If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your home more natural and eco-friendly. One of my favorite swaps is making my own dishwasher pods.
Not only are they super easy to make, but they’re also free from all those harsh chemicals found in store-bought options.
Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own cleaning products, right? So let’s take a look at how to make your own non-toxic dishwashing detergents with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Why Make Your Own Dishwasher Pods?
Before we get into the specifics of this detergent pods recipe, let’s talk about why you should consider making your own dishwasher pods.
Store-bought dishwasher detergents often contain a mix of chemicals that can be harmful to both our health and the environment.
Bearing in mind, that these products touch the plates and cutlery that we eat off, so if there is toxic residue this is going to make it into our food and into our system.
By using natural options or making your own, you control exactly what’s going into them. No harmful ingredients – just simple, natural ingredients that are tough on grime but gentle on the planet. So, it’s time to say goodbye to toxic dishwasher detergent and make our own.
What You’ll Need to Make Your Own Natural Dishwasher Pods
Here’s what you need to whip up a batch of these natural dishwasher pods: just a few simple supplies.
You’ll need an ice cube tray (I used a silicone one for easy release), distilled vinegar aka white vinegar, salt (any kitchen salt will do), baking soda, a measuring cup, castile soap, a tablespoon measuring spoon, and a mixing bowl.
As you can see these are all safer ingredients, items that you’ll recognise, with no unknown chemicals making the list.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient in Your DIY Dishwasher Pods
Creating your own dishwasher pods isn’t just about avoiding harmful chemicals; it’s also about harnessing the power of simple, natural ingredients that really work. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of each ingredient and why they are effective:
Baking Soda
Benefits:
- Cleaning Power: Baking soda is a mild abrasive, which helps to scrub off food particles and stains from your dishes.
- Deodorizing: It neutralizes odors, leaving your dishwasher and dishes smelling fresh.
- Water Softening: Baking soda helps to soften the water, which can enhance the cleaning power of your detergent and reduce water spots.
Salt
Benefits:
- Softens Water: Salt helps to reduce the hardness of water, preventing mineral buildup that can lead to spots on dishes.
- Boosts Cleaning Efficiency: By softening the water, salt allows the other cleaning agents to work more effectively.
Castile Soap
Benefits:
- Plant-Based and Gentle: Made from vegetable oils, castile soap is free from synthetic detergents and animal fats or animal by-products, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice.
- Effective Cleanser: It cuts through grease and grime, helping to remove food residues from dishes.
White Vinegar (Distilled Vinegar)
Benefits:
- Natural Rinse Aid: Vinegar helps to break down and remove mineral deposits, leaving your dishes sparkling and spot-free.
- Deodorizing: It neutralizes unpleasant odors, ensuring your dishwasher and dishes stay fresh.
- Mild Disinfectant: Vinegar has antibacterial properties, adding an extra layer of cleanliness to your dishwashing routine.
By combining these simple ingredients, you create a powerful and eco-friendly dishwasher pod that effectively cleans your dishes without relying on the harsh chemicals found in many commercial detergents.
This homemade option is not only better for your health and the environment but also a cost-effective way to maintain a clean and green home, and help you tackle burned-on foods.
How to Make The Best Natural Dishwasher Pods Step by Step
Follow along with the easy step by step instructions below, to make your own set of homemade natural dishwasher pods.
DIY Natural Dishwasher Pods
Good news, eco-warriors! If you're tired of conventional dishwasher detergents filled with harmful chemicals and toxic residues, it's time to make the switch to a homemade option. Our DIY natural dishwasher pods are made with clean ingredients, free from synthetic fragrances and chlorine bleach.
Say goodbye to environmental toxicity, and hello to spot-free dishes with this easy, cost-effective recipe. Not only are these pods gentle on baby bottles but they also help reduce your carbon footprint, protecting aquatic life and minimizing plastic waste. Let's get started on creating the best natural dishwasher detergent you'll ever use!
Materials
- Ice cube tray (I used a silicone one – easy to pop out!)
- Distilled Vinegar / White vinegar
- Salt (any kitchen salt will do)
- Baking Soda
- Measuring Cup
- Castile Soap
- Tablespoon measuring spoon
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Measure 1 cup of baking soda
and place it in the mixing bowl. 
Baking soda is a fantastic cleaning agent and helps to scrub off food residues. - Add ¼ cup of salt.
This helps to soften hard water and boost the cleaning power of the baking soda. 
- Add 1 tablespoon of castile soap. This soap is gentle yet effective and provides a lovely natural clean.
- Dampen the mixture with vinegar. Add a little white vinegar.
Start with 2 tablespoons and mix thoroughly. You want the mixture to be slightly damp, not soaking wet. 
- Spread the mixture into the ice cube tray. Press it down firmly to ensure it holds together once dry.
- Let it dry for about 48 hours. If you're in a hurry, placing the tray in the sun can speed up the drying process.
Once your pods are completely dry, they’re ready to use! Just pop one or two into your dishwasher’s detergent compartment per load, and voila – clean dishes without the chemicals!
These DIY dishwasher pods are a game-changer. They’re:
- Cost-effective: Making your own pods is much cheaper than buying natural alternatives at the store.
- Eco-friendly: Fewer chemicals mean a happier planet.
- Family-safe: Perfect if you have little ones or pets at home who might be sensitive to harsh detergents.
Making the switch to natural cleaning products doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create powerful, eco-friendly dishwasher pods that are kind to your home and the environment. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making your own sooner!
Thanks for joining us on this natural living journey. If you have any tips or tweaks for this recipe, drop them in the comments below. Happy cleaning, Crunchy Family!
More Natural Cleaning DIYs
Looking for more ways to keep your home clean and green beyond these natural dishwashing detergents? Check out these other natural cleaning DIYs that are easy to make and effective.
From homemade all-purpose cleaners to natural laundry detergents, we’ve got you covered with eco-friendly solutions!
- DIY Stain Remover To Get Grass Stains Out of Clothing
- This DIY Oven Degreaser Recipe is the Non Toxic Oven Cleaner You Need
- Simple and Natural Detox Bath Recipe
- Simple Homemade Calendula Soap Recipe
- How to Make Sea Moss Soap: Easy and Natural Seamoss Soap Recipe
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It’s a great idea and so easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
i love natural products because I hate chemicals so much. I probably hate chemicals so much because I have been in so many doctors offices when I was a kid.
Did anyone else make these and have a problem with there being a powdery like substance left on your dishes?