-carb can be purchased in bulk too. 
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: stacelee on June 20, 2012, 03:51:32 am
Campbells cash and carry have "bulk" bicarb if you need it as well....I think it is in 1kg or 2kg bags (sorry I don't remember).  I buy it for cleaning and my husband steals it to put in the pool and the spa (except for the time that he didn't read the label on the bag and put my baking powder in the spa instead....neither the spa or I were happy).
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: obbie on June 20, 2012, 04:05:35 am
you can buy bulk bi carb at swimming pool shops. That's what I do.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 20, 2012, 06:37:05 am
That's probably where I heard it from then Robyn  ;)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on June 22, 2012, 03:53:41 am
Just made some phone calls re citric acid and sodium bi-carbonate.
 
Jalun pool supplies 4 kgs sodium bi-carbonate $20
                            1 kg citric acid $15.95

Goodies & Grain as suggested by Katie in the Adelaide Central market sell it loose @ $6.95 per kg - best price I could find apart from the 25kg bags from Garganis Bros which works out at just over $3 a kg.  I don't think I will live long enough to use that much though  ;D

Robyn (or anyone), how do these prices compare with what you are paying?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: droverjess on June 29, 2012, 08:15:03 am
Lol stacelee..

I have a question about hard water. Are any of you in very hard water areas?

And what about streaky glasses that go milky?

I use good housekeeping tested dishwasher tabs from Aldi as the cheapest and their washing powder tablets too.

DD insists on buying persil still.

Am going to try making the washing powder but am not sure about this one for the reasons stated above.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Mama Fergie on July 17, 2012, 06:33:50 pm
Going to give this a try tomorrow. Are the results as good as the commercial products?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on July 18, 2012, 12:30:38 am
I found it washed the dishes really well but left the stainless steel cutlery a little darker - if that doesn't worry you, yes it works really well.  Do a 1/2 a batch and give it a try - you will need to find bulk suppliers if it is to work out cheaper than commercial powder/tablets.  I've just had a new dishwasher installed so I have started off with purchased tablets although there is nothing in this recipe which can damage your dishwasher.  I use vinegar in the rinse aid compartment.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Mama Fergie on July 18, 2012, 02:33:44 am
Does the vinegar leave a smell Judy?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on July 18, 2012, 07:41:59 am
Not at all Mama Fergie.  I just use cheap homebrand.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Mama Fergie on July 18, 2012, 07:58:15 am
Great idea as the rinse aid is quite expensive. Will buy some homebrand white vinegar tomorrow at Coles. Thanks Judy :)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Frozzie on July 18, 2012, 09:08:33 am
I use cheap vinegar also in the dishwasher rinse compartment.. Works better than rinse products in my opinion.. Lady who had the house before us used to use it all the time too and the guy who came out toncheck the dishwasher for a joint that was worn said the inside was more sparkly than he had seen a dishwasher in a while..

Vinegar is used alot here for natural cleaner as it gets off calcaire built up or tartre, is a disinfectant and a softener... Good all round ... Also heard that its great on weeds.. Havent tried that out yet..
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: droverjess on July 18, 2012, 01:39:47 pm
I did a weed experiment before our holiday. On a rare hot and dry day I painstakingly painted  with a pastry brush a lot of leaves with distilled white vinegar.
It scorched a leaf of two, but totally FAILED to kill them, even small ones I guess it depends on climate. In a wet humid british summer no way. The weeds were bigger than ever when we got back. The time would have been better spent pulling them out. But at least I tried it scientifically.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on July 19, 2012, 01:46:29 am
I recently had the kids outside with a spray bottle each, spraying sour sobs.  The very next day they had turned yellow (the sour sobs not the kids). I couldn't believe it.  They don't seem to shrivel up and die though so I need to get out there and pull them out now.  They are easy to remove though, they seem to just break off now they have been weakened and their growth stopped.  These were only little soursobs, about the size of a biscuit.  The kids had a great time and it was quite safe for them to be using.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Frozzie on July 19, 2012, 01:11:25 pm
Good to know re weeds.. Think we ill use weed killer then on the drive snd part of garden..
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: keiramax on August 02, 2012, 08:13:27 am
I brought citric acid from Hindustan imports in Dandenong vic for $4.50 for 1kg.  This seems quite cheap based on other prices mentioned.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on August 02, 2012, 08:55:35 am
Yes, a good price keiramax.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Fairyqueen on August 31, 2012, 06:23:46 am
I bought 1Kg of Citric Acid from Gaganis this week for $3.90. I'm about to make my first batch.  :)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on August 31, 2012, 08:04:09 am
Thanks for that information Fairyqueen.  When I rang Garganis they only gave me a price for 25kg which worked out at $3 a kg but who needs that much?  This is the best price around then so is where I'll be heading when I can get there.

Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on November 03, 2012, 12:31:26 am
Since Katie bought me a l kg pack of citric acid I have been using this recipe, the powder version not the tablets.  I find a heaped tablespoon works really well for me, less and it is not so good.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on November 03, 2012, 03:35:26 am
Like Judy,  I have been using this in powder form in the dish washing machine.  I rinse the dishes first and then use a full dessert spoon of powder to a full machine. Good, and no problem with septic.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Frozzie on November 03, 2012, 03:50:13 am
Good to hear thanks chookie 😊
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Meagan on January 26, 2013, 03:34:35 pm
I plan to finally make this in the next few days. Would love to hear from those of you who use it regularly. Are you still going with it...any issues?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on January 26, 2013, 09:54:57 pm
I managed to get bulk citric acid so I have quite a big batch going at the moment Meagan. I don't make tablets, I just mix it all up and leave it as a powder.  I use it 99% of the time then occasionally use one of my purchased tablets as I had a good supply of those as well.  I really cannot see a difference in cleaning but I do use more than a dessertspoon, probably a heaped tablespoon I find does a perfect wash.  I use vinegar as the rinse aid, always have done.
 
I made a comment in an earlier posting that it seemed to leave the stainless steel cutlery a bit darker, I am not noticing any changes now.

Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Meagan on January 27, 2013, 01:23:51 am
 Thanks JD  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: chardie18 on April 04, 2013, 12:56:21 pm
Not sure where I got the recipe from (I think Amazing Scents) but thought I'd add it to the list of home made cleaning products.

1 cup bi Carb soda - cooking grade ie McKenzies
1/2 cup Citric Acid
1/3 cup Crushed lectric Soda
20 drops lemon essential oil

I haven't made it in a TM yet but it's fairly simple to do by hand

Crush the lectric soda in a mortar and Pestle until fine grains - I'm assuming a quick blitz in TM would do the job

Mix ingredients into a bowl in the order listed

Mix thoroughly and press into ice cube trays

Leave for 1 hr, pop out and store in an airtight container

Tips
Don't overfill the ice cube tray, depending on your dishwasher make and model it may not fit into the holder
Set the dishwasher to tablet setting if your dishwasher has this function.



How many washes do you think you get out of this?

Has anyone done pricing compared to Aldi tablets?

Thanks,

Charde
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on April 04, 2013, 10:14:51 pm
I made this again yesterday.  I make a double lot.  And do one large wash a day.  We have a special septic system and this causes no problems.  I can't tell you what it costs compared with aldi tablets as I used Finish liquid previously. The most expensive part is the essential oil.  It is certainly cheaper than Finish.  I use a slightly heaped Tablespoon per wash.  I also rinse dishes before I put them in machine. 
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: chardie18 on June 11, 2013, 12:51:31 pm
Not sure where I got the recipe from (I think Amazing Scents) but thought I'd add it to the list of home made cleaning products.

1 cup bi Carb soda - cooking grade ie McKenzies
1/2 cup Citric Acid
1/3 cup Crushed lectric Soda
20 drops lemon essential oil

I haven't made it in a TM yet but it's fairly simple to do by hand

Crush the lectric soda in a mortar and Pestle until fine grains - I'm assuming a quick blitz in TM would do the job

Mix ingredients into a bowl in the order listed

Mix thoroughly and press into ice cube trays

Leave for 1 hr, pop out and store in an airtight container

Tips
Don't overfill the ice cube tray, depending on your dishwasher make and model it may not fit into the holder
Set the dishwasher to tablet setting if your dishwasher has this function.



I am going to finally get around to making this. What is:

1/3 cup Crushed lectric Soda

?
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Cornish Cream on June 11, 2013, 01:21:44 pm
I read it as crush a 1/3 of a cup of the lectric crystals until they are fine grains chardie18.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on June 11, 2013, 01:41:06 pm
In some supermarkets in Australia there are 2 kinds of electric crystals,  one fine powder and the other course crystals.  I can't see any difference between them when I use the made up mixture. 
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: obbie on June 12, 2013, 07:54:15 am
I should make this up, I have everything
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Frozzie on June 15, 2013, 11:23:22 am
Once i finish the bought powder i have willmake this up as a powder to try..  :)

Have you made it yet robyn??
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: obbie on June 17, 2013, 05:17:22 am
No but I will this week frozzie.

Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: Frozzie on August 12, 2013, 05:23:11 am
I finally made this last week and have had mixed results.. Found its not so great with grease but needs to be dosed right also.. Still trialling out my first batch.. See how it goes..

I got 2 kg of citric acid for $15... Could probably have sourced it cheaper but thought it wasnt too bad..
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: vanny on January 21, 2014, 12:01:27 am
Has anyone had any luck making tablets?  Mine are still soft after 2 hours.  Would adding a drop of water to each ice cube  space help it set or would that just deactivate the bicarb fizz? The OCD in me really wants neat little dishwashing tablets rather than powder  ;D
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: judydawn on January 21, 2014, 09:32:03 am
Sorry Vanny, I've only made the powder.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Tablets
Post by: achookwoman on January 22, 2014, 09:17:26 am
Sorry Vanny, I've only made the powder.

Same here.