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How to Make Dishwasher Detergent

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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe

I make my own dishwasher detergent because we have a septic tank and most dishwasher detergents contain bleach which is bad for septic tanks. Making my own dishwasher soap allows me to use septic safe ingredients in my detergent. An added benefit of making my own dishwasher detergent is that it is much more frugal than store-bought soap.

Dishwasher Detergent Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 C Borax
  • 1 C Washing Soda
  • 20 drops Essential Lemon Oil
Directions:
  1. Use a funnel to pour the Borax and Washing Soda in an old bottle.
  2. Add Lemon oil.
  3. Place the lid on the bottle and shake well.
I use 1 tablespoon in the pre-wash and 2 Tablespoons in the main wash. I attach a tablespoon with an elastic to the top of the bottle.

Frugal Dishwasher Rinse Aid:

We have hard water, so I add vinegar to the rinse dispenser to ensure that we don’t have build up and deposits on our dishes.

About Alea Milham

Alea Milham is the owner of Premeditated Leftovers and the author of Prep-Ahead Meals from Scatch. She shares her tips for saving money and time while reducing waste in her home. Her favorite hobby, gardening, is a frugal source of organic produce for her recipes. She believes it is possible to live fully and eat well while spending less.

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Welcome. I'm Alea!

On Premeditated Leftovers I share simple recipes made with whole foods, practical shopping tips, time saving techniques, and meal planning strategies. I also share tips for minimizing food waste, so more of the food that is purchased ends up on the table.

While volunteering as a budget counselor, I realized that food is the element of most people’s budgets where they have the greatest control. I set out to develop low-cost recipes from scratch to prove it’s possible to create delicious meals on a limited budget. Eating well while spending less is about more than just creating recipes using inexpensive ingredients; it’s about creatively combining ingredients so you don’t feel deprived and are inspired to stick to your budget.