I used to spend a small fortune on dishwasher tablets every month—don’t even get me started on all the unnecessary plastic packaging and ingredients I couldn’t pronounce!

One day, I ran out (again!) and thought, “Nah, I’m not doing that anymore.”

Making dishwasher tablets is so much easier than I ever expected.

These DIY dishwasher tablets cost almost nothing to make, use simple ingredients I already had in my cupboards, and work just as well as the big-name brands. Plus, I never have to make that emergency run to the store again because I’ve run out mid-week (been there…).

Why Make Your Own Dishwasher Tablets?

• Save Money – These tablets cost a fraction of the shop-bought versions
• Simple Ingredients – No harsh chemicals or unnecessary extras
• Eco-Friendly – Less packaging and waste
• Customisable – Add your favourite essential oils (I love lemon!)
• Satisfying to Make – Honestly, it’s pretty fun

This little switch saves me around $100 a year, and takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on time to make a big batch. It’s the kind of frugal swap I wish I’d made years ago.

This DIY dishwasher tablet recipe is just one of the 25 things I make at home to save money—and honestly, some of them might surprise you!

If you’re ready to cut costs without sacrificing convenience, grab a coffee and have a read: 25 Things I Make at Home to Save Money

What You Need to Make DIY Dishwasher Tablets

Here’s the basic recipe I use. You can tweak it, but this is the simplest, most effective combo I’ve found.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Baking Soda (Cleans and deodorises)
• 1 cup Citric Acid (Cuts grease, boosts cleaning power)
• Optional:
  • A few drops of essential oil (I love lemon or eucalyptus for a fresh scent)
  • A spritz of water or white vinegar (To help bind them into tablets)

Tools

• A mixing bowl
• Ice cube tray or silicone mould
• Airtight jar or container for storage (I use an old glass jar—works a treat!)

Tip: You can find citric acid in the baking aisle or online (I get mine from Amazon!).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup citric acid. Give it a good stir to make sure it’s evenly mixed.

Step 2: Optional – Add Scent

If you’re using essential oils, add a few drops now and mix again. Lemon is my favourite because it smells super fresh and clean.

Step 3: Add Moisture (Carefully!)

Spritz a tiny bit of water or white vinegar over the mix while stirring. You want it to just hold together when you press it, like damp sand.

Important Note: Don’t overdo it! Too much liquid will cause the citric acid to fizz and activate before you want it to.

Step 4: Press Into Moulds

Spoon the mixture into your moulds (ice cube trays or silicone work best). Press down firmly.

Step 5: Dry

Leave them to dry for at least 12 hours (I usually leave mine overnight). They should be hard and solid once dried.

Step 6: Store

Pop the tablets out of the mould and store them in an airtight container. I use an old mason jar, but anything with a tight lid will work.

If you don’t store them in an airtight container, they’ll suck moisture out of the air!

How to Use Your DIY Dishwasher Tablets

Pop one tablet into your dishwasher’s detergent compartment as you normally would.

Bonus Tip: I use white vinegar in the rinse aid compartment for super shiny glasses and no water spots!

Cost Comparison

Let’s break it down and see how much you’re saving:

Item	Store-Bought Tablets	DIY Tablets
Cost per 30 tablets	$10 to $15 (name brands)	About $2 for 30 tablets
Cost per load	$0.33 to $0.50 per tablet	Around $0.06 per tablet

That’s a saving of $0.27 to $0.44 per load!
If you run your dishwasher once a day (like I do!), that adds up to $100 to $160 saved per year, just from this one swap.
And the best part?
A single batch of these tablets lasts me an entire year, running my dishwasher every single day.
No more running out. No more last-minute trips to the store. And definitely no more overspending.

Ingredient Cost Quick Breakdown (for Reference)

• Baking Soda (4 lb box): $4
• Citric Acid (2 lb bag): $15
  These quantities are more than enough for a full year’s worth of tablets.
  If you buy in bulk, you save even more—and once you have the basics on hand, it’s crazy how much you’ll cut back.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

What if they crumble?

• Add a little more moisture next time so they hold together better – if you want to test how much you need, make a tiny batch first to test it! I just use a few sprays until it seems like it will hold its shape.
• You can also skip the mould and just use a scoop of the powder if you can’t be bothered tablet-ifying them. (Yes, I’m making that a word!)

Do they really work?

• Yes! I was sceptical at first, but they get my dishes clean and sparkly. Just make sure your dishwasher is in good condition and that you’re not overloading it.

Can I skip the tablets and use the powder instead?

• Absolutely. Sometimes I skip the pressing and drying and just keep it as powder in a jar. Use one tablespoon per load.

Final Thoughts

Making my own dishwasher tablets has been one of those small swaps that makes a huge difference over time.
It’s cheaper, easier than I expected, and I actually feel a little smug every time I pop one into the machine!
➡️ If you try it, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how it works for you!

Want More Frugal Homemaking Ideas?

Need help cutting your grocery bill? Don’t miss 21 Frugal Living Tips That Will Save Your Family Hundreds!

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