Looking for a natural alternative to toxic chemical detergents without paying a premium for “natural” -branded products? You can easily make this DIY mixture and use most of the same ingredients for making other household cleaning solutions.
As I began my journey of ridding our home of toxic chemicals, my first homemade alternative was dishwasher detergent! As soon as I ran out of my last “detergent pod”, I had determined that I wouldn’t buy another one. I immediately purchased the ingredients and supplies I would need, knowing that I’d be using some of them for other recipes, too, such as laundry detergent and other household cleaning solutions. The following recipe has worked very well for me.
For this non-toxic dishwasher detergent recipe, you will need:
- Quart-size mason jar or larger
- Funnel (or a DIY rolled up paper funnel)
- Washing soda
- Baking soda
- Coarse kosher salt
- Citric acid
- Lemon or tea tree essential oil
- Lemon juice concentrate (optional)
- Sticker label (optional)
- Sharpie (optional)
RECIPE:
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 cup of citric acid
- 30 drops of lemon essential oil
-or- - 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of coarse kosher salt
- 1/2 cup of citric acid
- 2-3 tbsp of lemon juice concentrate
- 30 drops of tea tree essential oil
After adding all of the ingredients to your jar, tighten the lid, and give it a good shake to mix everything.
To use: Put 1 Tbsp of the detergent into the “detergent container” of your dishwasher.
Tips: Pre-rinse your dirtiest dishes before placing them into the dishwasher to ensure they will be sparkling clean. Don’t forget to label your jar, and it may be helpful to write the recipe on the lid or on a sticker label.
Disclaimer: Links to products, companies, and ministries on this website are not official endorsements. Various faith practices or lack there-of are represented. Use your discretion for what you will use for your family. I only share specific items that our family uses, has used, or would use and have not audited every aspect of every product, company, or ministry mentioned. Affiliate links may be used. Information found on this website is for inspirational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical or nutritional advice. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk and discretion. The information provided is based on my current understanding of the topics and is subject to change.
