DIY Dishwasher Pods

Could I make Dishwasher Pods myself and save?

That’s the question I’ve started asking myself before making a purchase, and honestly, it’s been a game changer. It’s not just about the money saved (though that’s a starry bonus!)—it’s about the creativity, the control over ingredients, and the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Recently, I stumbled across a TikTok creator named Dilly Dilly, who shares amazing, budget-friendly ideas, and let me tell you, this one hit the bullseye! Their simple recipe for 3-ingredient dishwasher pods has completely transformed how I clean my dishes. With just a few pantry staples and a little bit of effort, you can ditch the store-bought pods and still enjoy sparkling-clean dishes.

DIY Dishwasher Pods Recipe:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup citric acid
• 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour evenly into an ice tray and pack down.
3. Let sit out to dry/set for at least 4 hours.
4. Remove from tray and store.
5. Use the same way you use store-bought pods.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Store-Bought

Homemade Pods

• Baking Soda: $0.36 (1 cup)
• Citric Acid: $2.20 (1/4 cup)
• Dawn Dish Soap: $0.08 (1 tablespoon)
• Total Cost for 12 Pods: $2.64
• Cost Per Pod: $0.22

Store-Bought Pods

• Cascade Platinum Plus Pods (52 count): $15.99
• Cost Per Pod: $0.31

Savings Per Pod: $0.09

While the savings may not seem massive (around $32.85 annually if you run your dishwasher daily), the real magic of this DIY lies in its eco-friendly benefits.

Which is More Eco-Friendly?

Let’s compare the environmental impact of store-bought pods vs. homemade ones:

Store-Bought Pods:

1. Packaging Waste: Most dishwasher pods come in plastic tubs or resealable bags, which often aren’t recycled due to contamination or lack of facilities.
2. Transport Emissions: Store-bought pods are mass-produced, packaged, and shipped long distances, adding to their carbon footprint.
3. Chemical Additives: Many commercial pods contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and surfactants that can harm aquatic ecosystems.

DIY Pods:

1. Minimal Packaging: Buying bulk ingredients significantly reduces waste over time. Sourcing from zero-waste or refill shops makes an even bigger impact.
2. Lower Transport Footprint: By making pods at home, you skip the emissions-heavy manufacturing and distribution process.
3. Eco-Friendly Ingredients: Baking soda and citric acid are biodegradable and safe for the environment, and the small amount of dish soap you use minimizes harm to aquatic life.
4. Reusable Tools: Using an ice cube tray repeatedly eliminates the need for disposable packaging.

Verdict: DIY pods are the clear winner for reducing waste and environmental harm while giving you full control over the ingredients

A Final Thought on Sustainability

While the financial savings are nice, the reduction in packaging waste and harmful chemicals makes this DIY project a real eco-champion. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about knowing you’ve created something functional and sustainable with your own two hands.

Want to take it a step further? Opt for an eco-friendly dish soap in your mix or experiment with soap-free dishwasher pods—baking soda and citric acid can often do the job on their own.

By making small changes like this, we’re not just saving money. We’re helping to preserve the beauty of our planet, one sparkling dish at a time. 🌍✨

What other DIY ideas have you tried to save money and reduce waste? Share your favorites in the comments below—let’s keep inspiring each other to create and conserve!