Discover how to make homemade nontoxic dish detergent using pink salt, Sal Suds, vinegar, and essential oils. Simple, eco-friendly, and customizable for sparkling clean dishes!

this Recipe

I cannot wait to share this homemade dish detergent with you! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a total game-changer for your kitchen. Imagine sparkling clean dishes, luxurious suds, and a scent you love—all without harmful chemicals. This dish detergent is simple to make, easy on your wallet, and nontoxic, using only a handful of powerhouse ingredients.

Whether new to DIY cleaning products or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how practical and customizable this recipe is. Let’s dive in and break down the ingredients that make this dish detergent shine—literally!

Why Homemade Dish Detergent?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ingredients, let’s talk about why you’d want to make your dish detergent.

1. Healthier for You and Your Family

Conventional dish soaps can contain harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes that linger on your dishes and get absorbed into your skin. A non-toxic alternative ensures you’re not exposing your family to unnecessary toxins.

2. Eco-Friendly

Making your dish detergent reduces plastic waste and eliminates the harmful chemicals that often find their way into waterways.

3. Budget-Friendly

Store-bought eco-friendly dish soaps can cost a pretty penny. You'll save money by making your own and creating a superior product.

The Power of Warm Water

Warm water might seem like the most essential ingredient here, but don’t underestimate its importance.

• Why Warm Water? Warm water helps dissolve grease, food residue, and grime more effectively than cold water. It also activates the other ingredients in the detergent, ensuring everything blends smoothly and performs at its best.
• Pro Tip: When mixing your detergent, always use warm (not boiling) water to avoid breaking down any delicate components, such as essential oils.

Warm water enhances cleaning power and feels soothing on your hands. Washing dishes is way more pleasant when your hands are in cozy, warm water.

Pink Salt: The Scrubbing Superstar

Pink Himalayan salt isn’t just for seasoning your food—it’s an incredible ingredient in homemade dish detergent.

• Why Pink Salt?
  Pink salt is a gentle abrasive, helping to scrub away stuck-on food and stubborn stains without scratching your dishes. It’s also packed with natural minerals that boost cleaning power.
• How It Works:
  The fine grains of pink salt create friction, which helps lift debris off plates and pans. Its natural antibacterial properties add a layer of cleanliness to your washing routine.
• Pro Tip: Use finely ground pink salt for a smoother mixture that dissolves quickly, or go coarse if you want an added scrubbing boost for pots and pans.

Vinegar: Nature’s Cleaning Champion

Vinegar is a staple in natural cleaning, and it plays a vital role in this dish detergent.

• Why Vinegar?
  Vinegar cuts through grease, removes residue, and leaves your dishes streak-free. Its natural acidity breaks down grime, making it one of the most effective (and affordable!) cleaning agents.
• Deodorizer Extraordinaire:
  If you’ve ever battled lingering odors on cutting boards, containers, or utensils, vinegar neutralizes them like a pro.
• Pro Tip: Use white distilled vinegar for a neutral scent that doesn’t overpower your chosen essential oils.

Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds: The Secret Weapon

If you haven’t tried Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds yet, get ready to meet your new favorite cleaning product.

• What Is Sal Suds?
  It’s a plant-based, biodegradable cleaner that’s tough on grease but gentle on the environment. Unlike traditional soaps, Sal Suds creates incredible suds that make washing dishes feel luxurious.
• Why It Works:
  Sal Suds cuts through grease, lifts grime, and leaves your dishes sparkling clean—all without harsh chemicals. It’s concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
• Pro Tip: Dr. Bronner’s pure castile soap is excellent for other DIY products that don't mix with vinegar; Sal Suds is the better choice for dish detergent because it rinses clean without leaving a residue.

Essential Oils: Your Signature Scent

Here’s where things get fun—choosing the essential oils to customize your detergent. Essential oils add a delightful fragrance; many have natural antibacterial and grease-fighting properties. These are a few of my blends that I love to use in my home, and you can find a few you will enjoy, too.

• For a Minty Fresh Clean:
  • Peppermint + Eucalyptus: This combo is invigorating, refreshing, and perfect for cutting through greasy dishes.
  • Bonus: Both oils are naturally antibacterial, adding an extra layer of cleanliness.
• For Citrus Lovers:
  • Lemon + Orange: This classic pairing is bright, cheerful, and energizing. Lemon oil is a powerhouse for cutting grease, while orange oil leaves a sweet, zesty scent.
• For Earthy Vibes:
  • Sandalwood, Cedar, or Pine: These oils bring a grounding, natural scent to your kitchen. They’re perfect for anyone who loves a woodsy, earthy aroma.
• Pro Tip: Add 10-15 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) per batch. Mix and match to create your unique blend if you're feeling adventurous!

How Much to Use?

One of the best things about homemade dish detergent is its versatility. Here’s a general guideline:

• For Handwashing Dishes:
  Use 1-2 tablespoons of detergent in a sink full of warm water. Adjust based on the size of your load and the level of grime.
• For Tougher Jobs:
  Add a sprinkle of pink salt to your sponge for extra scrubbing power.

Will This Leave My Dishes Clean and Spot-Free?

Absolutely! This detergent is designed to clean effectively without leaving residue. Plus, vinegar and essential oils ensure your dishes dry spot-free.

You may notice occasional spots if you live in an area with hard water (like me). In that case, adding a splash of vinegar to your rinse water works wonders.

The Eco-Friendly Bonus

Switching to homemade dish detergent isn’t just about keeping your home nontoxic—it’s also a win for the planet. By choosing biodegradable ingredients like Sal Suds and vinegar, you’re reducing the chemicals in waterways. Plus, you’re cutting down on single-use plastic from store-bought bottles.

Making your dish detergent is a slight change with a significant impact. It’s healthier for your family, better for the environment, and so satisfying to customize. Whether scrubbing pots after a big family dinner or tackling a sink full of breakfast dishes, this detergent does the job with some extra sparkle.

Ready to take the plunge into nontoxic, homemade cleaning? Gather your ingredients, choose your favorite essential oils, and start mixing. Your dishes—and your kitchen—will thank you!

Homemade Dish Detergent: Simple and Nontoxic

Heather -Tiny Farm Big Family

A simple and easy 3 ingredient homemade dish detergent that will make dishes sparkling clean and can be customized to your scent preference. 

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Ingredients

  

• ½ cup warm filtered water
• ½ cup Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
• ½ cup white distilled vinegar
• 2 teaspoons pink salt

Instructions

 

•  You are going to add the warm water and pink salt to a mixing cup or wide mouth jar. Mix until the salt is resolved. 
• Add vinegar to the water and salt mixture and mix together and the remaining salt with dissolve.
• Once the above steps are completed all the sal suds to the mixture and mix. The mixture will turn thicker and be ready to use. If you would like to add the essential oils you can do that now. 
• Add to your to your favorite soap pump and enjoy toxic free dish detergent.