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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

September 18, 2013 by Katie Wells
How to make your own dishwasher detergent - easy recipe
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Natural Dishwasher Detergent
  • Much Ado...
  • DIY Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
  • Not Working for you?
  • New to Natural Cleaning?

How to make your own dishwasher detergent - easy recipe

I’ve posted a lot of recipes for DIY natural cleaners in the past, but dishwasher detergent was one that I had trouble figuring out. I’d experimented with a lot of recipes, but all of them left a little residue, especially on glass. I wasn’t sure if I had too much of something or if I was missing an ingredient that would make it more effective.

Natural Dishwasher Detergent

Thanks to a little tip on Pinterest last week, I figured out what the missing ingredient was: Citric Acid.

Thankfully, I already had this on hand for making soothing salt bath bombs and after birth bath fizzies, so I was able to give it a try.

The result: clean and shiny dishes… finally (and naturally).

Much Ado…

I should mention that this recipe does include Borax, which has been the center of much online debate. In my personal opinion, Borax is very much on the low end of the scale when it comes to the potential toxicity of chemicals in cleaning products.

If not, I’ve also used enzyme cleaners like Biokleen and Tropical Traditions’ dishwasher soap and both seem to work well and do not contain borax.

DIY Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 parts borax
  • 2 parts washing soda
  • 1 part citric acid
  • 1 part salt
  • essential oils for scent (completely optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container.
  2. Use 1 tablespoon per load as needed.
  3. For an extra boost, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid (only a few!!!) to the powder before closing the soap container in the dishwasher.
  4. You can also add white vinegar as the rinse agent, though honestly, I forget this most of the time and it still works.

Notes:

1 Part= Any Measure you want.
In other words, if 1 part=1 cup, you would use 2 cups each of borax and washing soda and 1 cup each of citric acid and salt. If 1 part was 1/4 cup, you’d use 1/2 cup of borax/washing soda and 1/4 cup of citric acid/salt.

Not Working for you?

Homemade powdered dish detergent can be tricky and depending on how hard/soft your water is and the temperature you wash dishes at, it can be really difficult to find a recipe that works.

If you aren’t up for the DIY option, here is my review of all the natural store-bought versions I’ve tried and which ones actually worked. Also, there are quite a few other homemade dishwasher detergent recipes floating around online, like this one from Crunchy Betty and this one from Kitchen Stewardship, so if you want to experiment with other recipes, check theirs out.

New to Natural Cleaning?

If you’re just starting out with DIY or natural cleaners, here are some other easy and inexpensive recipes:

Natural Stain Treatment Reference Sheet [Printable]
Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent
Natural All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe
Natural Oven Cleaning
Natural Homemade Glass Cleaner Recipe
Easy Homemade Scouring Powder Recipe
Natural Cleaning and Organizing Checklist
Natural Bathroom Cleaning
Natural Kitchen Cleaning

What do you use in the dishwasher? Ever made your own dishwasher detergent? Share below!

Homemade dishwasher detergent makes natural cleaning easy. Borax, washing soda, citric acid and salt make an effective and inexpensive natural option.

Related Posts

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Category: Natural Home

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Co-Founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (248 Comments)

  1. cecilia

    September 22, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    I’ve been making my dishwasher soap for a couple years. I use baking soda and not washing soda. Also, for citric acid, I use a packet of unsweetened lemonade kool aid. It works well. And of course the vinegar.

    Reply
    • sharon

      September 20, 2014 at 7:10 PM

      Where do you get the kool aid from? Do we have it here in Australia?

      Reply
  2. Virginia Miner

    September 21, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    No dishwashers for me! I would rather only think about my dishes once. What do you use when you hand wash dishes?

    Reply
    • Melissa W.

      January 14, 2015 at 7:18 PM

      I stopped using dish soap several months back when I purchased some high-quality microfiber cloths that pick up EVERYTHING. There are two brands you can choose from: Norwex and eCloth. The Norwex cloths are self-purifying so can be used for multiple days, but are much pricier. I would personally recommend buying seven eCloth rags, using a clean one each day, and laundering weekly. I still keep my dish soap around in case of a really greasy job (like after frying eggrolls), but 99% of the time I just wash my dishes with hot water and the rag.

      Reply
      • James

        May 2, 2016 at 9:08 PM

        After visiting the eCloth site, I have recognized that your use of eCloths is most certainly off label. These cloths were designed for home cleaning, not dishwashing. It says on the site that the cloths deposit 1% of bacteria back onto the surface you are cleaning. I would not trust these cloths for dishwashing purposes. They do, however look fantastic for other home uses.

        Reply
      • Cary

        July 11, 2016 at 11:20 AM

        I did that for awhile. I got sick. Use soap.

        Reply
    • jen P

      February 19, 2016 at 6:42 PM

      I don’t have a dish washer either so I make castile soap for hand/body and dish soap. If you’re not ready to make soap, you can extend the life of a purchased bar soap by turning it into liquid soap. Dr. Bronners works well. 1 bar = 1 gallon liquid soap. Search the interwebs for how to make liquid soap from bar soap.

      Reply
  3. Erica Price Kendall

    September 20, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    I have been using a similar recipe for almost 2 years now and I’m never going back to the store bought junk. The citric acid is what makes the batch clump. But I use lemon juice instead of the acid because it is more readily available. Also I don’t have a problem with residue using lemon juice.

    Reply
    • Erica Price Kendall

      September 21, 2013 at 8:17 AM

      Forgot to be more specific : add the lemon juice separately from your powder mixture

      Reply
      • Tara

        November 3, 2014 at 11:03 PM

        How much powder and how much lemon juice? Mix them and then add to dishwasher? Or just add them in the dishwasher?

        Reply
    • Monica Medrek

      September 22, 2013 at 3:23 PM

      Thanks for sharing! I’m not keen on citric acid.

      Reply
    • nicole'

      December 27, 2013 at 4:06 PM

      how much lemon juice do you use for the recipe above?

      Reply
      • Erica Price Kendall

        December 27, 2013 at 4:19 PM

        I fill my detergent slot that you close with the powder and other open slot with lemon juice. It comes to be about 1/4 cup each. Hope this helps

        Reply
      • Erica Price Kendall

        December 27, 2013 at 4:19 PM

        I fill my detergent slot that you close with the powder and other open slot with lemon juice. It comes to be about 1/4 cup each. Hope this helps

        Reply
        • Jake

          June 30, 2016 at 9:00 PM

          Way too much. This is designed to use only 1 tablespoon per wash.

          Reply
    • Magi

      January 28, 2015 at 2:25 PM

      When you use the lemon juice instead of the citric acid are you making them into tabs or just puring the powder in the dishwasher spot with the lid and adding the lemon juice there too?

      Reply
    • Gwynn

      November 17, 2019 at 8:53 PM

      I just made my 1st batch using lemon juice because of that very reason! Much easier to get my hands on,cheap.

      Reply
  4. Jill Prayner

    September 19, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    I have been using this recipe and I have cloudy dishes all the time and sometimes they don’t get very clean. I have added vinegar and it does not seem to help. Any other suggestions??

    Reply
    • Amanda

      September 20, 2013 at 2:03 AM

      I have been using this recipe for over a year an must use the few drops of dish soap, vinegar and a Jet Dry basket. The basket may not be all natural, but it lasts a couple months and it still quite cost effective. It helps me with my hard water. ;0)

      Reply
    • Erica Price Kendall

      September 20, 2013 at 1:54 PM

      Try lemon juice as a citric acid substitute to help with the cloudiness

      Reply
      • Renu

        June 25, 2016 at 8:16 PM

        How much lemon juice did you use to substitute for the citric acid?

        Reply
    • Aimee

      August 8, 2014 at 2:53 PM

      Three drops of DAWN dish soap, plus the vinegar. Mine come out great!

      Reply
      • Sandra Ellis

        January 5, 2016 at 11:02 AM

        NEVER use dish detergent in ur washer or dishwasher! This could damage your machine with build-up as well as voiding your factory warranty.

        Reply
        • Jake

          June 30, 2016 at 8:57 PM

          That is why you only use two or three drops. It will not create enough suds because it is well diluted.

          Reply
    • Carole Schmidt

      July 11, 2016 at 12:42 PM

      I’m having the same problem- a dull residue on dishes. We use collected rain water which should be good. I used this recipe last summer with excellent results.
      Last year, I did put dissolved Washing Soda in my collection tanks which seems to soften the water, and have done the same this summer. Very frustrating.

      Reply
  5. Lisa Kraft

    September 19, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    I recently read that pouring vinegar into the rinse hole is not a good idea, which is what I have been doing. It breaks down the rubber gaskets. The new idea was to put a glass upright in the top rack filled with vinegar, this would seem to work the same as just pouring it in the bottom!

    Reply
    • James

      May 2, 2016 at 9:01 PM

      I believe that vinegar breaks ALL of the seals down, not just the dispensing unit. I don’t think putting a glass of vinegar in the top rack is going to solve that problem.

      Reply
  6. Aime

    September 19, 2013 at 10:37 AM

    Do you have a clumping problem? I made mine and half of it is pretty solid on the bottom of my mason jar… I’m going to have to stab at it with a knife to break it up. :/ Any thoughts on how to prevent this in the future batch?
    I do love the way it cleans though! Much cheaper than commercial stuff! I also put some distilled vinegar in the bottom of the washer before running, works as the rinse agent and makes my glass sparkle!

    Reply
    • Diana Christian

      September 19, 2013 at 11:18 PM

      We had that problem as well. DH broke it up (with my good bread knife ????) and put it in the fridge. It stopped clumping after that.

      Reply
      • AimezR

        October 1, 2013 at 12:29 PM

        Thanks, I’ll have to try that! With a crappy knife!!

        Reply
      • Heather

        January 6, 2014 at 5:15 PM

        just saw your post. i will try this too.

        Reply
    • Heather

      January 6, 2014 at 5:15 PM

      same problem…not sure what to do. it’s solid and i don’t use my dishwasher often enough to break it up regularly. it works great, though. may have to go back to the store bought stuff. 🙁

      Reply
      • Aimez

        January 8, 2014 at 3:03 PM

        I made a second batch and pushed it into ice cube trays (not full or it won’t fit in the detergent slot). Let it harden for a day or so and it works fabulously!

        Reply
        • Jess Vogelpohl

          January 26, 2014 at 6:09 PM

          It just hardens on its’ own? Do I put it in the tray and sit out?

          Reply
        • TK

          October 28, 2019 at 7:34 AM

          I tried this and it didn’t harden in a few days…took a couple weeks. I’m at 43 north, in the fall, so not super humid here. Also always a little bit of powder, so I have to keep them stored i the ice cube tray and then dig one out with a butter knife when it’s wash time.

          Reply
    • monika

      July 24, 2014 at 12:56 AM

      has anyone tried making these in ice cube trays?

      Reply
      • Aimee

        August 8, 2014 at 2:52 PM

        Yes! Just don’t fill it all the way or it won’t fit in the tray. It took about a day or so to completely harden. I just left them out in the sun.

        Reply
    • Kristi

      August 26, 2014 at 5:48 PM

      Recycle those silica packs you get in packages in your container to keep it dry.

      Reply
    • Suzana

      September 7, 2014 at 5:37 PM

      Hi,
      put some rice in an old sock, tie it up and let that sit inside the container where you store the powder. That’ll take care of the humidity that’s making the powder harden.
      It works well for me.

      Reply
    • sarah

      December 18, 2014 at 10:24 AM

      mine has not only gone as a lump but to a solution!?!? when mixing ingredients together, what have i done wrong?!?

      Reply
      • jo

        July 2, 2015 at 10:37 AM

        mine has done the same, and it just keeps on expanding! if i put it in an airtight container i’ll have an explosion!! i think it might be the humidity here today- its currently at 60%, (i hate humid weather)

        Reply
        • Louise

          January 16, 2020 at 4:48 AM

          Mine has done the same and when I was shaking the mixture in the container, I did have an explosion. The explosion and me wearing a face/dust mask was quite a picture for my partner – his comment related to mad scientist!

          Reply
    • Susanna

      January 17, 2015 at 8:54 AM

      I take a couple of those cartridges that you find in pill bottles and throw those in the container. That keeps the moisture at bay and maintains the consistency. Either that or the silica packets that you find in packaging, like shoe boxes. Third option, put some rice in the toe of old panty hose and tie it off. Trim the excess hose and throw that in the container. I have hard water and add a little extra citric acid.

      Reply
    • Judy

      June 27, 2015 at 2:32 AM

      I’ve tried using an old sock filled with rice and it seems to help with the caking.

      Reply
    • Windy Lawrence

      September 2, 2015 at 8:44 AM

      I used one of those “Brown Sugar Bears” from Bed Bath & Beyond ($3.99) it works 🙂

      Reply
  7. eliza

    September 19, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    washing soda?

    Reply
    • Erica Price Kendall

      September 21, 2013 at 8:19 AM

      It can be found right next to the borax in your big box store’s laundry isle

      Reply
    • Jackie

      July 2, 2014 at 7:26 AM

      it is also the same as PH stabilizer in pool stores.

      Reply
    • Brandy

      December 29, 2015 at 10:46 AM

      You can make it by cooking baking soda in the oven at 450 for 1 hour. Stir a couple times during cooking. It makes a fine powder when done. Be careful it can make a nice dust on everything when you transfer it to a jar. I make batches and store in a mason jar for making laundry detergent, and such.

      Reply
      • TK

        October 28, 2019 at 7:35 AM

        This turns sodium bicarbonate to sodium monocarbonate?? Very cool tip!

        Reply
  8. kristin farnsworth

    September 18, 2013 at 11:51 PM

    Do you find your glass is clear now and not cloudy looking? Thanks for the tip! Can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      September 20, 2013 at 3:49 PM

      yep

      Reply
      • Karen

        September 22, 2015 at 5:37 AM

        Hey can it be sea salt? Or only iodised table salt? Having trouble buying table salt in bulk but can get sea salt easily. For this is salt just salt? Thank you

        Reply
        • Wellness Mama

          September 22, 2015 at 3:55 PM

          sea salt is great

          Reply
      • Winona

        April 19, 2016 at 7:52 AM

        Tell me how you are getting your glasses clear because mine are coming out cloudy. I use a combo of borax, citric acid, and baking soda. I’m also using vinegar as a rinse agent.

        Reply
        • Jake

          June 30, 2016 at 8:31 PM

          Not baking soda, washing soda.

          Reply
          • Jessica Lovitt

            October 20, 2019 at 5:12 PM

            Hello! I just made your liquid laundry detergent recipe and I love it. As this is really similar to the dishwasher detergent recipe, could I add citric acid to some of the laundry soap and just use that in the dishwasher? I usually use liquid detergent in the dishwasher. Thanks!

    • Lisa

      March 16, 2016 at 3:30 PM

      I haven’t yet tried this recipe. Looking forward to it when I’m finished with the store bought stuff I have. But wondering for all of you with cloudy dishes, is your water hot enough. We have to run our tap water at kitchen sink until it’s hot, then start dishwasher, or we have similar problems…

      Reply
  9. Nicole

    September 18, 2013 at 6:13 PM

    Thanks for this…I too have been trying and failing with the natural dishwahser route, can’t wait to get some citric acid and give this a try.

    Reply
    • Mary Slavey

      October 21, 2015 at 9:28 AM

      I too have been having unfavorable results with making my own dishwashing soap until I added dry bleach and find the results to be very good. I found Smart Bleach Crystals at Wal-Mart, added two packets and am quite happy with the results. Glasses and plastics are very clear and shiny. I do also use white vinegar in the rinse dispenser.

      Reply
      • janice

        November 4, 2015 at 3:23 PM

        could you please send me your recipe for dishwashing soap, I’m tired of having tea stains on my plastic cups.

        Reply
        • Jackie

          January 1, 2016 at 12:33 PM

          Try Magic Eraser on cups for tea stains, works on plastics and ceramic. Removes them in seconds.

          Reply
          • Tammie Ward

            March 12, 2016 at 7:45 PM

            Thank you! Great idea.

          • emma

            March 23, 2016 at 5:25 PM

            Isn’t this toxic?

          • Jackie

            June 22, 2017 at 1:53 PM

            Magic Eraser is not toxic but I would think it might scratch a very fine finish. But sounds like a good idea.

  10. Lorri Miller

    September 18, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    This looks great! In step three, you’re adding drops of what to the powder?

    Reply
    • sharon

      September 14, 2014 at 9:30 AM

      Dishwashing liquid

      Reply
      • Gillian

        July 11, 2015 at 5:08 AM

        I don’t recommend putting any dishwashing liquid in as, I did this a long time ago and it causes a problem with my dishwasher and was costly to fix , dishwashers are not made to use dishwashing liquid, It caused. A bubble in the hoses because of the agitation it froths up, dishwasher powder doesn’t do this,

        Reply
        • Cindy

          June 30, 2016 at 7:50 AM

          That’s why Katie stresses using only a few drops. I do this if the dishes are extra greasy and haven’t had any problems.

          Reply
      • Muriel

        March 27, 2016 at 11:25 AM

        Hi Katie,

        I hope this finds you and your family thriving and happy! I enjoy your site so much and am working to making a number of your recipes including the toothpaste. I use the deodorant and it is the best I have EVER used!

        I am wondering if you might have a recipe for all natural dish soap, please? Not dishwasher soap…as I don’t have one…but one that lathers enough (like the bad stuff) when used in a sink full of water (rather than just sponging one dish at a time).

        Thank you for your help, and Happy Easter!

        Warmest wishes, Muriel

        Reply
        • Wellness Mama

          March 27, 2016 at 1:05 PM

          I’ve experimented with a few different recipes over the years, and here’s the best one I’ve been able to create: https://wellnessmama.com/267150/liquid-dish-soap/

          Reply
          • Muriel

            March 28, 2016 at 10:48 AM

            Hi Katie,

            Thanks so much for the quick reply! I will give it a go. Someone said try 20/80 castille soap and water.

            Have a wonderful day.
            Warmest wishes,

          • Jake

            June 30, 2016 at 8:45 PM

            Also, I noticed in many of the comments their mixture wasn’t working and leaving the dishes oily, dirty, etc. It might be that they used “baking soda” instead of “washing soda”.

        • Marcee

          October 3, 2016 at 12:45 PM

          I use Dr. Bronners liquid soap and dilute at least 4 to 1 with distilled water and put in a foaming pump dispenser. Really goes a long way and they have several natural scents and a non scented options. I use this at every sink and even in the shower to shave with.
          However, I must note that when I shave a sensitive area like the bikini line. I use oil instead of soap and it prevents razer burn. I mix a little castle oil into some coconut oil or I just use a little olive oil. Couple drops is all it takes. Sometimes I use a whole teaspoon of an oil and rub it onto my whole body while it is wet before getting out and then I just blot dry. Natural lotion. Oh, if you want to use essential oils this is a perfect time to add a drop or two. I am not left greasy. That means that you used to much. Damp skin helps it spread very thin.
          I don’t even turn the water off – start high and work down to your feet avoiding your hair.
          God Bless

          Reply
    • Beth

      May 24, 2016 at 9:35 PM

      Do not add a few drops of dish washing soap! It ruined our dishwasher. Add white vinegar!

      Reply
      • Nikki

        May 29, 2016 at 10:12 AM

        This recipe did not work for me after the first use. It left white residue all over all my dishes, streaky & greasy. I tried adding the vinegar to the rinse, still gross. I tried using 1/2tbs, 1 tbs and 1 1/2 tbs. Fail for me.

        Reply
        • Whitney

          June 6, 2016 at 1:39 PM

          Did you ever get this to work? I’ve been using it too, and it leaves my dishes murky and filmy…

          Reply
        • Ashley

          June 10, 2016 at 1:39 PM

          I had the same problem until I used more. I fill up the soap container in the dishwasher and it cleaned great.

          Reply
        • Muriel

          June 10, 2016 at 8:50 PM

          Mine too, sadly. I tried it for 2 weeks hoping it would work….it was as if I’d washed them in olive oil..the greasy film was so bad. I also got a huge cold sore, so know it did not killed germs as the 6 times I’ve had one in the last 20 years was either when living with roommates who didn’t wash dishes properly..or when travelling and same Mcause I believe. Major fail.

          Reply
    • Jake

      June 30, 2016 at 8:53 PM

      Do not add the powder. Add to the dishwasher “soap dispenser”.

      Reply
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