When you make the batch up do it in a large container without a lid. Let this sit out for a few days stirring it a couple of times a day to break up large clumps. After several days store this in air tight container, i use old coffee canister. This allows all moisture to escape and works great.

Definitely try our Super Stubborn Grease Stain Remover. Works like a charm for me, I always have some mixed up ready to go. Hard water can be such a pain! Glad to get all your input, Shala.

I LOVE Lemi Shine!!!! Thanks for stopping by Chris! Sherri – The Youngest Sister

It is a bit of a confusing mess, isn’t it? We will keep testing and when we find something that works, we will definitely share it. Until then, Finish dishwasher detergent works best for me with our hard water.

I have done a little research and this is what I found on the Arm and Hammer website on FAQ. Their answer to your question is: Baking Soda is made of 100% Sodium Bicarbonate. Super Washing Soda is made of 100% Sodium Carbonate. While they sound similar, they are not the same. Both products can be used to improve liquid laundry performance for cleaner, fresher clothes. Both products can also be used for cleaning around the house. Baking Soda can be used in baking, as a dentifrice and as an antacid, Super Washing Soda cannot. Super Washing Soda should never be ingested. Be sure to check product packaging for specific uses and recommendations.

Here is my two cents – make a small batch of both and see which you like best. I think baking soda is less expensive, so you may find that a great alternative. Good luck!

Thanks for taking the time for such a thorough response. It helps to hear what is working and what isn’t Alice.

RE that hard water in Las Vegas… I’ve been testing soap recipes from many sites for the last month or so. The white film continued to be a problem. Finally a solution… Using ONLY washing soda in the pre-wash cup – and citric acid of some sort in the main wash cup. The citric acid affects the washing soda, so separating them helped. The citric acid rinses the residue off. The borax was a problem. The washing soda cleans and softens the water. Dishes are really clean with no film now. Now I have to deal with the water drops remaining after the cycle completes. Vinegar doesn’t help. Perhaps the Lemi shine rinse aid.

Glad it works for you. I have been wanting to try homemade laundry detergent. It is on my list of things to do. Thanks for letting us know!

Hi Thrifty Green Mom. I am thrilled it is working for you. I have heard some people make it in smaller batches, or stir it every day, or make a little sachet bag from cheesecloth and fill it with rice to absorb the moisture. Hope one of those will work for you.

Hard water can be such a pain, right? I am still experimenting and working on a homemade dish detergent that I can endorse.Wish me luck!

Nicole, this is straight from the bottle on Lemi Shine: “Check manufacturer’s cleaning instructions on all dishwasher safe items. Not recommended for painted glassware,painted mugs, aluminum, fine china or any enamel coated cutlery or cookware.”
This is from the website http://www.fiestafactorydirect.com
“Is my Fiesta® Dinnerware oven/microwave/dishwasher/freezer safe?
Yes. Your Fiesta® is fully oven/microwave/dishwasher/and freezer safe. Our products are made to accommodate the food service/hotel industry professional consumer, providing a broad range of functionality. Features such as going from the freezer to the oven, oven to table, table to the dishwasher, and use in the microwave. So do not be afraid to use them!”
I hope this info helps answer your question.
Sherri (the Baby of the Family)

Will the lemi shine work with my fiesta dishes?

Thanks Robin, I am trying out every tip I get! Sherri (the Baby of the Family)

Krista, First off I am so happy to hear that it is working for you! I make mine in small batches, so I haven’t had any problem with that. A few suggestions I have seen on the web are to put a few tablespoons of rice in the detergent to absorb the moisture. Another is to give it a quick stir it each time you use it. One person I read about makes a batch and leaves it open for a few days, stirring it to prevent clumping. The moisture evaporates and then they put the lid on and have better results. Thank you so much for your feedback and I hope you will come back and let us know which method worked best for you.
Sherri (the baby of the family)

Tina, I am glad to hear of your experience. I am testing out everyone’s advice and still tinkering to come up with a solution that will work for everyone. It is really helpful to me to get your feedback. Sherri (the baby of the family)

I too have hard water – to the extreme I think. I resolved this issue by using a dish washer cleaner to rid my machine of old deposits, and then using my natural detergent formula with Lemishine and vinegar in the rinse. I also no do a weekly complete pots and pans cycle without dishes, with vinegar in all the cups. it seems to keep the film at bay

Thanks for the info Deborah. I appreciate the tip. Sherri

Great to hear from you Nancy. Let us know how it works for you.