I love dishwasher pods, but the cost is outrageous. Not only that, but they are filled with chemicals that I’d rather not bring into my home. In an effort to clean up my cleaning routine we are making homemade dishwasher pods. They get the dishes clean, don’t cost a lot, and reduce the toxins in our home.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Finding a Cleaner Clean
I have been on a mission to replace the chemical filled cleaners in my home with some all natural ones. It has helped to reduce the toxic load within our home and saved us money. Many of the cleaners we use on a daily basis have known endocrine disruptors. That means scientists know that they cause reactions and changes in our bodies when we are exposed to them. Unfortunately, exposure to these cleaners can cause all sorts of problems like cancer, infertility, and autoimmune diseases.
Since I’d rather not experience any of that, I’ve been finding cleaner ways to clean our home. Along with homemade dishwasher pods, we also make our own laundry scent booster, cleaning vinegar, furniture polish, dusting spray, and leather cleaner. As I run out of a chemical cleaner, I replace it with a natural one.
Oftentimes this means that I make up a batch of homemade dishwasher pods. But life happens, so I always keep some dishwasher pods from Revive on hand. Click my link to 10% off your first order.
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About the Ingredients in Homemade Dishwasher Pods
Washing soda has long been used as a natural household cleaner. It is often used to remove stains when doing laundry. It also helps to get rid of odors, which is a good thing when talking about dishes. Nobody wants a bowl that smells like leftover tuna
Citric acid will help prevent a white residue of mineral deposits on your dishes. This is the part that I really struggled with for a long time. If you have really hard water, you may need to add more citric acid.
Epsom salt is good for everything. In the homemade dishwasher pods it helps to remove stuck-on food and prevent hard water build up.
Lemon essential oil is known for its cleaning ability. It cuts through grease and cleans the dishes. It is one that I commonly use in the kitchen because of its cleansing properties and fresh scent.
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant. It can also help with hard water deposits and the white streaks left on the dishes after a cycle. If you have really hard water like us, try adding some to the rinse aid spot as well. You can replace it with water if you want to reduce the time that it takes to pack them down.
Homemade Dishwasher Pods Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup washing soda
¼ cup epsom salt
¼ cup vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine 1 cup of washing soda, ½ cup of citric acid, ¼ cup of epsom salt.
- Then slowly add in ¼ cup of vinegar. Do this slowly as it will bubble when it hits the washing soda. I like to use a spray bottle for this part. It should be damp and hold its shape when squeezed in your hand. If it doesn’t hold its shape, add more vinegar.
- If you would like, add in 20 drops of lemon essential oil. Any citrus oil will work, I just prefer to use lemon to clean in the kitchen.
- After a thorough mixing, press the mixture into a silicone mold. If it needs a bit more vinegar, give a spritz. Press it down firmly. They will continue to bubble up, so press them down repeatedly. I do so every time I walk through the kitchen.
- After drying for 24 hours, pop out the homemade dishwasher pods. They can be stored in an airtight container like a mason jar.
Using Homemade Dishwasher Pods
There are two ways that you can use the homemade dishwasher pods. The first way is by putting them in the place where you would normally put your soap. If this is your preferred method then just make sure that the mold you pick is small enough to fit.
The second way is by just throwing the pod into the bottom of the dishwasher. This is what I do and have found that I prefer it. My dishes seem to get cleaner and I don’t have an issue with the white soap residue.
Homemade Dishwasher Pods
I love dishwasher pods, but the cost is outrageous. Not only that, but they are filled with chemicals that I’d rather not bring into my home. In an effort to clean up my cleaning routine we are making homemade dishwasher pods. They get the dishes clean, don’t cost a lot, and reduce the toxins in our home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup washing soda
- ½ cup citric acid
- ¼ cup epsom salt
- Lemon essential oil
- ¼ cup vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine 1 cup of washing soda, ½ cup of citric acid, ¼ cup of epsom salt.
- Then slowly add in ¼ cup of vinegar. Do this slowly as it will bubble when it hits the washing soda. I like to use a spray bottle for this part. It should be damp and hold its shape when squeezed in your hand. If it doesn’t hold its shape, add more vinegar.
- If you would like, add in 20 drops of lemon essential oil. Any citrus oil will work, I just prefer to use lemon to clean in the kitchen.
- After a thorough mixing, press the mixture into a silicone mold. If it needs a bit more vinegar, give a spritz. Press it down firmly.
- After drying for 24 hours, pop out the homemade dishwasher pods. They can be stored in an airtight container like a mason jar.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Kand says
So sad and disappointed! This recipe did not make what it looks like in the pictures. I think there is WAY too much vinegar to be added. It was the consistency of marshmallow puff and I even tried adding more dry ingredients. I used a spray bottle. Just so so sad and feel like I wasted my money on all of the ingridients
morgansfarmhouse says
Don’t throw them away! Put them back in the bowl and smash them with a potato masher or use a blender. Try using a spray bottle to add the vinegar to prevent using too much, you don’t have to add it all. It sounds like you just need to press them down several times while they dry. I leave mine in the kitchen and press them back down every time I walk through otherwise I end up with puffs too.