DIY Dishwasher Tablet - A Healthier Choice for your Home
As a naturopath and nutritionist, I spend a lot of time thinking about what we put into our bodies. But over time, I’ve also become more aware of what we’re exposed to in our environment—especially in our homes. One day, while unpacking the dishwasher, I started wondering what was actually in those little commercial dishwasher tablets I’d been using for years. Then I cleaned the dishwasher and noticed a weird blue scum from the tablets I use. (I don’t use the ones with plastic after seeing what they did in a friend’s dishwasher)
It turns out, many of them contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and residues that linger on our dishes. So, I decided to experiment with making my own! After a bit of trial and error, I found a simple, effective recipe that gets the job done—without the unnecessary toxins.
Why Make Your Own Dishwasher Tablets?
Fewer chemicals – No unnecessary fillers or harsh additives.
Cost-effective – Ingredients are cheap and readily available.
Multipurpose – These tablets don’t just clean dishes; they also tackle baked-on grime and even work as an oven cleaner!
Better for sensitive individuals – No synthetic fragrances or irritants that can trigger reactions.
What I used. You don’t have to use these brands, it was just what I had in my pantry or local supermarket.
What I made! Super excited about how good they look
Homemade Dishwasher Tablets
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 wooden spoon
- 2 Small Ice cube tray or Mini muffin trays Depends on what shape you prefer. I like to make a couple different shapes
- 1 Tablespoon
Materials
- 1 Cup Bi Carb Soda
- 1 Cup Washing soda Purchase laundry powder in the laundry powder aisle in your local supermarket
- 1 Cup Salt Any course salt works
- 1/4 Cup Citrus Acid
- 1/2 -2/3 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice I find fresh works best. If you can't get fresh lemons, then use a few drops of lemon essential oil and 1/4 cup of white vinegar.
Instructions
- Place all the dry ingredients into a large bowl and stir well
- Stir in the lemon juice or lemon oil and vinegar. This step will fizz up.
- After the initial fizzing, stir really well until the dry ingredients are coated and look like wet sand.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture into each ice cube or mini muffin mold. Push down until very firm and no air pockets are left. If this step isn't done correctly, your tablets will crumple.
- Leave sitting in a dry place for 6-12 hours, until the tablets have dried and turned solid.
- To remove, simply pop out of the mold
- Store in an air-tight container
- To use the place in the dishwasher as normal, or if it's too large, put it in the cutlery drawer.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse container . See note about checking warranties with your manufacturer
Notes
What I used. You don’t have to use these brands, it was just what I had in my pantry or local supermarket.
