HOMEMADE DISHWASHER DETERGENT: SCRUB-A-DUB DIY

Making your own homemade dishwasher detergent is easier than you think-and it’s a smart way to save money, reduce waste, and keep harmful chemicals out of your kitchen.

Ever had that moment when you open the dishwasher, expecting sparkling plates, but instead you’re greeted by cloudy glasses and a spoon that looks like it survived a food fight? Yeah, we’ve all been there. And let’s be honest-sometimes it feels like the detergent is just along for the ride, not actually doing the heavy lifting.

That’s where a little Scrub‑a‑Dub DIY magic comes in: you don’t need to rely on those pricey pods or mystery-powder store-bought versions to get the job done.

In this guide, we’ll show you step‑by‑step how to mix up your own homemade detergent, explain why these natural ingredients work, and share tips to customize the recipe for your household.

Whether you’re looking for a natural cleaning solution, a budget‑friendly alternative, or just love a good DIY project, this homemade dishwasher detergent will make dish duty a whole lot easier and more fun.

BASIC INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Washing soda (sodium carbonate): Degreases and boosts cleaning.
• Sodium percarbonate: Oxygen-based cleaner that removes stains and sanitizes.
• Citric acid: Prevents mineral buildup and keeps glassware clear.
• Kosher salt: Softens water and enhances scrubbing.
• Optional essential oils for fragrance: Can add freshness and/or mild antibacterial properties.

WHAT IS SODIUM PERCARBONATE?

Sodium percarbonate (not to be confused with washing soda aka sodium carbonate) is a natural cleaner that delivers impressive cleaning power.

It’s essentially a combination of washing soda and hydrogen peroxide, which means when it dissolves in water it releases oxygen to help lift stains, brighten surfaces, and tackle tough grime. Because it breaks down into simple, non‑toxic components (water, oxygen, and soda ash) it’s considered safe for everyday use around the home. Check out its rating on the EWG product guide.

I recently shared a DIY Natural Oxi Booster Recipe-another amazing way to put sodium percarbonate to work. If you haven’t tried it yet, be sure to check it out!

You can find sodium percarbonate here on Amazon or even sometimes in your local natural food stores.

DETERGENT RECIPE

• 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• ½ cup sodium percarbonate
• ½ cup citric acid
• ½ cup kosher salt
• Optional: drops of lemon essential oil

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Mix washing soda, sodium percarbonate, citric acid, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Store in an airtight container (sodium percarbonate loses effectiveness if exposed to moisture).
3. Use 1–2 tablespoons per load in your dishwasher’s detergent compartment.
4. Add a couple drops of lemon essential oil if desired.
5. Start dishwasher on desired wash cycle.

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Rinse aid substitute: Use white vinegar in the rinse aid compartment to prevent spots.
• Avoid clumping: Store with a moisture absorber (like a silica gel packet) during humid months.
• Extra boost: For very dirty loads, sprinkle an extra teaspoon of sodium percarbonate directly into the bottom of the dishwasher.

Note: White vinegar works great as a natural rinse aid, but never mix it directly with sodium percarbonate, as it will neutralize the oxygen bleach.

CUSTOMIZING YOUR HOMEMADE DISHWASHER DETERGENT

One of the best parts about making your own dishwasher detergent is that it’s flexible-you can tweak the recipe to fit your household’s unique needs. Here are some easy ways to personalize it:

• Adjust the Cleaning Power
  • Add more washing soda if your dishes often come out greasy.
  • Reduce it slightly if you have softer water to avoid streaks.
• Handle Hard Water
  • Increase the citric acid slightly or substitute with powdered lemon juice to fight hard water stains or mineral deposits.
  • If buildup is stubborn, add an extra tablespoon of kosher salt to the mix.
• Gentle on Glassware
  • If your glasses look cloudy, reduce the washing soda and let the citric acid do more of the work.
  • Sodium percarbonate already helps brighten, so you won’t lose cleaning strength.
• Freshen the Scent
  • Try experimenting with different essential oils like orange, grapefruit, or eucalyptus for a bit of variety.
• Experiment with Form
  • Keep it as a loose powder in an airtight jar for easy scooping.
  • Or add a splash of water, press into silicone molds or ice cube trays, and let dry to create convenient tablets.

SAFETY & STORAGE NOTES

Keep out of reach of children and pets

• DIY dishwasher detergent may look harmless, but it can still cause irritation if ingested or touched.
• Always store your detergent in a sealed container and place it on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet.
• Consider using child‑proof lids if you have little ones or curious pets at home.

Store in a cool, dry place

• Moisture can cause clumping and reduce the effectiveness of your powdered detergent.
• Keep the container away from sinks, dishwashers, or other humid areas in the kitchen.
• A pantry or cupboard works best-just make sure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight or heat.

Label clearly to avoid mix‑ups

• DIY detergents can sometimes resemble baking ingredients like flour or sugar, so labeling is essential.
• Use a permanent marker or printed label to write “Homemade Dishwasher Detergent” on the container.
• Add usage instructions to make it easy for anyone else in the household.
• Bonus tip: date your batch so you know when it was made and can track freshness.

So go ahead-grab those few ingredients and whip up your own dishwashing detergent. It’s one of the best ways to turn cloudy glasses into sparkling clean dishes while saving money and cutting down on waste.

With a little Scrub‑a‑Dub DIY magic, you’ll not only conquer dish duty but actually enjoy the process. Who knew clean plates could feel this satisfying?

Blessings,