Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe – Easy & Natural
When I moved to a small town a few years ago, I quickly realized how much I relied on store-bought detergents and other commercial brands for cleaning. It was so easy to just grab a bottle of dishwashing soap or a box of dishwasher tabs at the grocery store without thinking twice. But once I started reading more about the ingredients inside those store-bought options—lauryl sulfate, harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances—I knew I needed to make a change. That’s when I ventured into the world of homemade products, and today I want to share with you my favorite homemade dishwasher detergent recipe that I now swear by.
I’ll be honest, at first, I wasn’t sure how homemade cleaning recipes would compare to conventional dishwasher detergent. I wondered, “Will this actually work on a full load of dishes with stubborn food residue?” But the more I experimented with natural ingredients, the more confident I became. Now, my dishwasher loads come out sparkling clean and free of any chemical residue. Plus, the cost savings compared to buying store-bought detergents really add up over the long run.
Why Make Your Own Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe?
Making your own homemade dishwasher detergent recipe is a great idea for a few reasons. First, you get to avoid the harsh chemicals that are found in many commercial detergents. Second, you’re in control of the basic ingredients that touch your dishes (and ultimately your food). And third, it’s incredibly satisfying to whip up your own homemade detergent that works just as well, if not better, than store-bought versions.
Over time, I’ve tried different products and homemade recipes—from homemade liquid dish soap to homemade laundry detergent—but this homemade dishwasher detergent recipe is my go-to.
The Great Recipe I Use for My Homemade Dishwashing Detergent Recipe
Here’s my simple, effective, and natural cleaning recipe that gives me good results every time:
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Combine all the basic ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container like a glass jar to keep it fresh. The shelf life is typically around 3-6 months, but mine never lasts that long!
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load in your dish washer, depending on the size and how dirty your dishes are.
- Place in the detergent compartment
For the rinse aid compartment, I love using white vinegar or citrus-infused vinegar as a natural rinse aid. It helps cut through any lingering residue and prevents spots—perfect if you have very hard water like I do.
Why These Ingredients Work
- Sodium carbonate (washing soda) and baking soda provide alkalinity, which helps lift grime and grease.
- Borax acts as a natural booster to enhance the cleaning power.
- Citric acid helps break down mineral deposits, making it especially useful for those of us without a water softener.
- Coarse salt gives your dishes a good scrub without scratching.
- Lemon essential oil not only smells amazing but also has mild antibacterial properties.
When combined, these natural cleaners work together beautifully to replace the store-bought detergents and commercial brands you’d normally use.
My Personal Experience
I’ll never forget the first time I opened my dishwasher after using my own homemade dishwashing detergent recipe. There were no lingering chemical smells, just a fresh, clean scent from the lemon essential oil. The dishes were spotless, and I felt so accomplished knowing I made the detergent myself.
Since then, I’ve shared this homemade dishwasher detergent recipe with friends and family, especially those who are looking to switch to more natural brands or reduce harsh chemicals in their home. Some were skeptical, but after trying a small amount in their next wash cycle, they were hooked.
A Few Tips – Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
- If your dishes still come out with some food residue, try rinsing off heavy debris before loading them. This recipe isn’t meant to replace regular dish soap for heavily soiled pots and pans.
- If you experience cloudiness, try using hot water for your cycles and always include the vinegar rinse.
- Want to make your own Homemade Laundry Detergent or explore other Homemade Cleaners? Once you get comfortable with homemade cleaning recipes, it becomes second nature to ditch the commercial brands altogether.
Why Homemade Dishwashing Detergent is Worth It
Switching to homemade products like this homemade dishwasher detergent recipe isn’t just about removing antibacterial soaps or conventional dishwasher detergent from your life. It’s about creating safer, more sustainable routines for your family. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of DIY in the kitchen?
Even with affiliate links to store-bought options like Seventh Generation or other natural dishwasher detergents, I often suggest trying your own mix first. The cost savings, control over natural ingredients, and overall effectiveness make this a good idea, especially for those of us in a small town where the grocery store might not stock the “real stuff.”
FAQ: Homemade Dishwashing Detergent Recipe
Can I use this homemade dishwashing detergent recipe in any dishwasher?
Yes! This recipe works well in most automatic dishwashers. However, if you have very hard water, you may need to tweak the amounts slightly or add a natural rinse aid like white vinegar in the rinse aid compartment. The citric acid and coarse salt in this recipe also help combat mineral buildup.
Will this recipe replace commercial detergents completely?
For most households, yes. This home made dishwashing detergent provides good results on everyday dishes, glasses, and utensils. However, if you are washing cookware with heavy food residue, you might want to pre-soak them in hot water and regular dish soap or give them a good scrub with a scrub brush before loading them in the dishwasher.
How does this compare to store-bought detergents or tabs?
While commercial brands may have extra additives like lauryl sulfate or enzymes for extreme grime, this home made dishwashing detergent recipe avoids harsh chemicals and relies on natural ingredients. In my experience, it performs just as well as many store-bought versions or more natural brands like Seventh Generation. Plus, it comes with the added benefit of cost savings.
How long does homemade dishwasher detergent recipe last?
Stored in an airtight container like a glass jar, this detergent has a shelf life of about 3-6 months. Just make sure to keep it in a dry spot to maintain the right consistency.
Can I customize the scent?
Absolutely! While I love the clean scent of lemon essential oil, you can swap it for other essential oils like orange, lavender, or eucalyptus depending on your preferences. Just use a small amount, as too much oil might interfere with the cleaning power.
Do I need a water softener to use this recipe?
Not necessarily. If you don’t have a water softener, the combination of citric acid and white vinegar as a natural rinse aid will help tackle mineral deposits and give your dishes a spot-free finish.
Home Made Dishwashing Detergent - Natural DIY Recipe
But the more I experimented with natural ingredients, the more confident I became. Now, my dishwasher loads come out sparkling clean and free of any chemical residue. Plus, the cost savings compared to buying store-bought detergents really add up over the long run.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of washing soda (you can make your own washing soda by baking sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, at 400°F for an hour)
- 1 cup borax (optional, but I like the extra cleaning boost)
- ½ cup of citric acid (this helps with hard water and leaves a clean scent)
- ½ cup of kosher salt or coarse salt (for gentle scrubbing power)
- A few drops of lemon essential oil (or another essential oil of your choice for fragrance)
Instructions
- Combine all the basic ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container like a glass jar to keep it fresh. The shelf life is typically around 3-6 months, but mine never lasts that long!
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per load in your dish washer, depending on the size and how dirty your dishes are.
- Place in the detergent compartment.
Notes
For the rinse aid compartment, I love using white vinegar or citrus-infused vinegar as a natural rinse aid. It helps cut through any lingering residue and prevents spots—perfect if you have very hard water like I do.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re running low on dish detergent, consider skipping the commercial detergents aisle. Instead, gather your basic ingredients, mix up this great recipe, and enjoy the satisfaction of cleaning with something you made yourself.
And don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve tried adding a touch of castile soap to the mix or storing a batch in a spray bottle for spot cleaning. Whether it’s for your automatic dishwasher, your own laundry soap, or other homemade recipes, learning how to make natural cleaners is a skill that will serve you well in the long run.
So go ahead, give this one a try—and let me know how your next load of dishes turns out!
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Washing soda
- Borax (optional, but I like the extra cleaning boost)
- Citric acid (this helps with hard water and leaves a clean scent)
- Kosher salt or coarse salt (for gentle scrubbing power)
- Lemon essential oil (or another essential oil of your choice for fragrance)
Click Below for More Natural Home Care Recipes:
- Homemade Laundry Detergent and Soap Recipe (Budget-Friendly)
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