Dishwasher Powder

Dishwasher Powder

🌱 A flexible dishwasher recipe that will save you time and money

 

Dishwashers clean differently to handwashing. They rely on alkaline conditions, heat, and water pressure to break down food residue and grease.

This recipe is built around that principle.

The two key ingredients are:

  • Washing soda, which provides alkalinity and helps break down grease
  • Sodium percarbonate, which releases oxygen in hot water to lift and remove food residue

Other ingredients can be added, but they’re optional rather than essential.

 

Powder or tablets - what’s the difference?

When I first started, I made tablets because that’s what we’re used to seeing commercially. I pressed the mix into ice cube trays to get that familiar tablet shape.

Over time, I realised there’s actually no need to do this. Leaving the mix as a powder:

  • Is quicker to make
  • Disperses better in the machine
  • Is easier to adjust
  • Avoids issues with crumbling or soft tablets

You can scoop the powder straight into the detergent drawer and get excellent results. Tablets still have their place - especially for other cleaning jobs - but for everyday dishwashing, powder is often the more practical option.

 

Why this recipe works

Dishwashers are designed to clean in alkaline conditions, using heat and water pressure to break down food residue and grease. This recipe is built around that process, using a small number of alkaline ingredients that activate properly in a hot wash cycle.

It keeps the formula simple, effective and easy to adjust, without relying on fillers or unnecessary additives.

 

Optional ingredients 

Many dishwasher powder recipes include additional alkaline ingredients. These are optional and situational rather than essential, and may already be familiar to you.

Common examples include:

  • Bicarb soda
  • Borax
  • Coconut soap

These ingredients are all alkaline in nature (or used alongside alkaline systems) and can be added depending on water conditions, personal preference or existing habits. They are not required for the base recipe to work.

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Recipe & Instructions

Ingredients

  • 1 cup washing soda
  • 1 cup sodium percarbonate

Makes

Approximately 500g of powder

Method: 

  1. Simply mix the dry ingredients thoroughly and store in a sealed jar.
  2. If you choose to add essential oils, add a few drops to the jar and shake well to distribute.

That’s it.

How to use it

Use 1 tablespoon of powder (approximately 25 g) per wash.

For best results

  •  Use a hot wash cycle
  • Pair with a rinse aid (vinegar or citric acid solution in the rinse compartment)

Important use notes

  • Use only on dishwasher-safe items
  • Do not use on aluminium
  • Hot water is essential to activate the percarbonate

How does this compare with commercial dishwasher tablets?
Both will clean your dishes. The difference is everything around that core function.

DIY dishwasher tablets are typically:

  • Cheaper – roughly 8–10 cents per load compared to 30–60 cents per load
  • Simpler – usually 2–4 functional ingredients instead of 30+
  • More versatile – the same ingredients can be used elsewhere around the home
  • Lower waste – with plastic-free and compostable packaging options

The cleaning outcome is similar; the system behind it is not.

Can I use vinegar or citric acid with this recipe?
Yes - but not in the same compartment.Vinegar and citric acid are acidic. Sodium percarbonate is alkaline. When combined directly, they neutralise each other. Use vinegar or a citric acid solution in the rinse aid compartment instead. This helps neutralise residue and improve glass clarity without interfering with the wash cycle.

Is this safe for septic or greywater systems?
This recipe is septic-safe. It doesn’t contain phosphates, chlorine or synthetic fragrances. Greywater use is more nuanced. While the ingredients are biodegradable, they are alkaline, which may not be ideal for garden reuse. If greywater diversion is important to you, this is worth considering..

My dishes came out cloudy - what should I do?
Cloudiness is usually a sign of mineral residue rather than poor cleaning. Try:

  • Using a rinse aid consistently
  • Reducing the amount of powder slightly
  • Avoiding overloading the machine
  • Cleaning your dishwasher if you’ve recently switched from commercial pods

Hot cycles generally give more reliable results than eco or short washes.
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