Add the washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and kosher salt to a large mixing bowl.
Whisk or stir everything together thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Add the Liquid Slowly
This is the most important part of the preparation.
Add a very small amount of water at a time while stirring continuously.
The citric acid can react with moisture and begin fizzing, so don’t pour the water in all at once.
You’re looking for a texture similar to slightly damp sand.
It should hold together when squeezed but shouldn’t become wet or foamy.
Step 3: Add Castile Soap Carefully
If you’re using liquid castile soap, add only a small amount and mix thoroughly.
Don’t add large quantities of liquid soap.
Too much soap can create excessive suds inside a dishwasher, which can potentially cause problems.
Step 4: Pack the Mixture Into Molds
Press the mixture firmly into silicone ice-cube trays or small molds.
Compact it as tightly as possible.
The more firmly you pack the mixture, the better the finished tabs will hold their shape.
Step 5: Let the Tabs Dry
Leave the filled molds somewhere dry and well ventilated.
Allow the tabs to dry completely, preferably overnight or longer if they’re still soft.
They should become firm enough to remove without crumbling.
Step 6: Remove the Tabs
Once completely dry, gently pop the tablets out of the molds.
If they crumble easily, the mixture probably needs a little more moisture and compression during preparation.
Don’t add a lot of water to the entire batch. It’s better to make adjustments gradually.
Step 7: Store Them Properly
Place the finished tablets in an airtight container.
Keep the container somewhere cool and dry, away from children and pets.
Moisture can cause the tablets to soften or react prematurely.
A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works well.
Step 8: Use One Tab Per Load
Place one tablet in the dishwasher detergent compartment.
Don’t put the tablet directly into the bottom of the dishwasher unless your dishwasher’s instructions specifically allow that type of detergent placement.
Then run your normal dishwasher cycle.
Step 9: Check the Results
After the cycle finishes, inspect the dishes.
If glasses are cloudy, dishes remain greasy, or food is still stuck to plates, the homemade tabs may not be suitable for your water or dishwasher.
Water hardness makes a particularly big difference.
You may need to adjust the formulation—or simply return to a commercial dishwasher detergent designed for your machine.
What About White Vinegar?
You may see recipes recommending vinegar as a dishwasher rinse aid.
However, don’t automatically mix vinegar into the detergent tablets.
Vinegar is acidic, while baking soda and washing soda are alkaline. Combining them causes a reaction that reduces the usefulness of both ingredients.
If your dishwasher manufacturer permits vinegar as a rinse aid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming it’s appropriate for every machine.
Important: Don’t Mix Random Cleaning Chemicals
Never add chlorine bleach, ammonia, or other household cleaners to this mixture.
Combining cleaning chemicals can produce dangerous reactions or fumes.
Also avoid putting excessive amounts of homemade detergent into your dishwasher simply because you want stronger cleaning.
More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner dishes.
Why Make Borax-Free Dishwasher Tabs?
The appeal is mainly simplicity and avoiding borax.
The ingredients shown in the recipe are relatively common household products, and making tablets yourself allows you to prepare a batch at once rather than measuring detergent for every load.
However, homemade dishwasher detergent isn’t guaranteed to work better or cost less than commercial products. The actual savings depend on the prices of your ingredients and how much you use.
A Few Tips for Better Results
For the best chance of success:
- Scrape large food particles from dishes before loading.
- Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher.
- Place heavily soiled items where the spray arms can reach them.
- Make sure the spray arms can rotate freely.
- Keep the dishwasher filter clean.
- Use your dishwasher’s recommended cycle.
- Store homemade tabs away from moisture.
- Stop using the recipe if you notice residue, excessive suds, or poor cleaning.
Final Thoughts
These borax-free dishwasher tabs are a simple DIY experiment for people who enjoy making their own household products.
The basic process is easy:
Mix → lightly moisten → press into molds → dry completely → store airtight → use one tab per load.
Just remember that dishwashers vary significantly, and homemade detergent doesn’t have the same controlled formulation as commercial dishwasher products. If your machine’s manufacturer recommends a particular detergent or warns against homemade formulations, follow the manufacturer’s instructions first.
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