Usually I love going to Costco, but yesterday I wasn't in the mood. Unfortunately, my bare kitchen told me I had no choice in the matter. So I pulled up my bootstraps and mustered up the energy to tackle the giant warehouse. I made a list, I filled my cart, I loaded the car, I unloaded the car, I placed each item where it belongs in my home (this is always my least favorite part of the process). Then, last night, my husband went to run the dishwasher, only to discover we were out of dishwasher detergent.

Playing in my mind: WHAT?! No way. Isn't there a bottle hiding in the back of the cleaning cabinet? This cannot be. I did my duty, I went to Costco, and now we're out of dishwasher soap?! Why do I always forget at least one crucial item on my Costco runs? We already struggle to stay on top of the thrice-daily exploding kitchen. We've got game today: the counters are cleared and the machine is loaded. It's a busy school week, and I just want to wake up with enough clean spoons for cereal.

So, I took matters into my own hands. Stubborn and determined, I dived into our recycling bin on the hunt for the recently discarded Cascade bottle. I salvaged it, added some water, shook it up, and filled the machine. There was just enough. Hallelujah.

Then tonight rolled around. The dishwasher was ready to be started and I let out a big moan. That's right, we're out of dishwasher detergent. I recalled a past Simply Silicon Valley article on using baking soda and white vinegar as a natural way to clean anything and everything. There had to be a way to use them to solve my dilemma. After a quick internet search, I discovered the magic formula:

• Put about 3 drops of regular dish soap in the detergent cavity.
• Fill it 2/3rds full with baking soda.
• Fill it the rest of the way with salt.

I just checked on my finished load, and the dishes are as sparkling clean as ever! I hope this solution comes to your rescue the next time you're in a bind. I'm all for anything that avoids a wasteful emergency trip to the store, especially during the busy holiday season.