Cloudy glasses, hard-water spots and confusing detergent labels can make a homemade dishwasher powder sound appealing. This guide explains one simple DIY dishwasher detergent recipe, what its ingredients do, and what to check if your machine or water does not agree with it.
Automatic dishwashers are more particular than hand-washing dishes. Results can vary with the dishwasher, water hardness, water temperature, dishes and recipe. A natural dishwasher detergent made at home is not automatically a better fit for every machine, so start small and watch how your dishes come out.
Quick answer: Yes, you can make dishwasher detergent at home. One common powdered formula combines washing soda, borax, citric acid and salt. Start with a small batch and check your dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions before using homemade detergent.
Dish soap for hand-washing dishes and detergent for an automatic dishwasher are different products. If you are looking for a hand-washing recipe, see our Homemade Non-Toxic Dish Soap Recipe. For more DIY projects, browse the Make It Yourself blog, along with our Clean Kitchen and Clean Home collections.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
This small-batch dishwasher detergent recipe uses four powdered ingredients. It is a starting point, not a guarantee of the same results in every dishwasher.
Ingredients
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1/2 cup citric acid powder
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
Supplies
- Large, completely dry mixing bowl
- Dry mixing spoon
- Measuring cups
- Airtight storage container
- Label
- 1-tablespoon measuring scoop
Directions
- Make sure the bowl, utensils and storage container are completely dry.
- Measure the washing soda and borax into the bowl and mix.
- Add the citric acid and kosher salt.
- Stir thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer immediately to a clean, dry, airtight container.
- Clearly label the container “Dishwasher Detergent — Do Not Ingest.”
- Store securely away from moisture and out of reach of children and pets.
How Much Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Should You Use?
Start with approximately 1 tablespoon in the dishwasher’s main detergent compartment for a normal load. The amount that works, if any, can depend on your dishwasher, the soil on the dishes and your water hardness. Follow the dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions and stop using the mixture if you notice persistent residue, etching, poor cleaning or other problems.
For another published homemade dishwasher detergent formula, see Martha Stewart’s homemade dishwasher detergent guidance. Recipes can differ, so check your dishwasher’s care and use instructions before trying one.
What Does Each Ingredient Do?
Washing Soda
Washing soda is sodium carbonate, an alkaline ingredient commonly used as a cleaning booster. It is not the same substance as baking soda, and the two should not be treated as a one-to-one swap in this dishwasher detergent recipe.
Borax
Borax, or sodium borate, is used in some household cleaning products and contributes to the cleaning mixture. Borax should not be ingested. Avoid breathing the powder, follow the package safety instructions and store it securely away from children and pets.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is included in many homemade dishwasher powder formulas because it can help address mineral deposits associated with hard water. Results depend on the full recipe, water conditions and dishwasher, so it is not a guaranteed fix for cloudy dishes.
Kosher Salt
Salt is commonly included in DIY dishwasher detergent recipes as one part of the powdered blend. Its exact contribution can depend on the formula. Table salt or kosher salt in a detergent mix is not automatically a substitute for dishwasher-specific salt in machines that have a separate water-softener reservoir; follow your appliance manual.
What If You Have Hard Water?
Hard water contains dissolved minerals that can leave deposits, cloudy film or spots on dishes. It can also make DIY dishwasher powder more challenging to use consistently. If you are considering homemade dishwasher detergent for hard water, start with the base recipe rather than immediately changing the ingredient amounts.
If dishes remain cloudy or spotted, check a few things before changing the recipe:
- Confirm whether your home has hard water.
- Make sure the dishwasher itself is clean and its filters are maintained according to the manual.
- Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for rinse aid and water hardness.
- Make sure the detergent has stayed dry and has not clumped.
- Consider whether a commercially formulated detergent designed for hard water works better in your particular machine.
Adding more detergent is not a guaranteed solution and may leave additional residue. Adjust only within your appliance maker’s guidance, and discontinue use if the DIY dishwasher detergent continues to leave a film or affect the dishes.
Why Does Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Clump?
Citric acid and other powdered ingredients can absorb moisture from the air. A damp utensil, a loose lid or a humid storage spot can make homemade dishwasher detergent harden or clump.
- Use completely dry utensils and measuring cups.
- Transfer the powder to an airtight container.
- Store it in a cool, dry location.
- Close the container immediately after each use.
- Never put a wet scoop into the mixture.
If the powder has become damp, unusually hard or contaminated, do not try to rescue it by adding more ingredients. Discard it according to the ingredient packaging and make a fresh, small batch if you choose to continue.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Safety
Powdered cleaning ingredients need careful handling. Keep the recipe practical and follow the safety directions on each ingredient’s package.
- Do not ingest the detergent or its ingredients.
- Keep ingredients and finished detergent away from children and pets.
- Avoid breathing powdered ingredients while mixing.
- Follow the safety instructions on each ingredient’s packaging.
- Do not mix this detergent with chlorine bleach or other household cleaning products.
- Do not put ordinary liquid hand dish soap in an automatic dishwasher.
- Check the dishwasher manufacturer’s care and use instructions before using homemade detergent.
- If accidental exposure or ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control for information about borates and borax or an appropriate medical professional.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Dishwasher Detergent
A homemade dishwasher powder offers a short ingredient list and requires extra preparation. A store-bought product is formulated for automatic dishwashers, but formulas and results vary there too. Neither option is a universal match for every water supply and appliance.
| Homemade Powder | Store-Bought Detergent |
|---|---|
| Ingredients can be customized. | Formulated specifically for automatic dishwashers. |
| Inexpensive ingredients may make many loads. | Convenient and ready to use. |
| Requires mixing, labeling and dry storage. | May contain enzymes, surfactants or water-conditioning ingredients, depending on the formula. |
| Performance can vary by machine and water hardness. | Consistent dosing may be easier. |
| Lacks some specialized ingredients used in commercial dishwasher detergents. | May cost more per load than a basic homemade powder; actual cost varies by product and dose. |
Don’t Want to DIY? Ready-Made Options
These ready-made options are for readers who prefer not to mix their own dishwasher detergent. Check each product label and your dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Affiliate Disclosure: BodyWell1 may earn a commission if you purchase through certain links in this article, at no additional cost to you.
Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, 60ct – Free & Clear
For readers who prefer not to mix dishwasher detergent at home, these tablets offer a ready-made alternative. The product is listed in a 60-count package labeled Free & Clear.
Key features: 60-count tablet format; Free & Clear labeling.
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs, 72ct – Free & Clear
Seventh Generation’s dishwasher detergent packs offer a ready-made alternative to mixing your own powder. The store listing identifies this as a 72-count Free & Clear pack; check the package directions and your dishwasher manual before use.
Key features: 72-count pack; Free & Clear labeling.
Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods, Unscented, 60 Count
Molly’s Suds’ unscented dishwasher pods come in a 60-count bag. According to the brand’s directions, use one pod per load, making this a ready-to-use option for readers who prefer not to mix detergent at home.
Key features: 60-count bag; unscented; one pod per load according to the brand.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent FAQs
Can you make your own dishwasher detergent?
Yes. A homemade dishwasher detergent can be made from powdered ingredients such as washing soda, borax, citric acid and salt. Start with a small batch and check your dishwasher’s instructions first.
What is the difference between dish soap and dishwasher detergent?
Hand dish soap is designed for washing dishes in a sink. Automatic dishwasher detergent is made for a machine and its wash cycle. Hand dish soap can create excessive suds in a dishwasher.
Can I use baking soda instead of washing soda?
They are different ingredients: washing soda is sodium carbonate and baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Do not assume they can be swapped one-for-one in this recipe.
Can I put regular dish soap in my dishwasher?
No. Regular liquid hand dish soap can create excessive suds. Use a detergent intended for automatic dishwashers and follow the appliance instructions.
How much homemade dishwasher detergent should I use?
Start with approximately 1 tablespoon for a normal load, then follow your dishwasher maker’s guidance and monitor results. Stop if residue, etching or poor cleaning persists.
Does homemade dishwasher detergent work with hard water?
It may not work well in every home with hard water. Mineral content, rinse aid, wash settings and the dishwasher all affect results. A commercial formula designed for hard water may work better in your particular machine.
Why are my glasses cloudy after using homemade dishwasher detergent?
Cloudiness can have several causes, including mineral deposits, detergent residue, water temperature or the glassware itself. Check the water hardness, clean the dishwasher and review the manufacturer’s rinse-aid recommendations before changing the recipe.
Why did my homemade dishwasher detergent get hard or clumpy?
Powdered ingredients can absorb moisture. Use dry tools, close an airtight container promptly and keep a wet scoop out of the mixture.
Is borax safe to use in dishwasher detergent?
Borax should not be ingested. Follow the package directions, avoid breathing the powder, keep it away from children and pets, and review Poison Control’s borates and borax information if you have a safety question or exposure concern.
How should homemade dishwasher detergent be stored?
Store it in a clearly labeled, airtight container in a cool, dry place, securely away from children and pets. Use a dry scoop and close the container after each use.
Worth Reading Next
These related BodyWell1 guides cover hand-washing dish soap and other DIY home-cleaning projects:
Homemade Non-Toxic Dish Soap RecipeA hand-washing dish soap recipe, which is different from automatic dishwasher detergent.
DIY Vinegar Cleaner Recipe: How to Make & Use It SafelyA practical guide to mixing and using a vinegar-based household cleaner.
How to Make a DIY Non-Toxic All-Purpose Cleaner at HomeSee another at-home cleaner recipe alongside ready-made options.
The Bottom Line
Homemade dishwasher detergent can be an inexpensive DIY project for people who enjoy making their own household products, but performance varies by dishwasher and water conditions. Start with a small batch, monitor the dishes and the machine, and use a commercially formulated dishwasher detergent if the DIY version does not work well for your appliance.
For this recipe, keep the powder dry, follow the ingredient labels, and never substitute liquid hand dish soap for automatic dishwasher detergent.