To Borax or not to Borax?

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     I love my dishwasher. It is my 3rd favorite thing in my house behind my cat, Mr. Pickles, and my clothes washer. Scott is number 4. SO, that being said I have seriously considered things like not using these environment raping thieves. So much water use, so many chemicals, what to do? Then I got to thinking about it. I can still use them, I just have to be smart about it.
    I made a commitment to get rid of all the chemicals in my house and it is happening slowly as we run out of things. It is now time for the first big ticket item, dishwasher detergent. Up until now it has been small things, vinegar to clean the windows, Jojoba oil for my moisturizer, etc. 
     So you have 2 options here, to use Borax, or not to use Borax. What is the difference? I don't really know myself. From what I can tell it is a matter of opinion. Some people don't believe it is good for human consumption.
     Lets find out what it is - (From Wiki) Borax is used in various household laundry and cleaning products, including the "20 Mule Team Borax" laundry booster and "Boraxo" powdered hand soap. Despite its name, "Borateem" laundry bleach no longer contains borax or other boron compounds. Borax is also present in some tooth bleaching formulas. It is also an active ingredient in indoor and outdoor ant baits and killers.
     Well, that is all well and good, but can I eat it? It is going to be all over my dishes, right? I mean, look at this ad, they are washing babies in it!

     Borax, given the E number E285, is used as a food additive in some countries, but is banned in the US. As a consequence, certain foods, such as caviar, produced for sale in the US contain higher levels of salt to assist preservation. Its use as a cooking ingredient is to add a firm rubbery texture to the food, or as a preservative. In oriental cooking it is mostly used for its texturing properties. In Asia, Borax was found to have been added to some Chinese foods like hand-pulled noodles and some rice noodles. In Indonesia it is a common, but forbidden, additive to such foods as noodles, bakso (meatballs), and steamed rice. The country's Directorate of Consumer Protection warns of the risk of liver cancer with high consumption over a period of 5–10 years.
     This leaves me with too many questions. #1, What E number is the Borax that is sold as a cleaning agent, and what are its health issues? #2, what constitutes high consumption (and does it matter)?
     At this point, I am going to to just quit looking into it and go with the Borax free option. I read reviews on both and people seem to like the Borax free option a little bit more anyway. I should have just left it at that. I will look into Borax more if I do not like the Borax free version of the detergent I make or if I find that I need it for something else.
So, here are some good recipes for both:

Borax Free Dishwasher Detergent - 

• 1 cup washing soda 
• 1/4 c. citric acid 
• 1/4 c. coarse salt 
• 10-15 drops of citrus essential oil (Optional.  Orange, grapefruit, or lemon essential oils have great cleaning as well as antibacterial properties.)
• Homemade Citrus Vinegar Cleaner

Mix first 3 ingredients well in an air tight container. Add essential oil.  Mix again.  Fill your rinse aid compartment with undiluted citrus vinegar cleaner.

Use 1 tsp. detergent for average loads.
Use 1 tbsp. detergent for extra greasy, dirty loads.

Dishwasher Detergent with Borax - 

• - 1 cup Washing soda
• - 1 cup Borax
• - ½ cup salt
• - ½ cup citric acid

Mix together and store tightly covered in a Mason Jar. Use one tablespoon per load. Add vinegar to the rinse dispenser for the best results.