dishwasher detergent

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

PROJECT OVERVIEW

• WORKING TIME: 5 - 10 mins
• TOTAL TIME: 5 mins - 1 day

• SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
• ESTIMATED COST: $5-10

Before You Begin

Since homemade dishwasher detergent does not contain the anti-caking ingredients of commercial brands, it's a good idea to create only small batches—no more than three cups. The product should be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid and labeled clearly. Include directions on the label about how much to use for each load of dirty dishes.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• 1 set of measuring cups and spoons
• 1 airtight container
• 1 silicone mold or ice cube tray
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 wooden spoon

Materials

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup food-grade citric acid powder
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup lemon juice

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients

   To make powdered dishwasher detergent, you will need washing soda, borax, kosher salt, and food-grade powdered citric acid. If you prefer to make dishwasher detergent tablets, substitute lemon juice for the citric acid powder.
   

   
   

2. You will need a mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups, and an airtight container for both forms of detergent. If you are making dishwasher detergent tablets, you will also need small silicone molds or an ice cube tray to form the tablets. Choose a mold that will hold about one tablespoon and create a tablet that will fit in the dishwasher detergent dispenser in your appliance.

3. Mix Powdered Dishwasher Detergent

   In a mixing bowl, add one cup of washing soda, one cup of borax, one-half cup of powdered citric acid, and one-half cup of Kosher salt. Stir well with the wooden spoon to mix and transfer to an airtight container. Label the container.
   

   

4. Make Dishwasher Detergent Tablets

   Add one cup of washing soda, one cup of borax, one-half cup of Kosher salt, and three-fourths cup of lemon juice to a mixing bowl. Stir well with a wooden spoon to mix. Place one tablespoon of the mixture into small silicone molds or ice cube tray sections. Allow the molded tablets to dry for 24 hours or until hardened. Remove the tablets from the molds and transfer them to an airtight container. Label the container.
   

How to Use Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

1. Powdered Dishwasher Detergent

   Use one to two tablespoons of powdered detergent for each load of dirty dishes. Since the homemade detergent does not have anti-caking ingredients, place the powder into the dishwasher dispenser right before you begin the cycle to prevent clumps that may not dissolve well.
   

   Keep a measuring spoon in the container so it is always handy. Add instructions to the label on the amount of detergent to use for each load so others can help run the dishwasher correctly.

   Tip

   If the mixture has hardened slightly, stirring well with a wooden spoon may soften it back up. However, if it has formed clumps, discard the batch. The clumps will not dissolve correctly in the dishwasher.
   

   

2. Dishwasher Detergent Tablets

   Place one homemade detergent tablet in the dishwasher detergent dispenser immediately before you run a wash cycle.