Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent

What do you use for dishwasher detergent?

Did you know you can make your own?  Stop over at Pennies and Blessings to see what I've been using.  But more importantly, I'd love for you to share over there any homemade dishwasher detergents you've tried!

Have a super day friends!

What I Learned This Week

 

The main thing I learned this week?  That they don't make dishwashers like they used to!!

I'm joining up with Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife today to share the learning!  If you've learned anything lately (oh I'm SURE you have) then post about it and link it up at Jo-Lynne's place on Tuesdays!

In November, we finally got some new appliances that we'd been considering.  One of them was a new dishwasher.  I told hubs just to get a cheaper dishwasher as anything would be an upgrade compared to our old dishwasher.  He installed it ('cause he's super handy like that) right before Thanksgiving!  I used it and was enjoying it until...

The night before Christmas Eve the dishwasher made a loud pop and wouldn't wash.  It would fill and drain but no washing.  UGH.  No dishwasher for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  A kind brother-in-law actually washed the dinner dishes for me both days - thanks!  Hubs called about the dishwasher on Christmas Eve, was referred to a warranty repair line and finally got an appointment - for JANUARY 4.  That day the repairman came and informed us that our motor wasn't working (hello - stating the obvious).  He had to order from the manufacturer and it would be in in 2 weeks and then he'd schedule an appointment.

Finally, on January 20th (I KNOW), the new motor was installed.  I happily used the dishwasher with no problems!  A couple days later I started it up to run again, but it seemed to stay in the wash cycle for a very long time and then we started to smell burning plastic.  Yikes!  Wasn't coming from the motor or where the dishes were.  We narrowed it down to where the control panel is housed.  Looked online to discover several complaints of melted control panels and even fires!  Hubs called and of course had to call warranty repairs.  Got an appointment...for FEBRUARY 8!

So, guy came yesterday and said yeah, sounds like the control panel and it'll take 3-4 weeks to come in.  What???  Repair guy informed hubs that maybe he should consider returning it and spending more to get a different one.  Hubs had already called the store to try and return but they had said no because it had been past 30 days - told us we'd have to go through the manufacturer.  Repair guy got hubs sufficiently motivated to give it a shot.

Hubs uninstalled the dishwasher, took it to the store along with receipts and repair records.  He firmly but graciously asked them to do the stand-up thing and accept the return and that we'd actually spend more money to buy a better dishwasher.  Hubs would even take it and install it, saving them delivery hassles, etc.  They eventually said YES!  Woo Hoo!  So now there is a better (hopefully) dishwasher installed and I'll be trying it out this evening.

What did I learn?
~ Repair places are not motivated to do warranty repairs quickly - expect long time-frames for your appointments.
~ Don't buy the cheapest dishwashers or the most expensive ones.  Somewhere in the middle is the best value.
~ Don't be afraid to go and talk to a manager about making an exception for you.  YOU spent the money!  Remember - they are more likely to work with you if you speak respectfully rather than in an angry manner.
~ Buy the extended warranty for refrigerators and dishwashers as they have the most problems.  Sadly I saw complaints online about every make and model of dishwasher (no matter the price) with many issues showing up after 2 years.
~ They don't make dishwashers like they used to.  Our old one was still running after 19 years.  This new one?  I'll be very surprised if it's still around in 10.
~ I tell long stories.  Can't help it.  But I'm SURE you were on the edge of your seat wanting to hear every detail, right?!  :)

How old is your dishwasher?  Now be sure to stop at Musings of a Housewife to see what everybody else learned this week!