This all natural homemade dishwasher detergent is made from simple, non-toxic ingredients that will keep your dishes clean.
This post contains affiliate links. Read more on my Policies & Disclosures page.
***Green cleaning update: This was my very first green cleaner. I no longer use this recipe as it mixes an acid (citric acid) and two bases (baking soda and washing soda). Learn more about why I stopped making this recipe here. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
***What I use to green clean dishes in the dishwasher: I either make my Fresh Lemon Homemade Dishwasher Detergent or purchase this dish washing powder. In a pinch I fill the detergent dispenser of my dishwasher with baking soda and add 3 drops (ONLY 3 drops) of hand washing detergent (I like this liquid detergent) on top of the baking soda.
It started with mud pies when I was a little girl and it has never stopped… I have an undeniable urge to try making things myself.
In fact, I now make many of my own cleaning products since I want my home to be as toxin free as possible. It all started with All-Natural Borax Free Laundry Detergent. The recipe was such a HUGE success that I began replacing more and more of my store bought cleaners.
Eliminating Dangerous Ingredients
I began looking up my favorite cleaning products on the Environmental Working Group’s Consumer Guide after I learned about the dangerous chemicals in some commercial products.
I was shocked to learn that my store-bought dishwasher detergent had scored a C for problems such as cancer and respiratory effects.
Homemade Detergent Goals
I began experimenting with homemade dishwasher detergent to see if:
- A homemade dishwasher powder could eliminate dangerous chemicals and additives.
- A homemade version could score well on the EWG scale.
- A homemade version was as cost-effective as store bought detergent (my store bought detergent was $0.20 a load.)
Ingredients to Avoid
The DIY dishwasher detergent recipes online all contained Borax and/or LemiShine. I wanted to make dishwasher detergent without these ingredients because:
- Borax scores an F on the EWG scale for respiratory effects and developmental toxicity.
- Borax use is controversial in “green” circles; it is a naturally occurring mineral, but it is also toxic (it can be used to kill ants and cockroaches).
- Borax has been banned as a food additive by the FDA, so I personally do not want to use it on my dishes.
- Read more about the Borax controversy and decide for yourself at Crunchy Betty or MNN.
- LemiShine can be found at many retailers, but the EWG does not have any data on it.
- The company does not disclose its ingredients. Companies in the US are not required to disclose all chemicals, but a product without an ingredient list sets off wild alarm bells in my mind!
The Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
My all-natural homemade dishwasher detergent is significantly cheaper than my old store bought dishwasher detergent AND it rates an “A” on the EWG scale! It makes 28 oz. for $2.51 or 56 loads at $0.04 per load!
| Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe | Cost per batch | EWG Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup Super Washing Soda | $0.46 | A |
| 1 cup Baking Soda | $0.30 | A |
| 1 cup Citric Acid | $1.00 | A |
| 1/2 cup Table Salt | $0.75 | A |
| Total Cost | $2.51 | |
| Cost Per Load (56 loads at 1 Tbsp per load) | $0.04 |
The best part about this dishwasher detergent?
It works great! It dissolves well (unlike some powdered dishwasher detergents). The dishes come out sparkly and clean with no spots or gritty residue!
Like using a rinse agent?
Place a small dish of white vinegar (1/8 to 1/4 of a cup) on the top rack of your dishwasher. It is a cheap, green, and non-toxic rinse aid.
How to Make Natural Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Ingredients
- 1 cup Super Washing Soda
- 1 cup Baking Soda
- 1 cup Citric Acid
- ½ cup Table Salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in an air tight container or jar, stir well or cover and shake to combine.
- Use one tablespoon per load in your main dishwasher detergent compartment (you many also place the detergent in the bottom of your dishwasher before starting).
- For EXTRA dirty dishes or very heavy loads boost the detergent by placing it in the bottom of the machine, then add 1/8-1/3 tsp of liquid Castile soap (I use Dr Bronner’s Unscented) or 2-3 drops of natural hand washing detergent in the detergent dispenser , and use a white vinegar rinse.
Storing Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Powdered dishwasher detergent can turn into a rock hard lump if not stored correctly. The citric acid can make the mixture harden if there is humidity or moisture in the air. Since most people store detergent under the kitchen sink this can be a BIG problem!
Thee are 3 ways to prevent the dishwasher powder from hardening (listed in the order of effectiveness):
- Mix the detergent in a large bowl then leave it uncovered for a few days. Stir the mixture a few times a day to remove clumps. Once the clumping stops store it in an airtight jar or plastic container.
- Save a silica gel pack from a pair of shoes and keep this in the jar with the detergent.
- Fill a little mesh or muslin bag with uncooked whole grain rice and keep in the jar with the detergent.
Dress Up Your Storage Container
Grab a free printable label for a Mason jar to store your dishwashing powder.
I made my pour spout dispenser from an empty cardboard salt container; get the full instructions at The Craft Patch.
More DIY Dishwasher Detergent Ideas
If you are looking for a gel dishwasher detergent try my Fresh Lemon Homemade Dishwasher Detergent – it uses just lemons, vinegar, and salt.
Like my all-natural cleaning products? Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a thing!
Chadwick
Hi, thank you for all there great info! I have a question to ask but first share some changes i’ve made and hope it helps other people. Ive read your articles on natural homemade dishwasher, laundry detergents and the difference between washing and baking soda.
A few years ago I started the with to natural products for cleaning, hygiene etc. Ive switched to all natural fluoride free Tanit toothpaste tabs with great (no cavity) results, Ive eliminated those toxic shampoos and body washes with natural soap bars and shampoo bars only made from avocado, almond, coconut oils, aloe vera etc.
You won’t find bleach, Vim, Javex, Mr Clean, Pinesol, Fabreze or Windex in my house. Ive been using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) dilute to about 75-80% with distilled water because I found its an amazing cleaner and disinfectant for floors, windows, handles literally everything expect natural wood furniture. Its also and amazing deodorizer for fabrics like couches and carpets. It cleans windows and mirrors better than windex. I don’t use vinegar because the strong scent of vinegar lingers for quite a while, where as isopropyl alcohol once dries, has no scent. And I don’t lemon either as the lemon juice can leave a residue. Really, all people need is isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. Because once everything is clean, there is no scent. Thats why I don’t like this idea that clean things need to have an artificial scent like Fabreze to trick us into thinking its clean. Essential oils are a great substitute. But that is why I prefer isopropyl alcohol over vinegar, no lingering smell.
Now finally…to my question. In your article on the difference between baking and washing soda you talk a bit about acidity, alkalinity and how most “dirt” is acidic and you want alkaline cleaners. You mentioned mixing vinegar with baking soda would neutralize alkalinity either making the cleaner base or too acidic. Ive seen some people recommend using baking soda, white vinegar and a few drops of castile soap for the dishwasher. In this article you mention using citric acid in your mix with baking soda and washing soda, would that not take away from the cleaning power of the alkaline ingredients? or is it dependant on the level acidity? Citric acid is around 3-4 not very acidic and white vinegar is around 2.4 making more acidic than citric acid. Would mixing white vinegar or citric acid in with a dishwasher or washing machine load not reduce the alkalinity enough of the other cleaning agents? I saw your update on why you no longer use citric acid. Thanks
Bren
Both the vinegar and citric acid will counteract the power of the baking soda/washing soda. It’s one of the reasons I stopped making my own dishwasher detergent. It just didn’t wash well since it’s hard to find a naturally available surfactant that won’t foam too much. I recently swapped to these zero-waste dishwasher tablets and was amazed at how well they work!
Tiffany
I love where you are headed with this! I’m still researching and learning, so ask this out of hoping to understand and learn… oxi baby is basically washing soda and sodium percarbonate. why not just add sodium percarbonate instead of the oxibaby so you can eliminate the polymers and fillers they have?
Bren
Tiffany, you could definitely add sodium percarbonate and extra washing soda, but you would have to experiment a bit to get the correct ratio. When I made the detergent recipe, sodium percarbonate was not readily available, but oxiclean was!
dawn
what about keeping the citric acid separate and then adding it to each dishwasher load? what would the ratio of ingredients be then?
Miss Alana
Thank you for this post. In the last 30 minutes or so I have clicked on several posts for homemade dishwasher detergent and several either didn’t compile the information well, didn’t explain things fully, or I had to close about 1,000 pop up adds and scroll through a ridiculous amount of propaganda to even read the post. Yours was informative, to the point and provided everything I needed to make an informed decision about whether or not this would work for my family and our needs. I have never commented on any articles I’ve read but for the first time felt a “job well done” was in order.
Bren
Thank you for the kind words!
Adrienne
I really like a powdered detergent and I try to make enough for 6 months to a year so the lemon one just won’t work for me. Can I just eliminate the citric acid from the original recipe that you posted? I have used it (the original recipe) for 2 years or so and liked it for the most part.
Bren
I’ve never made it w/o the citric acid but if you give it a try let me know!
Melba Arrowood
What is “Super Washing Soda”
Bren
You can read all about it here: https://brendid.com/difference-washing-soda-baking-soda/
Elizabeth
Where did you get the metal pour spouts for the mason jars? Have so far not found them online…
Bren
Elizabeth, it’s the top of a salt carton. Just trace around your jar top and pop it in.
Kristina Anderson
I have been using this recipe for several months and now my dishwasher stinks so bad and the dishes come out with white on them. I have tried many different dishwasher/appliance cleaners. I am wondering what I can add to the mix. I am going to want to wash baby bottles in there soon and at the moment I would never. Yuck! Smells like rotten broccoli. I have taken apart all the filters and such a and cleaned them still smelly and has build up. 😑
Bren
I would stop using the detergent immediately and clean your machine using CLR (full instructions here). The mix is not working with the water in your area. I suggest looking for a natural, store bought alternative. I love this one.
Jakki stewart
Hi,I’m confused, I just read all your great info on what green cleaning items should not be mixed (baking soda/washing soda and vinegar). But this recipe uses citric acid which surely reacts with both alkali sodas as soon as it gets wet? I can’t see the difference, surely they would just fizzle and neutralise each other? Please advise?
Bren
Great question. This recipe is from before I started breaking down the chemistry behind green cleaners. I need to update it with a note of caution. My fresh lemon dishwasher detergent is a newer recipe that uses all acid to clean. I’m currently in the middle of a natural dishwasher detergent test that will hopefully yield a better powdered solution.
Selvi
Hi
I was wondering if citric acid ruins metal cutlery in the dishwasher.
Thank you
Bren
I’ve never had a problem using it on my cutlery, you should check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Emilie
This stuff works better than the very not organic brand I was using before! My dishes feel smooth and clean without a gritty residue. And I love that they don’t smell like chemicals! But-i would recommend the label since my dad stopped by and tried to drink some. 😆
Bren
Glad it’s working for you! And, no, don’t drink!!!
Alesssandra
Thank you Bren for sharing your research and recommendations with us, I imagine the effort that you put on to find all the information and bring everything in an easy context to your readers. I really appreciate! tks
Bren
Thanks, Alesssandra!
Angel
Hi there, I decided to try and make this tonight and the result is peculiar to say the least… As soon as I started to combine the ingredients, the mixture started clumping together and making a fizzing sound. Soon it had turned into a bowl of thick, frothy foam! There was no liquid added to this AT ALL so either it absorbed moisture from the air incredibly quickly or the prefers weren’t completely anhydrous. Either way, this was sadly a complete failure… 😢
Bren
So sorry it was a failure, Angel. Do you live in a humid area? It could be the summer humidity.
Darianna
Would this be alright for a dishwasher with a stainless steel inside?
Bren
I use it for my dishwasher with a stainless steel interior. 🙂
belinda dutch
I know this is an old post! But i was reading your excellent info about baking vs washing soda. Where you said that you shouldn’t then use them with an acid as it will counteract them. But the dishwasher soap recipe does exactly that with the citric acid. Can you explain? So curious… am making own dishwasher powder for first time and as a chemistry teacher am getting very drawn into the why’s of it all!
Bren
You are correct, Belinda, this recipe used an acid and a base and needs to be updated! My current favorite “homemade” dishwasher detergent is to fill the dispenser with baking soda and salt (half and half) and add 2 drops of Sal’s Suds or natural dishwashing soap (the kind you use to hand was in the sink). Hope this help and thanks for the reminder to update!
Kathryn Majewicz
My dishwasher detergeant I made harden this time even when I used the silica gel packs. Ugh!
How can I soften it up now so I can use it?
Thank you.
Bren
Kathryn, try stirring to get it to loosen it up. As a last resort I have had to grate a hard block to get it granular again. You might try try storing it in an old ice cube tray if it always hardens for you. This way you could pop one cube out to use. Sorry you’re having trouble!
Hillary
I made this up a few days ago and left it out uncovered like you suggested. I kept it stirred, but it still kept clumping. Decided to go ahead and put in my jar but its just a hard mess 🙁 we live in East Texas and the humidity is ever changing and can get really high. Maybe I should just eliminate the citric acid add to each load?
Bren
Hilary, have you tried keeping a silica gel pack (those little packs that come with new shoes) or rice pack in the jar? That can help with moisture. I’ve never tried adding the citric acid at wash time but it may work. Let me know if you try!
Abigail
Hello, would it be fine to use Kosher salt instead of table salt?
Bren
Yes, you can use kosher salt. Good luck!
Kara
Hi! I stumbled upon your website and I’ve been using your dishwasher detergent recipe for about a week now but a few times when the load is complete, I’ve found the detergent has hardened in the compartment… and then I have to rewash the load which is super wasteful of water. :/ Any suggestions?
The detergent is loose and powdery when I put it in, but it’s solidified by the end of the wash.
Bren
Kara, try adding the powder to the bottom of the machine at the beginning of the wash cycle instead of the wash compartment. The humidity of the machine may be making it cake up. Good luck!
Joanne
I have been using your recipe for months now, and it is not “friendly” to stainless steel. My utensils, pots and pans and the inside of my dishwasher have lost their shine. Any remedies for this?
Thanks in advance.
Bren
Joanne, I would make sure to use a cup of vinegar on the top rack or an environmentally friendly rinse aid. You can also try adding a drop of dish washing detergent to the mix n the dishwaser detergent compartment. Also, due to hard water in my area I do a dishwasher cleaning every 6 months or so. Hope these idea help.
Joanne
I use vinegar in the rinse aid compartment, but haven’t tried dish soap for fear of over sudsing. Thanks. Also, I used Lemi-shine this time instead of citric acid. I’ll go back to citric acid and try the dish washing detergent. The Lemi-shine, I noticed, has a warning on it about silver, non stick pans and etching on glass. Oops.
Thanks again, Bren
Noelle
I’ve tried this recipe trice, but it just doesn’t seem to get my glasses clean, almost leaving a hazy film on them. I’ve also tried vinegar as a rinse aid but that didn’t help. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Bren
Sorry, Noelle! It can really depend on your water. Try adding a few (2-3) drops of dish detergent to the detergent compartment when you add the gel and see how that works with your water. Also, have you tried a deep dishwasher cleaning? That can help too! Good luck!
Kera
I’ve been using this recipe for many years now and love it. I tried reading your post about using the bases and acids, but aren’t really getting a clear “why I should not” especially in light of it working so well for me for so long. Can you give a quick summary as to why not use this one?
I don’t want to use your fresh lemon one because I fear it is too strong for our cutlery (specifically says no strong citrus cleaners, citric acid is ok so far) and that’s just too much work for us to make ha!
rowanvamp0
I’m tempted to try your recipe but after making so many DIY dishwasher powder/tablets I’m afraid it will perform as the many others. I have a brand new dishwasher 3 months old and all DIY recipes I have tried still don’t get the dishes clean food will still be on the dishes along with the feeling of girty parts. I do buy commercial rinse aid to use. Does your recipe really perform as well as you say? Do you really not find food still on your dishes? Looking forward to hearing from you any any suggestions you may have.
Bren
If you have tried dishwasher powders with similar ingredients and been unhappy this might not be the right combo for your dishwasher/water. I would try a very small batch (just add a teaspoon of each ingredient to your wash compartment) or look for a different recipe (I have a fresh lemon version people love) . Tips: always prerinse, use a rinse aid or white vinegar in a cup on the top shelf, don’t overload the dishwasher. Good luck!
rowanvamp0
Thank you so for your suggestion I love the fact you told me how to make a smaller batch to try out. I really am looking to save but cut out chemicals so giving a small batch list to try out is perfect for me. I’m scared to put in the white vinegar and ruin the new dishwasher. I do use commercial rinse aid tho. The lemon dishwasher didn’t seem economical for me and more invovled. I”m just getting my feet wet into living frugal.
Bren
🙂 It’s definitely a process! Let me know if you have more questions.
Greener Goods
Hi! I’ve made my own detergent and the poster above is correct: baking soda is simply a weak version of washing soda. You can leave it out entirely, as it is the cultprit for leaving a cloudy film on dishes–I used to include baking soda and citric or fumaric acid (same purpose, from a packet of unsweetened Lemon cool aid, and you only use a pinch–more will etch your glasses and could destroy your dishwasher parts/seals). After YEARS of use, I found the perfect, no-mix easy recipe that works in our hard water is simple homemade castile soap, squired directly to fill about half of our dispenser, topped with a shaking of homemade washing soda. Perfect every time! To make homemade washing soda, simply convert baking soda by putting in a 400 oven for one hour. If you leave it any less, all the soda may not convert properly. Best to you!
Bren
Thanks for the tips!
Cherith
How long until the clumps disappear? I made this yesterday and it’s sitting uncovered on my counter and I’m stirring it often like you suggested. I’m wondering if I did something wrong.
Bren
It will take a few days. It has to be fully exposed to the air.
Cherith
What do you do with it overnight? It was hard as a rock this morning when I got up. I had left it uncovered overnight
Bren
I just stir it before bed and stir it in the morning. If it is extremely humid you may want to cover it.
Erika
If you’re using vinegar as a rinse aid could you simply aid that to the rinse aid compartment or does it more effective in a bowl on the top rack?
Bren
I use vinegar in a bowl on the top rack since it is an acid and can eat through plastic/rubbery parts inside your dishwasher if left in contact with the parts too long. The rinse aid compartment slowly lets out the solution over a few weeks so the vinegar stays exposed to the plastic for a LONG time. Hope this helps! -Bren
Cath
HI! I love your detergent. However, my dishware gets a little cloudy too. I see you propose trying to ajust the ingredients. Where should I start? More or less of what?
Thanks!
Bren
Are you using the vinegar rinse? I would make sure to do that and also up the citric acid a bit. Have you also seen my Green Dishwasher Cleaning and Tune Up. Doing this occasionally really helps with residue.
April C
Hi, love the idea of homemade detergent( especially with a baby crawling around) but the recipe hasn’t been working for me. My glassware is slowly getting more cloudy, and not all the food particles is getting washed off. It’s leaving residue all over the inside of the washer as well. I don’t really have hard water, and I have vinegar in the rinse aid compartment but it doesn’t seem to do any good. Any ideas before my husband makes me buy some regular detergent??
Bren
April, the detergent does work differently in different types of water. I would try cleaning your dishwasher or try adjusting the ratio of ingredients. Some people also like adding a single drop of liquid dish washing detergent to the washing compartment. (I like Sal’s Suds). You could also try my Fresh Lemon Dishwasher Detergent. Good luck!
Amy Payson
It may just be my dishwasher but things weren’t getting clean until I did 2 tbls each in the pre-wash section and closed compartment. And even then I was dealing with a powder residue on my plastic dishes :/ vinegar helped but I’m no so sure of the cost effectiveness at this point. (after having to use 4x the amount)
Bren
Amy, have you tried my green dishwasher tune up? https://brendid.com/green-dishwasher-cleaning-tune-up/ It will get your dishwasher working in top form and make it clean much better. I think that you may be getting powder residue from using too much powder. Try filling just the prewash and wash compartments and adding one drop of natural detergent to the powder in the wash compartment. I recommend Sal’s Suds or Seventh Generation Free. It’s often about finding what works best with your water.
cea
Baking soda is just a weak version of washing soda, you can leave it out to save money. Salt is really only a filler, it doesn’t particularly clean and it’s corrosive. Leave that out too. Reduce the citric acid so that your recipe doesn’t completely neutralize itself, and if you’re rinsing with vinegar, you can probably just leave it out completely. But you’re missing an ingredient that’s in all commercial formulas: a surfactant! Real soap can leave soap scum behind on your dishes, so I recommend a few drops of dish soap. Really, washing soda and a bit of dish soap is all you need. & add some oxygen bleach for stains if you want.
Bren
Baking soda and washing soda are similar but not the same. Washing soda is sodium carbonate. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Baking soda is a great deodorizer. Washing soda is a great degreaser/stain remover. This is why I use both in the recipe. You can definitely vary the citric acid and salt amounts if you do not have hard water and add some detergent (not soap) if you desire. Happy DIYing!
Ruth
This recipe is AWESOME! I just made a second batch with a bit of peppermint Castile soap added and I put my white vinegar in the rinse aid section. We have more spots than cascade ever gave us but ther is no longer a soap taste and the dishes FEEL cleaner!!
Bren
I’m so glad you like the recipe, Ruth! you can try my dishwasher “tune up” to help with the spots. https://brendid.com/green-dishwasher-cleaning-tune-up/
Tara
Have you gotten around to creating a hand dish soap recipe? The ones available at the store, even the “natural ” ones are all rated around a C on EWG and I’d really like to be using something better. I searched your site and didn’t see anything and in reading through these comments saw that you might be working on something. (Hopefully!) Thanks!
Bren
Tara, I haven’t been able to make a hand soap I love… yet! 🙂 You can find a few A rated ones on the EWG Dishwashing Guide. Good luck!
Hollie
I’d love to make this recipe into little cubes, what could I use to wet the powder? Vinegar? Water? Do you know if adding vinegar or water to the powder will cancel out the effectiveness?
Bren
You should be able to mist the mix with a tiny bit of water (1/4-1/2 tsp total) and then form it with a mold (ice cube tray o similar). Leave the molds out uncovered until the mixtures dries and hardens. The citric acid has a tendency to harden when comboed with the other ingredients and left uncovered so you need very little moisture.
Molly
We use kosher salt rather than regular table salt. Do you think that would be too coarse for this recipe? Or I have fine canning salt.
Bren
Kosher salt should work just fine. Hope you like the detergent.
Bethany
Is this supposed to bubble when water hits it? I’m concerned that’s a chemical reaction and changes the detergent but I don’t know 🙂
Bren
I’m not sure about your question. It does not bubble like soap but will fizz a bit from the citric acid. Yes, this is a reaction but it is not a dangerous reaction.
Porsche Espindola
Can you use the stronger “cleaning” white vinegar vs. the regular white vinegar?
Bren
Yes, either type of vinegar will work. I use whichever I have on hand.
Moira Kent-Brown
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Moira Kent-Brown
Hi, have just joined and love the site. What is Super Washing Soda? I live in South Africa ~ would it be one’s normal low foam washing powder. So this mixture makes about 3 cups , right?
Thank you
Moira
Bren
Moira, Super Washing Soda or Soda Ash are both names for Sodium Carbonate. You should be able to find it by reading the box. You want pure sodium carbonate. Thanks for visiting and the lovely compliment!
Maria
Hello, Bren! I tried making this and I’m hooked. It works so well! I’m curious, is there a reason for using washing soda AND baking soda as opposed to just washing soda? Thanks!
Bren
Thanks Maria, I am so glad you like the detergent! Baking soda and washing soda are two different substances. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is great for softening, brightening and odor removal in the wash. Super washing soda (sodium carbonate) it is great for dirt and stain removal and also cuts through grease, it helps make water soft and the detergent more effective. I love the way they both work together in the laundry detergent recipe.
Kim
This might be a silly question but is it safe to use all these ingredients in a stainless dishwasher? I wouldn’t hesitate in the other dishwashers I’ve had over the years but this is my first stainless and I don’t want to do anything to ruin it. Thanks!!
Bren
I use this dishwashing powder in my stainless steel interior dishwasher and have not had a problem. . According to the SF Gate vinegar is fine . Citric acid is a chelating agent used to clean metals and more, read more here . I would follow your manufacturer’s directions. This discussion thread might also help with your decision: . I would check your owners manual to be safe. Hope this helps! -Bren
Rachel
So sorry, didn’t see the several comments before that had asked the same question! Thanks for this recipe, making it this week,
Bren
No problem! Hope you like the recipe. You should also check out my Fresh Lemon Dishwasher Detergent.
Rachel
Where can you purchase citric acid?
Sheryl Bauman
I’ve tried this recipe twice now and both times it ends up rock solid in a few days. Any ideas what I could be doing wrong??? I love how well it cleans, but I don’t want to make it every day either.
Bren
So sorry, Sheryl! It’s the citric acid that can make the powder mixture harden. It happens if there is alot of humidity or moisture. You can prevent the hardening three ways:
1) Save a silica gel pack from a pair of shoes and keep this in the jar with the detergent
2) Make a little mesh or muslin bag of uncooked rice and keep this in the jar with the detergent
3) Make the mixture in a large bowl then leave it out uncovered for a few days, stir it several times a day to remove clumps, store in an airtight jar once it stops clumping.
If you have had the problem twice I would try method #3 first. Hope this helps!
-Bren
susan
What is super washing soda
Bren
Susan, washing soda is also known as soda ash or sodium carbonate. One brand is Arm & Hammer.
Jen Real
Have you had problems with this clumping or getting really hard? I made some with the borax and have found that it gets extremely hard and have to take a screw driver or something to break it up or I can’t use it.
Bren
Jen, it’s the citric acid that can make the powder mixture harden. You can prevent this three ways:
1) Save a silica gel pack from a pair of shoes and keep this in the jar
2) Make a little mesh or muslin bag of uncooked rice and keep this in the jar
3) Make the mixture in a large bowl then leave it out uncovered for a few days, stir it several times a day to remove clumps, store in an airtight jar once it stops clumping.
Hope this helps!
-Bren
Ange
What brand of Citric acid do you use?
Bren
Ange, I use whichever food grade brand I can get the cheapest when purchasing.
Bren
I sometimes buy it online. It is also available at my local farm supply store.
Michelle
I noticed above that you said “a local discount store” what is the name of the store you purchased from?
Tonya
Just came across this and want to give it s try – we have a water softener so lots of salt in our water – should I just take that part out?
Bren
You could try lessening the amount, but I would not take out the salt all together. It acts as a natural scouring agent.
Michele
Hi Brenda, I’m wondering if your detergent is safe in dishwashers with a stainless steel interior since I have heard not to use vinegar or lemon juice on stainless steel. Is the citric acid not as harsh or can it be left out of the recipe?
Bren
Michele, I had not heard about avoiding vinegar / lemon juice on stainless steel. I use both to clean my stainless steel appliances all the time. According to the SF Gate vinegar is fine . I would check your owners manual to be safe. As far as leaving out the citric acid, The recipe would probably not be effective without it. Hope this helps! -Bren
Lise
Genius re-used pour spout!! I love it; how convenient that my salt is about to run out. 🙂 Thanks for the recipe; can’t wait to try it.
Bren
Thanks Lise!
Alana
I just started using your homemade dishwasher detergent and I’ve noticed that some of my dishes a still dirty. I read some of the other comments, since the salt is for scouring do you think it would help to add more?
Bren
You can try adjusting the amounts of each substance until you get a combo that works for your water type. I would also try a Dishwasher Cleaning and Tune Up, it’s easy and makes sure your machine is running in top form! Hope this helps!
Kera
The main reason I stumbled across your recipe is that our Oneida flatware specifically mentions not to use citrus-scented detergents. When I started researching ones that do not have citrus, I started seeing that there are few choices and I wondered about making my own, hence where you come in. So when you say to add citric acid, do you know how that affects flatware? What is your experience with it? Thank you!
Bren
Kera, I wash stainless steel flatware and have not had a problem. Citric acid is a chelating agent. I am not sure if this is what your manufacturer wants you to avoid so I would follow your manufacturer’s directions. This discussion thread might help.
nanageg
I’ve been using this recipe for about a month now and I love it! I do add a couple of tablespoons of vinegar in a cup on the top rack in the dishwasher and my dishes come out clean and shiny. I’ll never go back to expensive detergents again! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Bren
I’m so happy you are enjoying the detergent. I also love the vinegar rinse to make my glasses sparkle.
Ashley
Bren, is the salt necessary if you have soft water? I made your laundry detergent minus the epsom salt (because we have soft water) and it works beautifully. I’m wondering if I can do the same thing with this recipe.
Bren
Hi Ashley! The salt helps to scour the dirty dishes and can help prevent hard water spots. You can try the recipe without the salt and see how it works for you and, if necessary, add it later. This is one thing I love about DIY cleaners, the ability to make easy adjustments! I am so glad to hear you like my Borax Free Laundry Detergent!
Bren
I use white vinegar as a rinse aid, you can place a little cup on the top rack. It works great! Plus it freshens and deodorizes your dishwasher. Hope this helps! You can also try my tutorial How to Green Clean Your Dishwasher, it makes mine run much better!
Christine E. Ongano
I have tried this! I am finding a little residue left afterwards & I am thinking that maybe a RinseAid? I found a “recipe” for a natural one (vingear & lemon juice) so I’m going to try that in my next load. I never thought we had hard water but we do have Town water so…they add lots of stuff to it! But that you so much for this recipe! I am on a new roll of making my own everything! Laundry detergent, deodorant…everything! Overall it is SO much cheaper!!!! And I kind of enjoy it! My next adventure will be soap! My stepmom makes her own & I LOVE it! I LOVE how it makes my skin feel!
Bren
I use white vinegar as a rinse aid, you can place a little cup on the top rack. It works great! Plus it freshens and deodorizes your dishwasher. Hope this helps!
Teresa
Where do you find the citric acid? At a grocery store or somewhere else?
Bren
You can buy citric acid at the grocery stores in the canning aisle. I have also bought it on Amazon. It can also be purchased in wine or beer making shops.
Tina Moffett
Where do you get the pour spout that you show in this recipe? I am going to try the recipe today. I love making my own, natural, homemade stuff.
Bren
Tina, I cut the top off of an old salt container (a cardboard salt container with a metal pour spout) then use it in place of the inner circular part of a Mason jar lid. I hope you like the dishwashing powder!
Lisa
I don’t know why, but I made this dish soap exactly as you recommended and use the vinegar as well, but my dishes are not getting clean!! There is dried up food on the plates and silverware. Could it just be my dishwasher??? HELP!!!
Bren
It could be your dishwasher. Some dishwasher are old or simply are not powerful enough to get off food residue without pre-rinsing. I pre-rinse most of my dishes because food gunk builds up in the bottom of any dishwasher making it less effective over time. You might want to try checking your dishwasher manual to see how to clean the lower food traps/sprayers. We move a lot and I do this each time we get into a new house, I even wrote a tutorial on How to Green Clean Your Dishwasher. It seems to make any dishwasher more effective. You could also try a load with the dishwashing powder where you pre-rinse and see how that works too. Good luck!
Trina Halvorsen
How interesting Tina, my name is Trina and we’ve the same last name however mines spelled a little different lol. I’m also into essential oils and immune boosting remedies as I’ve got Hashimotos lol. Regarding this dish detergent recipe though, I’ve made my own but used borax and seemed to leave a cloudy/etched film on my glasses even with vinegar rinse. Had to get the baking soda and vinegar and soak them half hour and that took the cloudy film away it was with extremely hot water too in my sink.
Janelle
This is FANTASTIC!! I’m switching over to lots of homemade cleaning products and if there’s one thing I don’t want icky chemicals in it’s what cleans the stuff my babies and I eat off of! I’ve been using this for a few days and it has been getting everything from plastic containers to glasses sparkling clean. It almost makes me not even care about the awesome cost savings since it works so well and is so safe I”d pay much more for it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Bren
I’m so glad you like the recipe! Have you tried the vinegar rinse? I recently heard it is safer to put a small cup of vinegar on your top rack (rather than filling your rinse compartment due to plastic parts). I agree on the no icky chemicals on dishes thought too! I hope you try my other natural cleaning recipes like laundry detergent or room deodorizer sray (fake natural Febreeze).
Janelle
I haven’t tried it as they are coming out so nice anyway! And none of that squeakiness that glasses sometimes have. If I ever find I need some rinse aid I will try that. But it reminds me I still have a rinse aid compartment full of chemicals that I should try to drain!
Elizabeth
Just made my second batch of dishwashing powder. LOVE IT!!!
Samantha Cummings
I wish I was better at this sort of thing! I am trying; I know it’s safer and more cost-efficient to create your own natural products but when normal life takes over, things like that are left on the back burner. I did, however, create my own kitchen and bathroom cleaner with vinegar and water. Then, for extra power, I sprinkle baking soda and clean with that. This post made me want to put forth a renewed effort, though! 🙂
Selena
I have never thought about making my own household cleaner. I have used baking soda and hot water to fix my two-sided garbage disposal, which was packed with old cooking grease from the last tenant. I’ve also heard how useful vinegar is, so I’ve tried using that on some things around the house. I’m always surprised by new findings and technological findings, and making your own dishwasher powder is right up there.
Christine & Riley
Wow!! I have never thought of making my own dishwashing detergent, or even any other household cleaning agent. I think I want to try this considering we never seem to find something that cleans all our dishes well. Thanks!!
Holly
I make my own detergent and bathroom cleaner. I also use vinegar for all sorts of things. It’s varied uses amaze me.
Jennifer @Making Our Life Matter
We have horribly hard water. Do you know if this detergent rinses well in hard water? I am hesitant to try anything other than the approved detergents for my appliances. I just don’t have money to replace them if something goes wrong.
I am going to stop back in and see if you have a recipe for hand washing dishes 🙂
Bren
Jennifer, salt and citric acid should both help with the hard water. I am working hard on a hand washing formula!
Rebekah
Wow!! I didn’t know that Borax was so bad! I’ve been making my own laundry detergent with it, but I may have to rethink that now. I’m off to check out your laundry detergent! Pinning!
Alison @ Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
I have thought about making my own laundry detergent, but haven’t done it yet. This sounds like an awesome and easy to make recipe for dishwasher soap that I may just have to try! Thanks for sharing!
Anna Mujica (A Sensible Momma)
I’ve been wanting to start making my own household cleaners for a while for the cost savings and knowing what’s going into each cleaner! It seems easy enough! Thanks for sharing !
Marissa D
Sounds great, I’ve been looking for a new option myself, without Borax… I’ll have to give it a try!
thank you for sharing. You wouldn’t have any ideas on how to make a laundry soap without borax would you?
Marissa
Bren
I do know how to make laudry soap without Borax! You can see my recipe for it here: https://brendid.com/grade-a-laundry-detergent/
Robyn R
I’ve had a hard time finding a dish washer recipe that works well. It looks like yours is different than others I’ve seen so I look forward to trying it out.
Teri
I’m anxious to try this, we have a crappy dishwasher that doesn’t do a very good job. This looks like it would have more grit to really clean the dishes. Can I tell you, I’ve never seen Super Washing Soda before? I also never knew you could buy citric acid. Huh! I’ll make sure to give you feedback when we try this!
Bren
Teri, I don’t have a deluxe dishwasher either and this recipe does the job! Try using vinegar as a rinse aid to help too!
Grandma Ang
Hello Teri it might also be that you need to remove and clean all your filters. Look up your model online for directions. I was shocked what was in my filters and since then my dishes sparkle.
Bren
I agree, cleaning the filters is important!
Vivian
I recently started looking to purchase chemical free detergents, soaps, etc. But never thought to make my own. Thanks for the recipe!
Bren
I love going chemical free Vivian, but I’ve found some products aren’t as natural as they claim or are very expensive. Making my own dish washing detergent, laundry detergent and lotion has been a great solution. Then I feel like I can splurge on other green products.
Rosanne
This is perfect! I have been making my own laundry detergent and vinegar based household cleaning supplies for close to a year now. I was largely inspired by fear that chemicals had something to do with the infertility my husband and I were dealing with. I have stuck with it out of principal! I like knowing what is going into the products being used and sprayed around our house, and it’s awesome that they are so economical to make and EASY once you get the hang of it. I look forward to trying this out. It will be cheaper than the Ecover tablets I have been using. Thanks for sharing!!
Bren
Rosanne, I too am very concerned what chemical are doing to our hormones and bodies. I think the fewer the better for all around health. Thanks for commenting! -Bren
Lisa Barton @ Scrapbook, papercraft, journaling & cardmaking UK
Before I read this I had NO IDEA what went into washing powder! Now I know when I run out of commercial shop bought powder I can make my own 🙂
C. Lee Reed
so happy that we are getting back to using natural whole ingredients. My daughter long suffered from chemicals in her clothes, detergents and foods. Once we learned to eliminate them, it’s been pleasant.
i will have to try this recipe. Where else can you buy detergent that is good for you for less than 5 cents per load? Wow!
Bren
My kids have sensitive skin so I am also concerned about unnecessary chemicals, artificial fragrances, etc. Have you tried making lotion or body balm for your daughter. I love the results on my kids.
JanetGoingCrazy
I haven’t yet. I keep thinking I should just go for it and try it, but I think it’s laziness and “why”ness. I understand the chemical free and all, but I just haven’t convinced myself yet.
Carli
I have tried many different types of dishwashing powder and over time they all gunk up on my dishes. My husband finally put a stop to it and made me start using store bought again.
Neva @ Retire for the Fun of it
I will definitely be pinning this to try. I also didn’t realize the problem with borax and used it to make laundry soap. I combine vinegar and dawn soap for cleaning the shower & this works the best. Thanks for this cleaning recipe.
Bren
Tina, I use lots of essential oils. Check out my recipe for lotion bars (https://brendid.com/vanilla-cupcake-lotion-bonbons/) or room freshening spray (https://brendid.com/natural-fabric-room-refresher/) to see a few ways I use them in my home.
Crisi
This sounds great. Can’t wait to try it. Thanks.
Tricia @ Our Provident Home
I tried a homemade dishwasher detergent a little while ago and it didn’t turn out great. The one I tried did have borax and the powder ended up getting really hard. Supposedly there is a chemical reaction with the citric acid. Did you find yours doing this? If not, I might have to try it. Also, where do you find the citric acid for that price?
Great blog by the way! I’ll have to poke around a bit more.
Bren
Tricia, I hate clumping dishwasher detergent! This recipe does not get hard (make sure you store it in an air tight container) and does not leave gritty residue on the dishes. You can buy citric acid at a grocery store in the canning supplies, at a natural foods store or even a store that sells home brewing or cheese making supplies, it is also available online. I bought mine at my local discount store.
Sarah
I didn’t know this about borax. I’ve been using it to make my own detergent for clothes for a while now. I’m going to have to take a look at some of your other recipes and experiment with them, especially since dh was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago. We were contemplating getting a dishwasher, but don’t have one yet, so I’ll be watching for a good recipe for handwashing. Thank you!
Melissa @ This Girl's Life Blog
I will have to pin this one for later. When we moved here (military) we moved into a place without a dishwasher. I could cry thinking about it. Haha! Just kidding but I will be glad to finally get one again. 😉
priya
can we use fresh lime instead of critic acid
Bren
Sorry, I am not sure how fresh lime would work. You can check out my easy recipe for dishwasher detergent that uses fresh lemons.
Michelle Bisbee
Where do I purchase Citric Acid from?
Bren
Good question! You can buy citric acid at a grocery store in the canning supplies, at a natural foods store or even a store that sells home brewing or cheese making supplies, it is also available online. I bought mine at my local discount store.
Heather
That is so cheap per load! wow.. I may have to try this out. Where would I find the Washing Soda?
Bren
I use Arm and Hammer Washing Soda that can be found in the laundry section of your local store. You can also order it online.
Gala
Did you know in a pinch you can make your own washing soda? Spread baking soda on a shallow pan and bake at 400*F for about 30 minutes. Thought I’d share. 🙂
Bren
Thanks Gala! I had heard the tip, but have never tried making my own.
Jessi
I wish i had this recipe in our last home. I prefer to use natural ingredients in our home but the ones I could find for our dishwasher just did not clean well. We do not have a dishwasher in our current home but I plan to keep this recipe handy!
Anna
I have made dish detergent for the dishwasher and laundry detergent before. I really enjoy making my own cleaning products, I would like to get back into it as the holidays were very busy with travel and I feel like things are finally getting back to normal here!
Tatyana Gray
I’m definitely going to try this dish soap in the future. We also have very hard water, so it will be interesting to see how citric acid works.
Candi
This is a great. I have 5 people in my family and I like to save money. I am going to pin this.
Kelley @ Never a Dull Day in Poland
I guess I will admit that I am one of the lady people and hence the reason why don’t make my own cleaners but I guess I should really think about it as it looks quite easy!
Clint Butler
wow very cool idea. I don’t know how much we spend on Cascade for our washer but it does work very well in our hard Washington water. How well does this work? I found that most leave a film on your glasses and stuff, it just makes things look dirty.
Bren
Clint, the citric acid makes the dishes sparkle and shine! Salt combats the hard water naturally. Vinegar also helps. When we lived in WA I always used vinegar.
Cole
I’ve never owned a dishwasher before and I’m not sure I ever will. Can you use this soap for hand-washing?
Bren
This soap is designed for the dishwasher. I am working on a hand washing soap. Check back!
elizabethbeautyobserved
This is perfect! I’ve noticed a taste on my dishes the past couple of weeks from two different dishwasher detergents I’ve been using. Ick!
I fill my rinse cup dispenser with white vinegar.
Bren
I agree, ick! I hope you like this recipe, Elizabeth. I also put vinegar in my rinse dispenser, but some people worry about damaging the plastic/rubber dispenser parts with the acid. The cup is an alternative.
Mary Ann
Hi when you talk about the cup of vinegar in top shelf , do you have to stop the dish washer before the rinse cycle.. ? I don’t think my dishwasher shows when it is on the rinse cycle. Most of the time we turn on the dishwasher at night before we go to sleep.
I have been making homemade laundry detergent for quite a few years. Just recently I thought about dishwasher detergent. Thank you
Bren
Hi Mary Ann! Just add the vinegar to the top shelf when you start the dishwasher it will overflow during the rinse cycle.