While dishwashers are prized appliances for doing the work all on their own, the type of cleaner you toss into it can make a world of difference to your everyday life — something that’s often overlooked.
Think about it: we drink out of glasses each day, use dinnerware sets each evening for a meal and put flatware to our teeth for each meal. If our dishwasher detergent isn’t up to par, our kitchen items are *not* hygienic nor sparkly clean as they should be.
And, that’s downright wrong.
“Dishwasher detergents have a tough job to accomplish — and it’s important to choose a detergent that gets the job done right,” Brian Shuanfield, store manager at Charlotte area Lowe’s, told the New York Post. “You’ll want to look for a strong dishwasher detergent that can fight grease, stuck-on food and other potential odors, bacteria or dirt on your dishes.”
To help you make the finest choice for one of the most used cleaners in your home, the New York Post diligently researched and called upon a team of cleaning experts to recommend the best products on the market. In addition, our in-depth FAQ section should answer all of your questions and about how to use dishwasher detergents effectively — and what to avoid.
Click to jump to a specific section:
- Best Dishwasher Detergent Overall
- Best Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
- Best Liquid Dishwasher Detergents
- Best Plant-Based Dishwasher Detergents
- Best Powder Dishwasher Detergent
Best Dishwasher Detergent Overall
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods (78-Count)
The dishwasher detergent pods we’ve been using on repeat? The Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods, also just so happen to have amassed nearly 91,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone and expert approval.
“This is a fast-dissolving pod that cleans burnt-on messes in one wash, eliminating pre-wash while removing tough stains and preventing hard water filming,” Kristen Little, senior merchant at The Home Depot, told The Post.
When we use them for our evening-time wash load, we love how they leave our glassware spot-free, an homage to the Dawn grease-fighting power. They’re mess-free, dissolve quickly and don’t require additional spot-cleaning or agents to supplement their staying power.
Best Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs (52-Count)
“Give your dishes a thorough clean with the power of Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs,” Shaunfield names, recommending this specific dishwasher detergent. “Loaded with two times the grease-fighting power, ActionPacs have scrubbing and rinsing built right in, meaning you can skip the pre-rinse, soak and scrub.”
Additionally, these laundry detergents contain twice the Dawn to power through dried-on food — no pre-rinse required. It also has a 30% larger liquid top for even more cleaning power that still fits in your dishwasher. Mission accomplished.
Miele PowerDisk All-in-One Dishwasher Detergent
“Created for dishwashers with AutoDos, this PowerDisk is a powerful detergent that will bring the shine back to your dishes,” Shaunfield tells us. “Miele’s PowerDisk detergent is made with an exclusive powder granulate that uses active oxygen to remove even the most stubborn stains and soiling, leaving your plates sparkling clean.”
Moreover, the Miele detergent contains active oxygen for a thorough cleaning performance. Each PowerDisk lasts approximately one month or for 20 cycles.
Finish Classic Powerball Dishwasher Detergent (84-Count)
“The Finish tabs contain a power ball that can cut through greasy messes, scrub away dried-on food and remove tough stains — giving you a powerful clean every time,” Shaunfield notes.
What’s more, they’re supercharged with 13 times the power to cut through greasy messes, scrub away dried-on food and remove tough stains. What’s better than that? To top it all off, no pre-rinsing is required, as this dishwasher detergent is formulated with pre-soaking action to soak and soften food residues.
Cascade Platinum + Oxi Dishwasher Detergent (62-Count)
“Platinum + Oxi ActionPacs are Cascade’s most powerful action Pacs, breaking down food soils to clean 99% of visible and invisible food residue,” Shaunfield highlights, recommending the cleaning agent. “They fight tough food and beverage stains for virtually spotless dishes every time.”
Additionally, they’re powerful enough to clean 24-hour stuck-on food. They’re convenient and pre-measured with no finicky wrapping.
Best Liquid Dishwasher Detergents
Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid Dishwasher Rinse & Drying Agent
“Experience shiny dishes and spot and film protection with the Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid,” Shaunfield recommends. “It works with your detergent to rinse away stubborn leftover food, spots and film for sparkling dishes, glasses and utensils.”
With this dishwasher detergent in particular, you’re set to experience better drying right out of the dishwasher (versus using detergent alone). As a bonus, this dishwasher drying agent is also safe to use with septic systems.
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Detergent Gel with Dawn
“This Complete Gel Dishwasher Detergent uses the grease-fighting power of Dawn dish-washing liquid to power away even 24-hour stuck-on messes for a complete clean,” Shaunfield says.
The detergent is also sustainable and value-driven, as you’ll save up to 15 gallons of water per dishwasher load when you skip the pre-wash and run your dishwasher with this product.
Best Plant-Based Dishwasher Detergents
Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Dishwasher Detergent Gel
“Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus Dishwasher Detergent Gel tackles the dirty work with a PlantTech formula featuring 50% more micro-scrubbing enzymes,” Shaunfield says. “This dish detergent’s powerful dual action formula is made with plant-based ingredients and is free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, phosphates or chlorine bleach. Plus, it’s biodegradable.”
Aside from being chlorine bleach-free and phosphate-free, it cleans with plant-derived enzymes with a non-toxic formula that has no harsh fumes. Its scent is derived from essential oils and botanical extracts with no dyes or synthetic fragrances.
ECOS Free & Clear Wave Dishwasher Gel
“Harnessing the power of plant-derived cleaning agents, the ECOS Free & Clear Wave Gel Dishwasher Detergent is a top choice for those wanting a high-performance clean without dyes, parabens, phosphates and phthalates,” Little shares with The Post.
Affordable and plant-powered, you’ll surely be impressed by its near-flawless shine.
An FAQ on Dishwasher Detergents
Ahead, our team of cleaning experts *dish* out the deets (ha!) on dishwasher detergents — including what to look for when purchasing one, what to know about their composed ingredients and more.
What to look for in a quality dishwasher detergent, per cleaning experts
“When looking for the ideal dishwasher detergent, your top priority should be its ability to effectively clean food particles, stains and grease, as well as its rinsing capability to guarantee that no residue remains on your dishes,” Little told The Post. “Additionally, some dishwasher detergents have the capability to leave shine on dishes after wash.”
Little also advises considering factors such as detergent form (tablet, liquid, or powder), ability to break down food particles to prevent dishwasher clogging, eco-friendliness and fragrance or fragrance-free options. “To find the perfect match for your dishwasher and your needs, don’t forget to check out product reviews and compare different brands,” she adds.
Additionally, you may want to avoid dishwasher detergents that contain ingredients such as bleach, phosphates, chlorine and artificial fragrances, per Shaunfield.
What ingredients make a dishwasher detergent “clean” or “sustainable?”
“If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, choose a dishwasher detergent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, such as chlorine or bleach, dyes and synthetic fragrances or utilizes a nontoxic formula,” Shaunfield notes, discerning the common “clean” marketing language found on several product labels. “Additionally, look for a detergent that does not require a pre rinse to save on water usage.”
According to Little, common ingredients include plant-based and mineral components such as sodium carbonate and sodium silicate.
The different types of dishwasher detergents, explained
Ahead, Shaunfield lists and describes the variety of dishwasher detergents you may find when searching for your next stock-up:
- Dishwasher pods/tablets: These give you the exact amount of detergent every time, so you don’t have to worry about overfilling your machine and causing damage. They are also convenient; simply pop one in the dishwasher and press start.
- Liquid dishwasher detergent: These are usually milder than other forms but provides incredible de-greasing abilities. You can choose from a variety of types, including pour bottles, squeeze bottles and liquid packets.
- Powdered dishwasher detergent: These are most effective against hard water and is a generally inexpensive option for your home.
- Gel dishwasher detergents: These are less abrasive and are great for delicate glasses and dinnerware.
What to look for in a dishwasher detergent for baby bottles, per cleaning experts
When it comes to sanitizing items for your baby, you want to take the utmost care in doing so. Luckily, our team of experts offer step-by-step advice for washing these delicate items with care.
“For baby bottles, you should look for a detergent that is strong enough to break down residue, odors and bacteria, yet does not contain harsh chemicals and toxins — especially bleach — which may be harmful to babies if ingested,” Shaunfield advises.
Little offers a similar sentiment. “When choosing a dishwasher detergent for baby bottles, opt for a formula that is gentle, fragrance-free and free of harsh chemicals,” she recommends. “It should also effectively remove residue and bacteria while being safe for your little one’s sensitive skin.”
Check out our expert-backed guides to the best all-purpose cleaners, hardwood floor cleaners, laundry detergents (as well as natural laundry detergents) and stain removers for more cleaning advice and recommendations.
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