_savings   frugal

Frugal Dishwasher Cleaner

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

13 Nov 2007 06:55 AM

Is the inside of your dishwasher looking dull? It could be hard mineral deposits that have built up on the inside. These deposits not only make the dishwasher look dirty, but they could also affect its performance. And if you are thinking of selling your home, a dull dishwasher could be a deterrent to potential home buyers.

I have heard of people using Tang to get the mineral deposits out. The Tang works well, but it is a bit costly to be used as a dishwasher cleaner, especially if you don't ordinarily drink the stuff. The reason Tang works so well at cleaning out all of the built up mineral deposits is because it contains citric acid. The citric acid breaks down the minerals, and they can wash away. Tang also comes in a powdered form, which makes it convenient to use in the dishwasher, just as you might use automatic dishwasher detergent.

But there is a product that is just as effective as Tang. It contains citric acid and comes in a powdered form. It is also a lot less money. The product I am talking about is a small package of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid. Make sure that you pick up the unsweetened version and not the sugar-free version. You can purchase a packet for 25 cents, although I have seen them as low as 10 cents at discount stores and on sale at regular grocery stores. Tang generally sells for about $5 or more, and I have yet to ever see it on sale.

Just place the lemon Kool-Aid into the soap dispenser of your machine and run an empty load for a complete cycle. Not only will the dishwasher shine on the inside, but it will have a nice lemon smell when you open it.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Save Money on Dishwashing

 
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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans
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Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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User Comments

Hippychick13 (5) 29 Dec 2008 12:03 AM

It worked! For weeks of my glasses have been coming out with a white film on them and I have tried changing dishwashing soap brands/types, vinegar and oxi-clean. I tried handwashing them and the stuff still wouldn't come off! But after reading this, I did some digging around and found a packet of orange flavored kool-aid. First ingredient: citric acid. I ran the glasses in the dishwasher with the kool aid and they are sparkling again! Thank you!

Mary Ann Romans (26791) 29 Dec 2008 06:45 AM

Wonderful! I'm so glad it worked for you!

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