Whether you are looking for cost-effective solutions for dishwasher detergent or need a backup for when you’ve run out, this DIY dishwasher detergent recipe is for you! This recipe is made with effective yet simple ingredients that’ll leave your dishes sparkling bright and clean!
I always love to learn how to craft household necessities from scratch. Not only does it connect me with simpler times, but it also allows me to embrace natural ingredients while saving a pretty penny. One such venture into frugal living is creating homemade dishwasher detergent.
I’ve successfully made homemade laundry detergent and several other cleaning products from scratch, so I decided to try dishwasher detergent.
After researching, I found that the best ingredients for dishwasher detergent are washing soda and citric acid. Both components are used in most natural-based dishwasher products and are easy to find at the grocery store. Salt, borax, and essential oils are effective cleaning agents that are a great addition to homemade dishwasher detergent. With these ingredients, I created a simple dishwasher detergent recipe that comes togehter quickly and, even better, works great!
How To Make DIY Dishwasher Detergent
For this recipe, you will need washing soda, citric acid, borax, kosher salt, and essential oils.
Step One: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine the baking soda, citric acid, borax, and salt in a large bowl. These four powerhouses will work together to break down grime and leave your dishes sparkling clean. Citric acid is essential in this recipe, especially if you have hard water!
Step Two: Add Essential Oils
Add 20-30 drops of essential oils to the bowl and mix until combined. Essential oils provide additional cleaning benefits and a lovely fragrance to the detergent. My favorite essential oils for cleaning are pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, and lemon essential oil.
Step Three: Storage
Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or glass jar with a fitted lid. It’s also important to keep this detergent out of reach of pets and children. Borax can be toxic to children and pets if ingested.
How To Use DIY Dishwasher Detergent
To use your homemade dishwasher detergent, simply add 1-2 tablespoons to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment, just as you would with commercial detergents. Use white vinegar in the rinse compartment as a natural rise aid to prevent spots on your glassware. This dishwashing detergent will leave you with clean dishes every time you use it!
FAQ
Homemade dishwasher detergent can generally handle most types of dishes, but heavily soiled or greasy items might require pre-rinsing or a more robust commercial detergent.
The amount of detergent needed can vary based on your dishwasher’s capacity and the specific recipe you’re using. Start with a tablespoon or two and adjust as necessary to avoid overusing and leaving residues.
When using a well-formulated recipe, homemade dishwasher detergent should be safe for both your dishwasher and dishes.
Clumping can occur due to moisture exposure. Be sure to store your homemade detergent in an airtight container in a dry place. You can also add rice or silica gel packets to absorb moisture.
Yes, vinegar can be used as a natural rinse agent in your dishwasher. It can help prevent spots and film on glassware and dishes. Simply pour vinegar into the rinse aid compartment in your dishwasher.
Yes! You can scoop the mixture into ice cube trays or silicon molds and let them set overnight to harder. The tabs then can be used like commercial dishwasher detergent tablets.
I use castile soap to hand wash my dishes. I always have it on hand for making diy hand soap and homemade body wash.
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DIY Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
Learn how to make your own dishwasher detergent at home with this simple DIY recipe using basic ingredients you can find in your pantry.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: DIY
Ingredients
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of borax
- 1/2 cup of citric acid
- 1/2 cup of kosher salt
- 20–30 drops of essential oils
Instructions
Combine the washing soda, borax, citric acid, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix well and add essential oils. Mix until combined and store in an airtight container.
To use: Add 1-2 tablespoons to the tablet dispenser in your dishwasher. Use white vinegar as a natural rise aid to prevent spots on your glassware.
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