Ever opened your dishwasher after a cycle and thought, “Did I just breathe in a lab experiment?” Yeah, same. Between the hard-to-pronounce chemicals and the plastic-heavy packaging, conventional dishwasher detergents can feel… a bit much. That’s what led me to try making my own. And let me tell you—once you start mixing up your own eco-friendly detergent at home, it’s hard to go back.
Not only is it surprisingly easy, it’s also cheaper and (bonus!) a tiny win for the planet.
Why Even Make Your Own?
Let’s be honest: store-bought detergents are convenient. But when you look a little closer—really zoom in on those ingredient lists—it’s clear there’s a cost that goes beyond your wallet.
- You save money. Honestly, cents per load.
- It’s gentler on sensitive skin. You know exactly what’s going into it.
- No synthetic junk. No artificial scents or harsh chemicals here.
- Less waste. Bye-bye single-use plastic tubs and pods.
And maybe best of all: it just feels good to do something hands-on for your home.
Pantry Staples You’ll Need
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 – Adds a little extra punch and helps neutralize odors.
- Citric acid – Works wonders in hard water. Plus, it adds that squeaky-clean shine.
- Salt – A gentle abrasive. It scrubs without scratching.
- Essential oils (optional) – I usually go with lemon or tea tree. It’s not necessary, but the scent is a nice touch.
🧂 Recipe #1: The Everyday Powder Mix
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’re in the mood, add 10–15 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil—it makes the kitchen smell like you just cleaned even when you didn’t.
🧊 Recipe #2: Homemade Detergent Tabs
Some days, I don’t want to scoop anything—I just want to drop and go. That’s where these little tabs come in handy.
You’ll need:
- Same ingredients as the powder version
- A few teaspoons of water
Here’s the drill:
- Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Slowly add the water. Just enough so it holds together—not soggy, think damp sand.
- Press the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Let them sit out to dry overnight (about 24 hours does the trick).
- Store in a sealed jar or tin. Pop one in per load. Done.
Note: Don’t go overboard with the water or they puff up like little science experiments gone rogue.
💧 Recipe #3: Liquid Gel Style
If your dishwasher prefers liquid detergent—or you just like the idea of shaking a little bottle—this version might be for you.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp washing soda
- ½ tbsp citric acid
- 1 tbsp castile soap (unscented or mild scent works great)
How to do it:
- Boil the water first. While it’s still hot, stir in all the powders until they dissolve.
- Let it cool a bit, then mix in the castile soap.
- Pour into a glass jar or reused bottle.
- Shake before each use. Start with 1–2 tablespoons per load and tweak if needed.
A Few Tips from the Sink
- Shake, shake, shake. Especially with the liquid version—ingredients settle over time.
- White film on dishes? Try cutting back the amount a little or add a splash of white vinegar as a natural rinse aid.
- Label everything clearly. Trust me, baking soda-based gel looks an awful lot like a smoothie. Keep it far from your breakfast corner.
Closing Thoughts (Just Me and My Dishes)
I didn’t start making my own dishwasher detergent to start a revolution—I just wanted fewer chemicals in my kitchen. But the side effects? A little more joy in cleaning, a little less waste, and the occasional proud moment when the dishes come out spotless and I know I made that happen.
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.
