Learn how to make homemade dishwasher detergent. This easy recipe saves you money, and it's non toxic. It's very easy to use, and it works great. This is a great recipe if you have hard water or well water because it helps soften water.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

When I was a kid, it was my job to wash the dishes. Consequently, washing dishes is my least favorite job to do.

I didn't have a dishwasher until well after we got married. Although I've had one for years now, I still smile as I hit the start button.

Using a dishwasher saves me a lot of time, and it saves water and energy.

I have been using my own DIY natural dishwasher detergent for many years. I wanted to reduce the chemicals that we use, but I still need something that works.

For more natural cleaning recipes, check out these posts:

Want more recipes? My Natural Cleaners ebook has 12 easy recipes that you can make at home plus printable labels.

Can You Make Your Own Dishwasher Powder?

Yes, you absolutely can learn how to make diy dishwasher powder at home. This is one of the best diy dishwasher detergent recipes to make, as it is powerful and will leave your dishes fresh and clean!

Making your own homemade dishwasher detergent for hard water saves money, and it's more eco friendly for a septic system.

How Do You Make Homemade Dishwashing Detergent?

Learning how to make dishwasher detergent is easy. This is an extremely simple recipe to make as it only requires that you mix together a few ingredients.

What’s more, this recipe is cheaper to make than store bought dishwasher detergent is. This means that you'll save money, and you'll have direct control over the ingredients in this recipe.

For instance, you can make this homemade dishwasher detergent for hard water use. The baking soda helps soften hard water so your dishes get cleaner.

What Are The 3 Ingredients In Homemade Dishwasher Detergent?

One of the best benefits of this recipe is that you can control what goes into it, and avoid harmful or odorous ingredients such as citric acid. Making your own homemade dishwasher detergent without citric acid is a great idea as it avoids some of the negative aspects of store bought detergent.

For this recipe, all you will need is baking soda, washing soda, and epsom salt. The baking soda and washing soda help to eliminate stains and whiten dishes. Epsom salt softens stuck on grime that will wash away in the wash.

Best Essential Oils for DIY Dishwasher Powder

There are a lot of options when it comes to what essential oils you put into the bottle. Following is a simple list of all the essential oils that you may wish to use along with some of their benefits.

Citrus Oils (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine): Citrus scented oils are a popular choice due to their familiar pleasant smell. Further, they can help to cut through grease!
Lavender: Lavender is a pleasant smell that works great on dishes, plus it is relaxing.
Eucalyptus: This is a unique smell that promotes clarity which is always helpful in a busy home.
Grapefruit: Grapefruit allows you to have that wonderful fruit smell and is also known to be a mood booster!

I get my oils from Simply Earth, Revive, or Plant Therapy.

Is It Cheaper To Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent?

By and large it is typically cheaper to make your own dishwasher detergent than to buy store bought detergent. This is especially so if you purchase your materials in bulk, as that will lower the cost a lot!

Let's break down the cost:

Epsom salt is $4.12 for 4 pounds, which means you'll use about $0.46 per batch.
Baking soda is $3.24 for 64 ounces, which means you'll use $1.40 per batch.
Washing soda is $4.76 for a 55 oz box, which means you'll use $2.44 per batch.

Your total batch will cost $4.30. This will make 56 loads, making it just $0.08 per load.

Cascade Complete powder is about $0.23 per load, and generic Great Value dishwasher powder is $0.17 per load.

So yes, making DIY dishwasher powder definitely saves you money!

All of these prices are based on Walmart prices as of the date of publishing (May 1, 2023).

Best DIY Natural Dishwasher Detergent Ingredients

Learn how to make homemade dishwasher detergent with these simple ingredients. Following are the ingredients that you will need to make this recipe.

1/2 cup Epsom Salt
1 1/2 cups Baking Soda
1 1/2 cups Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
15 Drops essential oils (optional)

How Do You Make Easy Homemade Dishwasher Powder?

Step One

To begin, mix together the epsom salt, baking soda, washing soda, and essential oils.

Step Two

Then, after mixing the ingredients thoroughly, transfer the mixture into a sealed, air tight container.

Step Three

To use the homemade dishwasher detergent , I recommend using one tablespoon per dishwasher load for best results.