Description
There is a quiet kind of joy that comes from making your own DIY Dishwashing Soap recipe with citrus oils from scratch. It reminds me of the way my grandmother used to make her household essentials, simple, natural, and comforting, using what she already had in the pantry. The process feels calm and rewarding, almost like reconnecting with something genuine and familiar.
This recipe proves that you do not need fancy ingredients to create something wonderful. A small amount of castile soap, a spoonful of baking soda, and a few drops of lemon and sweet orange essential oils work together beautifully to lift grease and refresh your dishes. The light citrus scent fills the kitchen with an uplifting, cheerful atmosphere that makes cleaning feel less like a task and more like a moment of care.
What I love most is how this blend feels honest and intentional, yet still suits the rhythm of modern living. Making something with your own hands, using simple ingredients, brings a sense of satisfaction that reminds me why natural cleaning feels so meaningful.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RECIPE
PREP SUMMARY
LEVEL
Beginner
TIME
5-10 minutes
YIELD
1 bottle (650ml)
What you will need
• 650ml bottle of castile liquid soap: The main base of this DIY recipe. It’s gentle, plant-based, and works wonderfully for daily cleaning.
• 20 drops lemon essential oil: Brings a bright and cheerful scent that lifts your mood while you clean.
• 10 drops sweet orange essential oil: Adds a warm, refreshing aroma that perfectly complements the lemon essential oil.
Method
1
Fill a 650 ml bottle with Castile liquid soap. I used an empty olive oil bottle for this, and it feels rewarding to repurpose it since it fits perfectly for the recipe. If you have a different bottle size, adjust the amount of essential oils to match the castile liquid soap and your preferred scent strength.
2
Add 20 drops of lemon essential oil and 10 drops of sweet orange essential Oil. The oils release a bright, cheerful citrus aroma that fills the kitchen, leaving it smelling fresh and uplifting.
3
Shake the bottle gently before each use to blend the ingredients well. When washing dishes, I usually add one to two tablespoons of the mixture into a sink of hot water. The bubbles form quickly, and the light citrus scent makes the task feel pleasant, and satisfying.
Personal tip: When I’m dealing with greasy pans, I like adding 1 teaspoon of my homemade dish soap directly into the warm pan, then filling it with hot water to cover the oily spots. I let it sit for about 10 minutes, and the grime practically slides off. For tougher baked-on messes, I let it soak for up to an hour, which saves me a lot of scrubbing effort.
BENEFITS OF DIY DISHWASHING SOAP
I truly enjoy making my own DIY dishwashing soap at home because it brings a sense of simplicity and satisfaction to everyday cleaning. It feels comforting to know exactly what goes into it and to use ingredients that are both gentle and effective.
✔ Simple, everyday ingredients – You do not need anything fancy for this recipe. Most of what you need is likely already in your kitchen.
✔ Gentle but effective cleaning – Castile liquid soap cleans grease and food residue well while remaining mild on your hands and safe for daily use.
✔ Naturally plant-based – Made from plant oils, Castile soap creates a smooth and natural base that feels safe and pleasant to work with.
✔ Environmentally conscious choice – You can store the mixture in a reusable bottle, helping reduce plastic waste and making it simple to refill when needed.
✔ Cost-conscious and easy to make – It is an affordable and practical option compared to store-bought dishwashing liquids, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
✔ Scent you can make your own – I like the bright and cheerful mix of lemon and sweet orange essential oils, but you can try Lavender or Peppermint for a refreshing change.
✔ Fresh, inviting aroma – This DIY dishwashing soap leaves your dishes clean and your kitchen filled with a light citrus scent that feels pleasant and refreshing.
SAFE USE AND WARNINGS
When preparing and using this DIY Dishwashing Soap, it’s important to handle each ingredient carefully to keep it safe and effective for everyday use:
• Castile Liquid Soap: This mild, plant-derived soap is safe for regular household use. Avoid mixing it with acidic ingredients such as vinegar or lemon juice, as doing so may cause separation or reduce its cleaning ability. Keep it away from your eyes, and always use it externally only. Store it in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Lemon Essential Oil: Pure lemon oil is highly concentrated and should always be used in diluted form. Avoid contact with skin or eyes, as it may cause sensitivity in some people. Do not ingest, for external only. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent oxidation, and store in a dark place.
• Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Like other citrus oils, sweet orange oil is best handled with care. It may cause mild irritation or photosensitivity, so avoid applying it directly to skin or using it before sun exposure. Keep away from eyes, flames, and open heat sources. Store in a cool, shaded area and ensure the cap is tightly closed after each use. For external use only.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS: Be sure to mark your homemade items well and keep them in closed containers out of the sun. Store all items away from kids and animals. Stop using the product right away if it comes into contact with your skin and your skin gets irritated.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended for teaching purposes only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. This recipe is not meant to be used to treat conditions or be ingested. Be sure to test a small area of skin before using, and seek medical advice if you experience an allergic reaction or have health issues. Use these recipes at your own discretion.
Additional Details
FAQ's
Can I use this soap in a dishwasher?
Can I use this soap in a dishwasher?
I wouldn’t recommend it. This DIY recipe works beautifully for handwashing dishes but not for dishwashing machines. It’s too gentle and can create more bubbles than a dishwasher is designed to handle.
Is it safe to scrub pots and pans with this soap?
Is it safe to scrub pots and pans with this soap?
Yes, it does a lovely job on most pans. For tougher grease, I like adding a teaspoon of my homemade soap directly into the warm pan and letting it soak for a bit. It saves me from too much scrubbing later.
Will mixing vinegar or lemon juice help clean more?
Will mixing vinegar or lemon juice help clean more?
I used to think so, but not in this case. Mixing acids like vinegar or lemon juice into castile liquid soap makes it separate and less effective. It’s best to use vinegar separately if you want an extra rinse afterward.
Will this soap leave residue on my glassware or dishes?
Will this soap leave residue on my glassware or dishes?
Sometimes, yes—especially if you have hard water. I noticed that rinsing with warm water helps keep glassware spotless. Occasionally, I do a quick vinegar rinse (separately, not mixed into the soap) to remove any film.
What if my mixture becomes cloudy or separates over time?
What if my mixture becomes cloudy or separates over time?
That happens sometimes, especially during hot weather. I just give the bottle a gentle shake before using it, and it blends right back together. Keeping it tightly sealed helps it stay stable longer.
What is a substitute for dishwasher detergent?
What is a substitute for dishwasher detergent?
Yes, when you’re in a pinch, there are pantry staples that can step in for your standard dishwasher detergent. According to cleaning experts, things like baking soda, washing soda, a half-cup of distilled white vinegar placed on the top rack, lemon juice or powdered citric acid, or plain borax can all serve as temporary substitutes. Just keep in mind: these alternatives may not give the same sparkle or rinse performance as a dedicated detergent, so use them when you have to (and clear out the dishwasher with a proper cycle when you get your usual product back).
Can I use vinegar instead of dishwasher detergent?
Can I use vinegar instead of dishwasher detergent?
Actually yes, you can, but with caveats. Distilled white vinegar, placed in a bowl or on the top rack during a wash, can cut through greasy residue thanks to its acidity. That said, it’s more of a short-term fix than a full replacement. Vinegar won’t contain the full spectrum of cleaning agents, rinse-aids, and suds control that commercial dishwasher detergents provide. And over time, using only vinegar might not tackle food soil, grease, or hard-water residues as well as a standard product.
What can I use if I don’t have borax?
What can I use if I don’t have borax?
If borax isn’t available (or you prefer to avoid it), there are solid alternatives. Experts list baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice/citric acid, washing soda, and a product labelled “borax substitute” (sodium sesquicarbonate) as effective swaps. These alternatives work well in cleaning and laundry contexts, and for dishwasher use you could build a DIY mix (for instance baking soda + washing soda + citric acid) as a cleaner. Just be aware that using non-industry dishwasher formulas means you may need to monitor results (spots, film, etc).
What causes cloudy glasses in the dishwasher?
What causes cloudy glasses in the dishwasher?
Cloudy glassware from your dishwasher usually comes down to two main culprits: hard water mineral deposits or etching of the glass surface. With hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium leave a milky film on glass. With etching, the glass surface gets microscopically scratched/eroded (sometimes by overly strong detergent, soft water + high temp, or too little soil) and that damage is permanent. The good news? If the film wipes off with vinegar (acid) the issue is likely mineral deposit and you can prevent it. If it doesn’t it’s probably etching, meaning the glass is permanently compromised.
- SKU:
- RCP-DSOAP
