Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

I have a great recipe for the best Homemade Dishwasher Detergent that is so easy to make yourself.

This DIY detergent recipe is inexpensive, uses only simple ingredients, and avoids harsh chemicals found in many store brands. It’s perfect for frugal, eco friendly, and natural living households.

This recipe not only makes dishes spotless, but it also helps me to save money too!

If you enjoy making natural cleaners, check out our guide to making a homemade soft scrub cleanser or natural garbage disposal cleaner.

I love doing things myself, so I was excited to try making my own powdered dishsoap for the dishwasher.

I wanted to come up with a way to clean that would not only get the job done but also keep my home chemical-free and save money too.

The simplicity of this DIY recipe and the high quality natural ingredients it calls for make it truly the best.

Dishwasher Detergent Ingredients

Washing soda: This is an important part of many homemade cleaning recipes because it is known for being great at getting rid of grease and stains.

Baking soda: Baking soda helps to get rid of bad smells and scrub things gently.

Citric acid: Citric acid can help you clean your dishes better and make them sparkle. Not only does it clean things, but it also keeps things fresh naturally.

Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a great natural abrasive for getting rid of tough food leftovers because it has a coarse texture.

Essential Oils: Most of the time, I add about 30 drops of essential oils to my mixture.

Lemongrass is my favorite. The nice smell of lemongrass essential oil is added to the mixture, and it also helps to kill bad bacteria.

Bergamot and tea tree oil are two other choices that can help you because they are known to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial.

How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent without Borax

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, mix the kosher salt, baking soda, citric acid, and washing soda.

Step 2: Add in Essential Oils

Add 30 drops of lemongrass essential oil to the mixture to make it smell better and work better.

Stir it well until there are no more lumps and it’s all mixed together.

How to Use and Store Detergent

Put your work in a container that won’t let air in to keep its power.

For an easy way to use the dishwasher, just add 1 tablespoon of your own homemade soap to each load.

Details on essential oils

Before you make your own soap, you can choose from a lot of different essential oils.

You can try out different smells until you find one that suits your preferences.

This recipe calls for Lemongrass essential oil, but you can use bergamot or tea tree oil instead.

Notes and Troubleshooting

Homemade dishwasher detergent works a little differently than store-bought brands, so a few small adjustments can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tips if you run into issues.

If Dishes Come Out Cloudy or Filmy

This is usually caused by hard water.

Try these options:

Add white vinegar to the rinse aid compartment Sprinkle a small amount of citric acid or vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher Reduce the amount of detergent slightly

Hard water residue is very common and an easy fix once you know what to look for.

If There Is White Powder Left on Dishes

This usually means too much detergent is being used.

Try:

Using less detergent per load Making sure the detergent compartment is completely dry before adding powder Checking that the dispenser door opens fully during the wash cycle

Homemade detergent is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

If the Detergent Clumps or Gets Hard

Because this recipe does not contain fillers or anti-caking agents, moisture can cause clumping.

To prevent this:

Store the detergent in an airtight container Keep it away from heat and humidity Stir or shake the container occasionally

If clumping happens, simply break it up before using.

If Dishes Are Not Getting Fully Clean

A few things can help improve results:

Scrape food off dishes before loading Make sure the dishwasher filter is clean Run hot water at the sink before starting the dishwasher Use a normal or heavy cycle for very dirty loads

Homemade detergent works best when paired with good dishwasher maintenance.

How Much Detergent Should I Use?

Start small.

For most loads, 1 tablespoon is enough.
For heavily soiled dishes, you can use slightly more.

Using too much detergent can cause residue, so adjust based on your results.

Is This Safe for Septic Systems?

Yes. This homemade dishwasher detergent is generally considered septic-safe, since it uses simple ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals found in many commercial detergents.

Can I Make This Without Essential Oils?

Yes. Essential oils are optional and mainly added for scent.

If you prefer unscented detergent or have sensitivities, simply leave them out and the recipe will still work.

A Quick Reminder

Homemade cleaning products may take a little trial and error. Every dishwasher and water supply is different, so small adjustments are completely normal.

Once you find what works best for your home, this becomes an easy and affordable swap.

More DIY Cleaning Products

Looking for more great homemade cleaning recipes to make yourself at home?

This Homemade Soft Scrub Cleanser is so easy to make using a few simple ingredients. This DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner is so easy to make and have on hand whenever your sink needs a refresh. Making your own DIY Natural Air Freshener is so easy to do that you’ll never want to go back to store bought ones again! Plus this recipe also doubles as an all natural carpet freshener powder too!