Buying a few basic cleaning supplies in bulk to make custom cleansers for each part of your home is more sustainable—and often cheaper—than stocking up on a cabinet full of specialty bottles of commercial products with ingredients you can’t identify. Homemade dishwasher detergent is especially simple to make. It requires just four common DIY ingredients, and the recipe below is enough for about 32 full dishwasher loads. “Making dish detergent may be a bit more time-consuming than store-bought,” says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids. “[But the] pro is that you can adjust the recipe to your liking and preferences. You may also save money in the long run, and avoid chemical additives in some store-bought versions.”
I’ve always been a fan of keeping things simple and natural at home, and this homemade dishwasher detergent fits the bill perfectly. One thing I love about this recipe is how it lets you control what goes into your dishwasher—especially if you’re wary of the long ingredient lists on commercial detergents. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. For example, a box of washing soda and borax can cost around $5 each and last for months, compared to $8–$12 for a single box of store-bought pods that might only cover 20 loads. The environmental angle is a big win too—less plastic packaging means less waste. If you’re curious about the science behind it, washing soda (sodium carbonate) acts as a powerful degreaser, breaking down grease and food particles, while borax’s alkaline nature tackles tough stains. I’ve found that tweaking the citric acid amount slightly can make a difference if you have particularly hard water, which affects about 85% of U.S. households according to water quality studies. Just be sure to store the mix in a dry place to avoid clumping!
How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Cohoon recommends a powdered mixture of washing soda, borax, salt, and citric acid powder. “Washing soda will obviously wash things up, while borax helps erase residue and remove baked-on stains and grime,” she says. “Citric acid is able to balance water pH levels and can break down hard water, saving your machine and dishes from stains; the salt will also help soften the water.”
What You’ll Need
- Equal parts washing soda and borax (about 1 1/2 cups each)
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup citric acid powder
Steps
- Using a plastic spoon, mix washing soda and borax in a mixing bowl.
- Add salt and citric acid powder.
- Transfer to an airtight plastic container to store.
Mixing this detergent is so straightforward that I’ve made it a weekend ritual—it takes less than five minutes! One tip I’ve learned is to use kosher salt instead of table salt for a coarser texture, which blends better and dissolves more evenly in the wash. If you’re wondering why citric acid is such a star here, it’s because it binds to minerals in hard water, preventing those pesky white spots on glasses. A quick heads-up: borax can be a bit controversial due to its potency, so keep it out of reach of kids and pets. For those with sensitive skin, wearing gloves while mixing is a smart move. I also like to add a drop or two of essential oil—like lemon or lavender—for a fresh scent, though that’s totally optional. If you’re in a hard water area, you might want to bump up the citric acid to 3/4 cup for extra stain-fighting power, but test it out first to avoid overdoing it.
How to Use Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Switching to homemade dishwasher detergent doesn’t have to mean changing your usual dishwashing routine, though Cohoon recommends reading the manufacturer’s instructions for your dishwasher to make sure there are no ingredients or chemicals you should avoid. Whether you use homemade or store-bought detergent, Cohoon also recommends rinsing the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. “Give your dishes a good rinse to avoid clogging the machinery in your dishwasher or getting streaky dishes,” she says.
I’ll admit, I used to skip rinsing dishes, thinking the dishwasher could handle it all, but Cohoon’s right—pre-rinsing makes a huge difference. It prevents food bits from gunking up the filter, which can lead to costly repairs. A study from the National Appliance Repair Association notes that 30% of dishwasher issues stem from clogged filters, so a quick rinse saves you headaches down the line. For this detergent, I use about one tablespoon per load, sprinkled in the dispenser. If your dishwasher has a pre-wash compartment, add a teaspoon there for an extra boost on greasy pots. One thing I’ve noticed is that this mix works best in a hot water cycle—cooler settings can leave a slight residue. If you’re in an area with soft water, you might not need as much salt, so feel free to cut it down to 1/4 cup and see how it performs.
How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Cleaner
Keep your dishwasher running at peak performance by deep cleaning it once a month. “Clean your dishwasher regularly to avoid product buildup and ensure a complete clean every time,” says Cohoon. Follow these steps to make a DIY dishwasher cleaner:
- Position 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the upper rack of the machine.
- Run the dishwasher through one full hot-water cycle. By doing so, you will effectively wash away both visual stains and stickiness, as well as any stinky odors.
- For the final rinse, evenly distribute one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another hot water cycle. This combination of steps will leave your dishwasher sparkling clean.
This cleaning trick is a lifesaver, especially if your dishwasher starts to smell a bit funky. The vinegar’s acetic acid cuts through grease and limescale like nobody’s business, while baking soda neutralizes odors and scrubs away lingering grime. I’ve found that doing this every four to six weeks keeps my machine humming along. If you notice stubborn stains, try adding a half-cup of hydrogen peroxide to the vinegar step—it’s a gentle boost that won’t harm your dishwasher. According to appliance experts, regular cleaning can extend your dishwasher’s lifespan by up to 20%, which is huge when you consider a new one can set you back $500 or more. Pro tip: check your dishwasher’s filter after the cleaning cycle and give it a quick scrub if needed—sometimes food particles sneak through, and that’s an easy fix to keep things spotless.
Cleaning & Organizing
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
Explore more kitchen cleaning tips to keep your space sparkling and efficient. From maintaining butcher block countertops to sanitizing dishes by hand, these strategies help streamline your cleaning routine.
I’m all about a clean kitchen—it just feels better to cook in a space that’s fresh and organized. One trick I swear by is keeping a small spray bottle of diluted vinegar on the counter for quick wipe-downs; it pairs perfectly with the DIY dishwasher cleaner vibe. If you’re diving into more kitchen cleaning hacks, consider setting a schedule—like tackling the fridge coils every six months or deep-cleaning the freezer quarterly. These little habits save energy and keep appliances running smoothly. For example, clean refrigerator coils can improve efficiency by up to 30%, according to energy studies, which might shave a few bucks off your utility bill. Whatever you do, don’t skip the dishwasher filter—it’s the unsung hero of clean dishes!
