Looking for effective and natural ways to keep your dishes sparkling? Making your own dishwasher detergent is a fantastic way to cut down on chemicals, save money, and ensure you know exactly what's cleaning your dishes.
These DIY recipes use simple ingredients to tackle grease and grime, leaving your glassware and plates spotless..
Table of Contents
1. Sparkling Dishes with Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, and Salt
This homemade dishwasher detergent is a powerful blend designed to cut through grease and tackle hard water spots.
Using washing soda and baking soda for cleaning, citric acid to fight mineral deposits, and salt to soften water, it promises sparkling clean dishes without any film.
It's an easy-to-make, cost-effective solution for a cleaner home..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Citric Acid
- Kosher Salt
- Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Sparkling clean dishes
- No film or residue
- Fights hard water spots
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: Fill your dishwasher's rinse aid compartment with white vinegar to help prevent any residue and boost drying.
Get the Recipe: Sparkling Dishes with Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, and Salt
2. Clean Dishes with Borax, Washing Soda, Citric Acid, and Sea Salt
Achieve brilliantly clean dishes with this simple, four-ingredient homemade dishwasher detergent.
It’s designed to eliminate the frustrating film left by hard water, leaving your glassware shiny and your dishes truly clean.
This recipe is a budget-friendly and non-toxic alternative to commercial options..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Citric Acid
- Sea Salt
Benefits:
- Eliminates dish film
- Shiny clean dishes
- Inexpensive to make
- Non-toxic ingredients
Pro Tip: Ensure the powder stays completely dry to prevent clumping; moisture is the enemy of this DIY detergent.
Get the Recipe: Clean Dishes with Borax, Washing Soda, Citric Acid, and Sea Salt
3. Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Tablets: Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, Salt, and Water
These homemade dishwasher tablets offer an eco-friendly and effective way to clean your dishes.
Made without borax, they use a blend of washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and salt to tackle tough grime and hard water.
They are designed to be used just like store-bought pods for ultimate convenience..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Citric Acid
- Kosher Salt
- Water
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly and natural
- Effective cleaning without borax
- Convenient tablet form
- Helps with hard water
Pro Tip: Pour about half a cup of distilled white vinegar into the rinse aid compartment to help prevent streaks and aid drying.
Get the Recipe: Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Tablets: Washing Soda, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, Salt, and Water
4. A Simple Dishwasher Powder with Washing Soda and Lemon Essential Oil
This incredibly simple DIY dishwasher detergent focuses on just two main ingredients: washing soda for its powerful cleaning properties and lemon essential oil for a fresh scent and added grease-fighting benefits.
It's a minimalist approach to achieving clean dishes with minimal effort..
Key Ingredients:
- Super Washing Soda
- Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Super simple to make
- Frugal and effective
- Fresh, clean scent
- Great for reducing chemicals
Pro Tip: For hard water, consider adding a tablespoon of citric acid to the main wash compartment, keeping it separate from the detergent in the pre-wash.
Get the Recipe: A Simple Dishwasher Powder with Washing Soda and Lemon Essential Oil
5. Dishwasher Powder with Washing Soda, Salt, and Lemon Essential Oil
This dishwashing powder offers a quick and easy way to get your dishes sparkling clean.
Combining the strong cleaning power of washing soda with salt and the refreshing scent of lemon essential oil, it's a simple yet effective DIY solution that helps you avoid harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Super Washing Soda
- Salt
- Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Quick and easy to make
- Fresh lemon scent
- Effective cleaning
- Reduces chemical exposure
Pro Tip: If you notice a film on your dishes, try substituting a portion of the washing soda with citric acid.
Get the Recipe: Dishwasher Powder with Washing Soda, Salt, and Lemon Essential Oil
6. Lemon-Scented Dishwasher Detergent Powder
This homemade dishwasher detergent is a budget-friendly star, costing mere cents per load.
The addition of lemon essential oil is a brilliant touch, helping to tackle any lingering odors and leaving your dishes smelling wonderfully fresh.
It's a simple mix of pantry staples that packs a powerful cleaning punch..
Key Ingredients:
- Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- Borax
- Baking Soda
- Lemon essential oil
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Odor neutralizing
- Fresh scent
Pro Tip: Store your powder in an airtight container to keep it dry and prevent clumping.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Scented Dishwasher Detergent Powder
7. Simple Two-Ingredient Dishwasher Detergent
For those who love simplicity, this recipe is a dream! It requires just two core ingredients to get your dishes sparkling clean.
It’s a testament to how effective basic pantry items can be for everyday cleaning tasks, proving you don't need a long list of ingredients for great results..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing soda
Benefits:
- Extremely simple
- Effective cleaning
- Budget-friendly
Pro Tip: Fill your dishwasher's rinse aid compartment with white vinegar for an extra shine on your glassware.
Get the Recipe: Simple Two-Ingredient Dishwasher Detergent
8. Citrus-Kissed Dishwasher Detergent
This recipe is a fantastic option for achieving spotless dishes naturally.
It combines essential cleaning powerhouses like washing soda, baking soda, and borax with the degreasing and fresh scent of citrus essential oils.
The addition of citric acid is a smart move to combat hard water issues, leaving your glasses clear and streak-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Citric Acid
- Kosher Salt
- Essential Oils (Lemon, Orange, etc.)
Benefits:
- Tackles hard water
- Natural fragrance
- Grease-fighting
Pro Tip: In humid climates, add a silica gel packet to your storage container to prevent clumping.
Get the Recipe: Citrus-Kissed Dishwasher Detergent
9. Natural Dishwasher Powder with Thieves & Lemon
This DIY dishwasher powder is a wonderful blend of effective natural cleaners.
It uses baking soda for gentle scrubbing and odor neutralization, citric acid to tackle hard water, and washing soda for degreasing.
The inclusion of Thieves cleaner concentrate and lemon essential oil adds a natural boost and a refreshing scent, ensuring your dishes come out clean and bright..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Citric Acid
- Washing Soda
- Thieves cleaner concentrate
- Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Effective for hard water
- Natural cleaning power
- Pleasant aroma
Pro Tip: This powder works well with hard water, thanks to the citric acid. Test with and without rinse aid to see what works best for your machine.
Get the Recipe: Natural Dishwasher Powder with Thieves & Lemon
10. Easy DIY Dishwasher Tablets
Say goodbye to expensive store-bought pods with these easy-to-make DIY dishwasher tablets! They combine essential cleaning ingredients like borax, washing soda, and Epsom salts for a powerful clean.
A touch of lemon juice and essential oils adds a delightful freshness.
They're a super satisfying way to tackle your dishes and save money..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Epsom salts
- Washing soda
- Lemon juice
- Lavender essential oil
- Lemon essential oil
Benefits:
- Convenient tablet form
- Cost-saving
- Customizable scent
Pro Tip: Use a silicone mold to easily shape and remove your homemade tablets.
Get the Recipe: Easy DIY Dishwasher Tablets
11. Quick & Easy Dishwasher Detergent
This is a no-fuss, get-it-done recipe for homemade dishwasher detergent that works wonders.
It’s incredibly fast to whip up and uses just a few key ingredients to tackle grease and grime effectively.
You'll be amazed at how clean your dishes get with this simple, farm-tested solution..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing soda
- Borax
- Citric Acid
- Sea Salt
Benefits:
- Fast to make
- Highly effective
- Economical
Pro Tip: Add a tablespoon of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent, or consider a commercial dish detergent booster for extra sparkle.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Dishwasher Detergent
12. All-Purpose Dishwasher Detergent Powder
This DIY dishwasher detergent recipe offers a fantastic way to clean your dishes while being kind to your wallet and the environment.
It uses simple ingredients and can be made into a powder or even pressed into tablets for added convenience.
You’ll love how effectively it cleans, making your dishes sparkle without harsh chemicals..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Citric Acid Powder
- Citrus essential oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Economical and effective
- Reduces waste
- Customizable form (powder or tabs)
Pro Tip: To make tablets, press the mixture into an ice cube tray and let them dry completely.
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose Dishwasher Detergent Powder
13. Natural Dishwasher Detergent with Washing Soda, Salt, and Citrus Essential Oil
This DIY dishwasher detergent is a breeze to make in under five minutes, using just a few pantry staples.
It's designed to cut through grease and leave your silverware shiny and glasses sparkling without any spots.
The addition of citrus essential oil adds a refreshing, clean scent to your freshly washed load..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Salt
- Citric Acid
- Citrus Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Cuts grease
- Prevents spots
- Leaves dishes sparkling
- Natural scent
Pro Tip: For extra shine and to tackle hard water spots, add about 1/2 cup of white vinegar to your dishwasher's rinse aid compartment.
Get the Recipe: Natural Dishwasher Detergent with Washing Soda, Salt, and Citrus Essential Oil
14. DIY Dishwasher Detergent Powder and Tabs with Citric Acid
Tired of chemical-laden store-bought detergents? These homemade dishwasher tabs and powder use simple, biodegradable ingredients to get your dishes clean and shiny.
They effectively tackle grease and stains, while being kinder to your water system and the environment.
You can even mold them into convenient tabs for easy use..
Key Ingredients:
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Carbonate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Coarse Salt
Benefits:
- Effective cleaning
- Dishwasher safe
- Environmentally friendly
- Cost-saving
Pro Tip: If you notice a greasy film, try increasing the amount of sodium carbonate. For white film, slightly increase the salt content.
Get the Recipe: DIY Dishwasher Detergent Powder and Tabs with Citric Acid
15. Simple Liquid Dishwasher Soap with Castile Soap
Prefer a liquid detergent? This simple recipe uses castile soap and other common ingredients to create a homemade liquid dishwasher soap.
It’s a great way to save money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals.
The gel-like consistency makes it easy to measure and use per load..
Key Ingredients:
- Water
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Liquid Castile Soap
Benefits:
- Liquid form
- Cost-effective
- Easy to make
- Gentle cleaning
Pro Tip: Experiment with the amount you use per load (around 1/8 cup is often a good starting point) to find what works best for your specific dishwasher and water type.
Get the Recipe: Simple Liquid Dishwasher Soap with Castile Soap
16. Eco-Friendly Dry Dishwasher Soap with Washing Soda and Baking Soda
This dry dishwasher soap recipe is a fantastic eco-friendly and budget-friendly option.
It uses simple, natural ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and salt to create a powerful cleaning solution that leaves dishes spotless.
Plus, it's customizable for different water types and lasts for many loads..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Baking Soda
- Citric Acid
- Kosher Salt
- Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly
- Budget-friendly
- Customizable
- Effective cleaning
Pro Tip: To ensure maximum freshness and prevent clumping, store the mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Get the Recipe: Eco-Friendly Dry Dishwasher Soap with Washing Soda and Baking Soda
17. Natural Dishwasher Tabs with Washing Soda and Borax
These convenient DIY dishwasher tabs are a natural and effective way to clean your dishes.
They're made with simple ingredients, free from phosphates, and leave dishes sparkling.
The pre-portioned tabs make laundry day chores a breeze, and you can feel good about using a product that's kind to the environment..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Epsom Salt
- Vinegar or Lemon Juice
- Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Convenient tabs
- Natural ingredients
- Eco-friendly
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: For dishwashers in hard water areas, adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher can help prevent streaks and cloudiness.
Get the Recipe: Natural Dishwasher Tabs with Washing Soda and Borax
18. Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents with Baking Soda and Castile Soap
Ditch the harsh chemicals with these simple, non-toxic dishwasher pods.
Made with recognizable ingredients like baking soda, salt, and castile soap, they are tough on grime but gentle on your dishes and the planet.
These pods are a fantastic way to maintain a clean, green home..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Salt
- Castile Soap
- White Vinegar
- Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Non-toxic
- Cost-effective
- Eco-friendly
- Family-safe
Pro Tip: Ensure the pods are completely dry before storing them to prevent crumbling when you're ready to use them.
Get the Recipe: Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents with Baking Soda and Castile Soap
19. Borax-Free Dishwasher Pods with Washing Soda and Oxygen Bleach
These DIY dishwasher pods offer a natural, plant-based way to achieve sparkling clean dishes.
They effectively break down grease and stubborn food residue without using borax.
Each pod is biodegradable and made with eco-friendly materials, making them a great choice for a healthier home and planet..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Oxygen Bleach Powder
- Table Salt
- Enzymes (optional)
- Lemon Essential Oil (optional)
Benefits:
- Borax-free
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic
- Sparkling clean dishes
Pro Tip: If you live in a humid climate, consider making the mixture into a powder instead of pods to avoid clumping.
Get the Recipe: Borax-Free Dishwasher Pods with Washing Soda and Oxygen Bleach
20. DIY Lemon Dishwasher Pods with Citric Acid
These DIY dishwasher pods are super simple to make and incredibly cost-effective, helping you cut back on toxic household cleaners.
The lemon essential oil adds a fresh scent, and the citric acid helps keep hard water stains at bay, leaving your dishes squeaky clean.
They are a fantastic way to embrace natural cleaning..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Washing Soda
- Salt
- Citric Acid
- Water
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Vinegar
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Natural scent
- Reduces hard water stains
- Easy to use
Pro Tip: Use a silicone mold or ice cube tray to easily shape and remove the pods once they've hardened.
Get the Recipe: DIY Lemon Dishwasher Pods with Citric Acid
21. Natural Dishwasher Detergent Powder with Baking Soda & Washing Soda
This homemade dishwasher detergent is a breeze to make with just a few pantry staples! It uses baking soda and washing soda to tackle grime and soften water, ensuring your dishes come out clean without any harsh chemicals.
It’s a simple, effective, and economical choice for your daily dishwashing needs..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Washing Soda
- Sea Salt
- Citric Acid
- Essential Oils (optional)
Benefits:
- Natural cleaning
- Water softening
- Cost-effective
Pro Tip: For extra freshness and cleaning power, add a few drops of lemon essential oil to each load.
Get the Recipe: Natural Dishwasher Detergent Powder with Baking Soda & Washing Soda
22. Easy DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
Tired of measuring messy powders? These DIY dishwasher detergent tabs are a game-changer! Made with simple ingredients like washing soda and essential oils, they offer the convenience of store-bought tabs with the peace of mind of natural ingredients.
They dissolve beautifully and leave your dishes sparkling clean..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Salt
- Citrus Fresh Essential Oil
- Water
Benefits:
- Convenient tabs
- Natural degreasing
- Uplifting aroma
Pro Tip: Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse aid compartment can help prevent spots and ensure extra shine.
Get the Recipe: Easy DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
23. Super Simple DIY Dishwasher Detergent
Here’s a straightforward DIY dishwasher detergent that’s incredibly easy to make and use.
It’s formulated to be gentle yet effective, cutting through grease and leaving dishes spotless.
This recipe is a fantastic way to ditch commercial detergents filled with questionable chemicals and embrace a more natural approach to dishwashing..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Liquid Castile Soap
- Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Cost-effective to make
- Disinfecting properties
- Reduces chemical exposure
Pro Tip: Use lemon essential oil for its natural disinfecting properties and pleasant scent, or try grapefruit or orange oil for a different citrus twist.
Get the Recipe: Super Simple DIY Dishwasher Detergent
24. DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tabs with Essential Oils
These DIY dishwasher detergent tabs are a convenient and eco-friendly way to keep your dishes clean.
Made with washing soda, salt, and essential oils, they provide a powerful clean without any harsh chemicals.
They're super easy to make and store, offering a delightful citrus aroma while they work their magic..
Key Ingredients:
- Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
- Salt
- Citrus Fresh essential oil
- Water
Benefits:
- Reduces waste
- Charming addition to the kitchen
- Saves money
Pro Tip: Using a silicone mold makes it incredibly easy to pop out perfectly shaped tabs every time.
Get the Recipe: DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tabs with Essential Oils
25. Easy Peasy DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
Say goodbye to expensive, chemical-laden dishwasher detergents with these easy DIY tabs! They're made with simple, inexpensive ingredients and infused with essential oils for a natural, fresh scent.
These tabs tackle grime effectively, leaving your dishes and glassware sparkling clean and residue-free..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Epsom Salt
- Washing Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Cost-effective per load
- Natural cleaning power
- Reduces waste
Pro Tip: Press the mixture firmly into your silicone molds to ensure the tabs harden properly and don't crumble.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peasy DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
26. Easy 4-Ingredient Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
These homemade dishwasher tabs are incredibly simple to make, using just four ingredients! They're a budget-friendly way to get sparkling clean dishes without the expense of store-bought options.
Just throw one in your dishwasher, and you're good to go..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Citric Acid
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Cost-effective
- Easy to use
- Natural ingredients
Pro Tip: Leverage the tendency of these tabs to harden to make them easy to store and use – no measuring required!
Get the Recipe: Easy 4-Ingredient Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
27. Lemon-Fresh DIY Dishwasher Tabs
These DIY dishwasher tabs are a budget-friendly and natural way to get your dishes sparkling clean.
With a hint of lemon, they cut through grease and grime, leaving your dishes smelling fresh and looking brilliant.
Making them yourself is surprisingly easy!.
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Kosher Salt
- White Distilled Vinegar
- Castile Soap
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Inexpensive
- Natural ingredients
- Cuts grease and grime
- Deodorizing
Pro Tip: Pack the mixture tightly into ice cube trays for compact, easy-to-handle tabs.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Fresh DIY Dishwasher Tabs
28. Simple 4-Ingredient Homemade Dishwasher Pods
Making your own dishwasher pods is not only fun but also a great way to save money and use more natural ingredients.
These pods are super easy to whip up, and the hardest part is just waiting for them to harden.
Get ready for clean dishes with this simple recipe!.
Key Ingredients:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Salt
- Baking Soda
- Castile Soap
Benefits:
- Easy to make
- Inexpensive
- Natural cleaning agent
Pro Tip: Using a silicone ice cube tray makes it easy to pop out the finished pods.
Get the Recipe: Simple 4-Ingredient Homemade Dishwasher Pods
29. Citrus-Infused Homemade Dishwasher Tablets
Whip up your own dishwasher tablets with a refreshing citrus scent! These homemade tabs are a wonderful money-saving DIY that also lets you customize the fragrance.
They're perfect for stocking up and even make a thoughtful gift..
Key Ingredients:
- Epsom Salts
- Washing Soda
- Borax
- Lemon or Lime Peel
- Lemon or Lime Juice
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Saves money
- Customizable scent
- Safe cleaner
Pro Tip: Candy molds work well and are easy to remove your finished tablets from.
Get the Recipe: Citrus-Infused Homemade Dishwasher Tablets
30. Penny-Pinching DIY Dishwasher Tablets
Clean your dishes for just pennies with these easy-to-make DIY dishwasher tablets! They're a fantastic kitchen hack that naturally cleans your dishes, cutting through grease and grime.
You'll love saving money and skipping the pricey store-bought options..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Washing Soda
- Epsom Salt
- Baking Soda
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Water
- Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest
- Essential Oils
Benefits:
- Saves money
- Natural cleaning
- Cuts grease and grime
- Smell good
Pro Tip: Using silicone molds makes it incredibly easy to remove the tablets once they've hardened.
Get the Recipe: Penny-Pinching DIY Dishwasher Tablets
31. 4-Ingredient Natural Dishwasher Tablets
Switching to natural alternatives at home is a great way to reduce toxins, and these 4-ingredient dishwasher tablets are a perfect example! They are quick to make and a wonderful choice for your family and the environment, helping to keep your dishes clean without harmful phosphates..
Key Ingredients:
- Baking Soda
- Citric Acid
- Castile Soap
- Grapefruit Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Natural alternative
- Reduces toxins
- Environmentally friendly
Pro Tip: Silicone ice trays are ideal for molding these natural dishwasher tablets.
Get the Recipe: 4-Ingredient Natural Dishwasher Tablets
32. Budget-Friendly DIY Dishwasher Tablets with Essential Oils
Save money and skip the store-bought pods with this easy DIY dishwasher tablet recipe! These homemade wonders are simple to create and smell lovely with the addition of essential oils.
Get ready for spotless dishes and a happy wallet..
Key Ingredients:
- Borax
- Epsom Salts
- Washing Soda
- Lemon Juice
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Lemon Essential Oil
Benefits:
- Saves money
- Easy to make
- Pleasant scent
Pro Tip: Store your finished tablets in an airtight glass container to keep them fresh.
Get the Recipe: Budget-Friendly DIY Dishwasher Tablets with Essential Oils
33. Natural Dishwashing Solution Tablets
Make a positive impact on the environment by creating your own dishwashing tablets! This recipe helps you avoid harsh chemicals and reduces single-use plastic waste.
Enjoy clean dishes with a gentle, natural solution..
Key Ingredients:
- Washing Soda
- Epsom Salts
- Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)
- Lemon Essential Oil
- Lemon Juice
Benefits:
- Reduces toxins
- Reduces plastic packaging
- Gentle cleaner
- Effective
Pro Tip: If you live in a humid climate, store your tablets in an airtight container to prevent clumping.
Get the Recipe: Natural Dishwashing Solution Tablets