HOMEMADE DISHWASHER DETERGENT POWDER
August 7, 2026
Dishwasher powder is one of those household products that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. I like being able to mix up a jar in just a few minutes using a handful of simple ingredients that I already keep around for other cleaning recipes.
This recipe uses washing soda, baking soda, sodium citrate, and a small amount of salt. There are no added fragrances or dyes, and because it’s a dry powder, it’s easy to make ahead and keep beside the dishwasher.
I also like knowing exactly what’s going into something we use on our dishes every day. For me, making cleaners at home isn’t about making things complicated—it’s usually the opposite. I want simple recipes that work well for our home and are easy to make again when we run out.
WHAT DO THE INGREDIENTS DO
WASHING SODA
Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, provides most of the alkalinity in this recipe. Alkaline ingredients are commonly used in automatic dishwasher products to help loosen food soils and handle greasy residue.
BAKING SODA
Baking soda is a mild alkaline cleaner that helps loosen everyday food residue and neutralize odors. It works alongside the stronger washing soda to give the formula a little extra cleaning power without being as harsh on its own.
SODIUM CITRATE
Sodium citrate is one of my favorite ingredients in this formula, especially because of hard water. It acts as a builder, helping deal with minerals like calcium and magnesium that can interfere with cleaning and leave spots or film behind.
A SIMPLE FORMULA
This homemade powder is intentionally simple. Commercial dishwasher detergents can contain low-sudsing surfactants, enzymes, corrosion inhibitors, and other additives designed to tackle particular types of food and stains. Because this recipe leaves those extras out, a commercial detergent may still perform better on heavily soiled, greasy, or baked-on loads.
For everyday washing, though, I prefer this simpler formula because I know exactly what is in it, there are no added fragrances or dyes, and I can make and refill it at home with just a few multipurpose ingredients. It may not be the most powerful option for every load, but for me, the shorter ingredient list and simplicity are worth the tradeoff.
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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Powder
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cup washing soda
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup sodium citrate
DIRECTIONS
- Add all of the ingredients to a clean, dry bowl.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the powder to an airtight container.
- Label and store somewhere dry.
HOW TO USE
Add about 1 tablespoon of powder to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment and run your normal wash cycle.
I recommend starting there rather than assuming more powder will give you cleaner dishes. Your ideal amount can vary depending on your dishwasher, water hardness, cycle, and how dirty your dishes are.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store your dishwasher powder in an airtight container somewhere cool and dry.
Because there is no water added to this recipe, I’m mostly concerned about keeping moisture and contamination out of the jar. Always use a clean, dry scoop and replace the mixture if it gets wet or contaminated.
MACHINES BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY
Dishwashers, water hardness, wash temperatures, and cycles vary quite a bit from one home to another. I always recommend trying the recipe with your normal load and adjusting the amount if needed.
FAQs
Can I leave out the sodium citrate?
I wouldn’t. Sodium citrate has a specific job in this recipe: helping manage minerals in the wash water. It’s especially useful if hard water contributes to spotting or film on your dishes.
Can I substitute baking soda for washing soda?
No. Although they’re related, washing soda and baking soda aren’t the same ingredient. Washing soda is considerably more alkaline, which is one reason sodium carbonate is used in automatic-dishwashing formulations.
Why is my dishwasher powder clumping?
Usually moisture. Keep the container tightly sealed and make sure your scoop is completely dry before putting it back into the jar.
