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Copycat Finish Dishwasher Tablets

June 22, 2015 by Robin 38 Comments

This post may include affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more information.

DIY Copycat Dishwasher Tablets – The secret ingredient in these homemade dishwasher tablets leaves dishes and glasses sparkling clean, with no clouding or spotting. Yields 72 tablets.

Difficulty: easy     Cost: under $10     Time: 15 minutes

DIY DISHWASHER TABLETS

The secret ingredient in these homemade dishwasher tablets leaves dishes and glasses sparkling clean, with no clouding or spotting

For years I’ve been making many of my own household cleaners, my favorite is the laundry detergent, but it wasn’t until recently that I decided to experiment with making my own dishwasher detergent.

Our dishwasher’s manufacturer suggested using dishwasher tablets, more specifically the ones from Finish. Besides having to come up with a good dishwasher detergent recipe I had to find a way to bind the detergent together to form tablets.

After experimenting with several online recipes I came up with the best homemade dishwasher tablets, ever! The secret to these amazing tablets is something that I’ve been using in my laundry for years.

MATERIAL LIST
(may include affiliate links)

◻  1 cup super washing soda
◻  1 cup baking soda 
◻ 2 cups borax
◻  1/2 cup epsom salt
◻  1/2 cup vinegar
◻  2 tablespoons liquid bluing
◻  large mixing bowl 
◻  rubber spatula
◻  ice cube trays

HOW TO MAKE DISHWASHER TABS

Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients

homemade dishwasher detergent

In a large bowl, using a rubber spatula, mix together all of the dry ingredients. Then stir in the wet ingredients, mix thoroughly.

If you’ve never heard of liquid bluing, it’s a non-toxic, bio-degradable liquid that you add to your wash water to restore whiteness without harming the fibers like bleach does. It can be found in the same isle as the laundry detergent. It has several other uses as well, I’ve been using it in my dish water ever since I read the label and found out how it adds shine to your dishes.

Adding Mrs. Stewart’s liquid bluing to the dishwasher detergent doesn’t just help to shine the dishes but it also acts as a binder to hold the tablets together. When you’re mixing the liquid bluing in with the dry ingredients it become a dark blue. However, as the tablets dry the blue color will fade.

Step 2: Forming the Tablets

Measure one tablespoon of the mixed ingredients into each compartment of an ice cube tray and press into the tray firmly. 

Step 3: Drying

Place in a warm place for 48 hours or until completely dry. Then remove from the ice cube trays and store in an air-tight container.

Drying Tip

Place the ice cube trays in a warm area. I like to place them in the trunk of my car on a hot day. They will be completely dry within 24 hours.

We’re thrilled that you’re giving this a try d love to see. We’d really love to see how it turned out. Just snap a pic & tag it on Instagram with @FlusterBuster  #dishwashertabs

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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Read our full disclosure policy for more information. 

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Template updated 6/22/2020

Filed Under: Cleaning, Homemaking Tagged With: cleaner, kitchen

Comments

  1. Rosz says

    June 28, 2015 at 9:10 pm

    Whats washing soda?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 29, 2015 at 1:56 pm

      Washing Soda can be found in the laundry isle. It’s similar to baking soda but with a higher alkalinity.

      Reply
  2. Denise says

    December 4, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    I tried making these, they fell apart!!- what happened???

    Reply
    • Robin says

      December 7, 2015 at 7:40 am

      Either the dry ingredients weren’t wet enough or they weren’t packed hard enough into the trays.

      Reply
      • Gma says

        February 15, 2019 at 12:32 pm

        Mine didn’t clump either. Followed directions exactly.

        Reply
  3. Amy says

    January 1, 2016 at 4:49 pm

    do they foam up when the vinegar hits the baking soda?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      January 4, 2016 at 8:31 am

      Yes it does foam a little!

      Reply
  4. Mona stanford says

    July 14, 2016 at 8:20 am

    What do I do if after 10 washings it starts leaving film on dishes did this happen to u otherwise cleaned great till now

    Reply
    • Robin says

      July 18, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      I haven’t experienced film on the dishes. I have no idea what is causing it. If it helps, I use vinegar for spotting, maybe that is why I don’t have any film.

      Reply
    • Angela says

      January 23, 2017 at 9:33 am

      It may be due to the epson salt…it has a lot of other minerals in it that can leave a film behind. Try with kosher salt instead!

      Reply
  5. Jessica van buren says

    August 12, 2016 at 1:12 pm

    Can I substitute kosher salt for Epsom salt?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      August 13, 2016 at 2:53 pm

      I’ve never tried it with kosher salt. If you try it, please let me know if it works.

      Reply
  6. Candace says

    November 6, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    is this separate from dish detergent like cascade and finish? would i need to use this recipe with something like cascade?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      November 7, 2016 at 8:14 am

      It is to be used instead of Cascade or Finish!

      Reply
  7. Davis says

    April 20, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    What can I use instead of liquid bluing?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      April 21, 2017 at 8:49 am

      I have no idea! I’ve always used the bluing.

      Reply
  8. Michelle says

    April 28, 2017 at 1:01 pm

    Do you think this would work as a powered type? Instead of a mold?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      April 28, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      Absolutely!!

      Reply
  9. Linda says

    May 19, 2017 at 7:49 am

    What us the equivalent of the bluing ingredient in the uk? Thanks

    Reply
    • Robin says

      May 19, 2017 at 8:15 am

      I’m sorry but I don’t know. The product I use is Mrs. Stewart’s Bluing.

      Reply
  10. Rena says

    June 26, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Where do I get the bluing liquid. Wal-Mart doesn’t carry it.
    Guy

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 26, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      I get it from our local grocery store, Kroger. But I’ve also seen it at Ace Hardware.

      Reply
    • Denise says

      October 8, 2017 at 3:06 pm

      I found the bluing liquid at a grocery store in New Hampshire called Market Basket. Had looked at Walmart and other grocery stores before I finally found it. I bought two bottles 😉

      Reply
      • Robin says

        October 9, 2017 at 9:49 am

        That’s great!

        Reply
  11. Christy says

    July 31, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    What does the bluing liquid do?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      August 1, 2017 at 9:29 am

      The bluing helps to minimize spots and add shine.

      Reply
  12. Tiffany says

    September 4, 2017 at 11:11 am

    I tried making this just like the recipe and all i got was rock hard chunks that woukdnt dissolve. What did i do wrong 😭😭😭

    Reply
    • Robin says

      September 5, 2017 at 10:57 am

      I’m not sure what went wrong, maybe they were packed to tightly.

      Reply
  13. Jeanette Waldron says

    March 4, 2019 at 4:12 pm

    Do you use anything as a rinse-aid? Would vinegar work?

    Reply
    • Robin says

      March 5, 2019 at 2:18 pm

      I use white vinegar!

      Reply
  14. Rowena says

    September 5, 2019 at 10:27 pm

    I’m in New Zealand and have powered bluing. Do you reckon I should just use a couple of teaspoons of this and a bit more water. We don’t have the liquid bluing that I could find. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      September 5, 2019 at 11:19 pm

      I’ve never used the powdered bluing, but I think adding a little water would definitely work.

      Reply
  15. Belinda says

    June 24, 2020 at 8:37 am

    Did I miss where you give amounts of each item to use? I found the ingredients list and the directions but couldn’t find quantities. I’m sure I’m just overlooking something. Help😜!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 25, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      Sorry we recently updated the post and lost some information! It has been updated now!

      Reply

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