An all-natural homemade Dishwasher Detergent that costs pennies to make

In this post I share a simple, all-natural dishwasher detergent recipe that’s non-toxic, inexpensive, and effective.

Dishes are relentless, especially in a household with six people. Some days it feels like I live in the kitchen—washer and dryer included. When I learned how many questionable ingredients are in many commercial dishwasher detergents, I started making my own.

Why I switched to homemade

Many commercial detergents include vague ingredients like “fragrance,” which can contain harmful chemicals.

I wanted a cleaner I could trust on items that touch mouths—cups, plates and jars that my family uses every day. If residue is left behind, I prefer it to be safe and simple. This recipe uses food-safe, biodegradable ingredients. While it’s technically “lickable,” I don’t recommend tasting cleaning products.

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Simple ingredients

Baking soda, washing soda, citric acid, and sea salt

This combination cleans well, even on white dishes and mason jar cups.

Here’s what each ingredient does and why it belongs in this mix.

Baking Soda

• Naturally occurring, environmentally friendly abrasive that helps scrub and remove grime.
• Acts as a mild water softener to improve cleaning performance.

Washing Soda

• Sodium carbonate (soda ash) that helps cut grease and lift stuck-on food.
• An effective abrasive that assists with tougher grime and supports water-softening.

Sea Salt

• A natural mineral that acts as a scouring agent and helps boost other ingredients’ effectiveness.
• Can aid in keeping the dishwasher cleaner by discouraging mildew build-up.

Citric Acid

• A biodegradable acid found in citrus that helps dissolve mineral deposits and hard water stains.
• Effective at reducing mold and bacteria where moisture and food are present.

Cost breakdown

This recipe is very economical.

Estimated costs (prices vary by retailer):

• Baking Soda: $7.57 for 24 cups — 1 cup needed: $0.32
• Washing Soda: $3.97 for 7 cups — 1 cup needed: $0.57
• Sea Salt (bulk): $1.26 for 6 cups — 1 cup needed: $0.21
• Citric Acid: $7.49 for 2 cups — 2 tablespoons needed: $0.47

Total upfront cost of ingredients: $20.29

Cost per batch: $1.57

Yield and per-load cost

Each batch makes enough for about 50 dishwasher loads — roughly 3 cents per load.

A very budget-friendly solution that performs well.

Ready to make it? Here’s the simple recipe and method.

DIY Powder Dishwasher Detergent

Yield:
50

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

A DIY powder dishwasher detergent that is all-natural, easy to make and actually works. Non-toxic ingredients with no borax required.

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup sea salt
• 2 tablespoons citric acid

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large container with an airtight lid.
2. Secure the lid and shake or stir well until evenly mixed.
3. Store in a dry place and use about 1 tablespoon per dishwasher load.

Notes

If your mixture tends to clump, leave the lid off and stir it a couple of times a day for two days before sealing. This helps prevent settling and reduces clumping.

Extra Tip: White distilled vinegar works well as a rinse aid and helps keep the dishwasher free from mold. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher or to the rinse compartment about once a week.

Want more natural cleaning ideas? Try a simple homemade laundry detergent for another affordable, non-toxic option.