Easy Homemade Dishwasher Detergent using just 4 ingredients. More frugal than store bought detergent but will make your dishes squeaky clean.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
I'm back again today with a new household tip to help you save money! I've been making my own homemade dishwasher detergent for a few years now, and I love it! It's easy to make, it's less expensive than buying pre-made, and one batch lasts quite a long time (and we have a LOT of dishes!)
This Homemade Dishwasher Detergent has just 4 ingredients, and they're all easily available. It's just Borax
Here's what you'll need to make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
- 2 cups Borax
- 2 cups Washing Soda
- 1 (12 ounce) container Lemi Shine
- ½ cup salt
Directions for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
All you have to do is combine all the ingredients in a large bucket and stir to combine.
At this point, you can transfer to a storage container (I just use an old coffee can). Be aware that there's some sort of chemical reaction that takes place, that results in the mixture hardening a bit. In order to combat this, I leave my bucket on my counter for 24 hours and stir every couple of hours before transferring to the storage container. It's a lot easier than trying to break it up with a knife or spoon.
To use in your dishwasher, just scoop out 1-2 tablespoons of the solution (I use an old baby formula scooper, but a tablepoon would work great too), and wash as normal.
That's it! It's that easy!
Bonus Money-Saving Tip- Instead of using a store-bought rinse agent, fill your rinse agent compartment with plain white vinegar. It does the same job at a fraction of the cost!
Did you like this Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tutorial? Find more on my Cleaning and In the Kitchen boards on Pinterest!
If you liked this Homemade Dishwasher Detergent tutorial, you might also like:
33 Surprising and Fun Uses for Borax
64 Unexpected Uses for Baking Soda
Easy Freezer Cooking for Beginners
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Anastasia says
First off, your blog is adorable. Second, this is such an easy diy! I make my own laundry detergent, and it has saved me lots of money. Thanks for sharing this recipe! (Found you through the Handmade Tuesdays link up!)
Suzie@homemaker-mom says
Super awesome! I might have to try this soon
Gloria says
What is LemiClean & where do I find it?
Michelle says
Lemi Shine is a citric acid based cleaner. If you've seen all those pins on Pinterest about cleaning with lemons, it's because the citric acid in them is a great cleaner and makes things super shiny. You can find Lemi Shine at most stores near the dish detergents. Or you can find it on Amazon (the link in the post will take you straight there!) Hope that helps!
Sharon says
Love this detergent my dishes turn out clean and shiny. I do however have a issue with it turning rock hard, I did leave it on the counter container and mixed frequently but after putting it into a container it got very hard, I had to pound it on the counter to get it out. Has anyone else had this happen? I know the recipe states there is a chemical reaction but this is almost not usable.
Michelle says
Oh, yes, I've had that problem too. I like to keep mine in the bucket for 24 hours, stirring every couple of hours, before transferring it to its final container. I've found this fixes that problem, for the most part.
Shelley says
Hi Sharon, I've had that happen if there is extra humidity in the house even after letting it dry out. I took a silicone cube tray and pressed it in each slot and let it completely solidify. Then I transferred the cubes into an old powdered dishwasher plastic container and used like store bought pucks. (I also use silicone sachets if the powder turns out to absorb moisture after its stored). Good luck!