I don't know about you but I am always on the quest to figure out how to cut any synthetic 'fragrances' out of my life and home. I have pretty successfully done this but one looming hurdle for me has been a cleaning agent for the dishwasher. I loathed tuning it on (not because I love to wash dishes by hand) but dreaded the scent that would pour into my kitchen once I started the cycle.
At last I have found a great formula! After much tinkering about I have come up with a blend that works as well any commercial detergents I have tried.
Mix
1 C. Baking soda
1. C. Salt
10 drops Kaffir Lime Leaf essential oil
Into a mason jar, cap, and shake well
Fill your detergent cup holder in your dishwasher as you normally would with above blend, add 3 small drops (really just 3 small drops) of your normal hand-washing dish soap. Run as normal.
Your dishes will come out sparking and as an added bonus your kitchen will smell great! Due to the moist heat the kaffir lime is diffused into the atmosphere. If you have never smelled this essential oil: it is marvelous, a crisp citrus scent, with a bright green note, and smells reminiscent of a mild lemon grass.
In fact I just had a girl friend over for lunch - hi Deb! - she asked what smelled so great. I was happy I could answer 'manual labor my friend, manual labor".