Washing dishes is a daily chore for most of us, but have you ever thought about making your own DIY dishwashing liquid? Many commercial detergents are packed with harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, harm the environment, and leave residues on your dishes. By switching to a natural, homemade dishwashing liquid, you can enjoy a safer, eco-friendly way to keep your kitchen sparkling clean.
By making your own dishwashing liquid using natural ingredients like Castile soap and essential oils, you can create a safer, healthier, and more eco-friendly cleaning routine. In this blog, we’ll explore why you should make your own dishwashing liquid, share a simple recipe, and offer tips on storage and shelf life.
Why Make Your Own Dishwashing Liquid?
1. Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Store-bought dishwashing liquids often contain ingredients such as:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can irritate skin and eyes.
- Phosphates: Harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
- Synthetic Fragrances: May contain phthalates, linked to hormone disruption.
Making your own means avoiding these unnecessary and potentially harmful additives.
2. Eco-Friendly Option
Natural dishwashing liquid is biodegradable and less polluting to waterways. Plus, by reusing containers, you reduce plastic waste.
3. Customisable to Your Needs
You can adjust the scent, consistency, and cleaning strength of your homemade detergent to suit your household.
4. Cost-Effective
DIY dishwashing liquid is inexpensive to make, and many of the ingredients can be used across multiple natural cleaning recipes.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Castile Soap: A plant-based, biodegradable soap that effectively cuts through grease and grime.
Baking Soda: Acts as a mild abrasive and deodoriser to tackle stains and odours.
White Vinegar: Dissolves grease, adds shine to dishes, and balances the pH of your mix.
Essential Oils:
- Lemon or Orange: Boost cleaning power and cut through grease.
- Tea Tree Oil: Offers antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
- Lavender or Eucalyptus: Add a soothing or refreshing scent.
Vegetable Glycerin (Optional): Adds moisture to make the formula gentler on hands.
Water: Dilutes the ingredients for the desired consistency.
DIY Dishwashing Liquid Detergent: A Natural and Effective Solution
1 3/4
cups10
minutesIngredients
1 Cup Castile Soap
1 Tbl Baking Soda
1/4 cup white vinegar
10 drops lemon essential oil
5 drops tea tree oil
1 Tbl vegetable glycerin (optional)
1/2 cup Distilled water
Directions
- Dissolve the Baking Soda:
In a mixing bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the distilled water to prevent clumping. - Add Castile Soap:
Slowly pour in the Castile soap, stirring gently to avoid excessive foaming. - Incorporate Vinegar:
Gradually add the white vinegar. A slight fizz is normal as it reacts with the baking soda. - Add Essential Oils:
Stir in the lemon and tea tree oils. You can adjust the number of drops based on your scent preference. - Optional – Add Glycerine:
Mix in the vegetable glycerine if you prefer a moisturising effect. - Transfer to Bottle:
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into your bottle. Secure the lid tightly. - Shake Before Use:
Natural products can separate over time. Give the bottle a gentle shake before each use.
Notes
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of liquid per sink of water. For tough, greasy dishes, apply the detergent directly and leave it for a minute before scrubbing.
- Storage Tips:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Use a glass or BPA-free plastic bottle to avoid chemical leaching. - Shelf Life:
This natural detergent will typically last 2–3 months.
Essential oils help provide mild preservation, but it’s best to make smaller batches for maximum freshness. - Preventing Separation:
Natural ingredients tend to separate—shake the bottle well before each use.
The Power of Citrus in Cleaning
Citrus oils like lemon and orange aren’t just there for their refreshing scent. Thanks to their high d-limonene content, they naturally:
- Cut through grease and tough stains
- Remove sticky residues
- Leave dishes sparkling clean with a fresh, zesty scent
They also add antibacterial properties, helping you keep your kitchenware cleaner and safer.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a DIY dishwashing liquid is a simple but impactful way to embrace a more natural and sustainable lifestyle. With safe, effective ingredients like Castile soap, baking soda, and essential oils, you’ll have sparkling clean dishes—without the chemical nasties. Plus, the uplifting scent of citrus oils will make your kitchen chores that little bit more enjoyable.
Give this recipe a go—you’ll love how easy it is to make your own natural cleaning products. Your health, your wallet, and the environment will all thank you!
