Choosing the right liquid dishwasher detergent can make or break your dishwashing experience. While pods and tablets dominate the market for their convenience, liquid detergents remain a staple for their affordability, customizable dosing, and widespread availability. In 2025, liquid dishwasher detergents continue to evolve, offering powerful cleaning for tough stains and hard water challenges. This guide highlights the six best liquid dishwasher detergents, based on rigorous testing and real-world performance, to help you achieve sparkling clean dishes.
Why Choose Liquid Dishwasher Detergents?
Liquid or gel dishwasher detergent is tried and true and this traditional type of detergent can often be found in grocery stores at a mid-level price point. Liquid detergent is easy to use and you can customize how much you use for each load of dishes, helping reduce waste. However, it is important to avoid using less than a tablespoon of detergent or overfilling the detergent dispenser. Always consult the instructions on your detergent’s package for proper usage.
Top 6 Liquid Dishwasher Detergents for 2025
1. Cascade Gel with Dawn Dishwasher Detergent
CR’s take: Our top-rated gel detergent is also the lowest-priced dishwasher detergent we’ve tested overall. Great Value Dishwasher Gel (from Walmart’s store brand) earns a Very Good rating overall and costs just 5 cents per dose. It didn’t remove food quite as well as the Cascade with Dawn gel we highlight above, but it’s an all-around solid performer. Again, gels generally don’t clean as well as packs, but this Great Value formula actually outscores some of the single-dose pacs we’ve tested.
Pros:
- Excellent cleaning power, especially for grease and tough stains
- Affordable at approximately 5-10 cents per load
- Outperforms some pod detergents in Consumer Reports’ tests
Cons:
- Not as effective as pods for baked-on messes
- Requires precise measuring to avoid overuse
2. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel
I’ll be honest: I underestimated this detergent. In my defense, the gel had a big task ahead of it. I loaded my dishwasher with standard bowls, plates, and plastic leftover containers, but added a pan caked with day-old sweet potato gnocchi residue that I thought would be impossible to finish. But when I opened the dishwasher later and the lemon-scented billow of steam cleared, I was greeted with squeaky-clean dishes and a pan that looked just like it had pre-sweet-potato-gnocchi. The phosphate-free liquid detergent beat back the stiffest challenge I could throw at it. As with all the gel detergents, it was easy to load into the dishwasher dispenser (even though I’d never used gel detergents before) and it’s widely available at a number of retailers.
Pros:
- Plant-based, phosphate-free formula
- Handles tough, caked-on residues effectively
- Pleasant, mild lemon scent
Cons:
- Not as effective for hard water stains
- Slightly pricier than mainstream brands
3. Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent
Both include plant-based ingredients (Better Life is also cruelty-free and fragrance-free) and did a decent cleanup job, although the Seventh Generation gel didn’t completely clean out the dirty cake pan I had put in.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free and fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive users
- Plant-based ingredients reduce environmental impact
- Good for everyday cleaning
Cons:
- Struggles with heavily soiled cookware
- Higher cost per load compared to mainstream gels
4. ECOS Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear
ECOS Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear There is more than one version of this product. Grades vary from A to B.
Pros:
- Highly rated by EWG for safety and environmental impact
- Free of dyes and fragrances, suitable for sensitive skin
- Effective for light to moderate soils
Cons:
- Less effective for tough, greasy stains
- May require a rinse aid for spot-free results
5. Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Gel
Liquid or gel dishwasher detergent typically comes in a squeezable bottle that allows you to customize your dosage for each load. Make sure to follow the instructions on the detergent packaging to prevent over or underfilling the dispenser.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option with decent cleaning power
- Widely available in grocery stores
- Customizable dosing for small or large loads
Cons:
- Can leave residue in hard water conditions
- Not as effective for baked-on stains
6. Great Value Dishwasher Gel
CR’s take: Our top-rated gel detergent is also the lowest-priced dishwasher detergent we’ve tested overall. Great Value Dishwasher Gel (from Walmart’s store brand) earns a Very Good rating overall and costs just 5 cents per dose. It didn’t remove food quite as well as the Cascade with Dawn gel we highlight above, but it’s an all-around solid performer. Again, gels generally don’t clean as well as packs, but this Great Value formula actually outscores some of the single-dose pacs we’ve tested.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable at 5 cents per load
- Outperforms some pods in cleaning tests
- Good for everyday dishwashing needs
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy, baked-on messes
- May require more product in hard water
Comparison Table
| Detergent | Price per Load | Best For | Hard Water Performance | Eco-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Gel with Dawn | 5-10¢ | Grease, tough stains | Good | No |
| Seventh Generation Gel | 15-20¢ | Caked-on residues | Moderate | Yes |
| Better Life Natural | 20-25¢ | Sensitive users | Poor | Yes |
| ECOS Free & Clear | 15-20¢ | Light soils | Poor | Yes |
| Palmolive Eco | 10-15¢ | Budget cleaning | Moderate | Partial |
| Great Value Gel | 5¢ | Everyday use | Moderate | No |
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Liquid Dishwasher Detergent
Cleaning Power: Look for detergents with enzymes and surfactants to tackle grease, baked-on food, and stains. Cascade Gel with Dawn excels here, while eco-friendly options like Better Life may struggle with heavy soils.
Water Hardness: Hard water can leave spots and reduce detergent effectiveness. Liquid detergents like Palmolive Eco perform better in soft water, while powders are often recommended for hard water. Consider a water softener if your water hardness exceeds 15 grains, as suggested by KitchenAid.
Eco-Friendliness: If sustainability is a priority, opt for phosphate-free, plant-based gels like Seventh Generation or ECOS. These reduce environmental impact but may compromise on cleaning power.
Cost per Load: Liquid detergents are generally cheaper than pods, ranging from 5 to 25 cents per load. Great Value and Cascade offer the best value, while eco-friendly options are pricier.
Scent and Sensitivity: Fragrance-free options like Better Life and ECOS are ideal for sensitive skin or allergies. Mainstream gels like Cascade may have mild scents that some find overpowering.
Ease of Use: Liquids allow customizable dosing, but over- or underfilling can affect performance. Follow package instructions and use child-resistant caps for safety, as recommended by Good Housekeeping.
Real-World Insights and Analysis
Testing by Consumer Reports and Epicurious reveals that liquid detergents, while less powerful than pods, can still deliver impressive results. Cascade Gel with Dawn and Great Value Gel stand out for their affordability and ability to outperform some pods, making them ideal for budget-conscious households. However, for tough messes like baked-on cheese or peanut butter, pods like Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs remain superior, as noted in Wirecutter’s tests.
Seventh Generation’s gel surprised testers with its ability to handle caked-on gnocchi residue, proving that eco-friendly options can compete with mainstream brands. However, hard water poses a challenge for most liquids, often requiring a rinse aid like Ecover Rinse Aid to prevent spotting.
In real-world use, liquids shine for their versatility. You can adjust the dose for small loads, unlike pods, which are premeasured. This makes them a practical choice for small households or those who run partial loads. However, gels can separate over time, so shake well before use and avoid stockpiling, as advised by Good Housekeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are liquid dishwasher detergents as effective as pods?
Liquid detergents can be highly effective, especially for grease and everyday soils, but pods generally outperform them for baked-on messes due to their multi-ingredient formulas. Cascade Gel with Dawn is a notable exception, rivaling some pods in Consumer Reports’ tests.
2. How much liquid detergent should I use per load?
Most brands recommend filling the dishwasher’s main dispenser (about 1-2 tablespoons) and the prewash tray if available. Adjust based on load size and water hardness, but avoid underfilling, as this reduces cleaning power.
3. Can liquid detergents work in hard water?
Liquid detergents perform better in soft water, but some, like Palmolive Eco, handle moderate hard water. For very hard water, use a rinse aid or consider a water softener to prevent spotting and buildup.
4. Are eco-friendly liquid detergents worth it?
Eco-friendly gels like Seventh Generation and ECOS are great for reducing environmental impact and are safer for sensitive skin. However, they may not clean as well as mainstream brands for heavy soils, so weigh your priorities.
5. How do I store liquid dishwasher detergents?
Store in a cool, dry place and use within two months for maximum effectiveness, as moisture and age can cause separation. Keep out of reach of children, especially gels without child-resistant caps.
Conclusion
Liquid dishwasher detergents offer a balance of affordability, versatility, and cleaning power for 2025. Cascade Gel with Dawn and Great Value Gel lead for budget-friendly performance, while Seventh Generation and ECOS cater to eco-conscious users. Consider your water hardness, cleaning needs, and environmental priorities when choosing. For more dishwasher tips, check out Consumer Reports’ Dishwasher Detergent Guide or Good Housekeeping’s Cleaning Lab.