Borax and Soda

• Borax can be purchased in your grocery store's laundry aisle. This powder combined with washing soda or baking soda---1 tbsp. borax to 1 tbsp. soda---makes a dish detergent substitute.
  
  

Washing Soda

• Washing soda can be used with borax or used alone in place of dishwasher detergent in a pinch.
  
  

Homemade Powder Detergent

• 1 cup each of borax and baking or washing soda combined with 1 tsp. kosher salt and a packet of lemonade mix makes a homemade dishwasher detergent. Use 1 to 2 tbsp. in your dishwasher's soap dispenser.
  
  

Homemade Liquid Detergent

• Combine 1/2 cup each borax and baking or washing soda, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 1 tbsp. lemon juice and 3/4 cup water to make a liquid dishwasher detergent. Use 1 to 2 tbsp. in your dishwasher's soap dispenser.
  
  

Castile Soap and Soda

• Castile soap is a low-sudsing soap made of plant oils. Combine equal parts castile soap and your choice of baking or washing soda. Use 1 to 2 tbsp. in your dishwasher's soap dispenser for a dishwasher detergent replacement.