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For individuals seeking to make the chore of washing dishes easier, a good dishwasher detergent is crucial to achieving sparkling clean plates, cutlery, and cookware with minimal effort. The best dishwasher detergents not only leave dishes spotless but also provide gentle care for sensitive skin.
There are 27 top-rated dishwashing detergents that have been compiled to assist in finding the perfect product in 2021 and 2023. The options range from budget-friendly to more expensive ones with special features like eco-friendly formulas or multi-use capabilities. Thus, regardless of the cleaning power required, there is a great option available for everyone.
27 Best Dishwasher Detergent 2021 and 2023
Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent
Finish Power Dishwasher Detergent
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Cascade Complete Action Pacs
Earth Breeze Power Pebbles Dishwasher Tablets
Finish Quantum 0% Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
Dropps Dishwasher Detergent
Clean People. Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Thrive Market Rosey Dishwasher Detergent Powder, Fresh Lemon
Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder
Grove Co Total Clean Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Thrive Market Dishwasher Detergent Pods, Lemon Scent
Love Home & Planet Dishwasher Detergent Gel Lavender & Argan Oil
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent
Clorox Dishwasher Detergent Pacs, Fresh Scent
Defunkify Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Grab Green Dishwashing Detergent, Fragrance Free
Eco-gals Eco-shines Dishwasher Detergent Pods with 3 in 1 Power of Liquid
Zoro Premiere Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Great Value Advanced Automatic Dishwasher Pacs
Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dishwasher Pods
Planet Automatic Free & Clear Dishwasher Pacs, 12.7 Ounce
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods
Puracy Dishwasher Pods
Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablet Starter Set
Beyond Natural Dishwasher Tablets
What is the best dishwasher detergent to prevent etching?
Dishwasher detergents that are low in alkalinity and high in surfactants can help prevent etching on dishes. Alkaline detergents with a pH of 7 or higher can cause etching on glassware, while detergents with a pH of 6.5 or lower are less likely to cause etching.
In addition to the pH level, dishwasher detergents that contain ingredients such as phosphates, chlorine, and enzymes can also contribute to etching. Some dishwasher detergent manufacturers have started formulating their products without these ingredients to help prevent etching.
Alternatively, dishwasher detergents that contain ingredients such as citric acid, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate can help reduce the risk of etching by neutralizing the alkaline effects of hard water.
1. Loni Labs Bio Detergent
Image courtesy Loni Labs
The bio enzyme laundry detergent is a more environmentally-friendly option compared to traditional laundry detergents. This detergent is produced from natural ingredients and employs the effectiveness of enzymes to eliminate stubborn stains from clothes.
In contrast to conventional detergents, the bio enzyme laundry detergent does not contain abrasive chemicals or synthetic fragrances, rendering it a safer and healthier alternative for both individuals and the ecosystem.
2. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent
Image courtesy Dirty Labs
The bio enzyme dishwasher detergent is made from natural plant-based ingredients, and it has been designed to be more effective than traditional detergents in removing grease and food residues. The enzymes present in the detergent make it suitable for tougher cleaning jobs such as eliminating baked-on or caked-on dirt without damaging the surfaces of dishes and other items.
In addition, this product does not leave behind strong chemical odors or residue on dishes and can help reduce water consumption by using less per wash cycle. With fewer chemicals used, this product is also safe for both individuals and the environment.
3. Finish Power Dishwasher Detergent
Image courtesy Walmart
Finish Popwer dishwasher capsules offer an effortless and effective way to clean dirty dishes without the need for pre-soaking or pre-rinsing. With its powerful formula, it can tackle tough grease and scrub away burnt or dried-on food, leaving your dishes sparkling clean. Additionally, it is designed to prevent redeposits and provide protection for glassware, ensuring a spotless finish every time.
4. Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Image courtesy Walmart
Cascade Platinum Plus dishwasher detergent pods are designed for maximum cleaning performance. Its pre-measured, dual-action formula works to quickly dissolve and break down food residue, while its special rinse aid helps avoid spots and film on glasses and dishes.
5. Cascade Complete Action Pacs
Image courtesy Walmart
The Cascade Complete ActionPacs are designed to dissolve quickly, releasing the grease-fighting power of Dawn early in the dishwashing cycle. Even the toughest messes are no match for this powerful formula, leaving your dishes virtually spot-free with a sparkling clean shine.
By skipping the pre-wash, you can save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load, making it a more eco-friendly choice. ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use just four gallons per cycle, while handwashing dishes with running water for 11 minutes can use up to 24 gallons of water.
6. Earth Breeze Power Pebbles Dishwasher Tablets
Image courtesy Earth Breeze
The powerful formula of this dishwasher detergent is capable of cutting through grease and grime, making it a suitable choice for everyday dishes as well as post-dinner party messes.
Unlike many other detergents, this product comes in biodegradable packaging, which includes the ink used for labeling. This makes it a more environmentally-friendly option. Using this dishwasher detergent is a breeze; simply pop a Power Pebble into your dishwasher, and you're good to go. No scrubbing is required, making it a hassle-free option.
In addition to being easy to use, this detergent is also designed to easily dissolve in your favorite cycle, leaving your dishes sparkling clean with no residue left behind.
7. Finish Quantum 0% Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
Image courtesy Walmart
Finish Quantum 0% is a powerful dishwasher detergent that is designed to scrub, degrease and shine your dishes, leaving them impeccably clean.
This detergent is free from phosphates, chlorine bleach, and fragrance, making it a safer and healthier option for both you and the environment. It is made up of three separate fast-dissolving chambers, each delivering a different power action to help break down tough stains and stuck-on food.
8. Dropps Dishwasher Detergent
Image courtesy Dropps
Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods are pre-measured and made with natural ingredients, making them a safe and eco-friendly alternative to traditional detergents. With its powerful cleaning action, this product is capable of tackling tough grease and stuck-on food particles without leaving behind any residue.
The packaging used for the product is made of recycled materials, and the capsules are water-soluble and biodegradable. This means that when you use them in your dishwasher, all that's left behind is clean dishes. Plus, this detergent is easy to use: simply place 1 pod into your dishwasher before you begin running it.
9. Clean People. Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Image courtesy Clean People.
This dishwashing detergent boasts a powerful triple-action formula that utilizes natural minerals to effectively rinse away baked-on food and stains, without requiring any pre-washing beforehand.
Using this detergent ensures that your glasses are left sparkling and your dishes are so clean that you could even eat off them - quite literally! Its potent cleaning action ensures that even the toughest of stains and food remnants are removed, leaving your dishes impeccably clean and looking like new.
10. Thrive Market Rosey Dishwasher Detergent Powder, Fresh Lemon
Image courtesy Thrive Market
Rosey™ by Thrive Market is a cleaning product line that uses trusted, eco-friendly ingredients to deliver powerful cleaning performance. The formula is cruelty-free and does not contain added chlorine bleach, dyes, SLS, or any other harsh chemicals.
Each bag of Rosey™ can provide up to 75 loads, making it an economical and sustainable choice. The product is infused with a fresh lemon scent that leaves your laundry smelling clean and fresh.
11. Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder
Image courtesy Grab Green
Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder is a powerful, plant-based detergent that uses natural minerals to break down and remove food and grease residue. The powder is free from harsh chemicals and instead uses natural ingredients such as baking soda and sea salt, making it a safer choice for both you and the environment.
12. Grove Co Total Clean Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Image courtesy Grove Co.
Grove Co Total Clean Dishwasher Detergent Packs are pre-measured and all-natural, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice. The packs contain a powerful formula that uses plant-based cleaning ingredients to effectively remove food residue while simultaneously boosting shine and reducing streaks on dishes.
13. Thrive Market Dishwasher Detergent Pods, Lemon Scent
Image courtesy Thrive Market
Achieve sparkling clean dishes effortlessly with Dropps' triple-action dishwashing detergent. Its unique formulation uses natural minerals to effectively rinse away caked-on food, eliminating the need for pre-washing.
The detergent is enhanced with a bright lemon scent that infuses freshness into every load. With Dropps, you can trust that your dishes will be clean and smell amazing after each wash.
14. Love Home & Planet Dishwasher Detergent Gel Lavender & Argan Oil
Image courtesy Love Home & Planet
Formulated with 70% plant-based cleansers, this dishwasher detergent is gentle on the environment and your skin. Dermatologist tested and free from gluten, parabens, dyes, and phosphate, it effectively removes even the most stubborn food residues without causing harm.
With a blend of Moroccan Argan Oil and calming heirloom French Lavender, this detergent leaves your dishes with a subtle fragrance while being cruelty-free and vegan. Give your dishes the care they deserve with this powerful, plant-based detergent.
15. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent
Image courtesy Seventh Generation
These detergent pods from Seventh Generation are easy to use and perfect for those who want a quick, effective, and hassle-free way of cleaning their dishes. Simply place one pod into your dishwasher before you start running it, and let its powerful formula do all the work – no prewashing necessary!
16. Clorox Dishwasher Detergent Pacs, Fresh Scent
Image courtesy Walmart
Clorox Triple Action Dishwasher Detergent Pacs feature a powerful triple-action formula that delivers outstanding results every time. With no pre-wash required, these pacs power-scrub, degrease, and shine, making them ideal for tackling tough, baked-on messes.
They're specifically formulated to handle even the most stubborn stains, effectively removing burnt-on, stuck-on, and dried-on food residues, even up to 48 hours after they occur. Additionally, these detergent pacs are gentle on glassware, thanks to their rinse agent action that rinses away residues, leaving dishes spotless and streak-free.
17. Defunkify Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Image courtesy Defunkify
Defunkify Automatic Dishwasher Detergent is a powerful, plant-based formula that can tackle even the toughest messes. It's specifically designed to break down and remove food residue effectively without using harsh chemicals. The detergent also comes in tablet form for easy use, making it perfect for busy households.
18. Grab Green Dishwashing Detergent, Fragrance Free
Image courtesy Grab Green
The Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods come in a 60-load pouch that is free and clear of all scents and dyes, making it a safe and gentle choice for those with sensitivities. The pouch features a convenient velcro closure, eliminating the frustration of dealing with difficult zip closures.
These pods are made with superior, responsibly sourced ingredients and advanced green chemistry, resulting in highly effective cleaning products that are safe for the environment and your home.
19. Eco-gals Eco-shines Dishwasher Detergent Pods with 3 in 1 Power of Liquid
Image courtesy Eco-Gals
Eco-gals' Eco-shines Dishwasher Detergent Pods are an innovative and eco-friendly cleaning solution. Formulated with the 3 in 1 Power of Liquid, Gel & Powder, this detergent is designed to provide powerful cleaning action that won't harm delicate dishes.
20. Zoro Premiere Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Image courtesy Zoro
Zoro Premiere Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Powder is a powerful, concentrated formula that provides long-lasting results. Formulated with active ingredients that break down and remove food residue quickly and easily, this detergent leaves your dishes sparkling clean.
The powder is designed to dissolve completely in water, eliminating any leftover residue and ensuring that every dish is clean and spot-free. Plus, it's biodegradable and non-toxic, so you can feel good about using it in your home.
21. Great Value Advanced Automatic Dishwasher Pacs
Image courtesy Great Value
Achieve a powerful clean for your dishes while saving money with Great Value Advanced Automatic Dishwasher Pacs. These dishwasher pacs offer a premium Triple Action formula that can effectively clean 24-hour stuck-on food without any need for pre-rinsing.
The advanced formula includes enzymes that can tackle tough grease, stains, and residue, while also protecting your glassware from corrosion. Moreover, these dishwasher pacs are safe for all septic systems.
22. Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dishwasher Pods
Image courtesy Mrs. Meyers
Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dishwasher Pods are designed to leave your dishes sparkling clean and smelling fresh. The Lemon Verbena scent will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
These detergent pacs have a powerful formula that can tackle tough messes without the need for pre-rinsing. Plus, they're degradable, non-toxic, and safe for all septic systems. Their gentle formula is also safe to use on glassware and other delicate items.
23. Planet Automatic Free & Clear Dishwasher Pacs, 12.7 Ounce
Image courtesy Planet
Our spot-reducing formula is highly effective and does not contain any phosphates or chlorine. Our Free & Clear formula is free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and dyes, making it gentle and safe to use.
The ingredients used in our formula are sourced from plant-based sources, and the product is certified biodegradable. Furthermore, our product has not been tested on animals and is approved by Leaping Bunny.
24. Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods
Image courtesy Molly’s Suds
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods are a natural and eco-friendly alternative for your dishwashing needs. These detergent pacs are made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients that are biodegradable and non-toxic.
These concentrated pacs offer powerful cleaning action without any need for pre-rinsing, while also being gentle and safe to use on delicate items. Plus, they're free of synthetic fragrances or dyes, making them a great choice for those with sensitivities.
25. Puracy Dishwasher Pods
Image courtesy Puracy
Puracy Dishwasher Pods provide a powerful clean with naturally derived ingredients. These pods are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free of any synthetic fragrances or dyes.
Their advanced formula helps to break down grease and food residue quickly and easily, while the added oxygenators help to remove stubborn spots and stains. Plus, this detergent is safe for all septic systems and will leave your dishes sparkling clean with a streak-free finish.
26. Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablet Starter Set
Image courtesy Blueland
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and plastic packaging, and say hello to plant and bio-based power. These tablets have been tried, tested, and proven effective by independent labs to cut grease, grime, and lift food stains for a sparkling clean.
They're also incredibly easy to use - simply drop a tablet directly into the main detergent dispenser to clean dishware, glassware, silver, and porcelain. When you run out, refill your Forever Tin with new tablets.
27. Beyond Natural Dishwasher Tablets
Image courtesy Beyond Natural
This automatic dishwasher detergent is an eco-friendly option that meets the USDA Certified Biobased Product standards, making it safe for septic systems. It's free from dyes, fragrances, and chlorine bleach, and is made with ultra-concentrated mineral and plant-based ingredients. The formula includes built-in rinse aid technology to ensure a spot-free shine on dishes.
The tablets come wrapped in the biodegradable film that dissolves in the dishwasher, eliminating the need to unwrap them before use. For best results, simply place the tablet in the dishwasher's detergent dispenser or silverware tray.
