We do a lot of dishes at my house so it’s obviously a big part of my life. Why can’t I just be happy with the great recipes we already use for dishes very successfully? Why a new dish detergent recipe when there are bigger issues in this world? Truth be told, I have many reasons why this Dishwasher Powder Detergent could be just what you were looking for all along.
How to tell if this Dishwasher Powder Detergent might be a good fit for you:
- Sometimes you don’t want to wait for the Dishwasher Detergent Tabs to dry before using them.
- You don’t have the right sized mold to make the tabs fit into their dishwasher.
- You love our Homemade Dish Liquid, but you don’t want to do all my dishes by hand.
That’s why we decided to post this recipe for you. It has all the same ingredients as our Dishwasher Detergent Tabs, but you don’t have to use a mold and wait for the mixture to dry. Just scoop the powder detergent into your detergent compartment in your dishwasher and turn it on.
Directions & Notes for Dishwasher Powder Detergent Recipe:
- Use 1 tablespoon of detergent per load. Add 1/2 cup vinegar into the rinsing agent area before starting.
Everybody’s water source is different. If you find that you have a film or coating on your dishes after a wash, then try substituting 1/3 cup of the Washing Soda with Citric Acid.
I don’t have issues with this where I live, but I’ve read that this can help with the issue. You can usually buy a small container of citric acid in the canning section of your grocery or big box store.
If you find that you like the citric acid addition then the link above is a much cheaper alternative to the small jar in the grocery aisle.
If you like this recipe, then you might want to share it with your friends and family. This is one of the great recipes featured in our Kitchen and Laundry Cleaning Make and Take Party Pack. Check out all the details here!
New to essential oils? Learn more about how we use them and why you should use them as well.
Dishwasher Powder Detergent
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
- 1/3 cup salt
- 32 drops Lemon Essential Oil
- pint jar
Directions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Stir to combine.
- Store in a jar in a dark, cool place to preserve essential oil potency.
- Makes 1 pint, 32 uses.
- To use: Add 1 tablespoon to the dishwasher. Add 1/2 cup vinegar into the rinsing agent area before starting. Run as normal.
- Note: If you have any buildup after washing your dishes, try substituting 1/3 cup of the washing soda with citric acid.
Silly question: what’s the rinsing area of the dishwasher?!
There is usually a compartment on dishwashers labeled Rinse Aid. It’s probably got a screw-on lid to keep the liquid in.
Does the lemon eat away of the plastic components? I have dried YL dishwasher and it leaves a film. Please help. I love and use 90% of your recipes
Thank you.
Hi Silvia! The citrus oils are well diluted during the wash cycle. Just be sure no powder remains after the wash. You can also add vinegar as rinse aid.
Although my dishes are coming out spotless, sadly it is leaving a film on the glasses even with the citric acid. Any ideas?
Are you putting vinegar in the rinse aid compartment, Allison?
I am getting the white film on everything. Vinegar is in the rinse aid area…
Oh man, I’m so sorry that this didn’t work for you, Brenda. Please come back and let us know if you find a recipe that works with your water.
Possibly need more vinegar, sounds like you may have hard water.
Have you used other essential
Oils besides the lemon in this?!
This is the recipe we found that we loved. Do you have a blend that you’ve tried that you love? We can’t wait to hear what works for you. 🙂
My dishes taste like the washing soda, is that normal?
I’ve never had that issue, Cheryl. It should definitely rinse clean when you’re all finished. Did you use the vinegar in the rinse aid area?
How do you get 32 drops of lemon oil to mix in the dry stuff? Seems to me it would clump up
I mix it together until it’s pretty well disbursed. Yes, it gets a little clumpy but then I add a few drops, stir, and repeat so they’re pretty well mixed throughout.
Can I just completely fill the rinse aid compartment and refill when the dishwasher says it’s empty, rather than adding 1/2 cup of vinegar every time I run a load?
Hi Geeta! Yes, you can fill it up in advance. In my dishwasher, it takes about 1/2 cup to fill the rinse compartment. If you notice a film on your dishes cut back on the washing soda. It kind of depends on your water and your dishwasher.
Can you use Citrus Fresh EO?
Hi Robin! Yes, you can substitute Citrus Fresh in this recipe. We love it in our dishwasher tab recipe.