I have been dying to share this DIY dishwasher pods recipe because it actually works, and it looks so perfect that you’d think they were ice cream (DON’T eat them, though).
I wasn’t 100% sure how good these were going to be, even though I’ve used homemade dishwasher detergent before with no issues. But let me tell you, this recipe? It’s officially my new favorite. It saves me money, cleans like a dream, and leaves my dishes sparkling clean. I even took a picture of my dishwasher just to prove to my friend that it really works.
DIY Dishwasher Pods Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 20 drops lemon essential oil (optional- I didn’t use them this time)
Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and salt. Stir well to distribute everything evenly.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
Slowly pour in the vinegar while stirring. The mixture will fizz a little (totally normal). Keep mixing until you get a damp, crumbly texture. If you’re using the lemon essential oil, add it now.
3. Mold the Pods
You can use silicone molds or trays, but this time I used my 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, which has a round shape. You could also use a cookie scoop, it worked even better than a mold! Just press the mixture firmly into the spoon to shape it, then place the formed pods on parchment paper to dry.
4. Dry Completely
Let them sit out for at least 24 hours to fully harden. If you live in a humid area, you might need up to 48 hours.
I really wanted them to be super solid, so I lightly sprayed them with alcohol to help harden them even more.
5. Store Properly
Once dry, store them in an airtight glass jar or container to keep moisture out.
How to Use:
- Add one pod into your dishwasher’s detergent compartment.
- Run your dishwasher as usual!
Add a splash of natural dish soap to the rinse aid compartment for extra shine!
Why This Works:
- Washing soda + baking soda cut through grease and stains.
- Citric acid eliminates hard water spots.
- Salt helps break down food particles.
- Vinegar enhances cleaning power and prevents streaks.
Notes:
If you have very hard water, add 1/2 cup vinegar or a splash of natural dish soap to the rinse aid compartment for extra shine!
That’s it! Super easy, budget-friendly, and non-toxic.
Homemade Dishwasher Pods
Ingredients
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 20 drops lemon essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and salt. Stir well to distribute everything evenly.
- Slowly pour in the vinegar while stirring. The mixture will fizz a little (totally normal). Keep mixing until you get a damp, crumbly texture. If you’re using the lemon essential oil, add it now.
- You can use silicone molds or trays to mold the pods, but this time I used my 1-tablespoon measuring spoon, which has a round shape. You could also use a cookie scoop, it worked even better than a mold! Just press the mixture firmly into the spoon to shape it, then place the formed pods on parchment paper to dry.
- I really wanted them to be super solid, so I lightly sprayed them with alcohol to help harden them even more.
- Let them sit out for at least 24 hours to fully harden. If you live in a humid area, you might need up to 48 hours.
- Once dry, store them in an airtight glass jar or container to keep moisture out.
Notes
- To use put one pod into your dishwasher’s detergent compartment
- Run your dishwasher as usual!
- If you have very hard water, add 1/2 cup vinegar or a splash of natural dish soap to the rinse aid compartment for extra shine!
More DIY Cleaning Recipes
- Non-Toxic Homemade Laundry Pods: Simple & Effective
- Natural DIY All Purpose Cleaner Recipe
- Natural Rose & Lemon Kitchen Cleaner Spray That Works
- Non-Toxic Homemade Foaming Hand Soap Recipe
- Natural Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipe
- Homemade Toilet Cleaner: Natural, Easy, and Effective!
- How to Make Your Own Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent at Home
