DIY dishwasher detergent is made with four simple and inexpensive ingredients that help to cut through grease and grime, leaving your dishes sparkling clean!

For many years, I used conventional dishwasher detergent that was harsh and frankly smelled like chemicals. Some people swear by it and the little dishwasher tabs can be really convenient, but I wanted to use something more natural. I then switched to the more natural brands. I felt better about the dishwasher detergent I was using, but it was expensive.

So, in an effort to combine the best of both worlds, I thought I’d try making my own dishwasher detergent and boy was I surprised! Not only were the ingredients super inexpensive and readily available, but the detergent actually cleaned my dishes just as well, if not better than the store-bought brands. This dishwasher detergent recipe is really quick and easy to make and I feel great about using it in my home!

PIN FOR LATER!

WHY SHOULDN’T I USE BORAX IN DIY DISHWASHER DETERGENT?

Adding ingredients into your DIY cleaning products is a personal preference, but there has been some controversy surrounding borax in homemade products. There may be evidence to suggest that borax can cause hormone disruption, especially in men. It can also cause irritation and respiratory problems when exposed to it. Additionally, it’s more harmful than many other ingredients, such as baking soda and citric acid, when ingested. For those reasons and in an effort to make this recipe really simple, I choose to leave out the borax!

CAN I MAKE MY OWN WASHING SODA?

Did you know you can make your own washing soda from baking soda? It’s really simple and just involves cooking baking soda. When you heat baking soda, a chemical reaction transforms it from sodium bicarbonate to sodium carbonate, which is washing soda! Here’s how you make washing soda from baking soda:

Spread your desired amount of baking soda in an even layer on a lined cookie sheet.
Bake it in the oven at 400°F for 1 hour.
Allow the washing soda to cool completely and use it in recipes like this DIY dishwasher detergent!

DIY DISHWASHER DETERGENT INGREDIENTS

WASHING SODA: Washing soda helps to cut through grease and grime, as well as helps to remove stains from plastic kitchenware.

BAKING SODA: Baking soda helps to remove dirt and grease on your dishes.

COARSE SALT: Coarse salt helps to soften water and leave your dishes sparkling clean.

CITRIC ACID: Citric acid softens water and helps to clean your dishes. It also helps to ensure your DIY dishwasher detergent dissolves well instead of clumping and becoming hard in the dishwasher.

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