DIY Dishwasher Tablets

Inside: Find the 4 easy steps for how to make DIY dishwasher tablets and save money.

Do you love the convenience of dishwasher tablets? But the cost makes you cringe?

I understand the feeling. It hard to spend that kind of money for convenience when you are a frugal person or money is tight.

But I have a solution for you, make your own dishwasher tablets and save, I’ll show you how easy it is in this quick tutorial.

Making your own dishwasher tablets can save you money.

A few years ago we purchased a new dishwasher. Our old dishwasher, that was 15 years old, quit working.

We figured out what was wrong, but since the parts were going to be about 1/4 the cost of a new dishwasher we opted to take the plunge and purchase a new one.

A while back I did a comparison of the cost of dishwashing gel verse dishwashing tablets. The gel won out costing much less.

But when we purchased our new dishwasher it was recommended, by the manufacturer to use either powdered dishwashing detergent or tablets. And to avoid dishwashing gel.

The tablets can be really expensive. When I can get them on sale they still end up costing about $.16 per load. If I can’t find them on sale with a coupon, they can cost up to $.30 a load. That just seems way to much.

Since I had been thinking about making my own dishwashing tablets, getting the new dishwasher motivated me to give it a try.

Since I had all the ingredients on hand, I whipped up a batch. I was surprised that it didn’t take long at all to make the tablets.

I made a video to show just how easy it is to make these dishwasher tablets.

Ingredients you’ll need to make the DIY Dishwasher Tablets

Just a few ingredients are needed to make your own dishwasher tablets.

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Ingredients You’ll Need to Make DIY Dishwasher Tablets

How to Make Dishwasher Tablets

1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Epsom Salt or Kosher Salt
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
1 Tablespoon Citric Acid
4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice

Here are the Steps to Make Your Dishwasher Tablets

Step 1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

Mix the borax, washing soda, salt, baking soda and citric acid in a large bowl with a spoon. Be sure to break up any lumps.

Step 2. Add the Liquid

Add in the lemon juice and stir. The mixture will fizz a little, just keep stirring until all the dry ingredients are moist. The mixture should be like wet sand and stick together well when squeezed in your hand.

DIY dishwasher tablets are easy to make and cost less too.

Step 3. Place in the Mold

Pack the mixture into a mold, I used an ice cube tray. I have fairly large ice cube trays, this batch makes 12 cubes for me. You might get more or less depending on your mold size.

Step 4. Let Set Until Dry

Let dry for about 24 hours then pop the dishwasher cubes out of the mold. Let dry completely if they are still a little moist.

I let mine sit in the mold for three days, then removed them from the mold and let them sit until good and dry on the counter.

We do have a lot of humidity here, so that could be the reason they took so long for mine to dry.

How to Store Homemade Dishwashing Tablets

Store in an airtight container and add one to the dishwasher detergent compartment to use.

How to make your own dishwasher tablet with just a few ingredients.

The Cost of DIY Dishwashing Tablets

I’m really happy with how well these tablets work. The cost per tablet is about $.07.

By making these at home you can save about 50% more, over the commercial dishwasher tablets even with coupons and a sale.

The little time it takes to make them is really worth it. The biggest amount of time was the drying time.

Next I’m going to try the homemade powdered dishwashing detergent to see how I like it.

Although the dishwashing tablets sure are nice to use. With the tablets, you also don’t have to worry about adding too much detergent, since they are pre-measured.

Have you ever tried making your own dishwashing tablets before? If you have how did they work for you? Did you like them as well as the store bought ones?

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Other DIY Projects You’ll Love

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12 thoughts on “DIY Dishwasher Tablets”

  1. I can’t wait to try these! The cost is a factor but I’m more worried about all the chemicals in the store bought tablets. Thanks for the great post!

  2. What could be used in place of the lemon? We have silverware that cannot be washed with lemon detergents! Thank you 🙂

    1. Jennifer, I’ve never tried the recipe with anything other than lemon juice. I think I would try water in place of the lemon juice and see how it works for you. Let me know how it works out if you give it a try.

      Another option might be to try a homemade powdered dishwashing detergent recipe like this one. It doesn’t contain any lemon juice and might be a better option. Making powdered dishwashing detergent is on my list of new household recipes to try.

  3. I’ve read other tab recipes and they suggest putting vinegar in the dishwasher for added cleaning powder. What do you think?

    1. Laura,

      I’ve heard this too but haven’t tried it in the dishwasher. But I have added vinegar to my wash loads on occasion. I think in the dishwasher it’s to replace the sheeting action of products like Jet-Dry. ~Shelly

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