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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

We've been trying to cut costs and save money ever since I got laid off way back in 2009; this has led me to couponing, thrift store shopping, and making homemade versions of store bought foods. Lately, my newest money saving tactic is making household cleaning products. It's simple to do and kinda fun too!

I use Happy Money Saver's recipe, but I don't shape it into tabs, even though hers look gorgeous! When I tried they didn't hold their shape, and since it's not necessary for them to work - why bother? 
Here's what you need:

1 Cup Washing Soda (cleaner) In the laundry aisle, usually on a bottom or top shelf.
1 Cup Baking Soda (cuts out grease)
3 packages unsweetened lemonade drink mix (added cleaning power, antibacterial and it smells good)
1 Cup of Kosher Salt (reduces hard water build up - you might be able to reduce this amount if you have soft water)

Combine all the ingredients and mix well. I do this in a separate container, mainly because I like to do a quadruple batch, and it STILL doesn't fill the container all the way! 

**If you want to have tabs rather than powder, add 1 cup of water at this point, it will fizz. Let it sit while it fizzes for a minute or 2. Then scoop the powder into an ice cube tray or silicone tray packing it down tightly. Let them sit for 24 hours. You can then pop them out and store in an air-tight container.**

I got two of these cute large glass jars at Smiths' Marketplace, on closeout, gotta love that! and see? Still not full! I might do a quintuple (is that right?) batch next time. 


I wanted to get a cute scoop to match the jars, found THIS one and I think it does the trick.

Is it worth the effort?  Here's the price breakdown:

  • Washing Soda $3.24 for 55 oz. = $0.47 for 1 cup
  • Baking Soda $0.68 for 1 lb. box = $0.18 for 1 cup
  • 3 packages unsweetened lemonade drink mix ( I bought on sale at $0.25/pkg)  = $0.75
  • Kosher Salt $1.68 = $0.28 for 1 cup
  • Final price for 38 tabs or 38 loads = $1.68!!!!

I used to buy Finish tabs at Costco when they'd go on sale for $11 for a box of 115, which is a great price. BUT, with my homemade detergent, I get 152 loads, AT LEAST, for only $6.72!!

We run the dishwasher at least once a day - sometimes twice - using 1 heaping tablespoon of detergent each time. This will last us about five months before I need to make another batch. We also use vinegar as a rinse aid. You can get 2 gallons of vinegar at Costco for only $4.58, or 2.29/each. Compare that to Jet Dry, the largest container I could find was 23 ounces for $9.43!

I say it's definitely worth the effort since you're seeing such huge savings in both the dishwasher detergent and rinse aid. Try it out and let me know what you think!
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