Recipes

DIY Dishwaser Tablet Recipe

How to Make Natural Dishwasher Tablets at Home (For Just 20 Cents Each)

If your dishwasher tablet habit is quietly draining your grocery budget - and filling your bin with plastic packaging every few weeks - this recipe is about to change things for you.

Four ingredients. One silicone mould. About 20 cents per tablet. And results that will genuinely surprise you.

Store-bought dishwasher tablets are convenient, but they come at a cost: pricey multipacks, synthetic fragrances, and layers of plastic wrapping that go straight in the bin. Making your own natural dishwasher tablets at home solves all three problems at once, and it takes less effort than a supermarket run.

Why Make Your Own Dishwasher Tablets?

Switching to a homemade dishwasher tablet recipe isn't just a money-saver - although at roughly 20 cents a tablet, the savings add up fast compared to name-brand options. It also means:

Fewer nasties - you control exactly what touches your dishes, with no synthetic fragrances or unnecessary fillers.
Less plastic waste - no more single-use tablet wrappers or bulky plastic tubs.
Full customisation - adjust the scent, strength, and ingredients to suit your household.
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients - everything you need is easy to find and store.

Dishwasher Tablets Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
1 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
1/2 cup citric acid
1/2 cup castile soap (scented or unscented, with essential oil)
Optional: 20 drops lemon essential oil, for scent and extra degreasing power

What You'll Need

A By Me 40-Cavity Silicone Dishwasher Tablet Mould is the easiest way to shape and store your tablets - the flexible silicone makes popping out finished tablets effortless.

Method

Mix your dry ingredients. Combine the washing soda, baking soda, and citric acid in a bowl until evenly blended.
Add the castile soap. Pour it in slowly, combining as you go. The mixture is ready when it clumps together under light pressure.
Press into the mould. Firmly pack the mixture into each cavity of your silicone mould, ensuring it's tightly compacted.
Let it set. Leave the mould at room temperature for 24–48 hours to harden fully.
Pop out your tablets. Flex the mould gently to release each finished tablet.
Store and use. Keep tablets in an airtight container to protect them from moisture, and use one per dishwasher load.

Tips for the Best Results

Work in a dry environment - humidity can cause the mixture to react and fizz prematurely, since baking soda and citric acid are activated by moisture.
Pack the mixture firmly and evenly into each cavity so tablets hold their shape once dry.
If your tablets feel too crumbly, add the castile soap a little at a time until you reach a clumping, sand-like texture - you don't want it wet.
Store in an airtight container, away from moisture, to keep tablets solid and ready to use for weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do homemade dishwasher tablets last? Stored in an airtight container away from moisture, they'll typically stay effective for several months.

Are natural dishwasher tablets as effective as store-bought ones? Yes - the combination of washing soda, baking soda, and citric acid works as a natural degreaser and descaler, while castile soap helps lift residue, giving you a genuinely effective clean.

Can I use a different essential oil? Absolutely. Lemon is popular for its degreasing properties, but eucalyptus, orange, or tea tree oil all work well too.

Do I need a silicone mould? A mould makes shaping and storing tablets far easier and more consistent, which is why the By Me 40-Cavity Silicone Dishwasher Tablet Mould is designed specifically for this recipe.

The Bottom Line

Making your own natural dishwasher tablets is one of those small swaps that pays off in every direction - lighter on your wallet, lighter on the planet, and just as effective on your dishes. With four simple ingredients and a By Me silicone mould, you'll never look at store-bought tablets the same way again.