Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda

20 Mule Team Borax

Distilled White Vinegar

Here's what you do

Step 1: Add one tablespoon of Super Washing Soda to the dishwasher dispenser
Step 2: Add one tablespoon of 20 Mule Team Borax to the dishwasher dispenser

That's the recipe for homemade dishwasher detergent. Easy as can be!

Now the recipe for removing the water spots that so frequently occur with automatic dishwashers:

Pour distilled white vinegar into the dispenser for the clear rinse gel.
Once you've run your dishwasher, be sure to hold your glasses up to the light and inspect them thoroughly. You'll find that the homemade detergent cleans as well if not better than the store bought detergent.
Labels: Frugal Homemade Cleaners

But all the software, hardware, technical issues that can arise drive me insane and I have to say some days I just HATE technology.

It makes me want to move to my cottage and live offgrid forever.

I have always dreamed of living in a home like that of Ma Ingalls, but mine always has a dishwasher and one of those super fancy six burner stainless steel range tops. I guess I am full of contradictions.

My current goal is to get rid of the television. I find I waste so much time when it is on. My husband however, loves to have it on in the background for noise. It will be interesting to see how we can compromise! (If it were up to me, we wouldn't have a TV at all.)

Thanks for getting me to think about this topic again. I also read Better Off: Flipping the Switch on Technology last summer and found it extremely interesting and compelling. It is on my list of books to read again.

Recently we were given a TV for videos that a friend didn't want, but you know what it became a real issue for me (and for my daughter) that we put it away and are deciding whether to get rid of it altogether. Its hard to even find a decent movie anyways.

I tend to avoid technology to a fair degree. In fact, I avoided the internet for a long time other than email, but once I became a mom, I felt a need to connect with like-minded moms since I don't know many in real life. I avoid it mostly because I find it can be a time waster for me and in the case of movies and such can be hard not to make compromises. In the case of something like my new dishwasher though I am glad for technology since it allows me to spend more time with my family now (time not at the sink quite as much!) which in my mind is a good use of it.

Sometimes I also want to retreat away to a place without technology. I used to love days long hiking trips before having kids. :)

I agree with you. So far I've held off - but goodness it's tempting! Esp. all the stuff I just learned at Blissdom 09 conference!

Great post. I appreciate it.