Since moving into our new home, I’m so excited to be able to finally make my own household cleaners. It’s something that’s been on my agenda for a while, not just because it’s going to save some serious dosh (these dishwasher tablets cost about $0.03 each where the commercial variety work out to be $0.20 each) but also because I feel better about using non toxic ingredients that are better for the earth, and for us too. After all, it doesn’t really make sense to be using toxic ingredients in and around our living spaces, does it?

There’s heaps of information around what constitutes a ‘non toxic’ ingredient if you dare to google!

Dishwasher tablets are the first thing I’ve made, but I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with different kinds of DIY cleaners. If you’ve got any tips, be sure to let me know on Facebook or Instagram!

They’re super fun and quick to make, and you’ll be able to find most ingredients in your kitchen cupboard.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 tbs bicarb soda
• 2 tbs citric acid
• 1 tbs salt
• ½ – 1 tbs of castile soap liquid or dishwashing liquid
• A few drops of lemon essence (optional)
• A silicone ice tray
• A small bowl

Here’s how to make them:

1.Mix all your dry ingredients.

2. Very VERY slowly, (can’t stress this enough) start adding a few drops of the castile liquid at a time, mixing it into the dry ingredients with your fingers. Repeat: only add a few drops at a time! If you add it too fast, it will start to froth everywhere, and it will be impossible to pack into the silicone moulds.

3. Continue adding a few drops of liquid and mixing it into the dry ingredients until the mixture feels like moist crumbly cake. Take your time. Don’t feel like you have to use the whole teaspoon of liquid, just keep going until it’s the right consistency.

4. Start packing the mixture into your silicone mould.  Push down around the edges, and pack it as tightly as possible.

4. Leave in the sun for about 4 hours. If it’s cloudy or winter, wait overnight.

5. Gently push the tablets out of the mould when they are completely dry. Store in an air tight jar.

My silicone moulds are quite small, so I find 2 tablets works wonderfully in our little dishwasher, however if your moulds are big, you may only need one.

Tip – if you have added too much of the liquid too fast, I recommend putting the mixture in an air tight jar and using it to clean other surfaces around the home. My first batch frothed like crazy so I salvaged what I could and used it to clean the shower – and it did an amazing job!

What do you think? Will you be trying these?