How to Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent (And Why You’ll Never Go Back to Store-Bought)

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Let’s talk about something that’s been hiding in plain sight: your dishwasher detergent.
It’s one of those everyday products we don’t think much about—until we discover what’s really inside those store-bought pods and powders. Harsh chemicals. Artificial fragrances. Residue that stays on the dishes we eat from every day. Yikes.

But here’s the good news: making your own dishwasher detergent is so simple, and it’s one of the easiest swaps you can make for a healthier, more natural home. With just a few pantry-friendly ingredients, you can create a powerful cleaner that’s free from toxins but full of sparkle—and love.

I’ve been using this recipe for years now, and I can tell you with confidence: once you try it, you won’t miss the store-bought stuff for a second.

Why Skip Store-Bought Dishwasher Detergent?

Most conventional dishwasher detergents are packed with ingredients we’d never intentionally serve at our dinner tables—yet that’s exactly where they end up. Harsh chemicals like chlorine, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and phosphates can leave behind an invisible film on our dishes, glasses, and utensils. That means every time we eat, we might be unknowingly ingesting trace amounts of these toxins. Not exactly appetizing, right? Thankfully this is a problem that is quick and easy to fix.

The Best Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

Here’s the tried-and-true recipe I’ve been using in our kitchen for years. It’s natural, effective, and made from ingredients you can pronounce. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl or large jar, combine all dry ingredients breaking up any clumps.

  2. Add lemon essential oil if using, and stir until evenly distributed.

  3. Store in an airtight container (a mason jar with a lid works great!).

  4. Use 1 tablespoon per load in your dishwasher’s detergent compartment.

What Each Ingredient Does (And Why It Matters)

Every ingredient in this recipe was handpicked with care—because if we’re going to take the time to make our own dishwasher detergent, we want it to work and work well. This isn’t just about going natural—it’s about being intentional. Each item plays a unique role in helping your dishes come out clean, shiny, and safe for your family.

Let’s take a closer look at why this blend is so effective, and why you can feel confident using it in your kitchen.

Borax



Borax is a naturally occurring mineral (sodium borate) that’s been used in cleaning for generations. In this recipe, it acts as a cleaning booster—it softens hard water, breaks down stuck-on food residue, and helps lift grime from dishes. It also has mild antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a natural way to support a hygienic clean without relying on synthetic chemicals. Think of Borax as the quiet powerhouse in your mix—the one that makes sure every spoon and spatula gets a thorough, sparkling rinse.

Washing Soda



Also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda is a cousin of baking soda, but much stronger. It’s a key player when it comes to cutting through grease and baked-on messes. Washing soda raises the pH of your dishwasher water, making it more alkaline—which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to dissolve food particles, soap scum, and residue. It’s like giving your detergent a boost of elbow grease without lifting a finger.

Citric Acid



This little lemon-derived wonder is a game changer—especially if you have hard water. Citric acid helps dissolve mineral deposits and limescale, the kind that can leave a cloudy film on your glasses and dull the shine of your silverware. It’s a gentle yet effective way to keep everything crystal clear. It also helps balance the pH in the mix and can act as a natural preservative, keeping your detergent fresher for longer. And if you’re ever inspired to turn this recipe into DIY detergent tabs, citric acid helps the ingredients bind together nicely.

Sea Salt



Simple, natural, and surprisingly powerful—sea salt isn’t just for seasoning. In this recipe, it helps scrub away stuck-on food bits and boosts water softening, making your detergent more effective in homes with hard water. It also adds trace minerals to the mix, helping to balance the overall formula and improve rinsing. Plus, it’s affordable and easy to find, making it a practical and eco-friendly addition to your dish washing routine.

Lemon Essential Oil (Optional, but oh-so-lovely)



While totally optional, a few drops of lemon essential oil can bring a beautiful finishing touch to your homemade detergent. It adds a light, fresh citrus scent—without any of the synthetic fragrances found in store-bought products. Beyond its lovely aroma, lemon oil has natural antibacterial and grease-cutting properties, making it more than just a pretty scent. It’s like sunshine in a bottle, and your dishes will thank you.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Hard Water? You might want to increase the citric acid just a bit (try an extra tablespoon) for extra sparkle.

  • Clumping? Mix up your detergent occasionally to avoid clumping.

Why You'll Never Go Back

Choosing to make your own dishwasher detergent isn’t just a cleaner option—it’s a more intentional one. It’s a quiet, everyday way to care for your home and the people in it. Because when you step away from the harsh chemicals and mystery ingredients, you’re stepping toward something better: peace of mind, simplicity, and a little extra love in the details.

Now, when I open the dishwasher and smell that soft hint of lemon, I feel a sense of calm. I know our dishes aren’t just visibly clean—they’re free from toxins and safe for the little hands that grab them, the mouths that use them, and the meals we share on them.

So go ahead, give it a try. And the next time you finish a meal with your favorite people around the table, you can rest easy knowing that even the clean-up is an act of love.

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