As someone who's relied on my dishwasher for years to simplify dishwashing, I've tested countless store-bought tablets—only to be turned off by their harsh chemicals, allergens, sulfates, and phosphates. Washing my family's dishes with that? No way. That's why I developed this natural, effective, and budget-friendly homemade recipe without citric acid. It's quick to make and delivers sparkling results.
Watch how I do it:
- 225 g of soda crystals
- 3 tablespoons of salt
- 45 drops of lemon essential oil
- 125ml of water
- ice cube mold
- glass bowl
- stainless steel spoon
- glass jar
Preparation: 2 min - Makes 16 tablets
1. Put all the dry ingredients in the bowl.
2. Stir well with the spoon to mix everything.
3. Pour the water slowly, stirring to obtain a homogeneous paste.
4. Divide the batter into the compartments of the ice cube mold and pack well.
5. Allow to air dry for 48 hours.
6. Once dry, unmold and store the pellets in a glass jar.
And there you have it! Your homemade dishwasher tablets are ready. Simple, fast, and highly effective.
Pop one tablet into your dishwasher's compartment and run the cycle as usual. For best results, add 100 ml of white vinegar as rinse aid—either in the dispenser or in a bowl on the top rack. It prevents residue, adds shine, and eliminates white streaks common with brands like Sun or Finish.
Septic tank safe? Absolutely—these won't harm your system.
- Store the tablets in an airtight glass jar away from light.
- For hard water, add an extra spoon of salt to the dishwasher bottom before washing to improve rinsing.
- If dishes aren't pristine, add 1 teaspoon of citric acid to the detergent compartment (avoid mixing it into the recipe, as it reacts with water).
- No lemon essential oil? Use orange or grapefruit instead.
- Choose an ice cube mold size that fits your dishwasher compartment perfectly to save time.
