Make Your Own Dishwasher Soap Pods

With essential oils and a few simple ingredients from your local co-op, you can enjoy sparkling clean dishes with this DIY recipe.

The cleaning power of these homemade dishwasher soap pods comes from a basic, biodegradable combination of washing soda and sodium borate (a mined salt). And the addition of plain old white vinegar provides a spot-free rinse. Another added bonus is the clean, fresh aroma of pure tangerine and lemon essential oils.

Dishwasher Soap Pods with Tangerine Essential Oil

Total time: 24 hours; 15 minutes active
Makes 20 pods

Ingredients

• 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• 1 cup Borax (sodium borate)
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Aura Cacia® Tangerine Essential Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon Aura Cacia® Lemon Essential Oil
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except water. Stir until completely mixed.
2. Into ingredients in bowl, gradually add water a little at a time, just until mixture begins to clump together.
3. Portion and press mixture into a flexible ice cube tray. 
4. Let sit for 24 to 48 hours, or until pods are firm enough to pop out of mold. 
5. To use, place one pod in dishwasher and run.

Quick Tips

• If using ice cube trays, spray with a natural non-stick spray before filling with soap mixture for easier removal.
• To store the pods, keep in an airtight container until ready to use.