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citric acid additive for dishwasher

I am looking for the least expensive source of an edible substance that contains citric acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . The water here has minerals that precipitate onto my dishes after using the dishwasher. I am told it is due to the high heat of the dw. No other areas of the house are affected. I used a commercial citric acid product that cleaned the dishwasher beautifully. But I need an edible source so that I can add a little to each load and stop the precipitate on my dishes. I am told that Tang [affil links] will work, but looking for a less expensive source or more concentrated source since I am told that I need to use approx. 1/2 cup per load. Can you help?

Thanks,

Barbara McGaughran
- Mandeville, Louisiana
2001

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March 25, 2012

I'm not sure if this is a cheaper alternative but my fiance's mother suggested we use a product called Lemishine ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . I usually find it for about $3.50 or so I think. We get anywhere from 12-16 uses from the container. I hate having to use something this expensive in addition to detergent but our dishes were just having to get hand washed again or we just did not use the dishwasher due to the film from the hard water and minerals. I suspect a bit less can be used from time to time but I usually just fill to the line with the Lemi-Shine and use the other spot for the gel detergent.
I found this page as I am also looking for a cheaper alternative but wanted to chime in just in case. I suppose that maybe lemon juice or some sort of citrus product can be used but again the price comes into play.
Thanks! Hope I have helped perhaps a little bit.

Nathan Rhoades
- Indiana, US