DIY Dishwasher Detergent Powder Recipe
If your dishes come out of the dishwasher smelling weird or tasting like soap, this dishwasher soap recipe is for you! I make my own DIY dishwasher detergent powder at home with just a handful of simple ingredients, and it’s honestly so easy I’ll never buy the store-bought stuff again!
It costs way less, I know exactly what’s in it, and my dishes actually come out clean. Here is my super easy dishwasher soap powder recipe!
Why I Switched to a Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
A few reasons I started making my own instead of buying it:
It’s cheaper. Buying these ingredients in bulk works out to a lot less per load than most store-bought pods or powders 🙂
I know what’s in it. A lot of traditional dishwasher detergents include things like synthetic fragrance, artificial dyes, and chlorine bleach. None of that is necessary to get dishes clean, so I’d rather leave it out and just use natural ingredients.
It’s customizable. More citric acid for hard water, your favorite essential oil, scented or unscented. You can make it work for your home and your needs.
Less plastic. Homemade powder in a reusable container means one less plastic tub or pod wrapper in the trash.
Pin This Post For Later:
Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Powder Recipe
Makes about 1 ¾ cups
Instructions
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup dishwasher salt
- 1/4 cup SLSA (sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, plant based surfactant)
- 15-20 drops essential oils (citrus is best, optional, I didn’t use them)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, dishwasher salt, and SLSA.
Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Add in the essential oils if using. Stir thoroughly, breaking up any clumps so the mixture stays powdery.
Transfer to a medium glass airtight jar for storage.
How to Use
Add 1-2 tablespoons to your dishwasher detergent compartment per load of dishes.
I prefer to add in white vinegar in the rinse department to further help get the dishes clean!
Notes
- Keep the jar tightly sealed to prevent moisture from causing clumping. If clumping happens, simply break it up before use.
- For best results, pair with a rinse aid like white vinegar if you have hard water.
- SLSA is what makes this an actual detergent instead of just a hard-water booster. It’s a gentle, powder-form surfactant that helps cut through grease and food residue, and it’s a common ingredient in natural bath and cleaning DIY.
- SLSA can get a little dusty when you’re mixing it in, so stir it in a well-ventilated spot and wear a mask! Again, essential oils are totally optional!
Will this leave residue on my dishes? No more than a typical detergent should, as long as you’re using the right amount (1-2 tablespoons per load) and your dishwasher’s rinse cycle is working properly. If you notice residue, try using a little less or check your rinse aid!
Is this a real dishwasher detergent, or just a booster? With the SLSA in there, this is a true detergent. SLSA is a surfactant, meaning it actually helps break down grease and food soil, not just fight hard water film like the washing soda, citric acid, and dishwasher salt do on their own. Most online homemade dishwasher powder recipes don’t include a surfactant, so it is just a booster and won’t actually clean your dishes.
Best Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
Not in a DIY mood? Totally get it. These are the cleaner store-bought options I trust:
- Branch Basics (Use code TOTALLYKATEABLE to get a discount!)
- Blueland
- Earthley
Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent
Materials
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup dishwasher salt
- 1/4 cup SLSA (sodium lauryl sulfoacetate)
- 15-20 drops essential oils (citrus is best, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, dishwasher salt, and SLSA.
- Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Add in the essential oils if using.
- Stir thoroughly, breaking up any clumps so the mixture stays powdery.
- Transfer to a medium glass airtight jar for storage.
Notes
- Keep the jar tightly sealed to prevent moisture from causing clumping. If clumping happens, simply break it up before use.
- For best results, pair with a rinse aid like white vinegar if you have hard water.
- SLSA is what makes this an actual detergent instead of just a hard-water booster. It's a gentle, powder-form surfactant that helps cut through grease and food residue, and it's a common ingredient in natural bath and cleaning DIY.
- SLSA can get a little dusty when you're mixing it in, so stir it in a well-ventilated spot and wear a mask!
- Again, essential oils are totally optional!
Final Thoughts
This DIY dishwasher powder is one of my favorite swaps because it’s so simple! A few ingredients, five minutes to mix, and a container that’ll last you weeks. If you’ve been wanting to cut back on the chemicals in your cleaning routine, this is a great place to start 🙂
Give it a try next time you run out, and let me know how it works for you!
