I’ve shared a bunch of DIY cleaner recipes, but dishwasher detergent was a tricky one for me to crack. After some research, I finally discovered the key: a homemade dishwasher detergent that uses natural ingredients to save you money and make your dishes sparkle.
I tried various dishwasher powder recipes, but they always left some residue, especially on glassware. I couldn’t figure out if I was using too much of something or missing an ingredient. Then, a tip from Pinterest revealed that citric acid was the missing piece. Luckily, I already had some from making bath bombs, so I gave it a go. The result? Spotless, shiny dishes without any residue.
Citric acid, as its name suggests, is an acid and is naturally present in lemon juice. However, adding fresh lemon juice to your detergent isn’t really feasible since it shortens the shelf life. For those with hard water, especially without a water softener, citric acid can naturally tackle filmy residues on dishes.
Most citric acid is derived from fermented GMO-corn, so choosing a reliable source is crucial. I use non-GMO, food-grade citric acid that’s derived from cane sugar. Just like vinegar is made by fermenting fruit sugars into acetic acid, citric acid is created similarly.
I mix citric acid with other ingredients and place it in the detergent compartment. Some people find it works best as a separate rinse aid, adding a tablespoon to the rinse aid compartment.
Others prefer using vinegar in the rinse dispenser or a bowl on the top rack, but over time, vinegar can damage the rubber parts in a dishwasher.
While citric acid prevents a film, other ingredients in this detergent help clean. Washing soda is a key player—it balances pH, softens water, and removes stains and grease. It’s called sodium carbonate in commercial detergents and can be made from baking soda.
I’ve also added salt to soften water and help with cleaning. Many recipes suggest Kosher salt since it’s pure sodium chloride, but I’ve had no issues with regular sea salt.
The final ingredient is borax, which has stirred some controversy online. I consider borax relatively safe and naturally occurring, and I’m comfortable using it.
If you prefer to avoid borax, enzyme cleaners like Biokleen are an alternative. If making your own detergent isn’t appealing, there are plenty of healthy options available at stores like Walmart or Amazon.
Homemade powdered detergent can be tricky, especially with varying water hardness and wash temperatures. A simple trick is to leave out citric acid from the mix and use it separately as a rinse agent. Add a tablespoon of detergent in the prewash compartment and citric acid in the main wash compartment. This helps clean and shine your dishes effectively.
If you’re new to DIY or natural cleaners, there’s a wide range of easy, affordable recipes out there. What do you use in your dishwasher? Ever tried making your own detergent? Feel free to share!
