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I’m showing you how to make homemade, eco-friendly dishwasher tabs that are quick and easy to make using a few simple ingredients. They’re a big step towards a healthier, toxin-free home!
I’ve been making eco-friendly dishwasher tablets as part of our family’s mission to ditch the grocery store and become more self-sufficient.
We’ve slowly been making the switch from store-bought products to ones that are healthy and homemade wherever possible.
Creating our own homemade dishwasher detergent felt like a great place to start since conventional dishwasher detergent is filled with chemicals. Since it touches the surfaces that come in contact with our mouths on a daily basis, it’s not something I want to have in our home.
This is a recipe that I have used regularly and loved. In fact, there was a point a few years ago when I used these toxin-free dishwasher tabs exclusively. Recently, I started using a store-bought version again simply because life got busy and I didn’t prioritize making homemade recipes.
As I get back on track with making homemade dishwasher detergent again, I want you to know it’s a tried and tested recipe. Contrary to many of the recipes you’ll find on the internet, these eco-friendly dishwasher tablets use only a few completely natural ingredients. No Lemi Shine, Borax, or other questionable commercial concoctions…just simple, non-toxic ingredients.
There’s just one caveat before we get started.
I know some people believe that homemade dishwasher detergent isn’t good for dishwashers. I personally haven’t found anything to convince me not to use it, and I haven’t had any problems with my dishwasher. However, I also know that my dishwasher’s warranty is voided by using a different product than the manual recommends, so that’s something to look into and be aware of.
What You’ll Need to Make Homemade Dishwasher Tabs
3 mini ice cube trays. Note that these are smaller than regular ice cube trays. Mine were from Walmart
¾ cup of lemon juice
1 cup of baking soda
1 cup of washing soda (this is different than baking soda so make sure you have the right product! You can buy washing soda locally in the laundry detergent aisle at the grocery store, or on Amazon)
1 cup of kosher salt, or any course ground salt
A large bowl
A spoon
How to Make Homemade, Toxin-Free Dishwasher Tabs
- Add 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of washing soda, and 1 cup of kosher salt to your bowl. Stir well so the ingredients are combined. It’s a good idea to use your hands to break up any chunks.
- Add ¾ cup of lemon juice. The mixture will fizz at this point, which is normal and expected. If you have little helpers working with you, this is also a fun experiment!
- Stir until all of the dry ingredients are saturated with the lemon juice.
- When the fizzing stops, use a spoon to pack the mixture into the ice cube trays. I use about 1 tablespoon per hole.
- Tamp down so there are no air holes. This is an important step! If you skip it, the tabs will be crumbly.
- Leave the tabs out on your counter, still in the ice cube trays, until they are completely dry. This should take about 12 hours.
- After the homemade dishwasher tabs are dry, pop them out of the ice cube trays and store in an airtight container.
How to Use Your Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Tablets
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 that’s 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.
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 (and all over my house, really). I haven’t had any problems, but it’s something to use at your own risk.
Do These Homemade Dish Tabs Work Well to Clean Your Dishes?
Ok, so you’re 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 don’t come out cloudy and no spots of food remain after the wash cycle is complete.
If you’re 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.
Is It Worth My Time to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent?
Of course, it’s easy to grab regular dishwasher tabs at the store. But, if your house is anything like mine, the dishwasher always seems to be running.
In addition to being toxin-free, which we already covered, store-bought dishwasher tabs are surprisingly expensive. Making your own is definitely cheaper in the long run.
And, since they’re quick and easy to throw together these homemade, eco-friendly dishwasher tablets are absolutely worth the extra few minutes of effort.
When I break down the cost per dishwasher tab, the homemade ones work out to about 6 cents per load. This is a great deal compared to, say, the at least 18 cents per load you would pay for Finish tabs at Walmart or on Amazon.
So, not only are these eco-friendly dishwasher tablets safer for our homes and the environment, but you’ll also save money!
This is definitely one swap on our way to self-sufficiency that I feel good about, no matter how you look at it.
Hello! How many dishwasher tablets does this recipe make? Thanks for the info!
Hi! The recipe typically makes about 12-15 tablets, depending on the size of your molds.
I wonder can we just scoop it out of an air tight container? We just made it! Thank you!
Yes, you totally can!
If you scoop it out, about how much would you use? Thanks in advance!! I’m excited to try this 😊
Use 2 Tablespoons for a large load. Hope you love it as much as we do!
I am on my 2nd batch of the homemade dishwasher tabs and love that I can make a healthy option for cleaning my dishes. However,I do find my dishes a bit cloudy. I have rinse aid in the rinse dispenser and I have tried pouring some white vinegar into the tub but my glassware still looks a bit cloudy. I have some food grade citric acid that is past the due date so I am sprinkling some on the door of the Dishwasher currently to see if that helps. Any suggestions? Should I increase the salt maybe?? Or one of the ingredients in the recipe?
I think you are on the right track with the citric acid. Try adding some to the recipe. I’ve heard of this helping with hard water.
Hi! I tried making these and followed the directions very closely. The dishes are coming out with a salt film. What am I doing wrong?
I’ve heard about this happening from people who have hard water. I would suggest adding some citric acid to the recipe to help prevent this buildup.
That makes perfect sense! I appreciate the response!
How much citric acid should I add to the recipe?
For best results, add about 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to the recipe. This should help with residue and cloudiness.
Hpw much and when do i add the citric acid. The white film is not coming off. Thanks!
Add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to the mix when you’re making the tablets. This should help with the white film
If you have used pods in the past-this recipe is actually removing the build up of plastic on your dishes and glasses. It is so scary how we are consuming plastic in so many products. I live with the “not so shiny” look for a while knowing that hot foods and liquids are not releasing plastic into what I consume!
I tried this recipe, and it was a disaster. I followed the instructions, but I used bottled lemon juice instead of fresh. The pods were too big for the detergent compartment. When I tried to cut them down, I found they were hard as rocks, so I put them in the flatware rack. They didn’t dissolve completely. After several days in a closed container, they developed a terrible odor, so I disposed of them.
I’m sorry you had problems with the recipe! As for size, it’s important that you find a mini ice cube tray, not a standard one. Also, I don’t fill the holes to the top. As for the consistency, and not dissolving, I’m really not sure. I’ve never had this happen. As for the odor, this tells me something was funny with your ingredients. They definitely shouldn’t smell bad.
Does it have to be fresh squeezed lemon juice?
No, it does not. I use bottled.
I also used bottled lemon juice instead of fresh and developed a weird odor after being in closed container overnight. I wonder if that could be the cause, the bottled lemon juice, seems like it shouldn’t really matter.
The bottled lemon juice might be the cause due to preservatives or additives. Fresh lemon juice usually works better in these recipes. Try using fresh lemon juice next time and see if that helps with the odor.
Mine also developed a terrible odor after sitting in a closed container for a day. And I do find that there’s some cloudiness to my dishes, I am currently using up what was already left in my dishwasher of previous rinse aid from store, have not tried vinegar yet. How much citric acid do you recommend adding to the recipe?
Sorry to hear about the odor! For the cloudiness, add about 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to your recipe. It might help with both the cloudiness and the odor. Make sure to store the tablets in an airtight container once they’re completely dry.
How much citric acid should I add to the mix to help with the cloudiness? Thanks!
For cloudiness, try adding about 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to the mix. This should help clear things up. Adjust as needed based on how it turns out.
I tried the recipe – washing soda, baking powder and citric acid. I see a white film on top of dishes. I was not seeing it with Finish tablets. I get very hard water, what can be done
Hard water can definitely cause that white film. Try adding a bit more citric acid to the mix, about 1-2 tablespoons more, and see if that helps. You can also add a splash of vinegar to the rinse cycle to combat the film. Hope that helps!
Anyone know if will this work for HE dishwashers too? We are also on septic system so have to be doubly careful. Thank you!
Yes, this recipe should work for HE dishwashers. The ingredients are generally safe for septic systems too. Always good to double-check with your dishwasher manufacturer.
If this is part of your family’s mission to eliminate the grocery store and be more self sufficient, where are you getting the ingredients?
Great question! We source our ingredients from a mix of local suppliers and bulk stores. It helps keep things sustainable and cost-effective.
How much citric acid should we add to help with the white residue?
For white residue, adding about 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to your recipe should help. You can mix it in with the other ingredients. Adjust if needed based on your results!
Could you use the whole lemon blended instead of lemon juice?
Using a whole lemon blended might not work as well. Lemon juice is used for its acidity, which helps with cleaning.
How long do they last? How should they be stored?
The tablets should last several months. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep them effective.
I don’t put my homeaide pods in the cup in the door..I toss mine in the bottom of the dishwasher…it works great
That’s a great tip! Tossing the pods in the bottom of the dishwasher can definitely help with distribution. Thanks for sharing!
Could lime juice be used instead?
Lime juice could work, but lemon juice is usually preferred for its cleaning properties.
Hello, I love how easy these are to make. However, I’m wondering are you left with a film on your dishes? For example our black handle of steak knives are discolored and feel different. Dishes don’t feel shiny clean. I notice also on the lid of our dishwasher it develops this same film. I’ve added vinegar into the rinse location and this is still happening. Any information or guidance is much appreciated as I don’t want to go back to store bought chemicals. Thank you!
I’m glad you like the recipe! To deal with the film, try adding 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to the mix. This should help improve the overall cleanliness of your dishes and reduce the film. Continue using vinegar as a rinse aid as well.
How much citric acid should I add? I have had the same cloudy issue.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to the detergent mix when making the tablets to help prevent white residue.
First time dishwasher purchase and user,
Pls guide to make sustainable effective not harmful to dishwasher machine,,long run using and tested recipe for dishwasher, bcos all recipe on internet or YouTube,but many people say no recipe is effective and will damage machine,,what I do pls guide ,, anyone who’s using the homemade recipe with no damages and full satisfaction for long time,,pls connect to me
I’m afraid of such dual states and conflicts on this …
This recipe is safe for long-term use if you follow the instructions. Adding citric acid can help with hard water issues. Many people have used it successfully without damaging their dishwashers. Make sure to use a rinse aid like vinegar for the best results.
Is this recipe safe for septic tanks?
I’m not an expert on septic tanks, but I can’t imagine these ingredients would cause any issues.
I find minicubes in varying sizes! How many cubes do you get from one rule; alternatively, what are the cube dimensions?
(Per the website some minicubes @ Walmart are small, some are teeny!)
You’ll get about 20-30 cubes per batch, depending on your tray size. The standard mini cubes are roughly 1 inch by 1 inch.
How many tablets do you get per rule?
Alternatively, what are the dimensions of the minicubes (Looking on line I find small minicube trays and tiny minicube trays)?
You typically get about 20-30 tablets per batch, depending on the size of your tray. The usual dimensions for mini cubes are around 1 inch by 1 inch.
I made a vinegar cleaning spray with fresh lemon peels and vinegar, could I use this as a rinse aid?
Yes, great idea!
Thanks so much for sharing this, I just made it and it smells divine. I’ve been looking for a recipe without citric acid because it is quite expensive where I live to buy it and I can only get small quantities. Can’t wait to try it my dishwasher and kitchen are going to smell amazing! And I have small children so I love knowing exactly what is in the cleaning products I use, many thanks x
Just made this!! Super excited to see how it turns out☺️ Thank you for sharing your recipe!!
Hi there I just came across your page :). I ran out of dishwashing detergent and thought about just making it homemade today.
So my question is similar to the first comment, I just made it as well, and I put it in an airtight container, does it have to be completely dried out before sealing it or as is is fine ?
As long as it is holding together well it is dry enough.
Please suggest a better lemon juice. This has preservatives and lemon oil and the label says 100% juice (a lie if you read the ingredients on the website) can real lemon juice work? I would think so but is there a reason why you use this juice that is not really all juice? Thank you. =)
You are correct. We have since switched to using bottled lemon juice (the real stuff) from Azure Standard. Here is the link: https://www.azurestandard.com/shop/product/food/beverages/fruit-juices-blends/lemon/pure-bottled/lemon-juice-pure-organic/16838?package=JS458&a_aid=XUWocvaRWF
What is the difference in the salt you are using, the Morton’s sea salt, and dishwashing salt?
Morton sea salt depends on its texture but its fine as long as its coarse and there’s no additives.
so my dishes come out cloudy and I’ve been reading the comments how much citric acid should I use and do I do it when I make the tabs or sprinkle it in after
Add 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid to the mix when you make the tabs. This should help prevent the cloudy residue.
Made a batch and it smells great! Though in an airtight container, it did start to get moist in the jar. And get softer. Laid it out on paper towels to dry out again, and the paper towel is switched out twice. Each time it draws out tons of moisture. Yellow, obviously the real lemon juice. How can I fix this?
Next time just let the tabs sit out longer to firm up (still in the ice cube tray). The dry ingredients should absorb all of the liquid. If it hasn’t, let them dry longer.
Hi! Can I use iodized salt instead of kosher? Does it affect the washer?
Hello! I wouldn’t recommend the Iodized salt due to its additives. I prefer Kosher salt than Iodized
I made this! I used sea salt instead of kosher salt and added 2T citric acid as we have borderline hard water. I ended up just rolling the detergent into balls roughly the size of a commercial dishwashing pod and recommend doing that instead of pressing into ice cube trays. They seem to dry out faster that way. I’ll plan to store them in an open container as others have mentioned they can go soft. As for how well they work: they beat the off-brand liquid detergent by a mile! Probably not as good as the commercial pods, but I’ll continue to make these for the cost savings! We did have a film on our plastic containers (probably the hard water issues others have mentioned), but the dishes, silverware, and cups were all sparkly clean. I’d recommend pre-rinsing your dishes first, however. Not sure how these would do with day-old, dried on casserole dishes. Overall, I’m so pleased!
Glad you liked the recipe, thanks for the feedback!
Do you have to pre wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher with this recipe? I mean, we rinse them off for the most part and I’m all about saving money.
You don’t need to pre-wash, just a quick rinse to remove large food particles should be enough. This helps prevent clogs and keeps your dishes cleaner.
Hi can I use iodized salt instead of kosher?
Hello! I wouldn’t recommend the Iodized salt due to its additives. I prefer Kosher salt than Iodized
Would this work as a laundry detergent as well?
No, but I have a laundry detergent recipe that we love! https://www.thefromscratchfarmhouse.com/easy-homemade-laundry-detergent-without-borax-all-natural/
I’m seeing people have had issues with using lemon juice, and others having issues with cloudiness. For the cloudiness you recommend citric acid, but most citric acid on the lagoon market is made from black mold. To resolve these issues, why not skip the lemon juice and citric acid all together and replace with lemon juice powder? This would be real, natural citric acid and remove the need for lemon juice as well, right? What are your thoughts?
Thanks!
I haven’t tried it, but that might work great!
Not sure why my phone inserted the word “lagoon” in my previous comment lol! I just meant market, not lagoon market.
I used 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice and I had so much liquid when I put the mixture into the ice cube trays that it took 48 hrs to dry. Is this normal or did I use too much lemon juice?
Yes, totally normal depending on the humidity of the room.
I am trying this out and wanted to know if as soon as I am done making the mix, it’s ok to put it into the tight air jar or should I wait till it dries? Since I am not using the ice tray cubes.
It’s best to let the mix dry out a bit before putting it into an airtight jar. If it’s still wet, it might clump together. Once it’s dried, you’re good to store it in the jar
Hi, I tried making according to the recipe but I substituted the salt to FINE salt instead of Coarse salt and it is not cleaning my dishes well. Is it absolutely necessary to use coarse salt?
It’s best to use coarse salt because it helps scrub and break down residue better than fine salt. The fine salt might dissolve too quickly and not be as effective in the cleaning process. You could try it again with coarse salt to see if that improves your results!