I love using dishwasher tabs, but they can get expensive. Our small family can fill the dishwasher twice some days, so it adds up quickly. Did you know that you can make your own instead? Take a look below at an easy and inexpensive tutorial for making your own. Whether you’re trying to use more natural ingredients or are looking for budget friendly cleaning solutions, you’ll love these!
Here is what you will need:
2 cups washing soda
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon of basic castile soap
1 cup of baking soda
3 lemons {you will only need the juice of the lemons}
5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice {optional, but a citrus variety works great}
2 ice cube trays
Spoon
Directions:
1. Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Slowly add the vinegar. Don’t worry if you see some fizzing going on, that is natural!
3. Add in the castile soap as well as the juice of three lemons. Just squeeze the juice right in.
4. Mix well until all of the ingredients are well distributed. A paste will form.
5. Spoon the mixture into your ice cube trays. You should have enough to fill about two trays. Pack the mixture in as tight as possible. You want the cubes to be very compact.
6. Place the trays in a warm, dry space for 24 hours. After the 24 hour period, carefully pop them out. They store great in plastic or glass container with lid.
To use your DIY dishwasher tabs, simply drop them in the load before you begin. If you’re washing a smaller load, feel free to break the tab in half. Run the dishwasher as you normally would, and then brace yourself for the results!
These DIY dishwasher tabs will leave your dishes clean, smelling fresh, and shiny. All of the ingredients work hard at cutting grease, grime, and deodorizing.
Give these easy and super inexpensive DIY dishwasher tabs a try. They are the perfect way to clean your dishes naturally, for less!
Have you ever made your own cleaning products?
Crystal Green says
Thank you for this tutorial. If I had a dishwasher this would be very helpful for sure.
Digna D. says
This is interesting. I would love to make these. I have never heard of washing soda. Where would I find that?
sarah says
It is in the laundry soap isle every where.
Sheena says
How long have you been using them?? I made some DIY dish soap in the past but over time my dishes were as shiny anymore. I have been hesitate to try a new recipe for it because of that. I actually still have some from last time under my sink.
Ginger says
I’ve tried other DIY dishwasher recipes before and had little luck with them, but this one with vinegar, oils, and salt sounds more promising. I’ll definitely give it a try. Thanks for sharing at Show Me Saturday.
Marla says
This sounds like a great idea, I have copied and pasted this recipe and I am going to try it in my dishwasher. Thanks for sharing. Twitted. Visiting from Wednesdsay Roundup blog hop. Congratulations on being featured.
Rosie says
oooh I’m thinking how cool this would be as I’m a diehard DIY’er, but I never realized you can make your own dishwasher tabs. I’d love to try this!
Amy says
Wonderful idea, I would love to give this a try, however I have hard water. Will this recipe work just as well with hard water?