I wanted to formulate my own natural homemade detergent for my dishwasher to see if I could produce a dishwasher powder that eliminated dangerous chemicals and additives, scored well on the EWG scale, and was cost-effective. I already make my own natural laundry detergent and natural laundry stain treater. I have definitely jumped on the DIY cleaning product bandwagon because I love knowing exactly what goes into my household cleaners and I like the cost savings.
I’m also interested in making sure our home care products are as natural and non-toxic as possible. To make sure they’re safe, I’ve been looking up all the cleaning/household products we use on the Environmental Working Group’s Consumer Guide. I learned that my old dishwasher detergent had scored a C for problems such as cancer and respiratory effects. However, it is cost-effective at $0.20 a load.
I looked up online DIY recipes for dishwasher powder, but all the recipes I found contained Borax and/or LemiShine. I wanted to make homemade dishwasher detergent without Borax and LemiShine because:
- I do not use Borax in DIY recipes because it scores an F for respiratory effects and developmental toxicity. Borax use is pretty controversial in “green” circles — it is a naturally occurring mineral but it is toxic. Since it has been banned as a food additive by the FDA, I decided that I personally do not want to use it on my dishes.
- LemiShine can be found at many retailers, but the EWG does not have any data on it and the company does not list its ingredients. Since companies in the US are not required to disclose all toxic chemicals, a product without an ingredient list sets off alarm bells in my mind!
Recipe for Homemade Detergent
| Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe | Cost per batch | EWG Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup Super Washing Soda | $0.46 | A |
| 1 cup Baking Soda | $0.30 | A |
| 1 cup Citric Acid | $1.00 | A |
| 1/2 cup Table Salt | $0.75 | A |
| Total Cost | $2.51 | |
| Cost Per Load (56 loads at 1 Tbsp per load) | $0.04 |
This homemade dishwasher detergent is significantly cheaper than my commercially purchased dishwasher detergent AND my recipe rates an “A” on the EWG scale! My version makes 28 oz. for $2.51 or 56 loads at $0.04 per load! The best part — it works great! It dissolves well (unlike some powdered dishwasher detergents). The dishes come out sparkly and clean with no spots or gritty residue!!If you would like a rinse agent, place a small dish of white vinegar (1/8 to 1/4 of a cup) on the top rack of your dishwasher. It is a cheap, non-toxic rinse aid.
Natural Homemade Detergent for Dishwasher Ingredients
- 1 cup Super Washing Soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup citric acid
- ½ cup table salt
Natural Homemade Detergent for Dishwasher Directions
- Place all ingredients in an air tight container or jar, stir well or cover and shake to combine.
- Use one tablespoon per load in your main dishwasher detergent compartment (if your compartment does not open well or the detergent doesn’t full dissolve in your machine place the detergent in the bottom of your dishwasher before starting it).
- For EXTRA dirty dishes or very heavy loads I boost my detergent by placing it in the bottom of the machine, adding 1/3 of a tsp of liquid castile soap in the dishwashing detergent compartment (I love Dr Bronner’s Unscented) and filling the rinse compartment with white vinegar. Spotless dishes…. even on Thanksgiving!
I hope you try making your own Natural Homemade Detergent for Dishwasher! Here’s a snazzy printable label for a Mason jar to store your “Pure” Dishwashing Powder. I made my pour spout dispenser by cutting off the top of an old salt container.
