Creating your own cleaning products from basic ingredients can be more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and healthier than relying on multiple commercial cleaners loaded with unfamiliar chemicals.
By purchasing a few staple supplies in bulk, you can tailor your cleaning solutions to your preferences while reducing packaging waste and chemical exposure.
A Four-Ingredient Formula for Success
Homemade dishwasher detergent couldn’t be easier. It only requires four common ingredients—washing soda, borax, salt, and citric acid powder—and one batch typically lasts for around 32 dishwasher cycles.
While it may take a bit more time to prepare than grabbing a box off the shelf, the payoff is the ability to customize the formula, potentially save money, and limit chemical additives found in some store-bought products.
How It Works
- Washing Soda: Cleans and breaks down grime.
- Borax: Helps remove stubborn residue and baked-on food.
- Citric Acid: Balances water pH, combats hard-water deposits, and keeps dishes and your machine free from stains.
- Salt: Softens water, improving overall cleaning power.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
Ingredients
- Equal parts washing soda and borax (approximately 1½ cups each)
- ½ cup salt
- ½ cup citric acid powder
Instructions
- Combine the washing soda and borax in a mixing bowl using a plastic spoon.
- Add the salt and citric acid powder, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the finished powder to an airtight container for storage.
How to Use Your DIY Detergent
Use your homemade detergent as you would any store-bought variety, following your dishwasher’s manufacturer guidelines.
Pre-rinse dishes to remove large food particles.
This simple step helps prevent clogging and ensures streak-free, sparkling results.
How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 3/4 cup lemon juice (or citric acid powder mixed with water)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, borax, kosher salt, and lemon juice.
- Stir thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the cavities of a small silicone mold or ice cube tray.
- Allow the tablets to dry for at least 24 hours or until fully hardened.
- Gently remove the hardened tablets and store them in a labeled, airtight container.
Using Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
You can use homemade dishwasher detergent in either powder or tablet form every time you run a load.
Powdered Dishwasher Detergent:
- Measure 1 to 2 tablespoons of the dry mixture per load.
- Add the powder directly to the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser before starting the cycle.
- If the mixture hardens slightly, give it a good stir with a wooden spoon to break it up. If it forms stubborn clumps, discard the batch, as it may not dissolve properly.
Dishwasher Detergent Tablets:
- Simply place one tablet into the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser before starting the wash cycle.
Additional Tips for Making Dishwasher Detergent
- Small Batches:
Make no more than 3 cups at a time. Homemade detergents lack the commercial anti-caking additives and may harden over time. - Ingredient Flexibility:
If you don’t have lemon juice, citric acid powder mixed with water can serve as a substitute. - Mold Selection:
Choose silicone molds or ice cube trays that hold about 1 tablespoon of mixture to ensure each tablet fits easily into your machine’s dispenser. - Use Caution with Delicates:
Both DIY and commercial detergents can etch or damage delicate items like vintage dinnerware or sterling silver. Wash these items by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why make homemade dishwasher detergent?
Creating your own dishwasher detergent allows you to control the ingredients and avoid certain fragrances or chemicals. It can also be cost-effective when made and stored properly.
Should dishes be rinsed before loading the dishwasher?
It’s best to let the dishwasher and detergent work as intended. Simply scrape off excess food rather than rinsing dishes before loading.
Does using a dishwasher save water and money?
Yes. An Energy Star-rated dishwasher can save you money, water, and energy compared to handwashing, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
