This 4-Ingredient Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Will Make Every Load Sparkle

Buying a few basic cleaning supplies in bulk to make custom cleansers for each part of your home is more sustainable—and often cheaper—than stocking up on a cabinet full of specialty bottles of commercial products with ingredients you can't identify.

Homemade dishwasher detergent is especially simple to make. It requires just four common DIY ingredients, and the recipe below is enough for about 32 full dishwasher loads. "Making dish detergent may be a bit more time consuming than store-bought," says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids. "[But the] pro is that you can adjust the recipe to your liking and preferences. You may also save money in the long run, and avoid chemical additives in some store-bought versions."

How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Cohoon recommends a powdered mixture of washing soda, borax, salt, and citric acid powder. "Washing soda will obviously wash things up, while borax helps erase residue and remove baked on stains and grime," she says. "Citric acid is able to balance water pH levels and can break down hard water, saving your machine and dishes from stains; the salt will also help soften the water."

What You'll Need

• Equal parts washing soda and borax (about 1 1/2 cups each)
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup citric acid powder

Steps

1. Using a plastic spoon, mix washing soda and borax in a mixing bowl.
2. Add salt and citric acid powder.
3. Transfer to an airtight plastic container to store.
   

How to Use Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Switching to homemade dishwasher detergent doesn't have to mean changing your usual dishwashing routine, though Cohoon recommends reading the manufacturer's instructions for your dishwasher to make sure there are no ingredients or chemicals you should avoid.

Whether you use homemade or store-bought detergent, Cohoon also recommends rinsing the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. "Give your dishes a good rinse to avoid clogging the machinery in your dishwasher or getting streaky dishes," she says.

How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Cleaner

Keep your dishwasher running at peak performance by deep cleaning it once a month. "Clean your dishwasher regularly to avoid product buildup and ensure a complete clean every time," says Cohoon.

Follow these steps to make a DIY dishwasher cleaner:

1. Position 1 cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the upper rack of the machine.  
2. Run the dishwasher through one full hot-water cycle. By doing so, you will effectively wash away both visual stains and stickiness, as well as any stinky odors.  
3. For the final rinse, evenly distribute one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run another hot water cycle. This combination of steps will leave your dishwasher sparkling clean.