Dishwasher tabs

Another favorite of mine is dishwasher tabs. When dishes are being unloaded/loaded, putting away dishes that go in low cabinets, loading her dishes, and putting in the detergent are jobs that belong to my daughter. She LOVES these jobs. She yells at me if I do them without her or do them while she is napping. Sometimes, its a pain to deal with her getting distracted every two seconds, but she tries her hardest to help. I can't complain about that. Because powder and liquid can be messy in the hands of an 18 month old, I started making these tabs. Now, I hand her two and she puts on in each compartment. It is so easy and makes her feel like she is doing grown up stuff.

What you need:
-1 container lemi-shine or 12 oz citric acid- I prefer lemi-shine because its cheaper than the equivalent amount of citric acid and does a better job in my opinion.
-1 1/2 cups washing soda
-3/4 cup baking soda
-3/4 cup kosher salt- to soften water. Use less if you have soft water.

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. This often hardens even in an airtight container. So, to avoid ending up with one huge block, make it all into tabs the same night. Using a tablespoon, scoop one level spoonful into an ice cube tray or silicone mold (this makes a lot, so using a few ice cube trays is best). This CAN solidify on its own, but I feel like it takes FOREVER. Depending on humidity levels, it can take well over a week.... So, spritz it with some water. DO NOT mix it with water prior to putting it in the molds. The water reacts with the citric acid and it becomes useless if it all reacts. Allow it to sit for 12 hours. Tabs should easily pull away from tray sides. If it does not, spritz with a little more water and let dry.

Almost 70 tabs in 10 minutes!

Once they easily pull away from sides, they are ready to be removed and used! Once removed, place in an airtight container for use! If a few crumble when taking them out, this is completely normal. Just throw the powder in your jar and add it to the next batch you make. It isn't likely to harden in your container as it has already been exposed to water and has formed its own little clumps.

We have a small vase full sitting on our counter with the majority sealed and kept hidden in the cabinet away from eager toddler fingers.