How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Soap | A Simple Powder Mix

Guide / By

Homemade dishwasher soap uses dry ingredients like washing soda and borax, with one tablespoon per load, and costs pennies compared to store-bought tabs.

Making your own dishwasher soap takes about ten minutes and calls for grocery-store ingredients. The mix relies on alkaline powders that cut grease and citric acid that fights hard-water spots. Whether you’re tired of name-brand pod prices or prefer knowing what goes down the drain, this guide covers the process and the mistakes that ruin a batch.

What Ingredients Do You Need For Homemade Dishwasher Soap?

You need four dry ingredients: washing soda, borax, powdered citric acid, and kosher salt. Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is the main cleaner—it softens water and lifts grease. Borax boosts cleaning power and controls odors. Citric acid tackles hard-water film and glass spots. Salt softens water and prevents spotting.

Note: washing soda is not baking soda. All four ingredients stay shelf-stable for months when kept dry.

How To Make Homemade Dishwasher Soap: Step-By-Step

  1. Measure your dry ingredients. Use equal parts washing soda, borax, and kosher salt—one cup each—plus a quarter-cup of powdered citric acid.
  2. Mix everything in a large bowl. Stir until no streaks remain.
  3. Break up every clump. A fork or whisk works—clumps dissolve unevenly.
  4. Transfer to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight lid is ideal; keeping the mix dry is critical.
  5. Scoop one tablespoon per load. Add to the main detergent cup and run as usual.

How To Make Dishwasher Detergent Tablets

Use one per load.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Homemade Dishwasher Soap

For commercial alternatives, see our roundup of top-rated dishwasher soaps.

Does Homemade Dishwasher Soap Work As Well As Store-Bought?

References & Sources

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