Dishwasher detergent does not need to be expensive to clean dishes. According to Consumer Reports, top formulas from Finish and Cascade extensively remove food and prevent residue. However, many store-brand detergents cost much less per dose than name-brand detergents.
Due to the combination of enzymes, degreasers, bleach, and rinse aids found in them, they can promote better cleaning results. When those substances are combined differently, the outcomes can significantly differ. A Consumer Reports engineer overseeing dishwasher detergents testing believes enzymes generally help. However, it can’t be pinned down to a single ingredient.
These single-dose units—also known as pacs, packets, pods, tabs, and tablets—are easy to load into the detergent tray, with no squirting or scooping required. But gels still have their place, depending on your dishwasher’s performance and personal preference. For example, a good gel might be all you need if you don’t need to wash away much stuck-on food.
It appears that detergent packs are more effective than gels when it comes to cleaning clothes. There is a wide range of performance and prices at the top and bottom of the list-anywhere from 5 to 43 cents per load. Tests were conducted on dishwasher detergents in 2023 from different brands, including premeasured packs and gels.
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1. Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Detergent
Features
- Brand: Cascade
- Scent: Fresh
- Weight: 2.62 Pounds
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches
- View at Cascadeclean
The pods I tested could handle a standard load of dishes after dinner. However, Cascade Platinum pods won thanks to their cleaning power, fresh scent, and ability to tackle more challenging tasks. After cooking a messy carbonara dish, I used Platinum ActionPac on my pots and pans along with my regular plates and cups.
As a result of the pod, I got 100% clean dishes and cutlery throughout the kitchen, including the pot used to mix the pasta with egg and cheese mixture, the pan used to cook onions, garlic, and pancetta, and any other items in the kitchen. One pod is enough to wash 62 clothes very thoroughly, so you’re paying $19 for 62 washes. Although the price is slightly higher than gel alternatives, I believe you will get your money’s worth.
2. Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Detergent Gel
Features
- Brand: Palmolive
- Scent: Lemon Splash
- Weight: 8.44 Pounds
- Dimensions: 2.68 x 5.58 x 10.07 inches
- View at EWG
One hundred and thirty-five ounces of powerful gel detergent in three bottles remove stuck-on stains after 24 hours. In addition to leaving your kitchen and dishware smelling fresh with a lemon scent, this gel also fights odours. Bottles are 45 ounces and come in three packs.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, customers liked that this dishwasher detergent was also effective when used with hard water. Also, they mentioned that they lasted for a long time with the three large bottles. Dissatisfied customers consistently complained that it left their dishes with residue. A small group also complained that the bottles were poorly packaged and leaked during shipping.
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3. Finish Quantum Dishwasher Detergent
Features
- Brand: Finish
- Scent: Ultimate Clean & Shine
- Weight: 2.61 Pounds
- Dimensions: 3.62 x 11.02 x 9.84 inches
- View at Samsclub
There is no comparison between Finish Quantum and other dishwashing detergents. You’ll receive a bag of single-use tabs after purchasing. Every tab has three chambers, each containing a different dishwasher detergent. One chamber contains preportioned powder, another contains gel, and the third contains liquid.
As a result of the powder, stuck-on food is scrubbed and broken down. Combined with its potent liquid, the gel cuts through grease and removes residues while leaving a brilliant shine on your dishes. Glassware, which can be susceptible to cloudiness and water spots, is also made perfect with these tabs.
Although the detergent trifecta may cost a little more per load, and the smell may be a little strong for some, the convenience and effectiveness far outweigh the price. The tabs are especially helpful when paired with the optimal dishwasher cycle, providing hassle-free dishwashing.
4. Ecover Dishwasher Soap Powder
Features
- Brand: Ecover
- Size: 3 Pound
- Scent: Citrus
- Weight: 25.85 Pounds
- Dimensions: 12.38 x 8.38 x 9.44 inches
- View at Ecover
Using plant- and mineral-based ingredients, this powdered dishwasher soap meets the most stringent environmental standards. Moreover, only recycled cardboard is used in the detergent packaging, reducing waste, and no phosphates are added, so the waterways are left cleaner.
It worked well on hard water stains and had a minimal smell, according to customers who gave it a positive review. On the other hand, other customers were disappointed with the film it left on their dishes instead of the sparkling gleam it was supposed to leave. This package contains eight 48-ounce containers.
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5. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent
Features
- Brand: Seventh Generation
- Scent: Lemon
- Material: Biodegradable
- Weight: 2.63 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 10 inches
It’s easy to clean green with Seventh Generation products, and its dishwasher detergent gel is no different. The formula contains earth-sourced minerals and plant-based ingredients that are better for the environment and your dishes. Neither phosphates nor gluten is contained in its mix.
Additionally, the cleaning product contains essential oils and botanical extracts that give your kitchen a delicious lemon scent. There is now a chance that it will not be as powerful and that you will need to rinse your dishes well before placing them in the dishwasher. You may need to hand-wash your wine glasses if it clouds your glassware. Don’t be surprised if you have to put in some extra effort.
6. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Features
- Brand: Lemi Shine
- Material: Natural
- Scent: Unscented
- Form: Tablet
- Weight: 1.99 Pounds
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 4 x 11.5 inches
- View at Lemishine
It’s time to make Lemi Shine your best friend regarding dishwasher rinse aids. It uses citric acid to dissolve leftover grime, reduce water tension, and prevent cloudiness with its Shine + Dry rinse aid. This formula complies with EPA Safer Choice criteria for septic systems, is gentle on complex water sources, and is also ideal for homes with hard water.
Among other minerals, it removes iron, limescale, calcium deposits, rust, and other deposits. With its streak-free finish and phosphate-free ingredient list, this product leaves a flawless finish behind. The silverware and glasses will come out very shiny, regardless of the difficulty of dispensing the product.
7. Mrs Meyer’s Automatic Dishwasher Pods
Features
- Brand: Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day
- Scent: Basil
- Form: Tablet
- Weight: 6.72 Ounces
- Dimensions: 6.88 x 5.63 x 9.75 inches
- View at Mrsmeyers
This dishwasher detergent pod is no different from all of Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day products-they have a unique scent that is light and fresh. Lemon verbena, basil, and lavender scents are three refreshing scents available in these pods, which have mild, fresh fragrances that don’t linger on dishes long after drying. In addition to their impressive cleaning power and safety for dishwashers, these products are formulated without animal-derived ingredients or phosphates.
Even though this product is slightly more expensive per pod than some of our other recommendations, it’s worth every penny for an effective, well-scented dishwasher detergent. A pleasant-smelling dishwasher detergent is ideal for those who prefer to wash their dishes by hand.
8. Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent
Features
- Brand: Better Life
- Scent: Unscented
- Form: Liquid, Gel
- Weight: 4.36 Pounds
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.75 x 10.25 inches
- View at Cleanhappens
If you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed with Better Life gels. Coconut, soap bark, and corn are among the plant-based ingredients that Power Clean utilizes in its Naturally Crumb Crushing concentrated dishwasher detergent. You won’t believe how well these natural cleaning agents remove food from your dishes and keep them sparkling.
After washing with the detergent, some dishes can now be left with a light film. Moreover, this product can create a great deal of foam in your dishwasher. However, you’ll probably appreciate that it doesn’t leave a smell behind and is a more eco-friendly choice.
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9. Kirkland Signature Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Features
- Brand: Kirkland Signature
- Scent: Citrus, Lemon
- Material: Streak Free
- Weight: 4.3 Pounds
- Dimensions: 7.48 x 6.3 x 6.69 inches
People choose dishwashers because they believe they will make their lives easier. Even so, doing tasks such as pre-rinsing your dishes can be time-consuming. After a few minutes, you’ve spent the same time doing the dishes as if you’d done them traditionally. Kirkland Signature Premium Dishwasher Pacs do not require you to pre-rinse your dishes.
It is still possible to clean your dishes and glasses perfectly without using any chemicals. Despite being highly effective, the formula of the product is cost-effective. It has been demonstrated that this formula is particularly tough on grease. Additionally, it effectively removes stains caused by eggs, wine, and coffee.
The formula will remove all residue from your plates and glasses, even if they have been sitting for a while. As well as smelling fresh, this dishwasher detergent also contains citrus extracts. In addition to being uplifting, the scent is not overpowering. After the dishwasher cycle is finished, you will still notice a fresh scent lingering in the air.
Tabs are stored in a tub that is made from thick plastic, preventing moisture from reaching them. The only downside to this tub is that it can be challenging to open with wet hands. Because of this, children won’t be able to get their hands on the dishwasher tabs.
10. Miele Dishwasher Tabs
Features
- Brand: Miele
- Form: Tablet
- Weight: 2.88 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
- View at Mieleusa
As the manufacturer of the top-rated Good Housekeeping Seal Star dishwashers, Miele UltraTabs Multi was not surprising; they work in Miele dishwashers and others. Powder detergent comes in a solid brick that is easy to use, neat to keep in storage, and dissolves completely when dispensed – including its water-soluble wrapper.
Based on our tests, the tablets’ three layers of cleaning ingredients removed stuck-on grime and left stainless steel cookware and flatware sparkling while glassware was gleaming. You won’t have to worry about it dissolving in your hands or bursting when it comes to the package. The storage unit is easy to use and compact.
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11. Finish Powder Dishwasher Detergent
Features
- Brand: Finish
- Scent: Lemon
- Weight: 5.05 Pounds
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 7 x 2.1 inches
- View at Finishdishwashing
Finding powder detergent in stores and online is getting harder and harder! The cleaner may be a little messier than pod or gel dish detergent, but it’s still effective and has a loyal following. Very few powder dishwasher detergents are left on the market, and Finish’s Powder Dishwasher Detergent works just as well as the pods from the same brand.
This no-frills, lemon-scented formula won’t build up in your machine or leave behind filmy residue on your dishes. Additionally, reviewers have noted that only a teaspoon is needed to clean a whole load of dishes with this powder detergent.
The easy-to-recycle cardboard container this powder detergent comes in is a nice change from the plastic containers in which other detergents often come. Store the box dry since moisture can ruin the entire thing.
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12. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder
Features
- Brand: Nellie’s
- Form: Powder
- Material: Biodegradable
- Weight: 2.2 Pounds
- Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.25 x 5.5 inches
- View at Nelliesclean
Nellie’s dishwasher powder uses natural, safe ingredients in a reusable (and retro-inspired) container, whereas conventional dishwasher powders are messy and abrasive. There is no need to worry about food particles, grease, or stains with this powder because it is suitable for dishwashers and septic systems. Besides being biodegradable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, chlorine-free, phosphate-free, paraben-free, ammonia-free, formaldehyde-free, plastic-free, and fragrance-free, this advanced formula is also cruelty-free, synthetic fragrance-free, non-toxic, and non-toxic.
In addition to the 80-scoop tin, there is a 100-scoop tin. On the brand’s site, you can also purchase a bulk bucket (1,000 scoops) that’s ideal for refilling existing containers. Compared with alternative detergents, Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder is a bit more expensive, but we believe its natural formula and efficient cleaning power justify the price. Powder dishwasher detergents made with natural ingredients are suitable for those seeking to make their own.
13. Amaze! Premium All-in-One Dishwasher Tablets
Features
- Brand: Amaze
- Form: Tablet
- Material: Biodegradable
- Weight: 1.23 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 2.8 inches
- View at Walmart
When you have hard water, you can have difficulty doing dishes. You can, however, not only clean your dishes with this all-in-one detergent but also remove water spots, chalky film, and other mineral-based residues. Rinse aid is built into the device that helps make it work. As a result, the dishes are left crystal-clear after you have done the dirty work of cleaning them.
A feature of the liquid-powder formulation that shouldn’t be overlooked is the convenience of the pre-portioned tablets. Placing one wrapped tab into your dishwasher’s detergent compartment and selecting the cycle is as simple as 1-2-3. The cost per load is very high compared to a more basic detergent, but in the end, you’re saving time and energy by washing fewer dishes.
14. Blueland Dishwasher Detergent
Features
- Brand: Blueland
- Scent: Unscented
- Material: Natural
- Weight: 1.21 Pounds
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.06 x 1.81 inches
- View at Blueland
It is technically considered plastic, but most dishwasher pods are covered with a water-soluble coating called polyvinyl alcohol. Blueland’s dishwasher tablets do not come in plastic wrapping, so they are a good option if you’d prefer to avoid plastic. This dishwasher tablet comes in a paper bag with a reusable steel tin that you can refill for years, making it even more eco-friendly. Dishwasher detergents with scented scents are preferred by those who like the smell.
There are no dyes, parabens, phthalates, ammonia, or petroleum in the dishwasher detergent tablets, but they still work well at removing grease, grime, and food stains. Those with fragrance sensitivities will also appreciate these tablets since they are fragrance-free. You can quickly receive regular deliveries of these plastic-free dishwasher tablets since this product is available as a subscription.
Buying Guide: Dishwasher Detergents
You may be mistaken if you thought dishwasher detergents all performed the same. There can be a wide variation in performance, fragrance, and quality between different products. The following factors should be considered when selecting dishwasher detergents.
Ingredients:
You must closely examine the dishwasher detergent’s ingredients list. Allergies are especially important if you have someone in the household who suffers from them. In addition to being hazardous to human health, many ingredients may also harm the environment.
You should avoid these ingredients to avoid phosphates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, chlorine, ammonia, and formaldehyde. Choosing a biodegradable product is a good idea for peace of mind. It may be worth searching for certifications like Leaping Bunny or similar ones if you love animals.
Quantity:
You should always have plenty of dishwasher detergent on hand. Your dishwasher’s detergent needs will be determined by how frequently you use it. If you choose a product, be sure that it meets your specific needs.
Water Supply:
Depending on the water quality in your home, dishwasher detergent can perform differently. It is especially hard water that can cause spotting in a dishwasher and make it perform less effectively. You should ensure that your dishwasher detergent is compatible with hard water if you have it.
Performance:
You should decide which dishwasher detergent will work well for you. Having a product that eliminates pre-rinsing makes the process easier and faster. You should aim for dishes and glasses that shine like new and do not have traces of food or spots on them.
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Packaging:
When you purchase dishwasher detergent in bulk, you can save a great deal of cash. You must ensure that your detergent does not come into contact with water while it is stored. If there is any residual detergent in the container, it should have an airtight and watertight seal to prevent it from dissolving.
Fragrance:
Lastly, determine what you want the scent of your dishwasher detergent to be. It is common for dishwasher detergent to have a citrus scent, but several different fragrances are available now. Choosing a fragrance-free product may be the best option for those who dislike strong scents.
Video: Consumer Reports: Best dishwasher detergents
Frequently Asked Questions
It is essential to use dishwasher detergents specially formulated to work without suds. Dishwasher detergents, laundry detergents, soaps, and liquid detergents must not be used in the dishwasher, as these products may cause foamy suds to overflow. You can make emergency dishwasher detergent home with some ingredients you likely already have around the house if you run out of dishwasher detergent.
Using dishwasher detergent to wash dishes by hand is generally not recommended. Skin irritation can occur from concentrated formulas that contain high levels of alkaline. Liquid dish soap should never be put in the dishwasher. Water and foam will likely flood your kitchen floor because it won’t work as well as proper detergent. You can replace dishwasher detergent with other DIY alternatives if you run out.
You should use dishwasher detergent in a dishwasher, not when hand-washing dishes. Due to their concentrated structure, those formulas are often too harsh for your skin, and they can’t create enough suds to clean your dishes. As well as being impossible to clean, regular dish soap shouldn’t be used in dishwashers, because it can create a sudsy mess.
The effectiveness of most cleaning products can be decreased over time, despite their long shelf lives. Pods can last up to 18 months, which makes them a safe bulk purchase. Generally, you should replace dishwasher detergent bottles every three months for other types.
A dishwasher detergent comprises enzymes and chemicals that assist in softening water, removing grease and grime, and preventing bacterial growth. If you use expired dishwasher detergent, many of these properties will no longer be as effective in cleaning and sanitizing your dishes.
