Making your own dishwasher pods is a fantastic way to embrace a more sustainable and gentle approach to cleaning. This simple recipe relies on just four natural ingredients—baking soda, citric acid, sodium percarbonate, and plant-based dish soap—that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and far kinder to the environment than many conventional commercial detergents. Unlike traditional pods, which often contain synthetic surfactants, phosphates (historically linked to algal blooms and water pollution through eutrophication), artificial fragrances, dyes, and chlorine-based bleaches, these homemade tabs avoid harsh chemicals entirely, reducing the risk of harmful residues entering waterways.
Each ingredient plays a role in protecting water sources while delivering effective cleaning power. Baking soda, a naturally occurring mineral, neutralizes odors and gently breaks down grease without persisting in the environment. Citric acid, derived from citrus fruits, acts as a natural water softener and descaler, binding minerals to prevent spots and buildup—it’s fully biodegradable and poses minimal risk to aquatic life. Sodium percarbonate, an oxygen-based bleach, releases hydrogen peroxide that breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash, providing stain-removing power without the toxic byproducts of chlorine bleach. Finally, plant-based dish soap uses renewable surfactants (often from coconut or other plants) that biodegrade quickly and completely, unlike petroleum-derived ones in conventional products that can harm marine ecosystems.
Beyond their eco-friendly profile, these pods are remarkably affordable—common estimates place the cost at around 10-15 cents per tab (or less when buying ingredients in bulk), compared to store-bought options that can run significantly higher. With no “nasty” additives like phosphates or synthetic preservatives, this recipe offers a safe, budget-conscious alternative that keeps your dishes sparkling while safeguarding water quality and the planet. I sourced in bulk from Amazon but my New Year Resolution is to find alternate suppliers!
Dishwasher Pods Ingredients
1 cup of baking soda
1/4 cup of citric acid
I tablespoon of sodium percarbonate (Not strictly necessary but I use this “green bleach” a lot)
1 tbsp of plant-based dish soap (Or Castille soap, or any gentle dish soap)
Method
1. Pour citric acid, sodium percabonate and baking soda in a bowl and mix well.
2. Add soap and mix. The mixture will begin to look like marshmallow and is oddly satisfying to stir!.
3. Press into silicone molds – my mold is two-colored and has a lid (found them on Amazon). I cover the colored bit at the bottom and then snap the lid on—along with something to weigh down the lid as the mixture expands.
4. 12-24 hours later – remove from molds and store in airtight container. They will be crumbly but just pop out the pods over the container – you can still use the dust!
This recipe makes 42 tabs in my ice molds and I use 1 tab per load.
I made and used the ones in the photo and am pleased with the shine on the glass. Kelly