Homemade dishwasher detergent recipe and real cost per load

This recipe costs about $0.14 a load to make, at the cheapest packs from stores in the United States, plus your own coarse salt. Prices checked November 2, 2026.

Homemade

$0.14 a load

80 loads from one 1,200 gram batch + your coarse salt

Store-bought a load

Stores: United States · 15 grams a load · 1 batchChange

Stores in

Grams per load

Buy enough for

It goes on skin: price only food, cosmetic and pharmacy grades

$3.32

Buy 1 × 454 grams for $3.77 at Wholesale Supplies Plus. 53.6 grams left over.
$4.12

Buy 1 × 454 grams for $4.67 at Wholesale Supplies Plus. 53.6 grams left over.
$3.74

Buy 1 × 454 grams for $8.48 at Wholesale Supplies Plus. 254 grams left over.
From your kitchen. Type its cost.

One batchPlus your coarse salt: $11.18
Buy todayWhole packs, before shipping. Enough for 1 batch.: $16.92

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One ingredient a line, with its weight. Like "Baking soda 400 grams" or "1 lb borax".

Use at your own risk. These recipes and prices are general information, not safety, medical or legal advice. Wear gloves and eye protection, never mix with bleach or other cleaners, and keep it away from children and pets.

More safety notes

Prices are a guide. In-stock pack prices from 28 stores, checked November 2, 2026, in US dollars without shipping or tax. The store's page is the final word.
Read the safety data sheet for each product, work in fresh air, and label every jar. Homemade cleaners look like sugar or salt.
Patch test anything for skin. Stop if it stings or itches. Washing soda and borax are for laundry and dishes, never for skin.
Selling what you make? Cosmetics and cleaners have their own label and safety rules, such as the FDA's in the United States, Health Canada's, and a safety assessment in the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Only household recipes. The calculator prices a fixed list of cleaning and bath ingredients. We never price or give recipes for anything dangerous or illegal to make. See our terms.

How to make it

For one batch, about 80 loads: 400 grams washing soda, 400 grams borax, 200 grams citric acid and 200 grams coarse salt.

Mix the powders. Stir the washing soda, borax, citric acid and salt together. Break up any lumps.
Store it airtight. Citric acid pulls in damp from the air and makes the powder clump. A sealed jar keeps it loose.
Use 1 tablespoon a load. About 15 grams in the detergent cup. Run a test load first.
Rinse aid helps. In hard water a little white vinegar in the rinse aid slot cuts cloudy spots.

Questions

How much does homemade dishwasher detergent cost per load?

About $0.14 a load with this recipe, at the cheapest packs from stores in the United States we compare, checked November 2, 2026. Salt is extra, at what you pay for it.

Why add citric acid to dishwasher detergent?

It softens hard water, which cuts the white film and cloudy spots on glasses.

Why does my homemade dishwasher powder clump?

Citric acid draws damp from the air. Keep it in a sealed jar and break up lumps before you use it.

More recipes, priced

How it works: each ingredient is priced at the cheapest whole packs that cover the amount, from one store, in US dollars at European Central Bank rates of 2026-11-02, without shipping or tax. Kitchen items like soap and oil use the price you type.