9.12.2009

truly clean dishes...

i've yet to have tons of luck in finding an eco-friendly dishwashing detergent that really works well. we've tried trader joe's powder and liquid, ecover tablets and seventh generation without tons of success. for the most part our dishes get clean enough, but often times there's a bit of residue, spottiness, or icky bits of food left behind.  

enter the ants. 

our dishwasher (well, our whole kitchen, really) was recently taken over by ants. i ran a rinse cycle to get rid of them, but there was nothing stopping them from coming back. so i whipped out my spray bottle filled with peppermint dr. bronner's (the peppermint is a mild insecticide and kills on contact) and sprayed down all of the dishes in the dishwasher to avert their interest in my dirty dishes. score 1 for your loyal blogger--not only did the ants fail to return, but the dishes came out super-squeaky clean. shiny & beautiful. not a bit of residue or food left behind. 

my new dishwasher routine is an ecover tablet, a light misting of dr. b's on the dishes, and vinegar in the rinse aid compartment. give it a try & see for yourself!

7 comments:

Renee said...

can't wait to try this!

Christina said...

What is in the spray bottle just dr b's? or do you mix it with something?

Anonymous said...

Hey Erin, I have an all eco-friendly herbal ant spray recipe floating around my house. Next time you are over, we will have to find it! It is really easy and baby friendly too! ~Molly

Anonymous said...

I didn't know that about the peppermint Dr. B's being an insecticide!
I often use Dr B's peppermint when cleaning off the dishes before they go in the dishwasher and they do get ultra shiney and clean!

daisies916 said...

Back when I had a working dishwasher (it's been over a year!), I LOVED Biokleen. It has GSE in it and smells so yummy!! Phosphate and chlorine free. :)

Meghan said...

thanks for the info. i get attacked by mosquitoes and moths as soon as i walk out my front door at night. tonight i was armed with my squirt bottle of dr. b's peppermint and got those suckers. meghan 1, bugs 0. thanks!

Michelle at Ordinary Meets Clever said...

Hi! I found you through Ashley at Babies in Green... I love Dr. Bonner's... I have the Sal Sud's... going to get the peppermint. I hate dishwashers sometimes (but, I like HAVING one better that BEING one!).. this might be just what I'm looking for! I'm going to try it! I'm following you now and really love your blog!
xo
Michelle