This natural homemade dishwasher detergent is designed to fight the toughest hard water spots and cloudy film without harsh chemicals. The powdered detergent cleans and softens water, while vinegar and lemon essential oil rinse aid leaves glass clear and streak-free. Simple, safe, and effective.
The powdered detergent combines washing soda and baking soda for powerful cleaning, citric acid to dissolve mineral buildup, and salt to soften water. Paired with a vinegar-based rinse aid infused with lemon or eucalyptus lemon essential oil, it leaves dishes sparkling clean, glassware crystal-clear, and your kitchen smelling fresh. Safe, affordable, and eco-friendly, this simple system helps you cut through grease, prevent streaks, and keep your dishwasher running efficiently—naturally.
If you are like me, and struggle with hard water, this detergent and vinegar combination will be equally effective as commercial detergents without all the harsh and synthetic chemicals. Feel good about what solution is washing the dishes your favorite people eat off of.
Ingredients (3 cups – 24 loads)
- 1 cup washing soda (boosts cleaning power)
- 1 cup baking soda (softens water + deodorizes)
- ½ cup citric acid (fights hard water deposits)
- ½ cup salt (works as a water softener)
- White vinegar OR lemon juice AND 10 drops of lemon or lemon eucalyptus essential oil in the rinse aid compartment (fights cloudiness and hard water spots, and rinses residue)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a glass container or bowl.
- Store in an airtight glass jar (citric acid can clump if exposed to moisture).
- Use 2 tablespoons or 1/8 cup per load.
TIPS
- If glasses look cloudy, increase the citric acid slightly.
- Run hot water at the sink before starting your dishwasher so the cycle begins with hot water.
- Don’t overfill the detergent cup—too much powder can leave residue.
- If your rinse aid compartment is small, just top it off with vinegar and lemon essential oil each time you notice spotting.
- Stick with citrus or eucalyptus-type oils for grease-cutting power.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda or citric acid on the bottom of the dishwasher too for best results
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
This natural homemade dishwasher detergent is designed to fight the toughest hard water spots and cloudy film without harsh chemicals. The powdered detergent cleans and softens water, while vinegar and lemon essential oil rinse aid leaves glass clear and streak-free. Simple, safe, and effective.
Ingredients
- 1 cup washing soda (boosts cleaning power)
- 1 cup baking soda (softens water + deodorizes)
- ½ cup citric acid (fights hard water deposits)
- ½ cup salt (works as a water softener)
- White vinegar OR lemon juice AND 10 drops of lemon or lemon eucalyptus essential oil in the rinse aid compartment (fights cloudiness and hard water spots, and rinses residue)
Instructions
1. Mix all ingredients together in a glass container or bowl.
2. Store in an airtight glass jar (citric acid can clump if exposed to moisture).
3. Use 2 tablespoons or 1/8 cup per load.
Notes
-If glasses look cloudy, increase the citric acid slightly.
-Run hot water at the sink before starting your dishwasher so the cycle begins with hot water.
-Don’t overfill the detergent cup—too much powder can leave residue.
-If your rinse aid compartment is small, just top it off with vinegar and lemon essential oil each time you notice spotting.
-Stick with citrus or eucalyptus-type oils for grease-cutting power.
-Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda or citric acid on the bottom of the dishwasher too for best results
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