DIY: Dishwashing Tablets

Dirty dishes are one thing that most of us don’t like. Whether that motivates us or makes us dread it, we all end up dealing with them!

Have you ever taken a peek at the label of conventional dishwasher detergents?

They often contain a list of ingredients that sound more like a chemistry experiment than something you’d want near your food:

• Sodium Carbonate
• Sodium Citrate
• C12-15 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated
• Sodium Percarbonate
• Polyacrylic Acid Sodium Bisulfite Terminated

…and the list goes on

No, thank you!

If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher and seen residue on your plates, just imagine what’s left behind that you can’t see. Those lingering ingredients could end up in your food..

That’s why Earthley made their own Dishwasher Detergent! One thing Earthley feels strongest about is safe ingredients.

Did you know that you can make your own too?

DIY Dishwashing Tablets

Now, for the fun part—making your own dishwashing tablets!

Supplies:

• 1 cup washing soda
• 1 cup non-iodized salt
• 1 cup baking soda
• ¾ cup lemon juice
• 15–30 drops essential oil of your choice (optional — be sure to look at the safety of the EOs)
• ½ oz silicone mold
• Airtight jar or bag for storage

Directions:

Step 1: Mix the washing soda, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice and essential oil (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into a silicone mold (you’ll get about 60 tablets). Let them dry completely.

Step 4: Once hardened, pop them out and store them in an airtight container.

To use:

Drop one tablet into your dishwasher’s soap dispenser and pair it with a natural rinse aid like distilled vinegar.

Don’t forget a Earthley’s Dish Soap Bar for when a little scrubbing is needed!

Notes about Essential Oil Safety for Dishwashing:

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Made from eucalyptus leaves, this oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that make it a great addition to cleaning products.

Safety note: Due to its cineole content, Eucalyptus Globulus may cause central nervous system and breathing issues in young children. Trusted aromatherapist Wendy Robbins advises against using it near the faces of children under 10. For a kid-safe option, try Eucalyptus Dives.

Lemon Essential Oil

Derived from lemon peels, this oil is a natural powerhouse when it comes to antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Safety note: Cold-pressed lemon essential oil is phototoxic, meaning it can cause skin reactions in sunlight. Stick with a maximum dilution of 2.0% for topical use, or opt for steam-distilled lemon oil, which doesn’t have this issue.

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Like lemon oil, sweet orange oil is made from discarded peels and is packed with natural cleaning properties.

Good news: No special precautions here — just avoid using oxidized oil, as it can cause skin irritation.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil (not to be confused with oil of oregano) is a cleaning MVP, thanks to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties.

Safety note: Oregano essential oil may be embryotoxic and has a moderate risk of skin sensitization. Wendy Robbins suggests a maximum dilution of 1.1%.

Spearmint Essential Oil

A milder alternative to peppermint, spearmint oil has antibacterial properties that make it a great addition to DIY cleaning products.

Heads-up: Spearmint oil can be a mucous membrane irritant, and there’s a small risk of skin sensitization. Keep it diluted to 1.7% or less.

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is a classic choice for natural cleaning, thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

Pet owners take note: While tea tree oil is safe for kids and pregnancy, it’s not recommended for dogs and horses.

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359267/ (Eucalyptus) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273397/ (Eucalyptus) https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/eucalyptus-oil.asp (Eucalyptus) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11041258 (Lemon) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24443967 (Lemon) https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/lemon-oil.asp (Lemon) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19241555/ (Sweet Orange) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956713512005294 (Sweet Orange) https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/sweet-orange-oil.asp (Sweet Orange) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23484421/ (Oregano) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4400296/ (Oregano) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24779581/ (Oregano) https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/oregano-oil.asp (Oregano) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28053641/ (Spearmint) https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/spearmint-oil.asp (Spearmint) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6236410/ (Tea Tree) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8582737/ (Tea Tree) https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/tea-tree-oil.asp (Tea Tree)