Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

It's easy to make your own all-natural dishwasher detergent?

If you haven't, give this easy recipe a try and you'll not only save money, but your dishes will be squeaky clean.

For years, I think about 8 or more, I didn't have a dishwasher.  Then, almost two years ago I took the plunge and got one and I have never looked back.  

Even though I don't mind washing dishes by hand having a dishwasher is a time saver.  I have found, though, that you need a good detergent to get your dishes clean.  Your dishwasher can only do so much, it needs a little help.

I had been hesitant to make my own dishwasher detergent but after doing a little research I found a recipe that not only works but works great and you only need some very basic ingredients.

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

1 cup 20 Mule Team® Borax
1 cup baking soda
¼ cup salt or Epsom salt
¼ cup vinegar
10 drops lemon essential oil *optional
Large container with lid for storage

*When I originally made this recipe I used a somewhat generic lemon essential oil but I now use Organic Lemon Essential Oil from Rocky Mountain Oils which is so much better and smells better, too!

Measure 1 cup of Borax into a bowl.

Add 1 cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of salt to your bowl.

Mix the Borax, salt, and baking soda together.

Add ¼ cup of vinegar,

Have fun watching the bubbles,

then mix together well.

If you aren't adding an essential oil you can stop here or you can the oils, approximately 10 drops, of any scent you prefer.  I used lemon because I like the aroma of lemons in the kitchen.

Adding an essential oil isn't necessary but if you decide to add one, stir one more time to mix everything well and then place in a storage container with a lid and measure out enough detergent to fill your dishwasher dispenser.  Measure out one heaping  tablespoon to each load and that's it. Wash as usual.

Above are my dishes after being washed with the Homemade Dishwasher Detergent recipe above.  Aren't they sparkly? 

Why Borax?

Here is why I started with Borax.  I've used it for years in the laundry room to help clean all of my family's laundry; it's a great laundry detergent booster and can be used for everything from delicates to jeans.  It's all natural, another huge plus, AND I use it in my kitchen to help clean my sink, microwave, countertops, stainless steel, silverware, and more and now you know how to use it in your dishwasher. It's versatile which makes it a smart choice in my opinion.

Borax can be foundin the laundry aisle/additive section at many stores but you can also find it on Amazon.  

If you're worried about the safety of using Borax, I found a wonderful article on Wellness Mama, Is Borax Safe to Use for Natural Cleaning? This post answered a lot of my questions and I feel safe using Borax for home cleaning. 

Do you have a favorite use for Borax? I'd love to hear about it!

First published August 2017. Last updated January 2020.