Image: MomJunction Design Team
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 with effective cleaning power. 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 cleaning products available online to help you find the most suitable detergents for your kitchen needs.
Top Picks
11 Best Dishwasher Detergents To Buy
1. Best Easy To Store:Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 85,269 satisfied customers have left positive reviews about the product on Amazon.
Cascade comes with built-in rinse aid and water softener that helps remove leftover food from dishes and prevents the formation of new stains. The dishwasher cleaner fights off grease and removes odors, burnt 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 review video to learn how to use the cleaning 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
"These efficient pods clean my glasses and dishes without leaving them cloudy. Aside from a few fluke incidences, they generally dissolve well, and their ability to handle large load sizes is remarkable. They've been a worthwhile addition to my kitchen."
Do remember2. Best For Hard Stains:Kirkland Signature UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent
The Kirkland Signature UltraShine dishwasher detergent pacs, known for its superior cleaning power, are ideal for your dishwasher if you deal with hard stains and hard water daily. The 1.98lb box of detergent contains 115 pacs. As per reviews, these power-packed pacs with high cleaning power fit easily in the dispenser and completely dissolve without leaving spots behind on utensils.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Light, pleasant, citrus smell
- No pre-wash required for utensils
- Good-fitting small-sized pacs
Cons
- May leave a chalky film on the utensils
- May cause eye irritation
"These compact detergent packs fit seamlessly into my dishwasher and dissolve quickly. They even give my cookware a hint of clean, lemon fragrance. It's on the pricey end, but the large quantity makes up for it."
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 tried-and-tested soap tablets have never been tested on animals and can clean your dishes in just one wash. The dish cleaning tablets by automatic dishwasher detergent brand are free of phosphates and are best suited for cleaning greasy dishes, glasses, and flatware.
Pros
- Fragrances inspired by natural scents
- Contains fish-friendly, plant-based, and high-quality ingredients
- Biodegradable formula
- Comes in easy-to-use tablet form
Cons
- May not dissolve easily
- May use single-use plastic to individually wrap the tablets
"Despite being free of harsh chemicals, this detergent makes my dishes squeaky clean and effectively removes pungent odors. It's so powerful that I don't have to pre-rinse my everyday dishes. Plus, the eco-conscious packaging is much appreciated."
Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent Best Easy To Store | Kirkland Signature UltraShine Dishwasher Detergent Best For Hard Stains | Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets Citrus Best Fragrance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches | 11.81 x 5.91 x 11.81 inches. | 2.87 x 7.44 x 5.39 inches |
| Weight | 3.3 Pounds | - | 2.12 Pounds |
| Weight | - | 1.98 pounds | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 85,269 | 8 | 6,390 |
| Price | $18.67 | - | $9.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Easy-To-Use:Member’s Mark Ultimate Clean Dishwasher Pacs
Member’s Mark dishwasher pacs are a great addition to your kitchen cleaning supplies. The effective cleaning and unique all-in-one formula cleans tough stains and grease, eliminates the need to pre-wash, and provides crystal-clear shine to your utensils. With this high-quality dishwashing detergent, you can get clean and shiny utensils with minimal effort.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Has a fresh scent
- Ensures streak-free cleaning
- Comes in a resealable pack
Cons
- May leave a powdery residue
- Some might find the container a bit too tight
"The best thing about this dishwashing detergent is that it does not leave a residue on the utensils. It also only takes one cycle to eliminate stains and odors. However, I’d recommend storing it away from moisture to prevent clumping."
5. Best Phosphate-Free Formula: Lemi Shine Booster Natural Lemon Dishwasher Detergent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 11,723 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
Get squeaky clean and sparkling dishes with the Booster detergent by Lemi Shine.It contains natural and biodegradable 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 has deep cleaning power and 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 toxin-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
"Getting rid of hard water-induced buildup from my cookware is now a breeze with this detergent. It also seems to have enhanced the look and efficiency of my old dishwasher. The best part is that it cleans even pans with stubborn food stains without the hassle of soaking."
6. Best Enzyme-Rich Formula:Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Pack, Fragrance-Free
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 7,710 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
The USDA-certified bio-based detergent is formulated with plant-based rich enzymes. Powered by plants and minerals, the tried-and-tested product can cut through tough grease without leaving behind food residues or water spots and provide clean and spotless dishes with a sparkling look. 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. With many positive reviews, the detergent can eliminate stubborn food stains and grime, and yet, it is gentle on the hands, as it 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
Quick tip8. Best Fragrance-Free:Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods
The Grab Green automatic dishwashing detergent pods with deep cleaning power are made of natural plant- and mineral-based ingredients. These fragrance-free and stain- and grease-removal packs require no pre-rinsing of utensils when putting them in the dishwasher. Moreover, the kid-friendly and safety-tested kitchen solution is free of harsh, caustic chemicals and emits no toxic fumes.
Pros
- No phosphates, chlorine, or dyes
- Velcro-closure bags for easy storage
- Hypoallergenic
- Provide a brilliant shine
- Non-toxic and not tested on animals
Cons
- Pod wrapper may not dissolve completely
- May leave a powdery residue behind on some glassware
"With this option, I can finally thoroughly wash my crockery without worrying about any lingering chemical residue. On rare occasions, I did come across misshapen pods, but their gentle, fragrance-free formulation has made them my preferred option."
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Planet Automatic Free & Clear Dishwasher Pacs, Unscented
Planet Automatic detergent, known for its cleaning performance, contains no added synthetic fragrances, synthetic preservatives, or dyes. The product offers effective spot-reduction. Planet Automatic Dishwasher Pacs come in individual pouches and are easy to use. As per the reviewers, these pouches are resealable and effective on greases.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly
- Not tested on animals
- Phosphate and chlorine-free formula
- High-quality ingredients
Cons
- May require large amounts
- May not work on stubborn stains
"The way it removes grease from my pots and pans is commendable. It has no strong scent, making it suitable for my sensitive nose, and thanks to its safe ingredients, I also use it to clean my baby’s feeding items."
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 fragrance-free packs contain an oxygen bleach formula that helps in removing even the most unrelenting stains. It is phosphate- and chlorine-free and contains no optical brighteners or dyes. Further, the stain removal dishwasher cleaner ensures deep cleaning with no chemical odor.
Pros
- Plant-based surfactants make it a safe dishwasher detergent
- Eco-friendly – contains no artificial or synthetic fragrance, colors, or preservatives
- No harmful effect on rivers, plants, or wildlife
- Made of ultra-concentrated formulation
Cons
- Strong smell of a food may remain at times
- May leave residue in the dishwasher
"No sharp smell, no residual aftertaste, just spick and span utensils—this is what I’ve experienced using this detergent. The texture of the powder varies from batch to batch, but that doesn’t affect its efficiency."
Quick tip11. Best Dermatologist-Tested: Love Home And Planet Dishwasher Detergent
Formulated without parabens, Love Home detergent is a kitchen essential made of ethically sourced vanilla and can effectively remove stuck-on food residues. The powder dishwasher detergent is blended with Japanese citrus ‘yuzu’ along with the scent of ‘Madagascan’ vanilla to keep your dishes squeaky clean and odorless. The certified organic dishwasher powder 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
- May have a strong scent
How To Choose The Right Dishwasher Detergents?
Dishwasher detergents come in three different forms: Powders, liquid gels, tablets, and packs. Gel dishwasher detergents are less expensive and can be effective on tough food stains. Powder dishwasher detergents work well on hard water but can leave clumps on your dishes. Dishwasher powder that contains 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 ]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are pods or liquid detergents better for dishwashers?
Pods and liquid detergents are equally effective and efficient, provided they are made of the proper formulation. Pods offer a mess-free experience, while detergents provide a customized experience as the measure can be tweaked every time, depending on the load.
2. How much dishwasher detergent should I use?
Most dishwashers require two to three tablespoons of detergent, depending on how dirty the utensils are and the hardness of the water.
3. Can I throw a pod in the dishwasher?
A pod should never be thrown or tossed directly into the dishwasher. It should always be placed in the detergent dispenser slot so that it dissolves appropriately for a successful cycle.
4. Can I use dishwasher detergent as dish soap?
Like regular dish detergent soap cannot substitute for dishwasher detergent, the reverse cannot happen because a dishwasher detergent doesn’t lather or sud like a countertop dish soap. Hence, it can take a lot of your time and effort and may not clean the dishes well.
5. Does dishwasher detergent expire?
Dishwasher detergents expire after a few months, which results in the loss of potency, fragrance, and germ-combating properties. Since the expiration date of cleaning supplies varies according to the formulation, reading the details provided by the manufacturer can help give a better assessment.
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 and reviewers’ experiences, she has put together this list of the best dishwasher detergents that can remove the toughest of stains with minimal effort. She has listed out different types of dishwasher detergent and also included a buying guide with the features of each product to help you pick the right one for your requirements.
The Bottom Line
Dirty dishes are a chore that no one wants to do. However, it can get worse when you clean a dirty plate that still has grease, unwanted odors, burnt-on food, and limescale buildup. To eliminate these contaminants effectively, you need the best dishwasher detergents that clean vessels effectively with minimum effort. When choosing a suitable detergent agent, select those that can remove stains, grease, and odors with a fast-dissolving formulation. Also, stay clear of those that require pre-rinsing or pre-washing before use. Our top recommendations include the Lemi Shine Booster Natural Lemon Dishwasher Detergent, which has a phosphate-free formula that protects dishes against hard water; the Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent, which keeps grease and odor away; and the Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Pack for its plant-based formula.
Infographic: Pros And Cons Of Dishwasher Detergent Types
A good dishwasher detergent contains a chemical formulation for spotless cleaning of your kitchen utensils. Therefore, the type of detergent you choose is important as per your needs. Explore the infographic below to know various options of detergents as well as the pros and cons of each type.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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