Nobody likes when you open the dishwasher after running it to find caked-on food particles and water spots. You're probably splurging on the name-brand dishwasher detergent that promises to leave your dishes squeaky clean and sparkling—but the results are not what you'd hoped. In the article How to Make Natural Dishwasher Detergent Tabs, One Essential Community shows you how to make your own dish detergent—with just four ingredients!
Ingredients
- washing soda – this powerful cleaner raises the cleaning pH to help break down food and grease, and softens the water to reduce spotting, leaving your glasses and silverware shiny and sparkly
- salt – hard water deposits can leave spots behind on your clean dishes; adding salt softens the water and reduces pesky spots
- citric acid – this versatile cleaner boosts dishwasher detergent to help get rid of stuck-on food, suspends hard water deposits to keep them off your dishes, and assists in smooth rinsing at the end of the cycle
- citrus essential oil – dual benefit of cutting through grease to get plates clean, and makes the clean dishwasher load smell great
Step 1: Combine Washing Soda, Salt + Citric Acid
Mix 1 cup washing soda, 1/4 cup salt and 1/2 cup citric acid powder in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add Essential Oils
Add 40 drops of citrus essential oils—lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange are all good choices—to the dry ingredients. Stir to combine, breaking up any clumps.
Step 3: Spray Mixture with Water
Spray 2-3 tablespoons of water into the mixture as needed, until the mixture is damp but not too wet. Slowly add the water; you don't want the citric acid and washing soda to react and start fizzing. The mixture should clump easily if you grab it but crumble when you drop it back into the bowl.
Step 4: Scoop Mixture into Silicone Mold
Scoop the mixture into a silicone ice cube tray, packing each cube tightly by pressing it down with the wooden spoon. Let them dry overnight.
Step 5: Remove Dry Tabs + Store in Airtight Container
Once the tabs have dried overnight, pop them out of the silicone mold and store them in an airtight container.
Instructions for Use
- Place one tab in the dishwasher's detergent dispenser.
- Add a splash of white vinegar to the rinse aid compartment.
- Start your dishwasher and let your DIY detergent tabs work their magic!