How to Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent

Make your own dishwasher detergent with inexpensive, natural products.

Dish-washing detergent is expensive, and many products contain harsh ingredients that are not eco-friendly. Instead of using commercial dishwasher detergent, make your own. Homemade dishwasher detergent is quick and inexpensive to make, and will leave your dishes sparkling clean.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup washing soda
• Glass jar with lid
• 1 cup borax powder
• ½ cup salt
• ½ cup citric acid
• Spoon
• 1 cup liquid castile soap
• Empty squirt bottle
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 3 drops tea tree oil

Instructions

Powdered Detergent

1. Pour 1 cup washing soda into a glass jar with a lid. Add 1 cup borax powder.

2. Add ½ cup salt and ½ cup citric acid to the mixture. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients.

3. Use 1 to 2 tbsp. of the homemade detergent per load. Store the detergent in the jar with the lid secured tightly.

Liquid Detergent

1. Pour 1 cup liquid castile soap into a clean, empty squirt bottle. Add ½ cup water.

2. Pour ½ cup white vinegar into the bottle. Add 2 tbsp. lemon juice and three drops tea tree oil.

3. Put the lid on the bottle and shake it well. Use 2 to 3 tbsp. per load.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill your rinse agent dispenser with vinegar for an alternative to store-bought rinsing agents.

References

• Going-Green-Challenge.com: Homemade Dishwasher Soap Recipes
• Planet Green: Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent