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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent with Orange and Lemon Oils
November 3, 2021
Did you know that many conventional dishwashing detergents contain some ingredients that are not safe for you and your family? According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and its “guide to healthy cleaning,” these detergents can include phosphates, preservatives, formaldehyde and more. Some of these products “may contain ingredients with potential for acute aquatic toxicity; chronic aquatic toxicity; nervous system effects.”
Yikes. Instead, consider making your own homemade dishwasher detergent. Not only will you save a ton of money, you can be positive that the ingredients are safe for you, your family and the environment without question. (And for a backup store-bought dishwasher detergent, opt for one of these.)
How to Make DIY Dishwasher Soap
In a medium bowl, add the washing soda and purified water. Washing soda is a chemical compound that is safe to use for removing dirt and grease. It can even treat hard water. More specifically, it is the salt of carbonic acid. Because washing soda is often made from the ashes of burned plants, you may see it named as soda ash.
Purified water is important to help avoid chemical contamination. Blend these ingredients.
Next, stir in the vinegar, citric acid and kosher salt for this homemade dishwasher detergent. White vinegar helps disinfect safely but also helps keep your dishes spot free. The vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps take the grease off while acting as a rinsing agent.
Citric acid helps add some shine to your dishes while removing the minerals that may be caused by hard water found in your area. Kosher salt is an amazing ingredient because it is a mild preservative and can get some of those tough to clean stains off of your dishes by acting as a gentle scouring agent.
It’s now time to add the essential oils and mix well. Wild orange oil is perfect because it fights off grease and bacteria while enhancing your kitchen with a delightful scent. Lemon essential oil is a powerhouse of freshness, and it’s a great in a homemade dishwasher detergent.
Pour into a glass bottle and store in the fridge.
Tips
- To use, give the bottle a good shake and then add your DIY dishwasher soap to the dispenser. About 1½–2 tablespoons of detergent per load should do the trick.
- I suggest storing your homemade dishwasher detergent in the refrigerator to prevent fermentation and mold since it is chemical and preservative-free.
- A quick rinse before loading the dishwasher can provide a boost to a good set up of clean dishes.
Precautions
Though this homemade dishwasher detergent is safe, it’s best to keep it out of reach from children and pets. If you notice any irritation, please discontinue use. For best results, make sure to clean your dishwasher periodically. You can run the dishwasher using a cup or two of vinegar and baking soda to help provide a thorough cleansing.
Print
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 30 uses 1x
Description
The average dishwashing detergent has some unhealthy ingredients, so why not make a DIY dishwashing detergent right at home? Not only will you save a ton of money, you can be positive that the ingredients are safe for you, your family and the environment without question.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces washing soda
- 3¼ cups purified water
- 4 ounces white vinegar
- 1 ounce citric acid powder
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 20 drops orange essential oil
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add the washing soda and purified water and mix well with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in the vinegar, citric acid and kosher salt.
- Add the essential oils and mix well.
- Pour into a glass bottle and store in the fridge to prevent fermentation and mold (since it is chemical and preservative-free).
- Use about 1½–2 tablespoons of detergent per load. Give the bottle a good shake before dispensing.
Notes
Because this is a chemical-free dishwasher detergent, you need to give your dishes a quick scrub and rinse before loading.
- Prep Time: 10 min
Comments
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36 Comments
Hello, Doctor.Axe. I am writing to you from Turkey.I made my dishwasher detergent according to the measurements you gave,the results are great ! Plates, pots, spoons are sparkling, but a layer of fog remains on the glass surfaces, and I feel sad. Please tell me how I’m going to get through this,thank you.
Bob, Hi!
About washing soda… I had to learn what this was as well a few years back when wanting to make my own laundry soap. Didn’t understand the differance between baking soda and “Washing Soda”.
“Washing Soda” is simply taking baking soda, spreading it out on a baking sheet, and baking it at 400° for an hour. This changes the composition of the baking soda into “Washing Soda”. Hope this helps you. Take care, Cristi
I had it all going good till, I got to the first line of the recipe. What is “Washing Soda” ? I’m headed toward 79, and know not what you’re talking about. Maybe I know it by a different name, for the stuff, or maybe I need to shop at a fancier supermarket, maybe it is just age…. Whatever, as you can see, I need some help. I would sure like to try it, if you can lend a hand and a few minutes. THANKS, and the LORD richly bless you in your Spiritual endeavors. Bob
To Celia: Citric acid is from citrus fruits, in canning you can substitute lemon juice; however in this recipe, it probably won’t last as long in the fridge. The article states the purpose of each ingredient.
Crystal: Thank you, but citric acid is rarely from citrus fruits. I know, seems like it should be, but it’s not. However, I think I’ve found a safe, corn-free citric acid and look forward to trying this recipe.
Bob, Hi!
About washing soda… I had to learn what this was as well a few years back when wanting to make my own laundry soap. Didn’t understand the differance between baking soda and “Washing Soda”.
“Washing Soda” is simply taking baking soda, spreading it out on a baking sheet, and baking it at 400° for an hour. This changes the composition of the baking soda into “Washing Soda”. Hopes this helps you. Take care, Cristi
I’d love to make my own, but need to make some substitutions because of allergies. I’m sure subbing ACV for white vinegar won’t be a problem. Is the citric acid necessary, what purpose? What could be subbed for citric acid – or – does anyone know of a corn free sourced citric acid? Thanks so much.
Citric acid is from citrus fruits, in canning you can substitute lemon juice; however in this recipe, it probably won’t last as long in the fridge. The article states the purpose of each ingredient.
How long will it keep in refrigerator?
Hi, great recipe! I will make this tonight. How to store this? Does it need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it should be refrigerated. Give it a good shake before using.
Can I store this in room temp or refrigerator?
Fridge.
What is healthy washing soda? aluminum-free?
Non-toxic, natural washing soda can be purchase in natural foods stores as well as online, such as at Amazon.
Where do I buy a healthy washing soda and citric acid powder?
Hi Joshua, depending on where you live, your local health food store may sell them both. If not, Amazon has great options!
my dishwasher recipe is this…
2C.washing soda
1/2 cup citric acid
mix these first
1/2cup salt(pure-pickling-salt)
2tsp orange essential
2tsp lemon essential
2tsp diamtasous earth(foodgrade!)
mix salt with essentials..the earth is silica so it don’t stick
then mix it all together
NOW for rinse aid..16 oz cheap 100proof vodka and 6 oz citric acid..sparkling glasses and no poisons coating your dishes
How to store this? Can I refrigerate it or leave it in the shelf?
This is fabulous stuff! Thanks so much Dr Axe – I have been trying to source the perfect dishwasher detergent for several years now, but up until now have been unsuccessful despite many experiments. This stuff really cleans properly – even glass comes out sparkling! Lovely to know this stuff is not poisoning water courses like commercial stuff (even so-called “eco” products). So much cheaper than commercial products too. Thanks so much for this great recipe!
Why kosher salt as opposed to other types of salt? Just curious. I’m looking forward to trying this.
It’s a mild preservative and scouring agent.
I have been researching breast cancer for my friend and found lots of thing that are really helping her.
Than I found you and Jordan on u tube and i was very inpressed.
I got your book essential oil ancient medcine and your web site. I am finding lots of information that is not only helping my friend but myself and my husband as well. love all the diy recipes. working on detoxing my home as well as my body. thank you for shearing all of your knowleage.
An issues using this in septic tanks or with hard water?
i would like to hear if you got any reply on your ask if the homemade dish washer detergent was safe for septic tanks.
waiting to hear from you
mary butler
Ireland
This homemade dishwasher soap looks interesting. Two quick questions: 1) i use Young Living oils which tend to be a fair bit stronger than a lot of other brands. Do these amounts still sound appropriate?
2) Is there any reason I could or could not also ad a touch of thyme, lemongrass, cinnamon or oregano? We live on a farm and a little extra cleaning power bacterial wise would be beneficial. My son also does not do that well with orange.
Thanks
Is suggest melaleuca as it is tough but gentle. Play around with drops, but Dr axe has talked about quality oils of DoTERRA, and Young living is very similar, so I think 20 drops of either is good. He always boasts to only use quality essential oils :)
Everytime I’ve made this or any recipe for dishwashing with castilesoap my dishes are always covered in a film I’ve also used the recipes that have vinegar included
Have any suggestions on a remedy?
Would this work to hand wash dishes?
where is the best place or brand to buy citric acid?
Grocery stores sell it in the canning supplies area.
Where can I find citric acid that isn’t made from black mold?
You are just awesome,I’m going to do this.
I hope you got my message about my bladder problem
There’s no recipe given for did dishwasher soap
Yes, keep scrolling down after the article. Recipe follows
Bottom of the article.