How to Make Dishwasher Detergent Cubes

Learn how to make your own dishwasher detergent cubes with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

We decided to carry these savings into our dishwashing by making dishwasher detergent.

We have been making our own laundry detergent and it’s saving us money.

This DIY Dishwasher Detergent is budget-friendly and gets dishes sparkling clean.

It takes about 5 minutes to whip up, so it really couldn’t be easier.

It cost me $1.23 for 12 cubes of detergent….roughly ten cents apiece.

I recently paid $5 for a pack of 20 dishwasher pods (about 25 cents each).

If you prefer powder, check out Back In the Book Nutrition for her Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe!

Please note: Do NOT use in dishwashers with stainless steel interiors.

Benefits of the Ingredients:

Citric Acid is optional in this recipe, however, consider 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. Here are other great uses for Citic Acid around your home.

Food-grade citric acid can be found in the area of your grocery store where canning goods are sold.

Washing Soda (not baking soda) is a powerful cleaner that raises the cleaning pH to help break down food and grease and soften the water to reduce spots, leaving your glasses and silverware as it was meant to be seen!

Arm and Hammer washing soda can also be found in the laundry aisle

Epsom Salt: Got hard water? That can leave behind spots on clean dishes. Adding Epsom salt softens water and keeps glassware clear.

Borax is a natural disinfectant and mild abrasives—just what you need to blast away stuck-on food and germs. In fact, you may be interested in learning that borax is a common ingredient in many commercial detergents. Borax sells under the name 20 Mule Team and can be found in the laundry aisle at your grocery store or big box store.

 

 

Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent Cubes Ingredients:

1 cup Borax

1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda (NOT baking soda)

1/4 cup Epsom Salt

1 tsp. citric acid (optional)

4-6 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

Ice Cube Trays

Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent Cubes Directions:

Mix the Borax, Arm & Hammer Washing Soda, Epsom Salt, and citric acid together.

This is important so make sure it is mixed well.

Add lemon juice.

The mixture will fizz. That’s okay. Just keep it in mind and add the lemon juice slowly.

You’ll want to add between 4-6 Tablespoons of lemon juice to make the powder “sticky”…it won’t be runny when it’s done.

Once you have a “sticky” substance, spoon one tablespoon of the mixture into an ice cube tray.

Continue until all cubed slots are filled on the tray.

Set aside and let dry for 6-8 hours.

Pop-out of tray and place in a container or zip-lock bag to store.

Drop one cube of the detergent into the bottom of your dishwasher and run on the cycle of your choice.

Dishes will come out sparkling!

You’ll Love these Benefits of Making Your Own Dishwasher Detergent Cubes:

• Inexpensive
• You know the ingredients, so there’s no need for decoding the label
• No harsh chemicals
• Effective sanitizer
• Great stain remover
• Works as a water softener
• Environmentally friendly (phosphate-free)
• No added scents to irritate allergies

Check out my other DIY recipes:

Homemade Laundry Detergent

DIY Shout Stain Remover

How to Make Your Own Fabric Softener

Homemade Essential Oil Playdough