Top Best Rated Dishwasher Detergents for Sparkling Clean Dishes

You don’t need a pricey dishwasher detergent to get clean dishes. The best formulas from popular brands like Cascade and Seventh Generation do a fantastic job of removing food and resisting residue in tough lab tests. But plenty of store-brand detergents, which often cost much less per use, also do a fantastic job. Our ratings include 30 detergents tested in labs, including packs and gels.

Why Dishwasher Detergent Matters

Dishwasher detergent has a big job to do: Power through and dissolve all types of baked-on, dried-on foods from all sizes and shapes of dinnerware, glassware, flatware, storage containers, cookware and more. And simply cleaning is not enough. The detergent must also be safe for these items, help them dry better and not damage the inside of your dishwasher. And, if you live in an area with hard water, it needs to help eliminate those spots too. It’s a tall task for a tiny tablet, pack or tablespoon or two of detergent to accomplish. But choosing and using the right dishwasher detergent can mean the difference between spotless results the first time and having to pre-wash (or, worse, re-wash!) your dishes.

Top-Rated Dishwasher Detergents

Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs

In tests, the Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs excelled at removing grease from dirty dishes, effectively whisking away food particles and leaving dishes spot-free with minimal detergent residue. The three liquids included in the pod complement each other, contributing a degreaser, water softener, and rinse aid along with the powder detergent. The phosphate-free formula claims to work with both hard and soft water. These pods come in a dissolvable pack, so there’s no need to unwrap. The primary drawback is that these brand-name pods are significantly more expensive than generic products.

• Pros: Excels at grease removal, no unwrapping needed, works in hard and soft water
• Cons: Expensive, contains dyes

Buy Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs on Amazon

Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs

If you prefer detergents without heavy perfumes or dyes, consider Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs. These single-use packs earn top scores for cleaning dishes and helping resist film and discoloration. We also find they resist water spots. But it’s one of the pricier dishwasher detergents tested, at 31 cents a pod. These pods cleaned nearly as well as the top pick but don’t leave glassware as shiny as some other detergents.

• Pros: No heavy perfumes or dyes, excellent cleaning, resists water spots
• Cons: Pricey at 31 cents per pod, less shine on glassware

Buy Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs on Amazon

Amazon Basics Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

Amazon Basics may not be a brand name you’re used to seeing among detergents, but its Dishwasher Detergent Pacs do an excellent job at cleaning dishes and preventing film and discoloration, which occur when mineral deposits remain on dishes. It also resists water spots, which not all dish detergents do. At less than half the price per pod of premium options, these are a budget-friendly choice.

• Pros: Affordable, excellent cleaning, prevents film and water spots
• Cons: May leave minor food residue, pods may not always dissolve fully

Buy Amazon Basics Dishwasher Detergent Pacs on Amazon

Finish Powerball Quantum All in 1 Tabs

Finish Powerball Quantum All in 1 Tabs are another budget buy that’ll leave your dishes sparkling. They cost just 14 cents per wash and scored high in lab tests. These tablets have eight power actions, including cutting through greasy messes, scrubbing dried food off dishes, and removing tough stains.

• Pros: Budget-friendly, strong cleaning performance, multiple cleaning actions
• Cons: Strong scent, pacs may stick together

Buy Finish Powerball Quantum All in 1 Tabs on Amazon

Lemi Shine Dishwashing Detergent

If the extra plastic wrapping is a dealbreaker for you, you may like the Lemi Shine Dishwashing Detergent better. These plastic-covered pods have a supposedly eco-friendly formula, but decidedly not eco-friendly packaging. They offer strong cleaning power and are safe for septic systems.

• Pros: Eco-friendly formula, strong cleaning, septic-safe
• Cons: Non-eco-friendly packaging, moderate film on glassware

Buy Lemi Shine Dishwashing Detergent on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Dishwasher Detergents

How Dishwasher Detergents Are Tested

Test engineers smear eight dinner plates with a carefully measured portion of starchy goop (a secret recipe), then bake each plate until the goop gets crusty (and very difficult to remove). After running the plates through a normal wash cycle, imaging analysis determines precisely how clean each dish is, and whether any water spots are present. Then a set of clear drinking glasses and aluminum plates run through 10 consecutive wash cycles, all with very hard water (using well water with a wealth of minerals to make the test extra-challenging). A spectrophotometer assesses whether any haze or film forms on the glasses and notes whether the aluminum plates have begun to discolor. The best dishwasher detergents get the dirtiest dishes spotless while resisting water spots and white film.

Real-World Testing Scenarios

• Baked-On Food Test: Plates covered in sticky cranberry sauce and pots coated in grease and stuck-on mashed potatoes are loaded without pre-rinsing. Top performers like Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs remove all residue in one cycle.
• Hard Water Challenge: Glasses and aluminum tiles are washed in mineral-heavy water to simulate hard water conditions. Amazon Basics Pacs excel at preventing film and discoloration.
• Grease and Stain Removal: Dishes soiled with egg yolk, baked-on cheese, and bolognaise sauce are tested. Finish Powerball Quantum Tabs consistently tackle these tough stains.

Buying Guide for Dishwasher Detergents

Types of Detergents

• Single-Dose Packs or Tablets: Neat, easy, and convenient-and usually the most expensive. They can be all powder or have separate gel or liquid components for bleaching or other benefits that combine with the powder once the tablet is dispensed into the cycle. Avoid handling them with wet hands as they can begin to melt.
• Liquids or Gels: Fall between powders and packs. They are easy to dispense and can have enzymes, oxi bleach, or other ingredients for effective cleaning. They can separate over time, so use them promptly and shake well before squeezing into the dispenser.
• Powders: As with gels, you have to measure out the proper amount for each load. Past tests found that powder dishwasher detergents can get the job done, although they all had a hard time cleaning pots.

Tips for Optimal Performance

• Skip Pre-Rinsing: Most dishwashers have a sensor that checks how dirty the water is. If you prerinse, the sensor detects little food, giving dishes a lighter wash, which can leave bits of food on dishes.
• Load Correctly: Load large items along the sides and back, face the dirtier side toward the center, and don’t let dishes nest together. Place items with baked-on food in the bottom rack, face down toward the sprays.
• Use Rinse Aid: Rinse aid helps dishwashers dry better, yielding drier, sparklier glassware. Most machines arrive with a sample bottle, and manuals emphasize its use.
• Place Detergent Properly: Put detergent in the dispenser unless the manual specifies otherwise. Tossing it into the base can negatively affect performance.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Dishwasher Detergents

Benefits

• Convenience: Single-dose pods eliminate measuring, making dishwashing quick and easy.
• Powerful Cleaning: Top detergents tackle baked-on food, grease, and stains without pre-rinsing.
• Hard Water Performance: Many formulas resist water spots and film, even in mineral-heavy water.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Brands like Lemi Shine offer biodegradable, septic-safe formulas.

Drawbacks

• Cost: Premium pods like Cascade Platinum Plus can be expensive, up to 35 cents per load.
• Packaging Waste: Plastic wrappers on pods contribute to environmental waste.
• Scent Sensitivity: Some detergents, like Finish Powerball Quantum, have strong fragrances that may bother sensitive users.
• Inconsistent Dissolving: Some pods may not fully dissolve, leaving residue on dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use a rinse aid with dishwasher detergent?

Yes, rinse aid is recommended for most dishwashers. It reduces water surface tension, speeding up drying and preventing water spots, especially in hard water areas. Many top detergents, like Cascade Platinum Plus, include rinse aid components, but adding a separate rinse aid can enhance results.

Are eco-friendly detergents as effective as regular ones?

Eco-friendly detergents like Lemi Shine can be effective, especially for everyday cleaning, but they may not match the grease-cutting power of premium options like Cascade Platinum Plus. They’re a great choice for environmentally conscious users but may leave slight residue on tough stains.

Can I use dishwasher detergent in any dishwasher?

Most detergents are compatible with standard dishwashers, but check your manual for specific recommendations. Some eco-friendly detergents, like Lemi Shine, are formulated for septic systems, while others may not be suitable. Always store detergents safely, especially in homes with children.

How do I choose between pods, gels, and powders?

Pods are convenient and powerful but costly. Gels are affordable and easy to measure but may not clean as well. Powders are the cheapest but require precise measuring and struggle with pots. Consider your budget, cleaning needs, and preference for convenience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dishwasher detergent can transform your dishwashing experience, delivering sparkling dishes without the hassle of pre-rinsing or re-washing. Whether you opt for the powerful Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs, the budget-friendly Amazon Basics Pacs, or the eco-conscious Lemi Shine, there’s a detergent to suit every need. For more insights on home appliances, check out Consumer Reports or Good Housekeeping.