Here are the household products you can use individually as a detergent alternative. Or try our recipe for a DIY dishwasher detergent.
Products Never to Use in an Automatic Dishwasher
Unless you want a flood of bubbles cascading over your kitchen floor, skip the following products:
Dishwashing liquid Liquid, powdered, or single-dose laundry detergent Body wash Shampoo Household all-purpose cleaners
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipes
You can make your own dishwasher detergent for daily use or to keep on hand for emergencies. It will have a bit more cleaning power than using just a single product in an emergency. Be sure to label the finished product, and include instructions for use on the label. As with all cleaning products, keep them stored properly and out of reach of children, pets, and vulnerable adults.
DIY Powdered Dishwasher Detergent
What You Need
1 cup borax1 cup washing soda1/2 cup powdered citric acid1/2 cup kosher saltPlastic storage container
Instructions
Combine all of the powdered components, mixing well. Store in an airtight plastic container. Use 1 tablespoon of the detergent per dishwasher load.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
What You Need
1 cup washing soda1 cup kosher salt1 cup baking soda3/4 cup lemon juiceSilicone candy molds or ice cube traysAirtight plastic container
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, kosher salt, and baking soda. Add the lemon juice, and stir well to make sure that all of the ingredients are equally moist. Add 1 tablespoon of the moist mixture to silicone candy molds (shape should fit in your dishwasher detergent cup) or ice cube trays. Allow the molded tablets to dry completely and harden. Remove from the molds, and store in an airtight container. Use one tablet per dishwasher load.
