I love making homemade cleaning products it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do and the main reason I started this blog a few years ago. Over time, my recipes have evolved, and this is one of those recipes that has truly improved with experience and testing. I love how well it cleans my dishes, and it’s so much more affordable than buying dishwasher detergents or pods from the store or Amazon.
I already have a dishwasher pods recipe, so if you’re interested, you can check it out in this post. I’m currently updating that recipe as well since I recently made a new batch of pods that turned out amazing. I’ll be sharing the updated recipe next!
This homemade dishwasher powder has become one of my favorite recipes because it’s incredibly easy to make, works so well on dishes, and saves a lot of money.
Homemade Dishwasher Powder
Makes about 1 ½ cups
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup dishwasher salt
- 15–20 drops essential oils (optional citrus oils work best!)
Instructions
1. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and dishwasher salt.
Mix everything together really well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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2. Add Essential Oils
If you want a fresh scent, add 15–20 drops of essential oils. I personally love using citrus oils like lemon, orange, or grapefruit because they leave dishes smelling so fresh and clean.
This step is completely optional, but I think it gives the powder a little extra boost.
3. Break Up Clumps
Stir the mixture thoroughly and use the back of a spoon to break up any clumps. You want the mixture to stay nice and powdery so it’s easy to scoop into the dishwasher.
4. Store Properly
Transfer the powder into a medium-sized airtight glass jar for storage. Keeping moisture out is really important since citric acid can cause clumping over time.
How to Use
Add 1–2 tablespoons of dishwasher powder directly into your dishwasher detergent compartment for each load.
Notes:
- If you have hard water, I highly recommend pairing this with a rinse aid like white vinegar. It really helps prevent spots and leaves dishes looking extra shiny.
- Because this recipe contains citric acid, some clumping can happen over time if moisture gets into the jar. Don’t worry this is totally normal. Just break it apart with a spoon before using.
Dishwasher Powder
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/4 cup dishwasher salt
- 15-20 drops essential oils citrus is best, optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the super washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and dishwasher salt.
- Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Add in the essential oils if using.
- Stir thoroughly, breaking up any clumps so the mixture stays powdery.
- Transfer to a medium glass airtight jar for storage.
Notes
- How to Use: Add 1-2 tablespoons to your dishwasher detergent compartment per load.
- Shelf Life: Keep the jar tightly sealed to prevent moisture from causing clumping. If clumping happens, simply break it up before use.
- For best results, pair with a rinse aid like white vinegar if you have hard water.
