Those darn phosphate-free detergents really irk me!

I'm in the process of trying to find a good recipe for dishwasher soap because I am so tired of spending lots of money of crappy pre-made stuff.  About 4 years ago I noticed that my dishes began to develop this white film that would NOT come off.  First I thought it was the "new" Cascade soap I was using that was "environmentally safe".  I wrote to them and they said it wasn't their problem and gave me coupons for several of their products.  I tried other detergents but by that time most of my dishes were ruined.  Years later and I find out thru an article a friend posted on Facebook that it all had to do with phosphates being taken out of commercial detergents.  After some further research I found that most people are not having a problem with this ingredient being left out but several are... those with hard water it seems.

I love this picture I found, the caption says "Have fun cleaning dishes like it is 1900 again!"


Thus began my journey into homemade cleaners (well, it started with dishwasher soap but has gone further into all natural and homemade cleaners in my house).  Well, the point of this little post is just this one KEY ingredient:

LEMI SHINE!

This is the description from Amazon "Lemi Shine is a natural detergent additive that removes hard water stains and buildup, iron stains, and hard water haze often seen on glassware. When added to your normal detergent, Lemi Shine will make your glassware and silverware look like new again. Now that phosphates are being phased out of dishwasher detergent, many people are noticing this hard water haze staining their glassware. Lemi Shine can take care of this issue without harming the environment. It also works well when diluted in a spray bottle for removing hard water stains from countertops, shower doors, shower heads, and faucets. It also does a great job at removing iron stains from toilets, washing machines, and any other affected areas. Try Lemi Shine today! (also try Lemi Shine machine clean, and Lemi Shine Rinse agent!)."  So before you get all upset like me  just get yourself some of this and all will be well again :-)