Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Without Borax

Why You Will Love It:

• it will save you money
• its natural and completely safe
• its easy to put together in a pinch
• less wasteful! You can store it in a glass jar that never needs to be thrown out
• it actually works!

• 1 cup of baking soda
• 20-25 drops of lemon and orange essential oil

Then add to your storage container of choice I like using mason jars for storage in our home, using 1 tbsp at a time for each load.

If you dont have hard water, you can always try this recipe without citric acid and see how that works for you. We do not have hard water per se, but I still like to add it for the extra shine on my glasses.

This recipe is the result of a lot of trial and error, and I hope it works just as well for you as it does for me.

How Do I Fill The Dishwasher Compartments

Okay, you have determined that you want to use all 3 products. Now, where do you put them?

Most dishwashers have 3 compartments: the pre-rinse compartment, the main wash drawer, and the rinse aid reservoir. Here is how to fill them correctly:

• Put the dishwasher powder into the smaller pre-rinse drawer.
• Add the detergent booster to the larger main detergent compartment.
• Fill the rinse-aid dispenser with the rinse aid.

This way, each product is released at the right time during the wash cycle. The dishwasher detergent and detergent booster must be activated separately. Dishwasher detergents are alkaline, and detergent boosters are acidic. They would cancel each other out if used at the same time.

If your dishwasher has only 2 compartments, sprinkle the dishwasher detergent at the bottom of your appliance. Fill the main compartment with detergent booster and the rinse-aid dispenser with your rinse aid.

How Many Times Do You Run Your Dishwasher In The Course Of A Week

If youre like me, youve got the dishwasher going at least seven times a week, sometimes eight or nine if I had time to make cookies or some other homemade dessert.

That big bucket of Cascade Platinum I buy adds almost $10 to my grocery bill comes with only 36 tabs, so it barely lasts me a month!

I found out that you can save a lot of money and help the environment if you make your own dishwasher detergent!

I know it sounds crazy. Why make your own if you can buy it from the store?

Ive never been a Do-It-Yourself gal. I dont know how to sew very well, I am not super crafty, and I dont spend time watching YouTube videos to figure out how to do something.

However, after researching DIY dishwasher detergent, I found out that its not as hard as it sounds. In fact, it costs less money and lasts so much longer than buying premade dishwasher detergent from the store! Plus, I discovered some other benefits of making your own dishwasher detergent!

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Should I Use A Detergent Booster And Rinse Aid

Using a detergent booster and rinse aid is optional. My DIY dish detergent does a wonderful job on its own. Still, I highly recommend them for the cleanest, sparkliest dishes especially if you have hard water.

Weve developed recipes for homemade detergent booster and DIY dishwasher rinse aid that work perfectly in conjunction with this homemade dishwashing powder and are super easy, too.

How To Use Homemade Dishwashing Detergent

There are a few different ways that you can use homemade dishwashing detergent. One option is to simply mix the detergent with water in your sink or dishwasher, using it just as you would any commercially-available dishwashing detergent.

Another option is to create a concentrate that you can dilute with water before using it on dishes. For example, you might combine 1 cup of Castile soap and 1 cup of baking soda with enough water to form a thick paste. You can then dilute this paste by adding more water until it reaches your desired consistency, making it easier to apply directly onto dishes without creating too much suds or spray.

Whether you use concentrated or diluted homemade dishwashing detergent, follow the instructions provided by your dishwashers manual, as most dishwashers will require a certain amount of detergent to function properly. Additionally, always rinse dishes thoroughly and dry them completely before putting them away to minimize water spots or streaks on your dishes after washing.

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The Easiest Diy Dishwasher Detergent Recipe Ever

The best part of homemade anything is being in control of the ingredients thus avoiding unnecessary chemicals and additives that may not be good for you or the environment. A homemade dishwasher detergent recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly simple. So simple in fact, I did it while the kids were napping and had plenty of time to spare!

I have been pleasantly surprised by the results from this combination of ingredients. We are on well water and have hard water . The dishes have come out clean each time with very minimal spotting!

Using Vinegar As A Rinse Aid

Optionally, you can use white vinegar as a natural rinse aid. Just add it to your rinse aid compartment.

Again, this suggestion of using vinegar as a rinse aid comes with the warning that many people will advise you that vinegar will ruin the rubber gaskets on your appliances. Personally, I use vinegar all the time in my dishwasher and my front load washer . I havent had any problems, but its something to use at your own risk.

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Do These Homemade Dish Tabs Work Well To Clean Your Dishes

Ok, so youre on board with the concept of replacing conventional household cleaners with homemade, toxin-free products, but an important question remains.

Do these eco-friendly dishwasher tablets actually get your dishes clean?

In my experience, the answer is yes! These toxin-free dishwasher tabs have consistently given me good results. Most importantly, the dishes dont come out cloudy and no spots of food remain after the wash cycle is complete.

If youre new to homemade cleaning products, natural ingredients have cleaning superpowers. Lemon juice is an antibacterial agent and the baking soda works to cut out grease.

Homemade Borax Free Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

Published: / Modified: Aug 10, 2020 by: Dr. Karen Lee / This post may contain affiliate links. As Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. /

I am so happy to tell you that I’ve FINALLY came up with the perfect dishwashing detergent without using Borax but with a secret ingredient.

I posted my recipe for homemade dishwashing detergent using Castile soap awhile ago and I’ve had results from “not-so-great” to “iffy” at best. And the main reason seems to be that Castile soap coats a thin film on some dishes and glasses. I’ve used vinegar as a rinse but it’s still not that effective in making everything spotless. Some people suggest using Borax but I’m not so sure it’s that safe either.

See the “old” and “new” images for my glasses and stainless steel lids and blades above? “Old” ones are using Castile soap. Very disappointing.

So frustrated, I was determined to find the perfect dishwashing liquid, using non-toxic ingredients. I still love Borax in my laundry detergent recipe but decided against using it for washing dishes and utensils.

If you have one of those dishwashing detergent brands that contain synthetic chemicals, throw it out. It’s gross. Use my formula. It’s much safer. Besides, I did all the work in finding the perfect formula for you. I ran my dishwasher a bazillion times to test them all and this is the formula that rocked in making my dishes and utensil spotless!

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Can I Use Liquid Soap In My Dishwasher

You can use liquid dish soap in your dishwasher. Only use a maximum of three drops in the soap dispenser otherwise there will be too many soap suds. You can make your own liquid soap using liquid Castile soap along with some essential oils such as lemon. You can also make your own liquid using bottled lemon juice, vinegar and salt.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Without Borax And Citric Acid Recipe

There are many homemade dishwasher detergent recipes available online that do not use borax and citric acid. Instead, they use ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, and vinegar. Some people find these detergents to be more effective than those that rely on borax and citric acid. Skip the harsh chemicals and expense of store bought dishwasher detergents for this simple homemade cleaner. This detergent can dry out over time.

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How To Use Your Eco

To use, simply put one homemade dish tab in the same compartment you would normally put the store-bought ones. Run your dishwasher using the same settings as you usually do.

And thats it! Toxin-free dishwasher tabs you can feel good about using in your home.

The whole process takes only a few minutes and is a meaningful step towards using healthier cleaning products.

Bonsu? They smell lemony and fresh.

Benefits Of Homemade Dishwasher Detergent:

• Use of natural ingredients, means you dont need worry chemical residue on your dishes
• Inexpensive compared to commercial dishwasher detergents
• Cuts through grease and stuck-on food
• Just as or in my experience more effective than commercial dishwasher detergents
• Removes stains like coffee and tea from dishes
• Can be made with only a handful of ingredients
• Makes glasses sparkling and spot-free
• Zero waste remedy to wash dishes without creating waste
• Provides a fresh, bright scent without chemical fragrances
• Takes 5 minutes or less to make

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What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

There are several advantages to making and using homemade dishwasher detergent. They include saving money and being kinder to the environment. For me, the biggest advantage is convenience. I always have dish soap to hand and baking soda is a store cupboard staple. Add in some simple table salt and you have a convenient and effective dishwasher detergent.

But what are the disadvantages? For me, there is one issue.

I find that homemade dishwashing detergent doesnt deep clean the dishes as well as store-bought detergent. We are big tea drinkers in our family and unfortunately, tea can stain the inside of cups very easily. Homemade dishwasher detergent does not remove the stains. It cleans them well, but the remain. That isnt a huge issue because all you need to do is soak them for a few minutes in some hot water and soda crystals and the tea stains will simply wipe away.

How To Make Dishwasher Detergent Without Borax: The Easiest Recipe Ever

Maybe youre on a tight budget, maybe you want to reduce unnecessary chemicals in your home, or maybe you just love DIY projects. Either way, learning how to make dishwasher detergent is an excellent idea! Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it also means you can tailor the detergent to your needs and preferences. Making your own homemade dishwasher detergent is super easy and cheap to do. In addition to being economical and safer, this homemade version works just as well as any store brand weve used. So, lets get started!

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Simple Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Without Baking Soda

Another easy recipe. Washing soda does a great job on dishes, and its much safer to use than borax. It is another recipe with citric acid, so its antibacterial. If you have a baking soda allergy, give it a try.

• 1530 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 510 drops lemon essential oil

Mix the ingredients, and store the detergent in an airtight container. Use one tablespoon the first time, and adjust as needed.

How To Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

• Working Time: 5 – 10 mins
• Total Time: 5 mins – 1 day

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Cost: $5-10

Dishwashers are workhorses in the kitchen. Even if you struggle over the correct way to load the dirty dishes, most families consider them an essential appliance. In order for the appliance to best do its job, you also need dishwasher detergent.

If you like to make your own products, you can use basic ingredients from your pantry to make dishwasher detergent. Even if you prefer commercial brands, it’s a good idea to know what you can use in a pinch as an emergency alternative if you find the dishwasher detergent container empty.

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Does Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Really Work

Yes, my natural dishwasher detergent actually works. Lets have another look at the ingredients to appreciate why this homemade dishwasher detergent recipe performs so well.

I apologize in advance for getting a bit science-y. Rather than just telling you that this dishwasher powder recipe works, I want to explain how this DIY dish detergent functions.

Homemade Powdered Laundry Soap Vs Powdered

I used to make a liquid laundry soap that worked great, but there were a few things I didnt like about it. First of all, it contained Borax, which is no longer an ingredient I feel comfortable using in our home. Also, it was quite the process to make, and then it required shaking before using, as it would separate. The tipping point for me was the fact that little laundry helpers + liquid laundry soap = a hot mess! I knew there had to be a better option.

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Directions For Making Diy Dishwasher Tablets

Diy Dishwasher Soap Recipes Without Borax

Were here to help if youre looking for a DIY dishwasher detergent without Borax recipe. We found dish detergent recipes that are natural and effective cleaning products. And, you can get all the ingredients at the grocery store at a low cost. Here are several homemade dishwasher detergent without Borax recipes.

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Still Not Sure Which Recipe Is Right For You Or Your Dishwasher

Want to do more research? Heres a blog post from House Logic where author Courtney Craig compares 5 different DIY dishwashing detergents and their effectiveness.

Let me know if any of yall try out these recipes and how they work for you! I hope you can save a little bit of money and have clean dishes at the same time.

The Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

My all-natural homemade dishwasher detergent is significantly cheaper than my old store bought dishwasher detergent AND it rates an A on the EWG scale! It makes 28 oz. for $2.51 or 56 loads at $0.04 per load!

• ½ cup Table Salt

Instructions

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Why You Might Want To Make Your Own Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ive talked a little bit about this already, but here are the benefits of making your own dishwasher detergent:

• Much cheaper Saves tons of money!
• Eco-friendly, better for the environment
• Almost always have the ingredients on hand, not as easy to run out
• Fewer plastic wraps or containers used
• Teaches your kids to be thrifty

However, you might run into the following issues when you make your own dishwasher detergent:

• Spots still on dishes
• Hard water may not react as well to DIY dishwasher detergents
• A lot of DIY dishwasher detergents harden over time
• It may not clean like you think it will-dishes may be clean, but not as spotless as youre used to
• You may have to buy some ingredients online
• Hard water will cause cloudiness or a powdery residue to remain on clean dishes. If you know you have hard water where you live, add in some vinegar to the rinse cycle
• You might have to experiment a little, do a little trial and error with various dishwasher detergent recipes
• Depending on your dishwasher, it may cause a little gunk residue. Be sure that your DIY dishwasher detergent doesnt clog up your appliance.

Okay, now lets move on to the recipes! Here are the super easy homemade dishwashing detergent recipes I found that you can make yourself!