Cleaning My Chalky Dishes in the Dishwasher

Chalky Dishes, Dishwasher, Limescale

I readily admit that housework is a challenge for me and that I use any shortcut or cheat that I can without endangering the life or well being of my friends and family. With that being said I had been using a powdered dishwasher distributed by Aldi's. I was happy for a while. Then this summer I started to notice that my dishes were chalky after they had been "cleaned" in the dishwasher. I was able to scrape the chalk off with my fingernail, it really appears as limescale. Not particularly a pleasant task to undertake. I use the dishwasher to make my life easier, not to add tasks to my day. I decided to buy Cascade. I have used Cascade over the years and I had never had any issues with it before. My first response was that Cascade has a new box. That is not really a big problem for me though. I am a firm believer in FUNCTION over FORM. I thought probably some research firm had decided that this newly designed box would entice more sales. The problem though was that my dishes did NOT improve. In fact, my previously black Farberware began to appear GRAY. My glasses and clear plastic cups all had a layer of limescale. I can remember an article, an announcement that my community had switched from using Chlorine to using Chloramine. So I decided to do some searching online. I found that many people across the country were having similar if not exactly the same issues as I was having. I asked a few local friends and they too were having trouble. I decided to try some of the solutions that I found online. I tried this first one, it works so I haven't tried any others.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
* 1/2 cup borax
* 1/2 cup baking soda
* 1/2 cup salt
* 3 envelopes unsweetened lemon drink mix (I am using Aldi's Flavoraide lemon-lime)
Use one tbsp for pre-wash and one tbsp wash.

I gave this recipe some thought. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) and Unsweetened Lemon Drink Mix (Citric Acid) make that lovely foam (http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/baking-soda-and-vinegar.html) giving off water and carbon dioxide. If I put salt in my bath it softens the water. For that matter people pay to have Calcium and Manganese removed from their water with salt in "water softeners." Now, I am certain that the gray is in fact limescale! And limescale is often Calcium Bicarbonate and can be removed with citric acid.

I like the recipe because I can mix it up from items I actually already have on hand. I give it a try. Immediately, my dishes were clean AND less scaley. I tried adding vinegar during the rinse cycle in a load with all of my Farberware. Now my spatula and spoons look brand new again.

I am happy with this simple solution maybe you will be too!

Finally Chalky Dishes in the Dishwasher Come Clean

Our Camping List

Your usage may vary. We are tent camping and this is list I use to gather and pack for our trip. I also check it as we pack the car to make sure some item didn't get left behind in the house!

Tarp, ground cloth
Tent
Stakes
Mallot
Air matress
Sleeping bags
Pillows
Flashlights, Lantern & related supplies
mess kit

Clothes
Plastic bag for wet, dirty clothes
Toiletry articles - soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower shoes, washcloth, towel, etc.
Camp Fire Vest with Uniform or red, white, and blue clothing to wear during ceremonial
2 pairs comfortable shoes – tennis shoes are perfect - absolutely no open-toe or backless shoes
Raincoat or poncho - no umbrellas, please

Sit-upon or folding chair- to use when sitting on the wet, dirty ground
Quiet time activity - books, cards, a toy or two
Sunscreen and insect repellent
First aid kit for the trip
Firewood, shovel, bucket, charcoal (optional)
Camp chairs and table (optional)
Supplies for special activities you want to do
Food - food, plates, utensils, drinks, ice, ice chest, & any needed supplies

ALSO:
first aid kit
ice? water
chair
rope tarps
tent
matches

I wrote this to my mom. She and I both live without Gluten. She is planning a trip to New Orleans.
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I was thinking, have you traveled Gluten Free (GF) yet? Maybe you have, maybe you have not? Here are some of my tips.

I know you'll be staying with family but you will also have car trips etc.

I always bring trail mix. A handful substitutes for a light meal and it doesn't need refrigeration or cooking. I used Aldi's Fit & Active Trail Mix. It has raw pecans, almonds, hazel nuts, walnuts & a splash of raisins & craisins.

I like to carry my spray bottle of Braggs.

I try to find what I can eat of what others are eating, sandwiches can be rolled in one piece of lettuce or ingredients can be eaten separately. Two servings of peas instead of a roll. I know you do this well.

Most restaurants have something but some are VERY tricky.

Bunny told me breakfast is usually safe but I found out many restaurants add pancake batter to their omelets. So I ask. IHOP does but also has a healthy choice egg substitute omelete that is GF.

I have ordered sandwiches at fast food restaurants sans bread. They all accommodate thinking I am on the Atkins Diet. They'll allow doubling the lettuce & tomato too.

Popeys - red beans & rice are GF so is the french fries and coleslaw. Green beans are crazy. They have wheat flour & wheat gluten added.

McDonalds - an easy cheap meal, 2 side salads & a cup of H2O. It'll cost $2 + tax. I use 1 Caesar dressing for both salads. Fries are GF. There are more expensive salads but I wasn't really impressed. They also sell apple slices but I don't usually get them. Got a really nice fruit smoothie there for another $2.

Wendys - chili, fries & baked potatoes are all GF.

Taco bell -stick with hard shells, yummy.

Cracker Barrel - it was one of aunt annie;s favorites. They say these items are GF safe: bacon, sausage, grilled catfish, grilled chicken tenders, hamburger steak, rib eye & sirloin steaks, apple sauce, carrots, corn, green beans, pinto beans & turnip greens.

I never heard of anyone who thickens their jambalaya. Gumbo will be thickened but some families always used corn starch.

Many big chains have GF menus but I sometimes get frustrated trying to figure it out when I am hungry. PF Changs, Ruby Tues., Chilis, etc.

I don't know what to do about beignets & muffallattas. I am leaning toward ordering a muff without bread or handing them GF bread to make the sandwich on.

Hope this helps.