It’s easy and inexpensive to make your own dishwashing powder with this homemade dishwasher detergent recipe. Better yet, it only uses two ingredients!
I discovered a new homemade alternative to commercial dishwasher detergent by accident. I had been having a hard time with my dishwasher not getting the dishes clean and leaving a film.
I did a couple of cleaning methods (running an empty load with a bowl of vinegar, running an empty load with a bowl of baking soda), had my hubby pull out any buildup from the water “spouts”, etc., and it was still bad.
I did some research online and found a few recommendations to add a teaspoon of Borax and/or a teaspoon of baking soda in the detergent compartment along with the detergent. So, I decided to give that a try.
After running the first load I saw that the dishes came out MUCH better, but that the detergent pack I used never even dissolved!
So, I figured I would try it with ONLY the Borax and the baking soda – guess what….it worked great. So, that is my new dishwasher detergent and here is the “recipe”.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Ingredients
- 1 Cup Borax
- 1 Cup Baking Soda
How to Make Homemade Dishwashing Detergent
Mix borax and baking soda in a sealable container. Add a heaping tablespoon to the detergent dispenser of your dishwasher before each wash.
For another dishwashing option, see our homemade essential oils dishwasher tabs recipe.
Donna says
I made a batch and it worked great 👍🏻 No spots, although there was jet dry still in the dispenser. I’m curious to see how it goes when that’s empty. I’m thinking of trying white vinegar as others have mentioned. Thank you for sharing this thrifty recipe.
Al says
Is borax ok to use on something you eat off of?
Chrysa says
They have dishes as a suggested use on their web site, http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about/other-uses/, but like any product I’m sure there is some study or another that says it isn’t safe too!
Kirie says
I’ve been wanting to try this for awhile–thanks so much for the tip. Borax is the most common cleaner in my house, now, besides vinegar!
just another day in paradise says
sounds like a great idea. I’m definitely trying it! thanks!
amyswandering says
I’ll have to give this a try – thanks!
Alissa says
I am going to try this. I use borax on many things and love it. THanks for the tip.
Braeg Heneffe says
that sounds like a good tip, i’ve also tried vinegar in my dishwasher but will give your recipe a try now. thanks
Memarie Lane says
I’ve been looking for something like this. I’m curious what brand of dishwasher detergent you were using and whether you have hard or soft water. I’ve read that baking soda often leaves a film. I used to use Palmolive liquid because it was cheap, but it always left a film. We had soft water then. Now we have hard water and the Electrasol tabs work beautifully, but I hate to spend so much money on them.
Miss Mommy says
The Electrosol Gel packets all of the sudden were not dissolving in my dishwasher either a few weeks ago. So I had mentioned it to my father-in-law and he went down and checked my hot water heater…and here the know was on cold instead of hot…..That would also explain wht our showers were not so hot for a few weeks as well….LOL LOL
JAN says
Great idea! I’ve been using borax and baking soda to clean “everything” around here-never thought to try it in the dishwasher. That’s got to be way less expensive than Cascade too.
Thanks for sharing!
Stretch Mark Mama says
Looking forward to trying that!
I have an eco-friendly tip up today too: tub cleaner.
Mrs. Organic says
I’m going to try this – does this mean no more Jet Dry?