How To Make Dishwasher Powder At Home?

Zero-waste cleaning plays a big part in reducing waste and embracing a greener life. But why have we switched away, as a society, from natural and eco-friendly options?

Follow the money…

As I explained in my post on how to make dish soap, the cleaning product industry makes an insane amount of money and is not ready to stop. To maintain and grow its revenue, it has devised new marketing strategies that make us doubt the efficiency of simpler products and encourage us to buy more expensive products.

However, when we think about the insane amount of water wasted with the harmful chemicals in them and know there are simpler, cost-effective, and healthy ways to keep our home clean, the best is to reduce the noise and take 5 minutes to make our product.

When it comes to our dishwashers, there's a great debate about whether we should use them or not; some argue that we use less water with our dishwasher than when doing it manually (if the washer is packed, that is), so keeping it is up to us, our needs, and the way we use it.

But today, I wanted to share a recipe for keeping your dishwasher using sustainable products, which is the easiest thing you can do. Seriously. So today, let’s learn how to make dishwasher powder at home.

Why Should You Avoid Using Commercial Dishwashing Powders or Liquids?

Consumers often make buying decisions based on jaw-dropping marketing tactics and fancy product labeling. However, these marketing tactics don't change the fact that dishwasher powders, soaps, or liquids are dangerous for us in different ways. Here are some notable drawbacks of using commercially made dishwasher powders or liquids. 

1.      Use of Chemicals

Traditional dishwashing liquids have evolved from messy soaps to modern squeeze bottles. Still, their potential harm to our bodies has not changed. Despite claims of safety due to increased vinegar and lemon concentrations, experts warn of undetectable chemicals that are not good for our health. Here are some common ingredients used in commercial dishwasher powders and liquids.  

Triclosan: Many dishwashing soaps contain Triclosan (an antibacterial agent in liquid form), negatively affecting mitochondria, which are vital for cell energy. Triclosan can also affect the endocrine system.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Another common ingredient in these products is used for its foaming properties. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Phosphates: Phosphates are a common ingredient in dishwashing gels, and they can harm ecosystems by promoting algae growth in water bodies.

2.      Residue on Dishes

Some dishwashing liquids can leave a thin layer on dishes if they aren’t rinsed well. This can change the taste of food and drinks served in them.

3.      Not Suitable for Certain Materials

Commercial dishwashing materials may harm delicate materials such as silverware, fine china, or cast iron cookware by affecting their surface or finish. A gentler, homemade dishwasher is a better option in such cases.

Why Should You Make Dishwasher Powder at Home?

In addition to health benefits, here are the reasons why making dishwasher powder at home is a better option.

Cost-effectiveness

Making dishwasher powder at home is a cost-effective option. Generally, the ingredients used in homemade solutions include citric acid, washing soda, and baking soda.

Environment Friendly

Homemade dishwasher powder is usually free from phosphates. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment when they enter water systems.

Equally Effective

Another benefit of making dishwasher powder at home is that it can be as effective as store-bought options if you follow a reliable recipe and do it right.

Not Harmful to Health

Commercial dishwasher powders often contain additives and fragrances that can cause skin irritation or allergies. Homemade dishwasher powders, especially those made with natural ingredients, are gentler and safer for your skin and the environment.

Customization

Making homemade dishwasher powders allow you to customize the end product according to your needs. For example, water hardness can affect the effectiveness of a commercial dishwasher detergent. You can adjust the ingredients according to your needs and get optimal performance from homemade detergents.

How to Make Dishwasher Powder at Home—Ingredients and Process

Ingredients

All you need to make your dishwasher powder is:

1. A container ( I use an old Kimchi container) but a mason jar or any other sealable container will do the job.

2. 1 cup of Washing Soda

3. 1 cup of Baking Soda ( instead of borax grades poorly on EWG)

4. 1/2 cup of Salt

5. 3/4 cup of Citric Acid

Preparation

This is so easy, but I don't know where to start! Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with a spatula. Fill your container with the powder, and you have your dishwasher detergent. It's THAT easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put vinegar in my dishwasher?

Yes, you can use vinegar in your homemade dishwasher detergent because it is an amazing dishwasher cleaner. However, it is highly advised to use vinegar with caution when making homemade dishwasher detergent. If you use it incorrectly, its acidic nature can damage the rubber gaskets.

What are the three ingredients in homemade dishwasher detergent?

There is no hard and fast rule when making dishwasher powder at home. Different recipes exist, and they are effective in their ways. However, three commonly used ingredients in homemade dishwasher detergents are baking soda, salt, and citric acid.

Summing it up

A homemade dishwasher detergent is safer and cost-effective, but you can also mold the recipe according to your needs. Let me know if you have questions, want to hear about specifics, or if you simply enjoy this recipe! Share it on Pinterest to have it handy in the future!