All it takes are a few basic ingredients from your pantry to make a powdered or tablet form.

Here are simple instructions for homemade dishwasher detergent.

Stir well with the wooden spoon.

making your own dishwasher detergent

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

The mixture should last for a few months if stored properly.

Here’s how to use it in powdered and tablet form.

Powdered Dishwasher Detergent

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of powdered detergent for each load of dirty dishes.

mixing together borax, salt, and washing soda

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

If the mixture has hardened slightly, stirring well with a wooden spoon may soften it.

However, if it has formed clumps, discard the batch.

Keep in mind that the clumps will not dissolve correctly in the dishwasher.

mixing baking soda and borax

The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

By making dishwasher detergent, you control the ingredients that are used.

Some commercial products include fragrances that may not be desirable to everyone.

Creating homemade products saves money if you store and use them correctly.

Let the dishwasher detergent do its job.

Don’tpre-rinse your dirty dishesbut you could scrape away any leftover food beforeloading them in the dishwasher.

Saving Tips: Dishwasher vs. HandWashing Dishes.Energy Star.