How to Make Natural Dishwasher Detergent Tabs {with essential oil}

We all want sparkling and shiny dishes and glasses — the FIRST time they go through the dishwasher.

I hate when I open up my dishwasher expecting to find clean dishes and instead find caked on food on the plates and water spots on the silverware and glasses.

Dirty dishes AFTER they’ve already been washed.

That’s not fun!

We know store-bought solutions exist for this.

But is there a natural, non-toxic dishwasher detergent we can make at home that really works?  And can I use essential oils?

Yes!  Yes, there is.

Inspired by my DIY essential oil dish soap that I LOVE for hand washing dishes, I’ve experimented and tried lots of variations of homemade dishwasher detergent concoctions with essential oils and different ingredients to discover what will work as an all-natural dishwasher detergent.

And I found it!

I’ve found a recipe that gets my dishes clean and smelling fresh, and without leaving spots behind.

Yes!

Why I LOVE this homemade dishwasher detergent

• all-natural
• cuts through grease and stuck-on food to clean dishes
• gets my silverware shiny and my glasses sparkling
• no spots!
• has the fresh, bright, refreshing smell of essential oils
• can be made using this easy DIY recipe that takes less than 5 minutes to make
• saves money versus store-bought solutions

What’s in my homemade dishwasher detergent tabs?

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

How to make homemade natural dishwasher detergent tabs?

step 1:   add 1 cup of super washing soda (like this) to a glass bowl

step 2:  add 1/4 cup of salt

note:  there’s no need for fancy, expensive salt, look for salt like this

step 3:  add 1/2 cup citric acid powder (like this)

step 4:  add 40 drops of citrus essential oil, then mix and use back of wooden spoon to break up any clumps

citrus essential oils (use 40 drops of one or use 40 drops total of a combination of oils):

orange essential oil

tangerine essential oil

lemon essential oil

grapefruit essential oil

lime essential oil

bergamot essential oil

step 5:  spray 2-3 tablespoons water into mixture, stirring as you add the water

tip: don’t add the water too quickly or the washing soda and citric acid will fizz and react too much.  Slower is better.

step 6:  once the mixture is the consistency of slightly damp sand, stop adding water.  the mixture should clump together when you squeeze it, but fall apart if you drop the clump into the bowl.

If it’s too wet, don’t worry, you can add more washing soda to dry it out.

If it’s not wet enough, spritz it with a little more water.

step 7:  scoop the mixture into a silicone mold (like this)

It’s the perfect size for both (1) the right amount of detergent and (2) fit perfectly into the dishwasher detergent tray.

Use the back of a wooden spoon and your fingers to firmly press the mixture into the silicone mold.

step 8:  let them dry and harden overnight

Then when they’re completely dry, pop them out of the silicone mold and put them into an airtight container.

step 9:  add a label ( get a free printable of the recipe and this label here)

Here’s the homemade natural dishwasher detergent tabs recipe one more time

This website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link. 

1 cup of super washing soda (like this)

1/4 cup of salt  (note:  there’s no need for fancy, expensive salt, look for salt like this)

1/2 cup citric acid powder (like this)

add 40 drops of citrus essential oil, then mix and use back of wooden spoon to break up any clumps

spray 2-3 tablespoons water into mixture, stirring as you add the water

tip: don’t add the water too quickly or the washing soda and citric acid will fizz and react too much.  Slower is better.

scoop the mixture into a silicone mold (like this).   Use the back of a wooden spoon and your fingers to firmly press the mixture into the silicone mold.

let them dry and harden overnight, then when completely dry, pop out of mold and store in airtight container

add a label ( get a free printable of the recipe and this label here)

How to use natural dishwasher detergent tabs

• Put one detergent tab into your dishwasher’s detergent dispenser.
• Add a little vinegar to the rinse aid compartment.
• Let the dishwasher take it from there; use your usual wash settings.

caution: check your dishwasher’s instruction manual to make sure these detergent tabs are safe for use in your dishwasher.

Do not use in dishwashers with stainless steel interiors.

here are a few other essential oil posts that I think you’ll like:

Homemade Dish Soap

the Best Streak-Free Window & Glass Cleaner

8 Essential Oil Cleaning Recipes 

Stinky Shoe Spray

Homemade Poo-pourri “Before You Go” Toilet Spray

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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care.  Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Disclaimer: Please know that this website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.