DIY Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
Make your own homemade dishwasher detergent and save money in the process! It’s easy and only takes a few minutes to whip together a batch of DIY dishwasher detergent.
Spring is here and it’s got me focused on Spring cleaning. I just did a big overhaul on my kids playroom and now I’m ready to tackle the rest of the house. I love to make my own cleaning supplies (like my homemade laundry detergent) and I knew I could save money making my own DIY dishwasher detergent as well.
I found this automatic dishwasher detergent recipe in the “Whip up your own cleaning products” article from All You. It was quick and easy to make and saves me a bundle by not having to buy pricey detergent.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Making your own dishwasher detergent may sound difficult but it is anything but! It is SO easy. You will need just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes of your time! This recipe uses basic supplies that you likely have already including:
- rubber gloves
- measuring cup
- mixing bowl
- 32oz container with a lid (a glass jar works great!)
The ingredients in this easy dishwasher detergent recipe are also super basic and found in the aisles of your local big box store or supermarket. You’ll need:
- washing soda
- borax
- grapefruit essential oil
I use pure essential oils and don’t recommend using anything with “fragrance” in it. They should be “pure” 100% grapefruit essential oils.
Once you have the necessary supplies you just need to mix them together! It really only takes a few minutes and you’ll have enough detergent forr 32 loads of dishes.
Another great tip is to add vinegar to your rinse aid compartment. It will help your dishes dry without spots! It’s a cheap trick to get sparkly dishes.
Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Equipment
- Rubber gloves
- Measuring cup
- Mixing bowl
- 32-oz. lidded plastic container
Ingredients
- 2 cups washing soda
- 2 cups borax
- 25 drops grapefruit essential oil
Instructions
- Put on gloves. Add washing soda, borax and oil to bowl, stirring with your hands to mix and eliminate clumps.
- Transfer powder to plastic container.
- Use 2 Tbsp. detergent per wash.
- You also can add 1 tsp. vinegar, if desired, to the rinse cycle to prevent spots on silverware and glasses.
Follow this hack to clean cloudy glasses too! This trick is super popular! Before you know it you’ll have sparkly dishes without spending much for amazing results!
Another cleaning product that I’ve been making for years now is my DIY Laundry Soap. Get the recipe and start saving! It is possible to get clean clothes without spending a lot on fancy detergent. I use this in my HE washer and I’ve had great results with getting clean, fresh laundry despite the cheap price tag.
Grapefruit is my favorite scent. I have not tried making my own detergent yet but if I can make it smell like grapefruit it will be worth it.
Wow, really? This sounds incredible! I’ve always wanted to make my own products for cleaning, looks like I have the perfect recipe to try!
sounds great and super frugal! I so need to try this! With 5 kids I am constantly washing clothes!
have you ever heard of little ones reacting to the borax or washing soda? just started using and all of the sudden little one developing rash on skin…. did without essential oil first
It is certainly possible. My 4 year old has extremely sensitive skin and I haven’t had any issues with the borax or washing soda when washing his clothes. He has gotten a rash from many store bought detergents though. Every little one is different though and your kiddo could be sensitive to it. I know if I use any fabric softener my son breaks out in a rash all over.
I have all these ingredients, I need to try this. Sure would save me a lot of money – thanks so much for the tip!!
That is such a great idea to make your own dish washer detergent! I love the smell of grapefruit, so I bet that I would really like that!
I have made my own laundry soap but not for the dishwasher. I’ll have to give this recipe a try.
I had no idea you could make your own dishwasher detergent! I do make a lot of our cleaners but never thought of that.
This is awesome. I definitely need to try this out.
What a great way to save money! I have been meaning to start making a few of our cleaners, this just reminds me I need to get busy!
Now that is awesome. And I love the smell of grapefruit so I am all about this!!!!!
I have never thought of doing this… how cool. Thanks so much
Great tip.. I’ve been wanting to make my own, just couldn’t find a good recipe.. LOVE this one, will try it. Thanks for sharing and if it turns out well for my family, I will let you know….
I love the recipe and will use this. I did not know that about lemons. Thanks!
I am loving using my essential oils in DIY cleaners. They make my house smell so good, plus they clean it naturally.
We go through so much dishwasher detergent. Thanks for sharing how to make my own.
What a great idea. I’ve never made my own detergent. I guess I’m just worried it won’t clean well. Must try this.
My friends are all making their own dishwasher and washing machine soaps and loving it. I need to get with the program! I would love the smell of this one with the grapefruit oil.
I will definitely try the dishwasher detergent recipe. I have not been happy with the way my dishes have been coming out. I like the grapefruit in there for both scent and cutting the grease.
this is AWESOME. saves money and better for the earth. win!
Hmmm, I make my own laundry soap, but I’ve never tried dish washer detergent! Definitely saving this recipe!
I’ve always wanted to make my own but I haven’t found a good recipe! This one looks awesome! Thanks for sharing!
I have GOT to try the homemade dishwasher detergent. I’ve never thought to do that, but I want to try!
I have always wanted to try to make my own laundry soap. It seems so easy and so affordable. I’m going to have to try it… sooner rather than later!
What a great way to save money, I also like that you can get your soap smelling the way you like, too!
This is such a great and helpful site. Thank you so much!
When I showed this to my wife she liked it a lot. I even got a kiss after I was kicked out of my laptop. 🙂 Thanks anyway 😛
Great tip! I am going to do it. Is it possible instead of grapefruit essential oil to use lemon or orange. I don`t like grapefruit so much. Thank you for sharing your post. Greetings!
I think lemon or orange would work just as well.