Go Back
Print

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

A safe and affordable mix that's ready in minutes! {48 loads}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Author Dena Norton

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Baking Soda
  • 2 cups Borax
  • 1 cup Lemi Shine or Citric Acid
  • 1 cup Salt*
  • Desiccant packet** optional
  • * Next time I might use kosher salt or other larger grain salt to increase the abrasion just a bit.
  • **I reused a desiccant packet that came in a food package. They can also be purchased or made yourself. You can choose not to use them but may have to break up the clumps in order to scoop out of the container.

Instructions

To prepare the detergent

  • Mix together in a large container: baking soda, borax, Lemi Shine (or citric acid), and salt.

To load the dishwasher

  • Scoop 2 Tbsp of detergent into the wash compartment.
  • Fill the rinse aid compartment with vinegar or your preferred store-bought rinse aid* (you should only have to refill this every few loads).
  • * After a few months of using only vinegar as a rinse aid, I began to notice a cloudy residue on my dishes. I resorted to buying one of the "cleaner" store-bought rinse aids and have been very happy with the results.