If you need to run your dishwasher but you are out of detergent, you can use some common household products as a dishwasher detergent substitute. Dishwashers clean via a combination of hot water, spray, and a cleaning agent (detergent). Even with a makeshift detergent, those first two cleaning properties will still be at full force. The detergent substitute might not provide the sparkling result that you get with your favorite detergent, but your dishes and glasses will still be clean.
Here are the household products you can use individually as a detergent alternative. Or try our recipe for a DIY dishwasher detergent.
-
Baking Soda
Known for its gentle abrasive qualities, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a good cleaner and helps to control odors. Fill the detergent cup with baking soda, and run the cleaning cycle as usual.
-
Distilled White Vinegar
The acidic quality of distilled white vinegar will cut through any greasy residue on the dishes. Fill a bowl with 1/2 cup of vinegar, and place it on the top rack. The force of the water will distribute the vinegar during the wash cycle to the other dishes.
-
Borax
A natural mineral element, borax is an ingredient in many commercial dishwasher detergents but can be bought on its own in a box. Simply fill the detergent cup with the borax powder.
-
Washing Soda
Washing soda (sodium carbonate) is an excellent cleaner and works well in hard water. Fill the detergent cup with the powder, and use a regular wash cycle.
-
Lemon Juice
Just like vinegar, lemon juice contains a mild acid that will cut through the residue on dishes. Use 1/2 cup of the juice just as you would vinegar. Be sure to strain fresh or bottled lemon juice first to remove any pulp; otherwise, you might find dried pulp on your dishes.
-
Citrus Drink Powder
Powdered lemonade mix can also be used. Fill the detergent cup with the powder, and run a regular cycle.
Products Never to Use in an Automatic Dishwasher
Unless you want a flood of bubbles cascading over your kitchen floor, skip the following products:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Liquid, powdered, or single-dose laundry detergent
- Body wash
- Shampoo
- Household all-purpose cleaners
Warning
If you have accidently added dish soap or any of these items to the dishwasher, stop the appliance, cancel the cycle, run the drain cycle, empty the dishwasher, and remove as much of the residue as you can from the inside.
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipes
Keep a DIY dishwasher detergent on hand for daily use or emergencies. It will have a bit more cleaning power than using just a single product in an emergency.
Label the finished product and include instructions for use on the label. As with all cleaning products, keep them stored properly and out of reach of children, pets, and vulnerable adults.
DIY Powdered Dishwasher Detergent
What You Need
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup powdered citric acid
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- Plastic storage container
Instructions
Combine all of the powdered components, mixing well. Store in an airtight plastic container. Use 1 tablespoon of the detergent per dishwasher load.
DIY Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
What You Need
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
- Silicone candy molds or ice cube trays
- Airtight plastic container
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the washing soda, kosher salt, and baking soda. Add the lemon juice, and stir well to make sure that all of the ingredients are equally moist.
Add 1 tablespoon of the moist mixture to silicone candy molds (shape should fit in your dishwasher detergent cup) or ice cube trays. Allow the molded tablets to dry completely and harden.
Remove from the molds, and store in an airtight container. Use one tablet per dishwasher load.