Is Borax 21 or whatever it's called, safe to use in the dishwasher to soften the water...?

Question

We have the hardest water imaginable and don't have a water softener due to living in lame military houseing, so i read that Borax is a water softner for your laundry, but could you use it in the dishwasher to prevent water spots drying on the dishes?

Answer 1

no.

Answer 2

only in the wash cycle.  Use a rinse agent to help out.  Don't use the borax in the rinse, only the wash cycle.

Answer 3

I literally just bought a box of 20 Mule Team Borax and according to the box you can rinse fine china in it. Says nothing about putting it in your dishwasher but it is harmless for washing machines, septic tanks and plumbing so I would try it. Worse thing I can see happening is it doesn't do anything. If that's the case you could just fill your sink with water and Borax and rinse to keep the spots at bay!