Homemade Dishwasher Detergent: Easy, Affordable, and Eco-Friendly Solution

shieldMary Hunt calendar_todayJul 03, 2024 updateUpdated Jun 15, 2026 schedule9 min read verifiedFact-checked

Running out of dishwasher detergent can be a hassle, but don’t worry! You can easily make your own homemade dishwasher detergent with simple ingredients. This DIY detergent is not only budget-friendly but also eco-friendly, ensuring your dishes are clean without harsh chemicals. Follow this easy recipe and never stress about running out of dishwasher detergent again!

DIY Homemade dishwasher detergent hand scooping into dispenser

Why Choose Homemade Dishwasher Detergent?

We’ve all been there—reaching for that trusty dishwasher detergent only to find the container empty or down to the last pod. The usual reaction is to add it to the grocery list or dash to the store. But what if you didn’t have to?

In times when running to the store isn’t an option, knowing how to make your own supplies is empowering. This homemade dishwasher detergent recipe is a game-changer for your “Make It Myself” file. It’s simple, cost-effective, and gives you peace of mind knowing you can handle it yourself.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Making your own dishwasher detergent is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

An airtight container

A wide-mouth Mason jar is perfect for this homemade detergent. Its wide mouth makes it easy to scoop from and the lid keeps everything airtight. However, any plastic or glass container with a tightly fitting lid will work just fine. In a pinch, even a zip-type plastic bag will do the trick.

Baking soda

This is your ordinary baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda. It’s a common household item and can be found in the baking aisle of any grocery store or online.

Washing soda

Look for Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda in the laundry aisle of supermarkets, discount stores like Walmart and Target, or online. Washing soda is a close cousin to baking soda, known as sodium carbonate. The generic version, soda ash, is also available and is usually less expensive.

Borax

Borax is sold in various forms, with Twenty-Mule Team Borax being the most familiar brand, typically found in the laundry aisle near the washing soda. You can also find generic borax in larger, more affordable quantities.

Salt

Any type of table salt will work—whether it’s table salt, Kosher salt, or sea salt. Just make sure it’s not Epsom salt, which is completely different and not suitable for this recipe.

Citric acid

You can find citric acid in health food stores and online. An excellent and fun substitute is Unsweetened Lemon or Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid. Just ensure it’s unsweetened and lemon or lemon-lime flavored—no other flavors will do!

Lemon essential oil

This is optional, but if you have some Lemon Essential Oil on hand, it will give your detergent a lovely fragrance and a little extra cleaning boost.

Pro Tips for Storing and Using Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Washing soda and borax can sometimes get hard and clumpy. To ensure your detergent stays nice and powdery, avoid multiplying this recipe. Instead, make smaller batches as needed. Here’s a nifty trick: those little silica gel packs that come with shoes and bags? Toss one into your container of detergent instead of throwing it away. It will help keep your detergent loose and ready to use.

MORE: How to Make the Best Homemade Laundry Detergent—Liquid and Powdered

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Start by gathering your ingredients: baking soda, borax, washing soda, salt, and citric acid. Carefully measure and add each one to a container—just don’t include the white vinegar yet! Once all the dry ingredients are in, give them a good mix to ensure everything is well combined. Secure the lid tightly to keep your homemade detergent fresh.

When you’re ready to use it, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture to your dishwasher, just like you would with any commercial dishwasher powder. For an extra touch of sparkle on your glassware, place a small container filled halfway with white vinegar (about ½ cup) on the top rack. While this step is optional, it helps ensure your dishes come out super clean and shiny. And there you have it—clean dishes without the store-bought detergent!

Resources

While many of these items can be found at your local supermarket, we’ve included links and images from Amazon for your convenience and reference.

SEWANTA Wide Mouth Mason Jars 32 oz [4 Pack] With...

Arm and Hammer, Baking Soda, 43.2 Ounce

Save $0.61

ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda Household Cleaner...

Organic Cotton Plus Soda Ash - 1 Pound

Borax 20 Mule Team Laundry Booster, Powder...

PURE ORIGINAL INGREDIENTS Borax (5 lb) Sodium...

Save $3.34

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt – Full Flavor, No...

Milliard Citric Acid Powder Food Grade, 2 lb Bag...

NaturoBliss 100% Pure Lemon Essential Oil...

Print How-To Pin How-To

3.84 from 6 votes

Homemade Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

This easy and super affordable homemade dishwasher detergent will make your dishes come out sparkling clean!

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Category: Housekeeping

Cuisine: How-To

Materials

2 cups baking soda (Note 2)
1 cup borax (Note 3)
½ cup washing soda (Note 4)
¼ cup salt (Note 5)
¼ cup citric acid (Note 6)
10 drops lemon essential oil (Note 7)
½ cup white vinegar per load of dishes, as you use the powder (Note 8)

Instructions

Add baking soda, borax, washing soda, salt, and citric acid (NOT the white vinegar!) to the container. Mix well. Apply lid. Done.
To Use: Add 1-2 tablespoons per dishwasher load, as you would any commercial dishwasher powder.
Each load: Place a small container that is filled half-way with white vinegar (about ½ cup) on the top rack. While optional, this will assure that your glassware comes out super clean and sparkly.

Notes

A wide-mouth Mason jar or similar is excellent for homemade dishwasher detergent because it's easy to scoop from that wide-mouth, and easy to replace the lid to keep it as airtight as possible. However, any container with a tightly fitting top will work.
This is ordinary baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda. You can find this in any grocery or supermarket in the baking aisle or online.
Sold in several forms, you are probably most familiar with Twenty-Mule Team Borax in the laundry aisle often shelved near the Super Washing Soda. Or you can find generic borax in larger quantities, but much cheaper.
Find Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda in the laundry aisle of some supermarkets, in discount department stores like Walmart and Target, and online. This is not the same as baking soda, but a distant cousin. It is also known as sodium carbonate. The generic version of washing soda is known as soda ash, which is generally a lot less expensive.
Any type of table salt works here—table salt, Kosher salt, sea salt—whichever you have on hand. This, however, is not Epsom Salt, which is completely different and not used in this recipe.
You can find citric acid in health food stores and online. An excellent substitute is Unsweetened Lemon (or Lemon-Lime) Kool-Aid! But it must be lemon or lemon-lime only, and unsweetened—no substitute Kool-Aid, please.
This is an optional ingredient, but if you have Lemon Essential Oil it will give your detergent a boost and lovely fragrance.
Each load: Place a small container that is filled half-way with white vinegar (about ½ cup) on the top rack. This will assure that your glassware comes out super clean and sparkly.

Question: Have you ever tried making your own cleaning products at home? What’s your favorite DIY recipe for homemade dishwasher detergent? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Written & reviewed by

Mary Hunt

Our editorial team researches and verifies every money-saving guide before publishing. Editorial policy · About us

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent: Easy, Affordable, and Eco-Friendly Solution

Why Choose Homemade Dishwasher Detergent?