Save Money with These Homemade Dishwasher Cubes
“There’s nothing like the quiet clink of clean dishes after a family meal.” — Unknown
DIY Dishwasher Detergent: Sparkling Dishes, Naturally
You know those moments when you pull a glass out of the dishwasher, only to find it cloudy—or worse, still spotted?
That was me a few years ago.
I was tired of store-bought pods that promised sparkle but left a film behind, tired of the harsh chemical smell that lingered when I opened the dishwasher door.
One evening, after a particularly disappointing dinner party cleanup (hello, lipstick-stained wine glasses), I decided to experiment with what I already had in my pantry.
A few simple ingredients, a splash of essential oils, and a little trial and error later… I had something that worked.
Better than the expensive brands—and without a single chemical I couldn’t pronounce.
Now it’s my go-to recipe, and every time I open the dishwasher to clean, streak-free dishes, I can’t help but smile.
Why Go Natural in the Kitchen?
Our kitchens are the heart of the home. It’s where we gather, feed the people we love, and build memories. So it makes sense to be mindful about what touches our plates and glasses.
Most store-bought detergents contain phosphates, artificial fragrances, and chemical fillers that can leave a residue behind—not something you want near your food or your family.
Making your own dishwasher detergent is a small shift that offers big rewards:
Fewer chemicals: Gentle on your home, your health, and the planet
Less waste: Store your mix in a reusable jar or glass container
Custom scent & power: Choose essential oils that smell amazing and fight bacteria naturally
Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients you already have—no pricey refills needed
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Cubes
These cubes are simple to make, easy to store, and incredibly effective.
Ingredients:
2 cups baking soda
½ cup citric acid
¼ cup doTERRA On Guard® Cleaner Concentrate
½ cup kosher salt (adds gentle scrubbing power)
20 drops Lemon essential oil
10–20 drops of another essential oil or combination (see ideas below)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a glass or stainless-steel bowl.
Stir until evenly mixed.
Press mixture into silicone ice cube molds. We want these packed well, so you may need to press down several times—the mixture tends to expand as it dries.
Let dry completely—then test one. If it crumbles, press again and let dry longer.
Store in an airtight glass container.
Use 1 cube per load. For extra shine, pair with our Vinegar and Essential Oil Rinse Aid in the rinse compartment.
Customize Your Clean
Essential oils give your detergent that fresh, “just cleaned” feeling—without the artificial scent.
Favorite Options:
Lemon: Cuts grease and brightens glassware
Lime: Crisp and purifying
Wild Orange: Uplifting and naturally degreasing
Grapefruit: Adds a bright, clean scent
doTERRA Abode: Perfect all-purpose cleaning powerhouse
Tea Tree: Naturally antibacterial and antifungal
Purify: Neutralizes odors and refreshes air
Eucalyptus: Cool, fresh, and antimicrobial
Thyme: Strong cleanser with a clean, herbal note
🌿 Note: Store in glass—citrus oils can break down certain plastics.
Tips for Cleaner Loads Every Time
Want to level up your results? These simple tweaks make a big difference:
Rinse off major food particles before loading (no need to scrub)
Don’t overload your racks—water needs room to circulate
Use white vinegar in the rinse aid compartment to prevent spots
Wipe down your dishwasher filter and gasket monthly to keep it running fresh (watch for our upcoming post on deep-cleaning your dishwasher!)
Dishes Done Right, The Natural Way
There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing exactly what’s in your cleaning products—and that they’re safe for the people who matter most.
Every time I open my dishwasher and smell that light, clean, citrus scent, I’m reminded that small shifts like this really do add up. Cleaner dishes. Less waste. A healthier home.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try.
Your kitchen will sparkle, your dishes will shine, and you’ll never look at store-bought pods the same way again.
