Washing dishes can be made easy with the best dishwasher detergents. Cooking can be pleasant, but cleaning the dishes without a good dishwasher detergent can be a nightmare. Dishwashers can be effective in removing stains and grease. However, if your dishwasher detergent residue stays back, it isn’t enjoyable. You will end up rewashing the dishes, which is tiring and time-consuming. With a high-quality dishwashing detergent, cleaning utensils needs minimal effort. If finding the best dishwashing detergent is a struggle for you, don’t worry. Below is a list of some top products available online to help you find the most suitable detergents for your kitchen needs.
11 Best Dishwasher Detergents To Buy
1. Best Easy To Store:Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent
Cascade comes with built-in rinse aid and water softener that helps remove leftover food on dishes and prevents the formation of new stains. The detergent fights off grease and removes odors, burnt-on food, and limescale buildup. It saves up to 15 gallons of water per load since you can skip pre-wash and clean up to 24-hour stuck-on food. Watch this video to learn how to use the product. Pros
Phosphate-free Mess-free Comes in a handy pack that is easy to store ActionPacs remove the need to pre-measure detergent for each use
Cons
May take time to dissolve May leave a thin film
2. Best For Hard Stains:Finish Powerball Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
The individually packed Powerball tablets can remove hard water stains and build up. The tablets come in pre-measured doses that scrub away the toughest tea or coffee stains. Their rinse agent action and salt function remove stubborn food residues and give your dishes a sparkling look. This video gives you more information about the product. Pros
Removes tough grease Leaves no plastic film Deep cleans dishes and removes odor No pre-rinse required
Cons
May be difficult to open individually wrapped tablets May crumble while opening
3. Best Fragrance:Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets, Citrus
Made of recycled cardboard, the environment-friendly Ecover Automatic Dishwasher soap tablets remove stuck-on food. The soap tablets have never been tested on animals and can clean your dishes in just one wash. With phosphate-free formula, Ecover tablets are best suited for cleaning greasy dishes, glasses, and flatware. Pros
Fragrances inspired by natural scents Contains fish-friendly plant-based ingredients Biodegradable Comes in easy-to-use tablet form
Cons
May not dissolve easily May use single-use plastic to individually wrap the tablets
4. Best Environment-Friendly:Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Detergent Gel, Lemon Splash
Palmolive Eco detergent acts tough against grime and dirt. The liquid detergent provides powerful cleaning and makes your dishes squeaky clean from the first wash. The detergent’s phosphate-free formula makes it eco-friendly and safe even when it mixes in lakes and streams. The product dissolves 24-hour stuck-on food. Pros
Easily cuts through grease Fights odor Soothing fragrance Comes in easy-to-use liquid gel form
Cons
May leave a white residue May leak
5. Best Phosphate-Free:Lemi Shine Booster Natural Lemon Dishwasher Detergent
Lemi Shine contains natural ingredients and powerful citrus extracts that increase their ability to dissolve greasy particles and remove stuck-on food. The product’s easy-to-use liquid formula has a booster additive that needs to be combined with your dishwater detergent. Lemi Shine can easily remove stains, film, lime, calcium, and other mineral deposits. It is strong on dirt and safe on the septic system. Pros
Made of toxic-free material Biodegradable and environment-friendly detergent Works even with hard water Contains no phosphates
Cons
May leave a chalky film on plastic Tablets might be too big for some
6. Best Enzyme-Rich Formula:Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Pack, Fragrance-Free
The USDA-certified bio-based detergent is formulated with plant-based rich enzymes. Powered by plants and minerals, the product can give your dishes a sparkling look and cut through tough grease without leaving behind food residues or water spots. Seventh Generation detergent comes in single dissolvable PVA film packs for hassle-free use and can be put directly into the dishwasher. Pros
Has resealable closure for easy use Free from fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleach Enzyme-rich formula Contains no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals
Cons
May leave spots when used with hard water Packs that do not disintegrate may clog drains in the long run
7. Best Biodegradable:Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Puracy detergent is a plant-derived and enzyme-based detergent that is safe for all dishwasher dishes, ceramics, toys, glasses, plastic, and porcelain. The detergent can eliminate stubborn food stains and grime and is free from SLS, SLES, SCS, bleach, and added fragrances. Puracy is formulated to leave no film or water spots. Made in the US, the detergent’s ingredients are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and gluten-free. Pros
Biodegradable Safe for skin and environment-friendly No pre-soak or pre-rinse required Contains no harsh ingredients
Cons
May cause excess suds May leak
8. Best Kid-Friendly:Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent
The ultra-concentrated dishwasher gel is tough on stubborn stains and stuck-on food. The product is free from dyes, bleach, and preservatives. The fragrance-free product leaves no trace of food film or cloudiness behind. The detergent can be used on glass dishes and various other utensils. Pros
100% plant and mineral-derived Phosphate-free Environment-friendly and biodegradable Pet- and child-friendly
Cons
Needs pre-rinsing of dishes before loading May leave a gummy residue in the dishwasher
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Planet Automatic Free & Clear Dishwasher Pacs, Unscented
Planet Automatic detergent contains no added fragrances, synthetic preservatives, or dyes. The product offers effective spot-reduction. Planet Automatic Dishwasher Pacs come in individual pouches and are easy to use. These pouches are resealable and effective on greases. Pros
Hypoallergenic Biodegradable and eco-friendly Not tested on animals Phosphate and chlorine-free formula
Cons
May require large amounts May not work on stubborn stains
10. Best Ultra-Concentrated Formula:Biokleen Free & Clear Dishwashing Detergent Powder, Fragrance-Free
Biokleen uses mineral-based technologies to break down grease and tough food particles, including baked foods. The product contains an oxygen bleach formula that helps in removing even the most unrelenting stains. It is phosphate- and chlorine-free and contains no dyes or optical brighteners. The product promises deep clean without leaving any chemical odor. Pros
Plant-based surfactants make it a safe dishwasher detergent Eco-friendly – contains no artificial fragrance, colors, or preservatives No harmful effect on rivers, plants, or wildlife Made of ultra-concentrated formulation
Cons
Food smells may remain at times May leave residue in the dishwasher
11. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Love Home and Planet Dishwasher Detergent, Citrus Yuzu & Vanilla
Formulated without parabens, Love Home detergent is made of ethically sourced vanilla and can effectively remove stuck-on food residues. The detergent powder is blended with Japanese citrus ‘yuzu’ along with the scent of ‘Madagascan’ vanilla to keep your dishes squeaky clean and odorless. The product comes in a water-soluble packet made of plant and mineral-based cleansers. Pros
Dermatologist-tested Not tested on animals Vegan and gluten-free Does not contain dyes and phosphates USDA-certified 78% bio-based product
Cons
May not produce enough suds Scent may be a little strong for some
How To Choose The Right Dishwasher Detergents?
Dishwasher detergents come in three different forms: Powders, liquid gels, tablets, and packs. Gel detergents are less expensive and can be effective on tough food stains. Powder detergents work well on hard water but can leave clumps on your dishes. Powder detergents that contain bleach and enzymes can clean dishes effectively. Detergents that come in a tablet or pouch form are user-friendly. [ Read : Chicco Laundry Detergent Cluster Reviews ]
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is a product writer who focuses on kitchenware and household products and is thus well versed with people’s requirements regarding the same. After evaluating numerous product reviews, she has put together this list of the best dishwasher detergents that can remove the toughest of stains with minimal effort. She has also included a buying guide with the features of each product to help you pick the right one for your requirements.
Recommended Articles:
Best Natural Dishwasher Detergents Best Dishwasher Detergents Best Detergents Best Dish Soaps
title: “11 Best Dishwasher Detergents Of 2022” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-06” author: “Jamie Drake”
Washing dishes can be made easy with the best dishwasher detergents. Cooking can be pleasant, but cleaning the dishes without a good dishwasher detergent can be a nightmare. Dishwashers can be effective in removing stains and grease. However, if your dishwasher detergent residue stays back, it isn’t enjoyable. You will end up rewashing the dishes, which is tiring and time-consuming. With a high-quality dishwashing detergent, cleaning utensils needs minimal effort. If finding the best dishwashing detergent is a struggle for you, don’t worry. Below is a list of some top products available online to help you find the most suitable detergents for your kitchen needs.
11 Best Dishwasher Detergents To Buy
1. Best Easy To Store:Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent
Cascade comes with built-in rinse aid and water softener that helps remove leftover food on dishes and prevents the formation of new stains. The detergent fights off grease and removes odors, burnt-on food, and limescale buildup. It saves up to 15 gallons of water per load since you can skip pre-wash and clean up to 24-hour stuck-on food. Watch this video to learn how to use the product. Pros
Phosphate-free Mess-free Comes in a handy pack that is easy to store ActionPacs remove the need to pre-measure detergent for each use
Cons
May take time to dissolve May leave a thin film
2. Best For Hard Stains:Finish Powerball Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
The individually packed Powerball tablets can remove hard water stains and build up. The tablets come in pre-measured doses that scrub away the toughest tea or coffee stains. Their rinse agent action and salt function remove stubborn food residues and give your dishes a sparkling look. This video gives you more information about the product. Pros
Removes tough grease Leaves no plastic film Deep cleans dishes and removes odor No pre-rinse required
Cons
May be difficult to open individually wrapped tablets May crumble while opening
3. Best Fragrance:Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets, Citrus
Made of recycled cardboard, the environment-friendly Ecover Automatic Dishwasher soap tablets remove stuck-on food. The soap tablets have never been tested on animals and can clean your dishes in just one wash. With phosphate-free formula, Ecover tablets are best suited for cleaning greasy dishes, glasses, and flatware. Pros
Fragrances inspired by natural scents Contains fish-friendly plant-based ingredients Biodegradable Comes in easy-to-use tablet form
Cons
May not dissolve easily May use single-use plastic to individually wrap the tablets
4. Best Environment-Friendly:Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Detergent Gel, Lemon Splash
Palmolive Eco detergent acts tough against grime and dirt. The liquid detergent provides powerful cleaning and makes your dishes squeaky clean from the first wash. The detergent’s phosphate-free formula makes it eco-friendly and safe even when it mixes in lakes and streams. The product dissolves 24-hour stuck-on food. Pros
Easily cuts through grease Fights odor Soothing fragrance Comes in easy-to-use liquid gel form
Cons
May leave a white residue May leak
5. Best Phosphate-Free:Lemi Shine Booster Natural Lemon Dishwasher Detergent
Lemi Shine contains natural ingredients and powerful citrus extracts that increase their ability to dissolve greasy particles and remove stuck-on food. The product’s easy-to-use liquid formula has a booster additive that needs to be combined with your dishwater detergent. Lemi Shine can easily remove stains, film, lime, calcium, and other mineral deposits. It is strong on dirt and safe on the septic system. Pros
Made of toxic-free material Biodegradable and environment-friendly detergent Works even with hard water Contains no phosphates
Cons
May leave a chalky film on plastic Tablets might be too big for some
6. Best Enzyme-Rich Formula:Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Pack, Fragrance-Free
The USDA-certified bio-based detergent is formulated with plant-based rich enzymes. Powered by plants and minerals, the product can give your dishes a sparkling look and cut through tough grease without leaving behind food residues or water spots. Seventh Generation detergent comes in single dissolvable PVA film packs for hassle-free use and can be put directly into the dishwasher. Pros
Has resealable closure for easy use Free from fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleach Enzyme-rich formula Contains no animal ingredients and is not tested on animals
Cons
May leave spots when used with hard water Packs that do not disintegrate may clog drains in the long run
7. Best Biodegradable:Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Puracy detergent is a plant-derived and enzyme-based detergent that is safe for all dishwasher dishes, ceramics, toys, glasses, plastic, and porcelain. The detergent can eliminate stubborn food stains and grime and is free from SLS, SLES, SCS, bleach, and added fragrances. Puracy is formulated to leave no film or water spots. Made in the US, the detergent’s ingredients are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and gluten-free. Pros
Biodegradable Safe for skin and environment-friendly No pre-soak or pre-rinse required Contains no harsh ingredients
Cons
May cause excess suds May leak
8. Best Kid-Friendly:Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent
The ultra-concentrated dishwasher gel is tough on stubborn stains and stuck-on food. The product is free from dyes, bleach, and preservatives. The fragrance-free product leaves no trace of food film or cloudiness behind. The detergent can be used on glass dishes and various other utensils. Pros
100% plant and mineral-derived Phosphate-free Environment-friendly and biodegradable Pet- and child-friendly
Cons
Needs pre-rinsing of dishes before loading May leave a gummy residue in the dishwasher
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Planet Automatic Free & Clear Dishwasher Pacs, Unscented
Planet Automatic detergent contains no added fragrances, synthetic preservatives, or dyes. The product offers effective spot-reduction. Planet Automatic Dishwasher Pacs come in individual pouches and are easy to use. These pouches are resealable and effective on greases. Pros
Hypoallergenic Biodegradable and eco-friendly Not tested on animals Phosphate and chlorine-free formula
Cons
May require large amounts May not work on stubborn stains
10. Best Ultra-Concentrated Formula:Biokleen Free & Clear Dishwashing Detergent Powder, Fragrance-Free
Biokleen uses mineral-based technologies to break down grease and tough food particles, including baked foods. The product contains an oxygen bleach formula that helps in removing even the most unrelenting stains. It is phosphate- and chlorine-free and contains no dyes or optical brighteners. The product promises deep clean without leaving any chemical odor. Pros
Plant-based surfactants make it a safe dishwasher detergent Eco-friendly – contains no artificial fragrance, colors, or preservatives No harmful effect on rivers, plants, or wildlife Made of ultra-concentrated formulation
Cons
Food smells may remain at times May leave residue in the dishwasher
11. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Love Home and Planet Dishwasher Detergent, Citrus Yuzu & Vanilla
Formulated without parabens, Love Home detergent is made of ethically sourced vanilla and can effectively remove stuck-on food residues. The detergent powder is blended with Japanese citrus ‘yuzu’ along with the scent of ‘Madagascan’ vanilla to keep your dishes squeaky clean and odorless. The product comes in a water-soluble packet made of plant and mineral-based cleansers. Pros
Dermatologist-tested Not tested on animals Vegan and gluten-free Does not contain dyes and phosphates USDA-certified 78% bio-based product
Cons
May not produce enough suds Scent may be a little strong for some
How To Choose The Right Dishwasher Detergents?
Dishwasher detergents come in three different forms: Powders, liquid gels, tablets, and packs. Gel detergents are less expensive and can be effective on tough food stains. Powder detergents work well on hard water but can leave clumps on your dishes. Powder detergents that contain bleach and enzymes can clean dishes effectively. Detergents that come in a tablet or pouch form are user-friendly. [ Read : Chicco Laundry Detergent Cluster Reviews ]
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is a product writer who focuses on kitchenware and household products and is thus well versed with people’s requirements regarding the same. After evaluating numerous product reviews, she has put together this list of the best dishwasher detergents that can remove the toughest of stains with minimal effort. She has also included a buying guide with the features of each product to help you pick the right one for your requirements.
Recommended Articles:
Best Natural Dishwasher Detergents Best Dishwasher Detergents Best Detergents Best Dish Soaps
