Homemade Dishwasher Tablets

I had commented on a post last week (@raincountry - see original post here https://steemit.com/diy/@raincountry/make-your-own-natural-laundry-powder) and mentioned my homemade dishwasher tablets. Well someone else who had commented (@bigbear) asking me for the 'recipe' and I promised her I would post it here.

Well, here it is:
1-cup baking soda
1-cup washing soda
1-cup salt
1/4 cup citric acid (the kind used for canning food)
1- cup water
Vinegar
*Optional - Scented essential oil or lemon/orange rind (run through the food processor)

Mix in large bowl (I use a stainless steel one because I feel plastic may absorb the washing soda and this is not edible) baking soda, washing soda, salt and citric acid.
Add water and essential oil or fruit rind and let it fizz for about a minute. Once the bubbles start to dissipate, mix.
Combine thoroughly. It will have a thick consistency.

Scoop approximately 1-tbls into an old ice cube tray. Use your finger and flatten down. Really pack tightly together.

Let sit for about 12 hours or overnight to form more solidly.
Twist the ice cube tray and release the tablets. Store in an airtight glass container. Again the glass is my preference than using plastic.
Instead of using pricey rinse liquids, I add about 1/4 cup of vinegar to the dishwasher in the rinse spout for added cleaning and to diminish the chance of spots on glasses, etc.