Save money and reduce waste with homemade dishwasher detergent! Learn how to make a natural, effective detergent that’s perfect for hard water, keeps your dishwasher clean, and costs just $5 for 30 loads.

Living in the country has plenty of perks: fresh air, wide-open spaces, and the freedom to live more sustainably. But let’s talk about one downside—hard well water. If you’ve ever dealt with cloudy glasses, streaky dishes, or a dishwasher that seems to need a deep clean every week, you know what I’m talking about.

For a while, I was on the hamster wheel of buying expensive detergent pods and scrubbing my dishwasher religiously on deep cleaning days (weekly here on the homestead). It was exhausting and felt like throwing money down the drain. I wanted a solution that didn’t just clean my dishes but also helped keep my dishwasher sparkling. Enter homemade dishwasher detergent.

After some trial and error, I landed on a simple, affordable formula that works beautifully. For about $5, I can make a batch that lasts 30 loads. That’s a significant improvement over the $25 I used to spend every month on store-bought pods. Keep reading if you’re ready to simplify your routine, save money, and embrace mindful living.

Why Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent?

Before diving into the details, let’s discuss why homemade dishwasher detergent is a game-changer.

It Saves Money: Store-bought dishwasher detergents—especially those trendy pods—are pricey. When running multiple loads a week (or daily, like we often do), those costs add up fast. Homemade detergent is a fraction of the price and just as effective.
It’s Gentler on Your Dishes: Some commercial detergents are so harsh they can etch glassware and damage nonstick coatings. Homemade detergent uses gentle, natural ingredients that clean without causing long-term damage.
It’s Better for the Environment: Making your detergent reduces plastic packaging, reduces chemical runoff, and gives you complete control over what goes into your wastewater.
It Keeps Your Dishwasher Cleaner: Many store-bought detergents don’t address the buildup in your dishwasher. With its carefully chosen ingredients, homemade detergent does double duty—cleaning your dishes and helping maintain your appliance.

Breaking Down the Dishwasher Detergent Ingredients

Homemade dishwasher detergent relies on a handful of simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you can find at most grocery stores. Here’s what makes each one a powerhouse:

Borax

Borax is a multitasking miracle. It softens hard water, helps break down food particles, and boosts the cleaning power of other ingredients. Plus, it’s a natural deodorizer, which is perfect for keeping your dishwasher smelling fresh.

Washing Soda

Similar to borax, washing soda is highly alkaline. This means it’s excellent at cutting through grease and grime. It also helps to balance the pH levels in your wash cycle, making your detergent more effective.

Citric Acid

This is the superstar of homemade dishwasher detergent. Citric acid breaks down mineral deposits, fights limescale, and leaves your glasses crystal clear. It also has antibacterial properties, which help keep your dishwasher cleaner.

Vinegar (for Rinsing)

While not part of the detergent itself, vinegar is an essential companion. Adding vinegar to your rinse cycle is a natural aid that prevents water spots and keeps your dishwasher sparkling.

How Much Should You Use Per Load?

Homemade dishwasher detergent is super concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Use about 1 tablespoon of detergent in the main detergent compartment for a standard load.
For filthy dishes: Add an extra ½ tablespoon directly to the bottom of the dishwasher.
For the rinse cycle: Fill your rinse aid compartment with vinegar, or pour 1 cup into the bottom of the dishwasher before running the cycle. If you have hard water, use this rinse aid.

This small amount is plenty to clean your dishes while preventing detergent buildup in your machine.

Will This Also Help Keep My Dishwasher Cleaner?

Absolutely! One of the unexpected perks of using homemade dishwasher detergent is how much cleaner my dishwasher stays.

Here’s Why It Works:

Citric Acid: This breaks down hard water deposits and prevents limescale buildup on the inside of your dishwasher.

Vinegar Rinse: Dissolves any leftover detergent residue and keeps the spray arms and filters free of clogs. If you have hard country water, I suggest this rinse aid.

Fewer Fillers: Commercial detergents often contain fillers that can accumulate over time. Homemade detergent uses only active ingredients, so there are fewer to gunk up your machine.

Since switching to homemade detergent, I’ve noticed I don’t have to clean my dishwasher deep nearly as often. It’s like a self-cleaning bonus with every load!

My Favorite Containers for Storing Detergent

Storing homemade dishwasher detergent is easy and can be fun using the proper containers. Here are a few of my favorites:

Glass Mason Jars are perfect for storing powdered detergent. They’re airtight, affordable, and look great on a shelf.
Flip-Top Glass Jars: These have an old-fashioned charm and keep your detergent fresh.
Repurposed Food Containers: Why toss out a coffee tin or plastic jar when you can reuse it?
Wooden Scoops or Measuring Spoons: Keep a scoop handy in the jar for easy measuring.
Having your detergent stored neatly makes the whole process feel more intentional and organized—plus, it’s a small way to embrace mindful living.

Tips for Sparkling Results

Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles, so scrape off large pieces before loading.
Don’t Overload: Make sure water and detergent can circulate freely.
Run Hot Water Before Starting: Turn on the hot tap for a few seconds before starting your dishwasher. This ensures the cycle begins with hot water, which helps the detergent dissolve better.
Deep Clean Occasionally: Even with homemade detergent, giving your dishwasher a vinegar or citric acid rinse every month is a good idea to keep it in top shape.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Switching to homemade dishwasher detergent is a small change that makes a significant impact. You will save money, reduce waste, reduce harsh chemicals, and keep your dishes and dishwasher cleaner than ever.

If you’re ready to start your mindful living journey, check out my favorite storage containers for homemade cleaning products. They’re practical, reusable, and the perfect finishing touch for your DIY setup.