DIY Dishwasher Detergent: Homemade Recipe With 4 Cheap & Non-Toxic Ingredients

This year I became determined to give DIY dishwasher detergent a try, since I use homemade cleaners pretty much everywhere else in my home. Ever since becoming a parent, I’ve started to become more and more conscious about any unnecessary, harmful, and even toxic substances that can enter our bodies through food and cleaning products. So as I research, experiment, and transition into using cleaner products and methods – a natural and homemade dishwasher detergent only makes sense.

I come from humble beginnings, and I had no idea how much I could come to love an appliance. It was my husband who insisted that our first apartment comes with a dishwasher – something I’ve never used growing up. At first I thought of a dishwasher as a luxury, a nice-to-have. However now, with a whole family, I can’t imagine my life without it.

I was pleasantly surprised after trying a DIY alternative to a store-bought detergent, and I want to share it with other families who love homemade, non-toxic, and eco-friendly options.

Why Bother With Homemade Dishwasher Detergent?

I’ve come to rely on using the dishwasher daily, but have started to question if the store-bought detergents I use are as harmless as they claim.

My initial “ick” with standard detergents came from the fact that I could still smell a scent on dishes (particularly plastic ones – which I’m also avoiding now.)

I also started to question if the rinse agent actually stays on my dishes and is then ingested with my food. Yes, it’s supposed to evaporate, but… does it actually?

I’m also annoyed with the cost of dishwasher detergent – and I don’t even bother with using “pods” because I can’t justify the price per use.

Ultimately, I’ve become more and more mindful of things that may come into my body (and my family’s) regardless if it’s labeled as safe or not. There’s no harm in trying less toxic alternatives, right!

My Experience Using DIY Dishwasher Detergent

I have to say that I’m extremely impressed with this homemade dishwasher detergent recipe, but it does have it’s pros and cons:

PROS to Using DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Dishes came out exceptionally clean with zero stains or residue
Dishes came out just as dry as when using a drying agent
Dishes had no leftover scent
Once all the ingredients are purchased, the cost per load is much lower than buying pods or commercial detergents.
The ingredients for this DIY dishwasher detergent can be used in a variety of other homemade cleaning products giving a great bang for your buck!

CONS to Using DIY Dishwasher Detergent

Some dishes appeared to have mild scratches, however I’m not sure if those were present before using this homemade dishwasher detergent.

Star Ingredients in Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

DIY dishwasher detergent is extremely easy to make with only four cheap, non-toxic and eco-friendly ingredients. Let’s dive into each one and what it brings to this recipe.

Borax

Borax has always been a cleaning must-have in thrifty and health-conscious households. It’s a staple in laundry rooms, freshening up sink drains, deodorizing shoes, fighting stains, killing mildew, cleaning rust, and so much more!

The chemical name is known as Sodium Borate or Sodium Tetraborate (meaning it includes the element Boron) which is found naturally in our environment.

This Borax is a cheap and simple option for my homemade cleaners.

Washing Soda

I’ve only recently discovered washing soda, (which is different from baking soda!) and it’s my new go-to for most of my homemade cleaning supplies. It’s a strong, non-sudsy cleaner that can get rid of grease, brighten laundry, and remove stains. The chemical compound of washing soda is sodium carbonate, and it differs from baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) by being slightly more abrasive and having a higher pH.

This is the washing soda by Arm and Hammer that I’m currently using for my DIY dishwasher detergent.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is a mild abrasive that’s also a powerful deodorizer and stain lifter.

Citric Acid

While each ingredient on this list is a great cleaner, citric acid is truly the star ingredient for a DIY dishwasher detergent because it magically removes all residue and water stains.

Citric acid helps to lift stains, has a mild bleaching effect, and is a bacteria killer. It’s naturally biodegradable, and is also the key ingredient for holding together bath bombs. Cool, right?

Here is a pure and simple option for your homemade dishwasher detergent.

Optional – Lemon Essential Oil

I personally skipped this ingredient because I love the smell of nothing after I’m done cleaning, however lots of people enjoy a mild lemony scent when they open their dishwasher. Not to mention, adding lemon essential oil to your homemade dishwasher detergent can help to degrease and remove residues.

DIY Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

½ cup Borax

½ cup Washing Soda

¼ cup Citric Acid

¼ cup Sea Salt

(Optional – 10 drops of lemon essential oil)

Mix well, breaking up any clumps and store in an airtight container.

Use 1 tablespoon per load

More Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Options

Homemade cleaning recipes aren’t for everyone. I get it. If you’re on the market for more eco-friendly and non-toxic detergents for your dishwasher you can just buy from the store, here are a few options you’re sure to love.

The dishwasher detergents on this list rival my DIY recipe by containing largely the same ingredients, adding some food-busting enzymes, and being biodegradable. Let’s have a look!