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Monday, November 17, 2025

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent That Gets Dishes Clean Without Flooding Your Kitchen

IMPORTANT — READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE USING THIS RECIPE

This recipe makes a LARGE batch of dishwasher detergent. You will NOT pour this whole amount into your dishwasher at once. You will use ONLY 1 tablespoon per load. Do NOT dump the entire mixture into your machine or you will damage your dishwasher. Please read the full post before making or using this detergent.

Before we go any further, let me say this very clearly: this recipe will NOT make your dishwasher bubble over, foam up, or flood your kitchen. It contains no dish soap, no Castile soap, and nothing whatsoever that produces foamy suds. It uses only low-sudsing, mineral-based ingredients that clean the same way commercial powdered detergents do.

This formula gets dishes clean, helps prevent spotting, and is the closest you can get to commercial dishwasher detergent using simple pantry-style ingredients.

Why You Can Trust This Recipe

  • It contains no actual soap. Soap is the only thing that makes bubbles.
  • It uses ingredients commonly found in many non-foaming dishwasher powders.
  • These ingredients clean through chemical reaction, not suds.
  • It is safe for dishwashers when used in small, proper amounts.

This recipe has zero bubble-producing ingredients. It will not foam. It will not overflow. This is extremely important to understand before you start.

Ingredients (This Makes a Large Batch — Do Not Use All At Once)

  • 1 cup washing soda (NOT baking soda)
  • 1 cup borax
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 10–20 drops essential oil (optional)

What each ingredient does:

  • Washing soda: cuts grease and boosts cleaning power
  • Borax: softens water and enhances detergent effectiveness
  • Citric acid: prevents hard water spots and removes mineral deposits
  • Kosher salt: helps soften water and reduces streaking

Instructions

  1. Combine the washing soda, borax, citric acid, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Break up every clump thoroughly.
  3. Add essential oils if desired and mix again.
  4. Store in an airtight jar or container.
  5. Use ONLY 1 tablespoon per dishwasher load.

Do NOT put more than the recommended amount in or you may see residue or cloudiness.

For Spot-Free, Clear, Sparkling Dishes: Use a Rinse Aid

Even commercial detergents rely on rinse aids to prevent foggy glassware. Homemade detergent is no different.

Safe Rinse Aid Options

  • White vinegar (ONLY in the rinse-aid compartment)
  • Commercial rinse aid

Do not pour vinegar directly into the detergent area. Only in the rinse aid compartment.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use the hottest water setting your dishwasher allows.
  • Clean your dishwasher filter and spray arms before switching recipes.
  • If you have hard water, increase the citric acid slightly.
  • If your dishes look cloudy, reduce the amount of detergent per load.
  • Keep your powder stored airtight to prevent clumping.

Will This Get Dishes Clean?

Yes. This formula has been used successfully by thousands of households. It cleans well, cuts grease, removes residue, and rinses away clean when used correctly.

It will not match the enzyme-powered cleaning ability of commercial pods, but as a homemade option, it performs extremely well.

Will This Flood My Kitchen?

No. Here are the only ingredients that cause a dishwasher to overflow:

  • Liquid dish soap (any brand)
  • Castile soap
  • Hand soap
  • Shampoo or body wash
  • Anything designed to foam

This recipe uses none of those. It is a low-sudsing, non-foaming formula. If you follow the directions and use only the recommended amount, it is safe for your dishwasher.

The Bottom Line

If you want a homemade dishwasher detergent that:

  • won’t foam or overflow
  • won’t damage your dishwasher
  • cleans dishes effectively
  • helps reduce spotting
  • works well with a rinse aid
  • is inexpensive and easy to make

This is the recipe to use. Just make sure you read the directions, use the correct amount, and enjoy clean dishes without worry.

Copyright AngryHousewives.club

Safety Note: I am NOT a medical professional. Please research ingredients, check for allergies, and confirm pet safety. Use gently and at your discretion.

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