Nowadays, a dishwasher has more buttons than a space capsule, so it's no wonder that even dishwasher tablets come with a composition that would make the average chemical formula from the 80s jealous. Phosphates, chlorine, aggressive fragrances and packaging that nature digests about as quickly as concrete - all of this comes in a conveniently compressed cube for a few cents per wash. And then we wonder why our hands are dry and why dinner smells like "freshness" from the laboratory.
But the good news is: there is an alternative that is not only kinder to nature and your skin, but also to your wallet. Homemade dishwasher tablets are not just a trend from a Pinterest dream, but a concrete solution that gives you complete control over the ingredients, scent, and effectiveness. And no, you don't need a PhD in chemistry - all you need is a few basic ingredients, a little bit of good will, and a silicone mold. The result? A shiny dish, a happy conscience, and the feeling that you just did something really cool for your home (and the planet).
Why make dishwasher tablets at home?
1. Health and environment first
The majority classic dishwasher tablets It contains phosphates, chlorine derivatives, and artificial fragrances—ingredients that aren't exactly in the top 10 in the green lexicon. And since residues of these substances often remain on the dishes, the question: "Do I really want to eat this with my next spoonful of soup?" is a legitimate concern.
2. Cheaper (and less plastic)
A package of quality tablets costs up to 15 euros. For this money, you can buy the ingredients for 100 homemade tablets and still have some left over for a glass of wine while you're creating. Plus, you're reducing plastic packaging, which, let's be honest, even the biggest waste collectors wouldn't be able to resist.
Recipe: Homemade dishwasher tablets
Ingridients:
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- 1 cup baking soda (cleaning, not food grade)
- 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
- ½ cup citric acid
- ½ cup coarse sea salt
- 15–20 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil (for antibacterial effect and pleasant scent)
- If necessary: a little water spray
Process:
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- Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the essential oil and mix gently.
- Slowly and carefully (this is where the zen comes in) sprinkle in the water – just enough so that the mixture starts to stick together like wet sand. Be careful: the baking soda and citric acid will start to react – the bubbles are part of the fun.
- Press the mixture into silicone ice cream molds (or mini muffin molds).
- Leave to dry for 24–48 hours in a dry place.
- Store in a glass jar with a lid – elegant and functional.
Use and effectiveness
One tablet per wash cycle. If your water is very hard, add a teaspoon of vinegar as a natural rinse aid (instead of expensive rinse aid).
Homemade tablets are comparable to medium-strength commercial products – so: a pot of baked gratin might still need the help of a sponge, but for everyday dishes? Flawless.
Additional tips for eco-friendly washing
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- Clean the filter regularly – even the best pill doesn't help if the filter is clogged with leftovers from yesterday's Sunday lunch.
- Use a full dishwasher – energy and water are precious (and yes, that counts in sustainable living too).
- Experiment with scents – lemon, lavender, eucalyptus... your kitchen will smell like a wellness center.
Less chemistry, more control
Making your own dishwasher tablets is surprisingly easy, cheaper and much more environmentally friendly. Plus, you have the perfect excuse to feel like a household alchemist at least once a month. And who knows – you might even impress your neighbor when you explain to them over coffee that “those little things in a jar” aren’t cookies, but your new eco-accomplishment.
