Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tablets

Homemade dishwasher detergent tablets are a great alternative to conventional dishwashing detergents. This tutorial will walk you through the steps of making DIY dishwashing detergent tabs that are natural, easy to make and work great.

Having an automatic dishwasher to clean dishes makes life so much easier. But running out of commercial dishwashing detergent can send you on an unplanned trip to the grocery store – because who wants to wash dishes by hand if you don’t have to?

Making your own homemade dishwasher soap tablets is an easy, convenient and affordable way to always have dishwasher detergent tablets on hand in the long run. And you only need a few simple ingredients (and Borax isn’t one of them!).

One of my favorite things about making homemade detergent is that I know the ingredients I use are safe. If you check the Environmental Working Group website, you’ll see that the ingredients used in most commercial detergents are not. This easy recipe literally uses 4 basic ingredients.

The process for making dishwasher detergent tablets is very similar to making shower steamers, bath bombs and toilet cleanser bombs. It’s simple once you get the hang of it. I recommend making a big batch, storing them in a cool dry place (preferably in a glass jar) and using one with each load of dishes.

Supplies

• 1 ½ cups of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
• 3 tablespoons of sea salt
• ½ cup of filtered water
• 45 drops of lemongrass essential oil

Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Silicone mold
• Glass storage jar

By the Numbers: How to Make the Best Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Follow the simple step-by-step directions to learn how to make your very own dishwasher detergent soap pods.

Step 1: Combine Washing Soda and Salt

The first thing you need to do is to add 1 ½ cups of washing soda and 3 tablespoons of sea salt to a bowl or measuring cup and stir to combine.

Step 2: Mix Water and Essential Oil

Mix ½ cup of water and 45 drops of lemongrass essential oil together in a separate bowl, then pour it into the dry mixture. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Press Mixture Into Mold

Place a dollop of the mixture into a silicone mold (any shape you like as long as it will fit in your dishwasher detergent compartment) and press it firmly into the mold, making sure it fills the entire space. Scrape away any excess with the side of a spoon.

Step 4: Dry and Store Dishwasher Tabs

Let your DIY dishwasher tablets set overnight or for up to 24 hours to dry. Once they are completely dry, pop them out of the silicone mold and store them in an airtight container like a mason jar.

Tips for Making Dishwasher Detergent Tablets

Answers to all of your questions about making homemade dishwasher detergent tablets, including tips and substitution ideas.

How to use dishwasher detergent pods

You’ll use these pods just like ones you buy at the grocery store. Just put one in the compartment in your dishwasher and run it as usual.

Substitute for washing soda

While there isn’t a true substitute for washing soda, it’s actually really easy to make your own if you have baking soda. All you have to do is:

1. Pre-heat your oven to 400˚ F.
2. Pour baking soda onto a rimmed sheet pan.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes once the oven comes to temperature, stirring occasionally.
4. Your baking soda is now washing soda!

Best essential oils

I love that you can customize homemade dishwashing detergent tablets to any scent you like using essential oils. My favorite essential oil to use in my homemade dishwasher detergent pods is lemongrass.

However, you can use any combination of oils that you like. Lemon essential oil is one of the more affordable oils that works great in cleaning products! It smells great with eucalyptus or thyme. Or rosemary and peppermint is another amazing combo!

If you’re looking for a good brand of oils to use to make this essential oil dishwasher detergent, my favorite is Rocky Mountain. I even wrote a whole post about why I switched to Rocky Mountain Essential Oils!

Best molds to use

I personally like molds made from silicone because it’s easy to pop the dishwasher pods out once they’re set. Silicone candy molds are usually a good choice because they’re small enough to fit in the compartment of a dishwashing machine. However, you can also use ice cube trays in a pinch.

Best natural rinse aid

If you’re looking for the simplest, most natural rinse aid you can use in your dishwasher, try plain old white vinegar! Just fill up the rinse aid compartment with vinegar instead of the normal rinse agent you use.

It will help ensure cleaner dishes during the rinse cycle. If you don’t use a rinse aid now, they’re great for reducing mineral deposits, water spots and hard water stains from dishes – so give it a try!

More homemade cleaning products

If you want to learn more about making your own DIY cleaners, here are some of my other favorite recipes:

• Homemade Window Cleaner
• DIY Sink Scrub
• Homemade Floor Cleaner
• DIY Upholstery Cleaner
• Homemade Kitchen Degreaser