My Dishwasher Broke

My dishwasher is fine actually, but everyone enjoys a nice Family Guy joke from time to time.  I’ve included the comic at the end of this fabulously written post for your viewing pleasure.

There are so many options when it comes to dishwasher detergent. Liquid, gel, powder, packs, and tabs. I typically use the latter but I realize now how stupid that seems.  It’s convenient, yes, but am I so busy or just too lazy that I can’t pour some gel or powder in there myself?  When I was little we didn’t have a dishwasher and it was usually my job to wash all the dishes by hand. Oh, the horror of manual labor!  I’m lucky I lived to tell the tale. Seriously though, I’m really beginning to question all of the things we use day to day to make life easier.  Just how easy does it need to be?

Because my family is on a noble quest of less, I looked for a simpler and more responsible option.  With frugality and sustainability in mind, I decided to try Seventh Generation dishwasher detergent powder.  I like that I can put more or less powder in depending on how many dishes actually are in the dishwasher and what state of cleanliness said dishes may be in. The detergent powder itself is phthalate free, paraben free, cruelty-free, plant and biobased, and has no added fragrance. I bought it in the box so that I can toss it in the campfire instead of plastic that needs to be recycled when the product is all used up.

So what do I use as a rinse aid?  Nothing. That part of the dishwasher has actually been broken since we moved into our house back in 2012.  I’ve never missed it. Do you spend money on Finish or Jet Dry because your dishes are actually so spotty that it would inhibit your ability to consume food and drink? Or do you buy it and use it because society has told you that you need to? Don’t let society tell you what to do. You’ll be surprised at all the things you don’t actually need or want.