How to Make Your Own Homemade Nontoxic Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
How to Make Your Own Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tablets: A Nontoxic Recipe for Cleaner Dishes
If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for ways to keep your home sparkling clean without exposing your family to harsh chemicals. These days, it feels like there are chemicals and toxins in almost everything we consume. I’ve been diving deep into homemade cleaning products to see what toxins I can minimize in my daily home routine. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to detergent recipe for nontoxic DIY dish detergent tablets. This great recipe uses simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store or natural food stores, and it’s a fantastic alternative to those store-bought versions loaded with artificial fragrances, harmful plastic wrappers, and potential irritants.
Why bother making your own dishwasher detergent? Well, commercial dishwashing detergents and dishwasher pods often contain ingredients can cause harm as well as leave residues on your plates. With this homemade dish detergent, you’ll get good results with cleaning power that tackles hard water deposits and mineral deposits, all while using natural cleaning agents.
If you’re new to nontoxic recipes or natural cleaning tutorials, this is a perfect starter project. This homemade dishwasher detergent is budget-friendly, effective, and way better than liquid dishwasher soap or commercial detergents. Let’s get into it!
Ingredients to Make Your Own Dishwashing Detergent Tablets
You’ll need just a handful of non-toxic ingredients to whip up these tabs.
Here’s what you’ll need (makes about 20-25 tablets):
• 1 cup baking soda (for scrubbing and deodorizing)
• 1 cup super washing soda (boosts cleaning power and acts as a water softener)
• 1/2 cup citric acid (helps dissolve grease and prevents spots—think natural rinse aid)
• 1/2 cup kosher salt (to combat hard water deposits)
• OPTIONAL: 10-15 drops essential oils (I love an essential oil blend of lemon for freshness, tea tree for antibacterial properties, or lavender for calm—avoid if you’re sensitive). I usually avoid added fragrance wherever I can.
• Optional: A small amount of white vinegar or lemon juice for extra moisture and shine
Pro tip: If you have hard water, double up on the citric acid or add a natural rinse aid like white vinegar to your dishwasher’s compartment next time you run a cycle.
Step-by-Step Detergent Recipe: How to Make Homemade Dish Detergent Tablets
Making these is easier than you think—no fancy equipment needed, just some small bowls, a glass jar or old container for storage, and cheap ice cube tray for molding.
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the baking soda, super washing soda, citric acid, and kosher salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution. This base is what gives your tablets their cleaning power without the toxins found in big box store products.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add a splash of hot water or lemon juice—just enough to make it clump like wet sand. Be careful not to overdo it, as extra moisture can cause fizzing from the citric acid.
3. OPTIONAL: Incorporate Essential Oils: Drop in your chosen essential oils or essential oil blend. I often go for tea tree and lemon for that fresh scent.
4. Mold the Tablets: Pack the mixture tightly into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon for compact tabs that won’t crumble.
5. Dry and Store: Let them sit in a dry spot for 24-48 hours to harden. Once firm, pop them out and store in a glass jar. Their shelf life is about 6 months if kept away from moisture—perfect for making a big batch!
First time making your own cleaning products? Start small and test on a load of dishes. You might need to adjust based on your water— if spots persist, try adding more citric acid or using white vinegar as a rinse aid.
Tips for the Best Results with Your Homemade Cleaning Products
• Customize for Your Needs: If you deal with super greasy dishes,
add a bit of grated bar castille soap. DIY natural laundry detergent is similarly. You can find that recipe HERE.
• Don’t use too much detergent per load; one tablet is usually enough. If you notice residue, it could be from hard water deposits—run an empty cycle with citric acid or hydrogen peroxide to clean your machine.
• Compare to Store-Bought: Brands like Seventh Generation are solid, but making your own dishwashing detergent saves money and avoids plastics and toxic ingredients. Plus, no artificial fragrances means less horomone disruption!
In my experience, these tabs outperform many different products I’ve tried, leaving dishes spotless without harmful additives. If you’re into nontoxic recipes, check out my other posts on natural cleaning tutorials.
Why Go Nontoxic? The Benefits of DIY Dish Soap and Detergent
Switching to homemade dish detergent isn’t just about cleaner dishes—it’s about preserving your family’s health. Toxic dishwasher detergents can be harmful, especially for pregnant women or kids. By using non-toxic ingredients like citric acid and essential oils, you’re creating a safer home.
Start with this recipe and tweak as needed. It’s empowering to make your own homemade cleaners and dishwasher detergent. Your pocketbook and your health will thank you! For more nontoxic homemade recipes, subscribe to The Midnight Mustard Seed.
Blessings,
Samm
