I thought my machine was the enemy, it just wouldn’t clean—every load left my glasses looking like they’d been through a dust storm, coated with a filmy residue that made me wonder if I should just wash them by hand. The real culprit? My store-bought detergent, packed with chemicals I wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. Then it hit me: I’d been a purist about filtering my drinking water, feeling all proud of myself, only to pour it into a glass coated with chemical junk. Nope, not anymore. I decided to take matters into my own hands and whip up my own dishwasher detergent.

In my Wise & Wild Way Workshop I’m all about cutting the junk and getting back to what works—simple, natural solutions that honor the body and home you were designed to live in. This DIY dishwasher detergent is a perfect example: it’s cheap, it’s effective, and it doesn’t leave your dishes coated in mystery goo. Let’s break down why this natural mix is a must for your kitchen, how to make it, a bonus rinse trick for spot-free shine, and a few things to watch out for—because your dishes deserve to sparkle as much as your spirit does.

What Makes This DIY Dishwasher Detergent So Good?

This recipe is as straightforward as it gets: borax, washing soda, and food-grade citric acid. No synthetic fragrances, no chlorine bleach, just clean ingredients that get the job done. Borax and washing soda team up to break down grease and food gunk, while citric acid tackles hard water stains and keeps your dishes spot-free. It’s safe for your family, your dishwasher, and the planet—and who wants to eat off plates that smell like a chemical factory?

Why It’s a Must for Your Kitchen (and Your Peace of Mind)

Here’s why this DIY detergent is a game-changer:

• No Chemical Residue: Store-bought detergents often leave behind traces of phosphates or chlorine, which can mess with your hormones and irritate your skin. This DIY mix keeps your dishes—and your family—clean and safe.
• Spot-Free Shine: Citric acid fights hard water buildup, so your glasses come out sparkling, not cloudy. No more pretending that filmy wine glass is “vintage.”
• Tough on Grease: Borax and washing soda cut through stuck-on food like nobody’s business. That casserole dish doesn’t stand a chance.
• Eco-Friendly: It’s biodegradable and doesn’t pollute your water. You’re cleaning your dishes while honoring the world you were created to live in.

DIY Dishwasher Detergent: Clean Dishes, No Drama

Forget the overpriced pods—here’s how to make your own detergent that actually works:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup borax
• 1 cup washing soda
• ½ cup food-grade citric acid

Directions:

• Mix the borax, washing soda, and citric acid together until well combined.
• Transfer to a covered container—I keep mine under the sink for easy access.

How to Use It:

• Use 1 Tbsp for a regular load, 2 Tbsp for a heavy load (think post-Thanksgiving disaster).
• Add to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment and run as usual.

Tip: Double the recipe if you’re a dishwashing machine—I mean, if you use your dishwasher a lot. I do, because my family eats like it’s their job—and with all the new recipes I try—it is!

Bonus: Vinegar Rinse for That Extra Sparkle

Want your dishes to shine like they’re ready for a photo shoot? Add this simple rinse:

Ingredients:

• Distilled white vinegar

How to Use:

• Fill the rinse compartment of your dishwasher with distilled white vinegar.
• Run the cycle as usual—your dishes will come out spot-free and shiny.

Why It Works: Vinegar breaks down any leftover mineral deposits and boosts the citric acid’s shine power. It’s like a little TLC for your plates and glasses. I’ve got more vinegar tricks in my clothes detergent article—because clean living is my jam.

The Caveats: What to Watch For

This detergent is a breeze, but here’s what to keep in mind:

• Hard Water Woes: If your water is super hard, you might need a bit more citric acid—start with an extra tablespoon and see how it goes.
• Borax Safety: It’s natural, but don’t eat it (duh). Keep it away from kids and pets, and don’t inhale the powder while mixing.
• Glassware Check: If your glasses still look cloudy, your dishwasher might need a deep clean—run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack. Problem solved.
• Citric Acid Quality: Make sure it’s food-grade—don’t grab the stuff from the hardware store. We’re cleaning dishes, not pipes.

Elevate It, Wise & Wild Style

Take this detergent to the next level with my holistic approach:

• Detox Your Hair: Since you’re cleaning up your kitchen, why not your personal care? Try my no-poo shampoo method to ditch the chemical-laden hair products—your scalp will thank you, and your hair will shine as bright as your dishes.
• Detox Your Body: Soak in a detox bath to flush out toxins—a full-body reset that pairs perfectly with your toxin-free lifestyle. Check my detox bath article for more.
• Breathe Deep: Take some cleansing breaths to clear the lungs and make your cells sing! Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth with a sigh! Ahh, feels so good!

Why It’s Worth Your Time

This DIY dishwasher detergent isn’t just about clean plates—it’s about cleaning up your life, one load at a time. It’s cheap, it’s effective, and it lets you wash with peace of mind—no chemicals, no guilt. Want to feel good about every part of your routine? Start here. Your dishes (and your conscience) will thank you.

Mix it, use it, love it—clean dishes are just the beginning of a cleaner life.

Take It Further

Click here for a PDF of the DIY Dishwasher Detergent recipe.

Explore more my article on clothes detergent to upgrade your natural living
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