DIY Non-Toxic Dishwasher Pods

These easy DIY Dishwasher pods are made without harmful chemicals and will save you money. Better for the environment and your dishwasher, you can whip these up in a few minutes and use them the next day! 

It’s no secret that many brand name cleaning products contain some less-than-desirable ingredients. With the rise in awareness around the chemicals we expose ourselves to each day, many people are turning to alternative options (see my post on detoxing your home for some healthier swaps you can make). The good news is that most of the cleaning products we find in our home can be replaced with an easy, healthier homemade version . These DIY non-toxic dishwasher pods are easy to make and can be made in bulk. 

As a homeschooling mom of 4, I use our dishwasher a lot. Usually twice a day you can hear the dishwasher running since we are home quite often. Buying dishwasher pods was getting expensive and I was constantly forgetting to buy them before I ran out. I also didn’t love the strong scent of the store brand pods, and I had read that the plastic film on the outside of dishwasher pods can gum up the dishwasher and cause major plumbing issues… definitely not something I want to deal with. With the scent pointing to nasty fragrance chemicals and the plastic pod exposing us to unnecessary microplastics, I decided to find another option. That’s when I had the idea of making my own non-toxic dishwasher pods. These pods are simple, and the ingredients can be bought in bulk so you’ll be able to make many batches before running out.

Ingredients used in these dishwasher pods 

For these dishwasher pods you will need the following ingredients: 

• Washing Soda
• Citric Acid
• Salt
• Essential oils (optional)
• Vinegar or lemon juice 

Other supplies you will need to make these are: 

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula 
• Silicone tray (this one is similar to the one I have)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons 

Benefits of each ingredient

Washing soda– also known as sodium carbonate, washing soda is a mineral compound that is found in natural deposits in the ground or synthetically made with sodium chloride and lime (both naturally occurring). It is an alkaline substance and will change the pH balance of water. Higher pH water is better for cleaning. 

Citric Acid– a compound found naturally in citrus fruits and tomatoes. It’s high acidity level kills off bacteria making it a great cleaning agent. 

Salt– also known as sodium chloride, salt also helps to soften water and remove minerals that can cause build up in your dishwasher and on your dishes. 

Essential Oils– concentrated oils that are derived from plants through distilling or pressing. Essential oils can be used for many purposes and the oil you select will aid in cleaning. See my suggestions in the recipe below. 

Vinegar or Lemon Juice– both liquid, acidic substances. Vinegar or lemon juice is used in this recipe to bind the ingredients together in order to make them into pods. 

How to make DIY Non-Toxic Dishwasher Pods

For this recipe you’ll need:

-1 cup Washing Soda 

-1/4 cup Salt

-1/2 cup Citric Acid

-30 drops of essential oil of choice (optional) (I use orange or lemon for their cleaning properties)

-Vinegar or lemon juice 

Once you’ve gathered all of your supplies and ingredients follow these steps to make your pods. 

Step One: Mix dry ingredients together 

Place the washing soda, salt, and citric acid in your mixing bowl and mix well. 

Step Two: Add essential oils (optional)

Drop in 30 drops of your desired essential oil and mix well, breaking up any clumps that form. Essential oil isn’t necessary to make these pods but the scent is nice and I like the added cleaning agent of the citrus oil. 

Step Three: Slowly add vinegar/lemon juice

While constantly mixing, slowly drizzle in vinegar or lemon juice just until the mixture is damp. The acidic liquid will cause a bubbling reaction with the washing soda which is why you’ll want to add it slowly and mix as you do so.

Step Four: Press into silicone molds

Using a spoon, scoop the mixture into your silicone mold, pressing it firmly until compact. 

Step Five: Let dry for 24 hours an store in an airtight container

Allow your pods to dry out for 24 hours before storing in an airtight Mason jar or glass container. This ensures that the pods are completely dry and wont allow moisture to get trapped in your jar, causing mold growth. 

Powder Variation

If you’d prefer to use a dishwasher powder, you can skip the vinegar/lemon juice and just store your powder in an airtight container after mixing the essential oils in. I had some powder left over after filling my molds that I stored in a mason jar. Although I prefer to just pop a pod into my dishwasher, I have also grabbed a scoop of powder and sprinkled it in my dishwasher and it worked just fine. 

Have you tried these Non-Toxic Dishwasher pods? Tell me what you think in the comments! 

Yield: About 14 pods

DIY Non-Toxic Dishwasher Pods

Print

These non-toxic dishwasher pods are made with a few simple ingredients and are better for your health, your dishwasher, and the environment.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Washing Soda
• 1/4 cup Salt
• 1/2 cup Citric Acid
• 30 drops Essential Oil (optional)
• Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Instructions

1. Mix together dry ingredients

2. Add essential oils if using and mix well, breaking up any clumps.

3. While mixing, slowly add in just enough vinegar or lemon juice until the mixture is damp.

4. Press compactly into silicone molds.

5. Allow to dry for 24 hours and store in an airtight container.

Notes

Omit the vinegar/lemon juice if you'd prefer a dishwashing powder.

Essential oils are optional but add a nice scent and can aid in cleaning.