Ever opened the dishwasher after a run and asked yourself, “Did I just breathe in a science experiment?” Same. Between the name brand chemicals and the plastic filled packaging, normal dishwasher detergent can be. too much. That’s why I decided to give homemade a try. And believe me once you start experimenting and making your own green-friendly detergent at home, there’s no going back.
Not only is it ludicrously easy, it’s cheaper and (even better!) good for the planet.
Why Even Make Your Own?: ingredient lists
Sure, they’re convenient at the store. But take a deeper look really get really close in the ingredient lists and you know there’s gotta be a cost beyond your wallet.
- You save money. For real, pennies per load.
- It’s gentler on sensitive skin. You get to pick exactly what goes in.
- No synthetic junk. No artificial scents or harsh chemicals here.
- Less waste. Bye-bye single use plastic tubs and pods.
related article: Best Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents for Families with Babies
And maybe best of all: it just feels good to do something hands-on for your home.
Pantry Staples You’ll Need: baking soda’s
No wild ingredients here these are all pretty easy to find and probably already hanging around your kitchen shelves.
- Washing soda – It’s a grease fighting champion. Think of it as baking soda’s more intense cousin.
- Baking soda – It adds a little extra punch and odors get a chance to be eliminated.
- Citric acid – It works super well in hard water. It also adds that squeaky-clean glitter.
- Salt – A gentle abrasive. It cleans without scratching.
- Essential oils (optional) – I usually choose lemon or tea tree. It’s not necessary, but the aroma is a nice touch.
Recipe #1: The Everyday Powder Mix: job done
This is my go to. It’s simple, takes five minutes, and gets the job done.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup salt
How to make it:
- Mix it all up in a jar or airtight container.
- For each load, use about a tablespoon. That’s really it.
If you don’t mind, sprinkle 10–15 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil it leaves the kitchen smelling like you just cleaned, even though you didn’t.
Recipe #2: Homemade Detergent Tabs: small tabs
Some days I don’t feel like scooping anything I just want to drop and run. That’s where these small tabs are helpful.
You’ll need:
- Same stuff as the powder recipe
- A couple teaspoons of water
Here’s the routine:
- Combine the whole lot of dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Slowly add water. Enough just to hold together bearings for “not soggy” are damp sand.
- Fill into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Let them sit out to dry for 24 hours (overnight works).
- Store in a sealed tin or jar. Load one in every load. Finished.
Note: Don’t use too much water or they blow up like little science experiments gone wrong.
Recipe #3: Liquid Gel Type: shaking a
If your dishwasher prefers liquid detergent or if you enjoy shaking a tiny bottle then this form might be yours.
What you will need:
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp washing soda
- ½ tbsp citric acid
- 1 tbsp castile soap (unscented or very light fragrance is perfectly okay)
How to do it:
- Boil the water first. Since it’s warm, whip in all the powders as they dissolve.
- Let it slightly cool, and introduce the castile soap.
- Pour into a glass jar or repurposed bottle.
- Shake well before use. Start with 1–2 tablespoons per load and adjust as needed.
A Few Tips from the Sink: white vinegar
- Shake, shake, shake. Especially with the liquid one ingredients fall at the bottom after a while.
- White film on dishes? Cut back on the amount a notch or two or throw in some white vinegar as a natural rinse aid.
- Label it plainly. Trust me, baking soda gel resembles a smoothie big time. Store it far from your breakfast nook.
Closing Thoughts: cleaning joy
I didn’t start crafting my own dishwasher detergent in order to foment revolution I just wanted to have fewer chemicals in my kitchen. But the secondary benefits? A little more cleaning joy, a little less trash, and the occasional smug experience when the dishes shine and I know I created that.
It’s one of those tiny lifestyle shifts that adds up over time. So, if you’ve been curious, give one of these a try. Start small. See how it feels. Your dishes (and probably your wallet) will thank you.
[…] related article: DIY Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent Recipes That Actually Work […]
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