Dishwasher detergents are better than ever, and after testing over 30 of them, we’ve found that Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs deliver the best overall clean. A great dishwasher detergent can punch up the cleaning power of even the most mediocre dishwasher, pulverizing peanut butter, eliminating eggs, and tackling tomato sauce. The right detergent ensures sparkling dishes, minimal residue, and no need for pre-rinsing, saving time and water. This guide compiles insights from rigorous testing to highlight top-performing dishwasher detergents, their pros and cons, and a buying guide to help you choose.
Top Dishwasher Detergent Picks for 2025
Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs
Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs came the closest to cleaning nearly every dish. These convenient pods are the best at annihilating tough messes, and they neutralize odors with a mild lemon scent. But they don’t leave glassware as shiny as some other detergents. These pods cleaned nearly as well as our top pick. The mild lemon scent, made with essential oils, isn’t overpowering, and it did the best job of neutralizing dishwasher odors. This detergent typically costs about 32¡é per load. 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 we test, at 31 cents a pod.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning power, neutralizes odors, dye-free, mild scent
- Cons: Less shine on glassware, relatively expensive at 31-32¡é per load
Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs
In our testing, Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs cleaned some of our toughest stains with ease, including peanut butter and baked-on egg and cheese. Though these pods worked great on greasy dishes, they didn’t quite match the power of our top pick, missing pieces of egg yolk here and there and leaving tomato juice residue at times. The liquid detergent boosters encapsulated in the top of each pod are designed to cut grease and enhance shine. But they contain dyes (our top pick does not), so these pods may be less appealing to those who avoid dyes due to sensitivities or preference. Cascade’s Platinum ActionPacs with Dawn is the most effective dishwasher detergent we test among pods and gels. It excels at both cleaning dishes and resisting film and discoloration; it also resists water spots. Purchase at Amazon.
- Pros: Strong on tough stains, resists film and water spots, includes Dawn for grease-fighting
- Cons: Contains dyes, slightly less effective than Free & Clear on some stains
Cascade Complete Powder
Cascade Complete Powder costs just pennies per load and is the best powdered dishwasher detergent we’ve tested. This detergent contains a powdered version of Dawn dish soap, to enhance grease removal and shine. Cascade Complete also contains blue granules of protease, a protein-busting enzyme that proved especially effective on meat sauce, egg yolk, and burnt milk in our testing. This detergent cleaned greasy spoons and tea- and coffee-stained mugs with ease, and it left glassware spot-free. It’s also the cheapest of our picks, currently priced at about 5¡é per load. But keep in mind that for heavily soiled loads, you may need to use more detergent to get the best cleaning results. ¡°Cascade powder is a rare example of a bargain-priced detergent that doesn’t skimp on cleaning power,¡± says Andrea, the author of Wirecutter’s dishwasher detergent guide. Available at Amazon.
- Pros: Affordable at 5¡é per load, effective on grease and protein stains, leaves glassware spot-free
- Cons: May require more for heavily soiled loads, less convenient than pods
Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods
Dropps UltraWash Plus pods combine powder detergent with liquid cleaning boosters (similar to our top dishwasher detergent picks). Dropps says these pods clean better than its first formula-and potentially have the power to seriously challenge detergents from both mainstream and boutique brands. For the most part, Dropps UltraWash Plus bested the grossest stuff, eliminating egg yolk on prestained porcelain tiles and buffing crusty casserole dishes back to their formerly shiny selves. It also easily washed away our splatters of meat sauce, avocado, burnt milk, and Bloody Mary mix. UltraWash Plus performed leagues beyond other tested pods from brands that purport to be sustainable. It also cleaned better than our powder picks. The pods have a biobased certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ensuring that the majority of its ingredients are made from biological products instead of petroleum. Available at Amazon.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, biobased ingredients, excellent cleaning, plastic-free packaging
- Cons: Expensive at 40-47¡é per load, slightly less effective on grease
Finish Ultimate All in 1
Finish is another top-performing brand in our tests, and its Ultimate three-chamber packs operate with a special proprietary technology that the brand says releases the right ingredient at the right time, including Finish’s trademark red ball center that works like a rinse aid to minimize spotting and filming. In Cleaning Lab tests, we were highly impressed by the new enzyme-based formula. It effectively cleaned stuck-on foods and rinsed away residue, leaving everything exceptionally shiny and spotless. And it does it all at a very middle-of-the-road cost per load. The best performing and recommended product was the Ultimate Plus All in 1 Lemon Sparkle, which scored 84% and earnt our recommended tick. Available at Amazon.
- Pros: High cleaning performance, minimizes spotting, reasonable cost
- Cons: Some tablets may stick together, strong scent may not suit all users
Testing Scenarios and Performance
CR’s test engineers smear eight dinner plates with a carefully measured portion of starchy goop (it’s 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, we use imaging analysis to determine precisely how clean each dish is, and whether any water spots are present. Then we run a set of clear drinking glasses and aluminum plates through 10 consecutive wash cycles, all with very hard water (we use well water, with a wealth of minerals, to make the test extra-challenging). After that, we use a spectrophotometer to assess whether any haze or film forms on the glasses and note whether the aluminum plates have begun to discolor. The best dishwasher detergents we test are able to get the dirtiest dishes spotless while resisting water spots and white film.
To stress-test dishwashers, we wash dishes that are smeared with tough-to-clean foods. This helps us identify the high achievers. In our tests, the Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs excelled at removing grease from dirty dishes, effectively whisking away food particles and leaving our 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.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwasher Detergents
| Detergent | Type | Cost per Load | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs | Pods | 31-32¡é | Dye-free, mild lemon scent, neutralizes odors | Sensitive users, odor control |
| Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs | Pods | Not specified | Grease-fighting with Dawn, resists film | Tough stains, greasy dishes |
| Cascade Complete Powder | Powder | 5¡é | Affordable, protease enzyme, spot-free | Budget-conscious, greasy dishes |
| Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods | Pods | 40-47¡é | Biobased, plastic-free, eco-friendly | Eco-conscious users |
| Finish Ultimate All in 1 | Tablets | Mid-range | Three-chamber tech, shiny results | Shiny dishes, hard water |
Buying Guide for Dishwasher Detergents
There are two main types of dishwasher detergents – tablets and powders. Some manufacturers also make capsules or pods, which are a liquid variation of the tablet. Our testing has consistently found tablets and capsules perform better than powders. Detergent pacs and tablets-those compact, single-dose pods that you insert into your dishwasher’s dispenser-remain the most widely sold type of dishwasher detergent. While liquid and powder detergents cost less per load, they don’t match the cleaning power of CR’s top-rated detergent pacs.
- Skip prerinsing: Most dishwashers have a sensor that checks how dirty the water is. The sensor determines the amount of water and time needed to get the dishes clean. But if you prerinse your dishes and the sensor detects little food, the dishwasher gives the dishes a lighter wash, which can leave bits of food on dishes and glasses.
- Load correctly: Your owner’s manual will recommend a loading method that works best for your dishwasher. In general, load large items along the sides and back, so they don’t block the water and detergent.
- Use a rinse aid: If the dishwasher detergent you use doesn’t include a rinse aid, consider using one separately. Rinse aid helps dishwashers dry better, and we added it to each machine at the beginning of our dishwasher testing.
- Consider water hardness: Hard water contains a high amount of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and if you have it in your home, you may have noticed residue on your dishes or hands after washing. There are dishwasher detergents specially formulated for hard water, hard water spot removers and boosters that you can use to help regular detergents work better.
Maximizing Dishwasher Performance
To help your dishwasher and detergent perform their best, here are a few things to keep in mind. Face the dirtier side of dishes toward the center of the machine, and don’t let dishes or utensils nest together. Place items with baked-on food in the bottom rack, face down toward the sprays. Rest glasses upside down on prongs so that they don’t fill with water. Use the top rack for plastic and delicate items that are dishwasher-safe. Put the detergent in the right place. As a general rule, you should put your dishwasher detergent in the dispenser unless your dishwasher’s manual specifies otherwise. The dispenser ensures that your detergent is dispensed at the optimal time during the dishwasher’s cleaning cycle.
Deep clean your machine. Once per month, give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning with a dishwasher cleaner, like Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner. It will wash away residues that can deposit on your machine and dishes. Remove and rinse the filter weekly and check for and remove bits of food lodged in the filter well after every cycle.
Eco-Friendly Options
Many dishwasher detergents are starting to use more eco-friendly ingredients. Using plant- or mineral-based formulas, they avoid phosphates, dyes, and other harsh chemicals. Some detergents are also packaged in recycled or recyclable materials, such as cardboard. Dropps bills its UltraWash Plus pods as the first biobased chambered dishwasher detergent pods. The pods have a biobased certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which ensures that the majority of its ingredients are made from biological products instead of petroleum. Blueland’s Dishwasher Starter Set offers a good option for those trying to eliminate plastic packaging from their cleaning products. The unwrapped solid powder dishwasher tablets are shipped in a compostable paper pouch along with an aluminum “forever” tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pods, tablets, and powder detergents?
Pods and tablets are pre-measured, single-dose options that are convenient and typically offer superior cleaning power due to their concentrated formulas. Powders are more affordable but require manual measuring and may not dissolve as effectively, especially in hard water.
Do I need to use a rinse aid with dishwasher detergent?
While many detergents include rinse aid components, a separate rinse aid is recommended, especially in hard water areas. It enhances drying and reduces water spots, ensuring shinier dishes.
Can I use dishwasher detergent for hand-washing dishes?
No, dishwasher detergents are formulated for machine use and can be too harsh for hand-washing. They may also create excessive suds, which can damage dishwashers if used incorrectly.
How do I know if my water is hard, and does it affect detergent choice?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave residue on dishes. You can test your water with a home kit. Choose detergents with water softeners or hard water-specific formulas for better results.
Are eco-friendly detergents as effective as traditional ones?
Many eco-friendly detergents, like Dropps UltraWash Plus and Blueland, perform well in tests, though they may be less effective on extremely tough stains compared to mainstream brands like Cascade. They are ideal for environmentally conscious households.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dishwasher detergent depends on your priorities-whether it’s cleaning power, eco-friendliness, or budget. Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs lead for their dye-free formula and odor control, while Cascade Complete Powder offers unmatched value. For eco-conscious users, Dropps UltraWash Plus delivers strong performance with sustainable packaging. By following our buying guide and maintenance tips, you can ensure sparkling clean dishes every time. Explore these top picks on Amazon to find the perfect detergent for your needs.