Natural Living

How to Make DIY Dry Dishwasher Soap

Are you looking for an eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and effective alternative to store-bought dishwasher detergents? Making your own diy dry dishwasher soap is easier than you might think!

homemade dry dish soap

Clean Dishes from Clean Ingredients

The best things in life are homemade…and cleaning products are no different! With just a few simple ingredients you can create a powerful cleaning solution that leaves your dishes spotless and sparkling. This DIY dry dishwasher soap recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce waste and save money without compromising on performance. It’s easy to make, highly effective, and completely natural—a win for your home and the planet.

The motto I’ve been living by? If you can make it at home, do it! Once you start making your own soaps and beauty products, you’ll be surprised at how quickly they come together, and how long they last you! Making my own dishwasher detergent has been just one of the ways I have been working to live naturally, making what I can from my own home, with my own recipe.


Why Make Your Own Powder Dishwasher Soap?

A Homemade Cleaner You Can Feel Good About

Homemade dry dishwasher soap is:

  • Eco-Friendly: Free of harmful chemicals
  • Budget-Friendly: Saves money by using inexpensive household ingredients. Plus, this recipe will last you up to 50 loads!
  • Customizable: Adjust the formula for harder or softer water.
  • Effective: Cleans and shines without leaving a soapy residue.

Ingredients to make homemade dish detergent

How to make this Homemade Dish Cleaner

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup washing soda
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • ½ cup citric acid
  • ½ cup kosher salt
  • 10-15 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance; lemon or grapefruit work well)

Instructions:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and kosher salt.
  2. Add Essential Oils (Optional):
    • If desired, add 10-15 drops of essential oil. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the fragrance.
  3. Store:
    • Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a plastic storage container with a tight lid. Label it clearly for easy identification.

How to Use:

  1. Measure Out the Detergent:
    • Use about 1 tablespoon of the dry dishwasher soap per dishwasher load.
  2. Optional: Add Vinegar:
    • For extra shine and as a rinse aid, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the dishwasher’s rinse aid compartment.
  3. Run Dishwasher:
    • Start your dishwasher as usual and enjoy spot-free, sparkling dishes!

Tips for Success:

  • Store your dishwasher soap in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping. If clumping occurs, simply break up the chunks with a fork before use.
  • For a stronger clean, especially for heavily soiled dishes, increase the detergent to 1.5 tablespoons per load.

Shiny Clean Jar

Why You’ll Love The Ingredients in this Recipe

Washing Soda: Washing soda is sodium carbonate, a powerful remover of grease and grime

Baking Soda: A step down in harshness from washing soda, baking soda helps clean and deodorize

Citric Acid: Boosts cleaning power and eliminates hard water spots. Citric Acid works its magic at reducing film left on your dishes.

Kosher Salt: Salt improves cleaning performance by softening the water, which helps eliminate build up

Essential Oil: Because who doesn’t want their dishes looking and smelling nice?!


FAQs About DIY Dry Dishwasher Soap

1. Is this safe for all dishwashers?

  • Yes, this formula is safe for standard dishwashers. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s guidelines for specific care instructions.

2. Does this work in hard water areas?

  • Yes, the citric acid and kosher salt help combat hard water issues. If you have very hard water, consider increasing the citric acid to ¾ cup.

3. How long does this recipe last?

  • Stored in an airtight container, this mixture will last for up to 6 months.

4. Can I double or halve the recipe?

  • Absolutely! Scale the ingredients up or down to suit your needs.

5. Will it leave a residue?

  • When used correctly, this detergent should not leave a residue. Adding vinegar as a rinse aid further ensures clean, spot-free dishes.

homemade dry dish soap

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Washing Soda

Baking Soda

Citric Acid

Kosher Salt

Essential Oils

Printable Instruction Card

How to make DIY Dishwashing Soap

An eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and effective alternative to store-bought dishwasher detergents! Making your own dry dishwasher soap is easier than you might think!
Keyword: diy dish cleaner, diy dishwasher detergent, diy dishwashing soap
Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup washing soda
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 10-15 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions

How to Make

  • If desired, add 10-15 drops of essential oil. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the fragrance.
  • Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a plastic storage container with a tight lid. Label it clearly for easy identification.

How to Use

  • Use about 1 tablespoon of the dry dishwasher soap per dishwasher load
  • For extra shine and as a rinse aid, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the dishwasher’s rinse aid compartment.
  • Start your dishwasher as usual and enjoy spot-free, sparkling dishes!

Pin for Later!

Homemade Dishwashing Soap

Ready to Try It?

Give this recipe a go and enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own eco-friendly cleaning solution. Share your results on social media with #HeartySolClean, and let us know how it worked for you! Happy cleaning!

Other Homemade Substitutions

Natural Whitening Toothpaste

DIY Deodorant

Tallow Sun Care Cream

Tallow Body Wash

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Affiliate Disclosure & Content Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links from a paid sponsor, Amazon or other program. When you use these links to make a purchase I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows me to continue creating the content that you love. The content in this article is created for information only and based on my research and/or opinion. 

Emily T.

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