Organic Dishwasher Detergent
I am on a month long challenge to slowly rid our house of anything with nasty chemicals and large price tags. Just recently, I shared my Recipe for Facial Moisturizer.
I am concocting my own household replacements with little more than what I have on hand or what I can find at the organic market.
But the replacements must meet or exceed three important expectations for this frugal gal:
1. It must be easy to replace-no beakers or science lab experiments. Thank you.
2. It must be just as good or better than the current product I’m using and,
3. It must cost the same or less than the current product I’m using.
photo source unknown
If the product I create passes the final test-me using it for over two plus week to make sure it doesn’t stink-then I’ll be sharing it with you. I will break down the cost for you, provide you the recipe and give you my honest opinion of the final product.
Without further ado: here is Phase 2 of ridding my house of chemicals-Organic Dishwasher Detergent.
Although this Organic Dish Detergent isn’t as cheap as the current “Best Choice” Dish detergent I’ve been using, I can rest easy knowing I’m not putting chemicals down my drain-and it cleans my dishes better.
The “Best Choice” ends up being about $.15 per load, whereas this recipe will cost about $.25 per load. I’ll show a detailed breakdown at the end of this post.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Organic Dishwasher Detergent:
4 C Liquid Castille Soap (I found mine at Whole Foods for the same price you can buy it online)
1 C White Vinegar
1 C Water
1 TBS Lemon Juice
1 tsp Tea tree oil
1 Recycled Squirt Top Bottle (I used a 55 oz Ketchup Bottle)
Start by pouring the 4 Cups of Castille, 1 Cup Water and 1 Cup Vinegar into the squirt bottle.
I recommend using a funnel.
Next, add the 1 TBS Lemon Juice.
Lastly, add 1 tsp (about 7 drops) of Tea Tree Oil.
Screw the cap onto the bottle and shake thoroughly.
Make a cute label for your detergent and store in the refrigerator. Use about 2 TBS per load.
That’s it. Pretty dang simple.
Here’s the financial breakdown:
$10 for 32 oz of Castille Soap
$2 for 32 oz of Lemon Juice
$13 for 2 oz of Tea Tree Oil
$2.40 for 1 Gallon of White Vinegar
Needed per 6 Cups/50 ounces:
4 Cups of Castille Soap= $10
1 Cup of Water= free
1 TBS Lemon Juice= $.03
1 tsp Tea Tree Oil= $2.16
1 Cup White Vinegar=$.15
TOTAL = $12.34 or $.25 load
My Detergent=$7 for 75 oz (need 3 TBS per load/49 loads)=$.15 per load
Linking up to this party, amongst others:
Rebekah, this is wonderful! Hubby and I were just talking about an article he had read about the VOC’s contained in laundry soap. Since we used an “allergy friendly” type, ours doesn’t have the chemicals referred to in the article, but we sure can smell them in the dishwasher soap! This couldn’t have come at a better time.
I’m your newest follower, and would love to have you visit me on my blog:
http://www.suburbanprairiehomemaker.com
Thanks again!
Great post! I was just looking for a recipe, as I am almost out of my 7th Heaven dishwasher cleaner, but want to make my own. Do you mind if I feature this recipe and your blog on my blog next week? I run a blog called Natural Health and Prevention and discuss all kinds of natural living ideas from herbs to aromatherapy to whole foods to healthy home products. This would fit right in!
http://naturallivingsocal.blogspot.com
Jessica-
I would be honored! I am going to be doing another DIY Organic Household Recipe each week for a month or more. Last week I did Cheap, Organic Facial Moisturizer. Here’s the link to that, if you would like to feature it also!
https://www.potholesandpantyhose.com/2012/02/cheap-organic-facial-moisturizer/
Thanks so much-I am going to leave the same-ish comment on your site. Thanks for stopping by!
Love the thought of replacing the dishwasher detergent!! How well did it work, compared to store bought? I’ve tried a few homemade recipes, they just didn’t work well. Definitely want to give yours a try. Thanks
Does this have to be refrigerated or is it ok in a cabinet?
Kris-
At the end of the post, here is what you were looking for. I hope you like the recipe! Thanks for stopping by!
“Make a cute label for your detergent and store in the refrigerator. Use about 2 TBS per load.“
visiting from Tatertots & Jello party- totally loving this recipe and DEFinitely giving it a try once I finish up our current bottle of cleaner. been trying to get away from icky chemicals! 🙂 saving this recipe on pinterest!
what a great idea!
thanks for linking up to make it monday!
I’ve just shared it on the Brassy Apple FB page and with my twitter followers!
have a great day!
This is such a great idea and I love the natural ingredients! Please stop over and share at Mix it up Monday:
http://flourmewithlove.blogspot.com/2012/02/mix-it-up-monday_19.html
I hope to see you soon 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
What a fun idea!!!! I’m going to try this! Thanks!!
I’m so into this! When I run out of my dishwasher detergent, I’m going to give this a go. I want to do the same for our laundry detergent as well. It’ll be cheaper and we won’t have to keep consuming plastic bottles!
Bummer, I was hoping to have finally found a good dish detergent (without borax and what not) but I’ve heard (from Lisa Bronner even) that you shouldn’t mix Castile soap with any acid (lemon juice, vinegar, etc) because the castile is a base and mixing it with an acid will cancel it out…and usually make it clumpy. I have heard of other recipes with no acid in them and I’m going to give those a try when I’m out of my Biokleen.
I’ve never heard this-but I will do some research for myself. It isn’t clumpy-but I do shake it up each time before I use it-and I keep it in the fridge. I’ll post what I find out!
Hmm…. mine definitely came out clumpy. I got Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Soap and unpolished rice vinegar… anything wrong with those ingredients? And does clumpy mean it doesn’t work?
Clueless in Washington, DC
Just wondering if the tea tree oil is a necessary part (does it aid in cleaning) or is it for the smell?
If you were able to leave this out, it would reduce costs….
Thanks
Sherry-
Tea tree oil really doesn’t have much of a smell. It is for antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral purposes (see below):
Antiseptic/ Bacterial Properties:
A general disinfectant that fights bacteria in all kinds of wounds and infections.
Anti-Fungal Properties:
Treats fungal diseases affecting humans and animals.
Anti-Viral Properties:
Fights may common infectious diseases.
I’m sure you don’t have to use it, but I think it’s worth the cost to rid my dishes of nasties!
Thanks for the recipe! I’ve been looking for a good homemade recipe.
I buy tea tree oil at our local Grocery Outlet for about $3 for two ounces for my everyday household needs. Much more frugal than $13. Don’t know how much difference there is between this and what you’d find at the health food store. Melaleuca’s products are supposed to be the highest quality, but as this is for household use, I don’t know how much of a difference it would make…
Cheryl, If you go on line and do some research on EO (essential oils) weather it be tea tree or other oil, you will find they are not created equal. After all the reason you use tea tree oil is for IT”S unique benefits. Think of it like this, why does one buy organic produce, because it is not contaminated with anything, the same goes for EO’s. You do not want to clean with contaminated EO’s that would be defeating the purpose of using them in the first place, as a good EO may cost more in the end it is worth it. I think you may find how fascinating learning about EO’s can be 🙂 and which ones can do what for sooooooooo many things. I love sites like this that are fun and healthy, keep up the GOOD work!!!!!!!
Can this be used for both handwashing and in the dishwasher? Cut label:)
This was specific for dishwasher-but I am going to try it now in my spongey wand thingie and see what happens. I’ll keep you posted!
To reduce the cost lower than store bought you can make your own liquid castile by melting one grated bar into 6 cups of water. Brings the cost down to about $0.10 a load
Kelly-
That’s awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. I am definitely going to do this. What kind of bar soap?
Castille Soap comes in Bars too. I saw several different Scents at New Seasons. The bars are a lot Cheaper than the Liquid.
Sounds wonderful- and easy!
Oh I love this! I have been looking for a mixture that doesn’t require you to add vinegar to the rinse! Thanks for posting, I’m going to pin ya!
Big Bloggy Love,
Lauren D.
BeSweetlyInspired.blogspot.com
Great solution – I’ve tried homemade powder version that just don’t work as well, but this sounds like it’s worth a try! Thanks for linking it to the Craftastic Monday party!
Ahhh, what a great idea!! I love that it is liquid — we have been told not to use powder with our type of septic system. Definitely going to give this a try!! Found your link at Someday Crafts link party.
Hi lovely lady.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me!!!
Im your newest follow on your linky and your other followers.
I hope you come follow me also.
XXOO Diane
This sounds great Rebekah!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Rebekah, What a great detergent! I also make my own laundry detergent and many other cleaners as well. We are removing toxins that way! Great job! I’d love for you to link up at Healthy 2day Wednesdays for sharing post like this and other healthy posts every week until Saturday afternoon. Just saying “Hi” also, found you though Works for Me Wednesday and your newest “like” on fb! Be blessed!
I would love to link up! Thanks for being a new follower!
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I would love for you to link up at my Linky Party via: ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com.
Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
I saw your blog post on the Healthy 2Day link-up. I think this sounds like great dishwasher recipe. Haveyou had any issues with it becoming too sudsy because of the liquid castile soap? Thanks again, for the recipe!!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂
This is a great idea thanks for sharing. I am hosting a link up on my blog today and I would love to have you link this up as well as 2 more from your blog if you would like. here is the link: http://asouthernladysramblings.blogspot.com/2012/02/thursday-link-up.html
Great! Love This! I don’t have a dishwasher yet but when I do I’ll be using these! Thanks!
Marilyn
4you-withlove.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing~!! Great tips and so cost effective. I may have to try this one! Happy VTT
[…] My month long challenge of slowly ridding our house of nasty chemicals began several weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I shared my Recipe for Facial Moisturizer and last week-my DIY Organic Dishwasher Detergent. […]
Saw your link over at Vintage Thingies Thursday and am so glad I did! Finding natural recipes was my focus for the Month of March and now you have given me a head start. Thanks for sharing – this looks awesome!
I love finding frugal ideas like this. Will have to try it. Pinning right now! I am a new FB fan visiting from A Glimpse Inside. Vicky from Mess For Less
What a fantastic recipe and one I just have to try! Thank you so much for sharing this with us on Natural Mothers Network!
I am really looking forward to the Seasonal Celebration Linky Party #5 going live tomorrow morning and hope you’ll pop over sometime-you’re always so welcome!
http://naturalmothersnetwork.com/category/seasonal-celebration-sunday/ Have a great weekend!
Rebecca x
Do you think I could use the castile soap with tea tree already in it and omit the tea tree oil?
I had to stop by and see the recipe, I also am trying to rid my home of chemicals. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe, I love Casitlle soap all by itself. How is the suds with using the soap? My fingers are crossed that you’ll share at Sunday’s Best party going on now. I think all of us are looking for alternatives. Ps – now following you on linky!
I am totally pinning this and trying it!
Are you 100% pleased with how clean it gets your dishes? I am really picky about dishwashing liquid.
Thanks for linking it up.
We are very happy with the recipe. I will tell you, however, that we tend to wipe the big chunks off of our dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I am paranoid about ants, and since there are just the two of us creating dishes, we use the dishwasher about twice a week.
Thank you for sharing. I have been looking for ways to go natural and homemade. I am your newest follower.
Vicky
http://www.1orangegiraffe.blogspot.com
[…] created a Recipe for Facial Moisturizer and secondly, I wanted to replace my dishwasher detergent DIY Organic Dishwasher Detergent. This last week, I shared a replacement for face wash with my Cheap, Organic Face Wash […]
I made up a batch of this detergent but forgot to add the tea tree oil because I don’t have any. It does get my dishes clean but leaves a fine, white haze on everything that wipes off easily. Is this happening because I forgot to add the oil? If so, can I add it now? I’ve only run 3 or 4 loads in the dishwasher with this batch, tops.
I haven’t had the white haze on my dishes at all-but I have also always used the oil. I wonder if your water is harder than mine and minerals are clinging to your dishes?
The oil may help, but the real purpose is as an antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral purposes (see below):
Antiseptic/ Bacterial Properties:
A general disinfectant that fights bacteria in all kinds of wounds and infections.
Anti-Fungal Properties:
Treats fungal diseases affecting humans and animals.
Anti-Viral Properties:
Fights may common infectious diseases.
I would love to hear back from you if this helps or not!
Hi! I am having the same issue with the white haze film too. I did add the oil to my batch. So I’d love advice on what I could do differently? I tried doing a double rinse but nothing changed. I am also shaking each time before I use it. And help would be much appreciated! 🙂 thank you!!
If you have hard water I’ve heard a cup of vinegar helps with the cloudy issue
If you leave out the Tea Tree Oil, it will make it only $0.20 per load AND the dishes should still be getting sanitized. It’s not dishwasher detergent that sanitizes dishes, it’s the boiling hot water.
And Rebecca, if you’re getting a fine white haze on your dishes, it’s likely due to hard water in your area. Try upping the dish washing rinse (e.g. Jet Dry). Actually, you can replace the Jet Dry with white vinegar easy peasy and get rid of even more cost and chemicals.
[…] shared with you so far my Recipe for Facial Moisturizer , DIY Organic Dishwasher Detergent, Cheap, Organic Face Wash and my Easy Homemade Laundry […]
Hi.
Does this really work? I’ve been trying to find something that does.
Also – do you add the 2 T manually or in the auto fill section of your dishwasher?
Thanks!
Adrienne-
Just like the beginning part of this post states-I have criteria before I post these recipes. They have to be tested for at least two weeks, cheap & easy to make. This recipe has made it past my strict rules-at least for me & my household!
You add the detergent to your dishwasher just like you would any other detergent. Hope this helps!
Just a quick question! Is this for the dish washer and hand washing?
This is “Organic Dishwasher Detergent”-for the dishwasher. I am going to make a recipe soon just for hand washing dishes, too! I’ll keep you posted!
Thanks!
Hi Rebekah, thanks for posting this. I just made it and am looking forward to using it.
However, I do have a question. What is the reasoning behind keeping it refrigerated? Does keeping it cold help it to gel? Or will the mixture somehow sour if not refrigerated? I’d appreciate the info on that.
Found you in Pinterest. Thanks.
The lemon juice needs to be refrigerated-that’s pretty much the only reason that I see to keep it in the fridge!
Thank you for sharing all your recipes! I am in love with trying to decrease chemicals (making my own cleaners, etc) and waste (attempting to go paperless). I made a small batch of your dishwasher liquid (loved the smell). I’m wondering if anyone else has had the problem I experienced.
After the cycle was done, I found ALL my dishes covered in a white-grey ish looking grime. I ran the dishwasher again, still there. Washed everything by hand – took some serious scrubbing, but it eventually came off..
Any suggestions?? Modifications??
If you have really hard water, you might want to try adding a little more vinegar-or maybe even put vinegar into the rinse/jet dry section of your dishwasher? I’ve heard another reader had this same problem. I am not experiencing this-but my minerals may be different here or something. I am so sorry you had all of this trouble! That stinks! I may need to come up with an alternative recipe, just to make this work for everyone!
I also had a thick white film on my dishes especially the ones on the top rack. I always use vinegar as a rinse aide so I am wondering if there are other ways of preventing the white film. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them. I am very pleased with the way this cleans. As soon as I figure the residue issue, this recipe will be perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Other than hard water, the combination between castile soap and vinegar is known to create a thick white curd-like outcome. Something about the alkaline pH of the soap and the acidic pH of the vinegar.
[…] posted a Recipe for Facial Moisturizer, DIY Organic Dishwasher Detergent, Cheap, Organic Face Wash, DIY Household Green Cleaner and last week was my DIY […]
I love this post!! So looking forward to trying this out! I too am in the process of eliminating all the chemicals in our house….check out my blog if you get a moment! http://www.ThatOrganicGirl.com
I love this post!! So looking forward to trying this out! I too am in the process of eliminating all the chemicals in our household….Would you mind if I featured this recipe on my blog next week? It’s about transitioning into more of an Organic lifestyle….I think my followers would love it! Feel free to check it out…
http://www.ThatOrganicGirl.com !
[…] on this, though. Â DIY dishwasher soap is infinitely cheaper than buying it. Â I found a recipe for DIY liquid dishwasher soap, which I think I’m going to give a try. Â As soon as I find castille […]
[…] lotion. I created a Recipe for Facial Moisturizer. I moved on to replacing my dishwasher detergent-DIY Organic Dishwasher Detergent, face wash-Cheap, Organic Face Wash and finally last week I shared several DIY […]
Hi Rebekah,
I just made this tonight and I am currently running a load now. The liquid in my batch was very watery and had small pulpy looking pieces (that appeared after mixing vinegar and castile soap). My question is, when you make your soap is it thick like store bought dish washing soap or thin and runny? Do you get the pulpy bits in yours?
Thanks!
Hannah-
It is much runnier than the store bought kind and there is the pulpy stuff in it. Just a little FYI- I’ve heard from one reader that it left a bit of white film on the dishes. After running the load again with just vinegar, it seemed to clean right up. There might be residue in the dishwasher lines from past detergents or heavy amounts of minerals in your water. Both affect how well this soap does for you. I hope this works out for you well, but let me know if you have any more questions!
[…] on the following to see more of my projects: I’ve posted a Recipe for Facial Moisturizer, DIY Organic Dishwasher Detergent, Cheap, Organic Face Wash, DIY Household Green Cleaner and last week was my DIY […]
You’d probably save more money if you didn’t mix your soap with vinegar. (Use less soap, and remove the vinegar from the recipe and instead put it in the rinse part of your machine.)
Oh and the lemon juice should be omitted as well.
Acid + base = don’t they teach chemistry anymore? Yes this is the source of the white film, the curdle…..
Thanks for the advice, ModernMoron.
Hi Rebekah!
Have you ever used this as a dish soap for the items that need to be handwashed? Or do you know of a good recipe for dish soap?
I’m looking forward to trying this very soon!
Thanks, Rebekah
I haven’t tried this yet, but it is on my list to try when my current dishwasher cubes run out! I have always had issues with the white film and even spots on my dishes. We have very hard water, and I found a solution that really works for me. When I load the top drawer with dishes, I leave a small glass or coffee mug turned up and fill it half way to three-quarters full with vinegar. My dishwasher has 2 dispensers on the door…one for the detergent that snaps shut, and an open one for more detergent (pre-wash). In the open dispenser, I add about 1-2 teaspoons Lemi-Shine (or you can use citric acid…same thing) and about 1 tablespoon Kosher salt. The salt helps to soften the water. The Lemi-Shine helps to reduce any residue or spots, as does the vinegar. My dishes are sparkling and spot-free, and my dishwasher is squeaky clean after each wash…no gunk buildup-FINALLY! A word of caution…the Lemi-Shine does state not to use it with aluminum, painted glass/ceramic, fine china, and non-stick cookware. It can be harsh on those items. I just wash that stuff by hand, and if I need to run a wash with it, I can leave the Lemi-Shine out of the mix. I thought I was doomed to having to re-rinse/wash or wipe off my dishes, but no longer! Hope this helps some of you. Oh, and I no longer use Jet-Dry or similar products, and I don’t even fill the rinse dispenser, but you can put vinegar in there. And the vinegar smell goes away. 🙂
[…] this weekend. Â I went ahead and made the natural and non-toxic dishwashing liquid from another cool blog I found. Â My review? Â It works great, very cheap, and it smells nice too! Â You will have to […]
Just FYI – Rite Aid often has two for one sales on tea tree oil. I NEVER pay more than $6 a bottle, and I stock up every time I find it on sale. I also add it to my shampoo and use it on skin blemishes. It’s fantastic to have around and doesn’t have to cost a bundle.
Jasmine-
Thanks for the tip! We don’t have Rite Aids here. Make sure you are using pure tea tree oil and not something synthetic. That’s the only hang up I have with buying tea tree from a source that’s hard to verify. But, I’m sure you’re doing this! It isn’t as potent otherwise, and you would probably notice the difference. Have a great weekend!
Are you kidding?? I paid 20 for mine today!! Ugh!!
Hey!! I have a quick question… I CANNOT fine the liquid Castile soap in my area and so I found a website that shows you how to make liquid from bar form… Does anyone know if once made into a liquid, the recipe’s still the same?
I am using my homeade castile soap I made from kirks I have read that it is the same and its way cheaper that way you just grate one bar of castile soap bar and mix with 6 cups of water on stove til its dissolved and it makes alot of liquid castile soap for about 1.55 will let you know if it works with the making of the dish soap
Make sure you use Heinz or an organic vinegar. If you buy cheap, off brand or store brand, they contain petroleum. READ your labels! I also do as KELDA does and melt down my bars of castille soap to make liquid soap. It clumps a bit but still works just as well and costs considerably less. I can find the bars as cheap as $4.50 for the brand you have pictured and I can make 4 15oz bottles of soap for that price, I save almost $20.
I’m very curious reading the comments about not mixing the acid with the base. Yes, it’s true that acid and base causes some kind of reaction. But I’m unclear as to why this *specific* case would ruin the soap… given that the soap pictured is a “citrus orange” Castile. And that many, many soap cleaners come with citrus, orange, and/or lemon additives. Hello! Acid!
If Dr Bronner’s is saying to never mix their soap with an acid, then why do they have citrus soap?
As for the white film, or the chunkiness, I wonder if the folks who got it used the citrus castile or the plain? Perhaps there’s a difference?
FTR I have not tried this recipe myself.
Hey Rebekah,
I have been experimenting with making my own dishwashing soap and found: you will not have to refrigerate your dishsoap if you use vitamin C powder. Some recipes suggest lemonaid Koolaid but I heard that turns your dishwasher’s floor yellow and I don’t know what gosh awful chemicals are in that. Some recipes also suggest adding a little epsom salt or a little kisher salt to give a scrubbing action to the dishwashing.
Thanks again for your creative ideas.l
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Looking forward to trying this. QUESTION: Do you think if I used lemon essential oil in place of the lemon juice I could keep it in the cabinet?
I made this and unfortunately when I used it in the dishwasher it turned the dishes super spotty. Has anyone had this experience?
Yeah, I just wasted some darn good money on castile soap……. http://lisa.drbronner.com/?p=292
Myself as well, one big oily mess. Had to put everything through a vinegar rinse to rid the oily film. Not money or time saving.
I love the recipie, it was very easy to make. When I used this detergent I also had a coating of white film. Any ideas or suggestions? I would really like to contine to use it, but find it pointless if I have to hand wash after to remove the film. Please help! Thank you!
How about breaking each ingredient down and what it’s used for?
[…] Tree Oil 1 Empty Bottle Thank you to Rebekah from Potholes & Pantyhose for sharing this great recipe! I found her through a Pinterest photo and am so glad I did. She has a lot of great homemade […]
[…] see Potholes and Pantyhose’s recipe for a white-vinegar-based dishwashing […]
[…] by Potholes and Pantyhose. She also broke down the cost of the Dishwasher Detergent vs. Conventional, which I can appreciate. […]
Hi! ^_^
This recipe amazes me. It seems to easy to make, however, I still can’t try it because I have no access to liquid or bar castile soap here in my country (Philippines). Can I still make it without the castile soap, if not, can you please give me something that I can use as a substitute for castile soap?
I’m hoping for your reply! Thanks!
I tried the recipe and it left a white dusty like residue on my dishes. Could you help me out of what happened?