
I was looking for an easy way to make my own dishwasher tablets because I was tired of spending a fortune on store bought ones that included unnatural dyes and fragrances. I also noticed that the store bought ones don’t always dissolve completely in my dishwasher, so I’m left wondering how effective they are at all.
This is a great recipe if you want a quick way to make your own fragrance-free and natural dishwasher tablets. My recipe doesn’t use any scents in it because I personally don’t feel comfortable using essential oils on my dishes that get eaten on. Although, many recipes do this, so to each their own. What I love about this is you only need three ingredients and an ice cube tray!
Supplies & Ingredients:
- Pure Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- Citric Acid
- Unscented Pure Castile Soap
- Ice Cube Tray(s)

I highly recommend using ice cube trays for this so you can firmly pack the mixture into the right shape. The more compact, the better, so your tablets don’t break apart when you remove them from the trays! Make sure you only fill each cube only 3/4 of the way full, otherwise, the tablets may be too big for your dishwasher!

Benefits of Making Your Own Dishwasher Tablets
Affordable Ingredients
These homemade dishwasher tablets typically use common, inexpensive ingredients. These are cheaper than buying commercial tablets, especially in bulk.
Reduced Plastic Waste
Commercial tablets often come in plastic packaging, while homemade ones can be stored in reusable containers, cutting down on single-use plastics.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
You can steer clear of allergens, dyes, or irritants that might be in commercial formulas, making it safer for households with sensitivities or kids.
Bulk Prep
Make a large batch once and have a supply ready for weeks or months, saving time on frequent purchases.

Easy DIY Dishwasher Tablet Recipe
Equipment
- Ice Cube Trays
- Large Bowl
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Pure Baking Soda (bicarbonate soda)
- 1/4 Cup Citric Acid
- 1 Tbsp Unscented Pure Castile Soap
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl using a rubber spatula until well incorporated.
- Add a few more drops of castile soap if the mix is too powdery. It should be crumbly, but will be able to mash together without falling completely apart.
- Firmly press mixture into ice cube trays, filling them about 3/4 full. If you make the tablets too big, they may not fit in your dishwasher. Make sure you press them using a finger or spoon until there is no air and it's one solid brick. You should be able to fill 1 to 2 ice cube trays depending on the size.
- Let the tablets rest on the counter for about 30 minutes to finish setting.
- Make sure they're dry, and then gently pop the tablets out of the ice cube trays and store in a sealed container or baggy to prevent moisture getting to them. If they start to break when you pop them out, just let them rest for more time.
Notes
Supplies & Ingredients:
- Pure Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
- Citric Acid
- Unscented Pure Castile Soap
- Ice Cube Tray(s)

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