Saving Money on Dishwasher Detergent?

ComputerScott

November 25, 20110 found this helpful

I seem to save money buying the powdered versions than the liquid. Especially with laundry detergents also.

Frances Adams

November 26, 20110 found this helpful

Good Housekeeping magazine recently had a review of dish washer detergents. They determined that WalMart's Great Value brand of powdered dish washer detergent works the best! Plus, it was the cheapest! Not sure of the price, as that varies from area to area, but that is what I will be buying from now on!

I do add about a quarter cup of baking soda about once a month, to help keep the 'dishwasher smell' down. Hope you find something you like!

Betty
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 104 Posts

December 17, 20110 found this helpful

I've found that if you don't have a good quality dishwasher to begin with, no matter what brand/type of detergent you use dishes will not come clean. A good dishwasher has two of the things spinning out water; one at the top and one at the bottom. My rental has only one and I've given up on using it. So I always wash by hand.

Maryeileen
Bronze Request Medal for All Time! 59 Requests

December 26, 20110 found this helpful

I buy a 26 oz. box of (dry) Sun dishwasher detergent for $1.00 at Dollar Tree...AND it's made in the USA!

Terry

January 12, 20120 found this helpful

I also just started using the the Sun Dishwasher Detergent @ Dollar Tree, and it is better than I expected it to be. With any brand I use I will often add a splash of vinegar inside the dishwasher bottom and the glasses are never cloudy.

mary knight

January 28, 20120 found this helpful

Coincidentally, I was just researching this on google yesterday. There are many recipes, most consisting of the same ingredients, with straight vinegar for the rinse reservoir. However, one recipe also listed citric acid, which is supposed to prevent the baking soda ingredient from caking and streaking. I am listing that recipe here:

*This is the most expensive ingredient purchased in bulk, but comes out to $1.35 per batch. Apparently, brewery supply stores sell this. Look online.

**Some commentators questioned the kosher salt and tried this recipe without the salt.

Also: I re-read my DW instruction manual, and if I use the short cycle, I am only supposed to use the regular dispenser cup (not the prewash cup) and only fill it 1/2-way if my water is soft, full if my water is hard (our water is soft), so that is a savings. I also saw a GE Youtube video on loading a Dishwasher and actually learned a thing or two, surprisingly! For the most effective washes.