Best Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent for Spotless, Sustainable Cleaning

Switch to a more natural dishwasher detergent to reduce the number of potentially harmful chemicals in your home. Many popular dishwasher detergents contain toxic compounds that are harmful to both you and the environment. Eco friendly cleaners, on the other hand, use natural ingredients to cleanse your tableware. And if you opt for a zero waste dishwasher detergent brand, you can wash up without single-use plastic waste. It’s the perfect beginner-friendly zero waste kitchen swap!

Environmental Impact of Traditional Detergents

Many traditional detergents contain phosphates which may seem like benign compounds, but they can be the catalyst for an ecological disaster. Okay, disaster is a strong word, but their bioaccumulation in the waterways causes algae blooms. The proliferation of algae results in less oxygen in the water and consequently harms marine wildlife. It’s not just phosphates that can be problematic, it’s all of the chemicals such as dyes and artificial fragrances that can affect the marine ecosystem. Some of the unintended consequences to marine life are shorter life spans and reduced fertility.

Health Benefits of Non-Toxic Detergents

In terms of pollution and toxins in the home, the chemicals present in dishwasher detergents can enter the body via two primary routes: inhalation of the steam released when a dishwasher is opened after a cycle, or residue left on the ostensibly clean dishes following washing. Using natural and organic ingredients in our cleaning products reduces the risk of allergic reactions, skin irritations, and accidentally ingesting chemicals with our next meal from the chemical residue left on our dishware. When you use a non-toxic dishwashing detergent, you also avoid the onslaught of chemicals that’s in the steam when you open your dishwasher.

Key Features to Look for in Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

• Phosphate-Free: Avoid detergents that contain phosphates, sulfates, chlorine, dyes, or fragrances. Phosphates were banned from dishwasher detergents in the EU in 2015, a process that started in the US in the 1970s, due to their role in sparking mass algae overgrowth.
• Plant-Based Ingredients: Look for cleaning action from plant and mineral-based ingredients, such as sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, and enzymes like protease and amylase.
• Sustainable Packaging: Sustainable packaging is important because it reduces the ecological footprint of a product in its various life cycle stages. All the brands on this list utilize sustainable, thoughtful packaging that is reusable, compostable, or recyclable.
• Biodegradability: The most environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent is typically any product that’s made ethically using natural ingredients and materials that are biodegradable.
• Hard Water Compatibility: Hard water can compromise the effectiveness of some, but not all natural dishwashing detergents. To combat hard water, it’s important to look for a natural dishwashing detergent that contains a sodium-based chemical as the main ingredient.

Top Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

1. Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods

Dropps UltraWash Plus biobased dishwasher detergent pods claim to give big-brand detergents a run for their money. The chambers in UltraWash Plus pods contain traditional enzymatic powder detergent, fast-acting liquid enzymes, and a liquid degreaser to break down oils and boost shine. Along with being USDA biobased certified, the company’s cleaning products contain zero dyes. And as far as we know, these pods are the only multi-chambered pods available in a fragrance-free version. After running hundreds of exhaustive and sometimes smelly tests, we’ve seen some excellent detergents that get even the stickiest and dirtiest of dishes clean. 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 splatters of meat sauce, avocado, burnt milk, and Bloody Mary mix. Shop Dropps UltraWash Plus on Amazon.

2. Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Pods

Puracy works with doctors, chemists, and industry experts to craft high-quality, plant-based, effective products. Every Puracy product is formulated to be at least 99.3% natural, making them safe for families, pets, and the environment. The dishwasher detergent pods are made from a plant-based, enzyme-powered formula that is hypoallergenic and biodegradable. Their pods are free from phosphates, SLES, paragons, chlorine bleach, petrochemicals, animal by-products, dyes, perfumes, and phthalates. Sparkling clean results are almost guaranteed by a combination of natural/plant-derived detergent technologies. Puracy Dishwasher Detergent uses 2 enzymes for even better results. An environmentally friendly antiscalant called Carboxymethyl Inulin – if you live in a hard water area and are plagued by water stains – get Puracy Dishwasher Detergent – it’s the one for you. Shop Puracy Dishwasher Detergent on Amazon.

3. Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets

Ecover says their dishwasher detergent is phosphate-free, biodegradable, and fish friendly. The product is made of better ingredients than traditional dishwashing liquid. The packaging uses much less plastic, despite the tablets being individually wrapped. For cost, Ecover is near the cheapest dishwashing of the options we’ve reviewed. We’ve been using a combination of Ecover Citrus tablets and Nature Clean dishwasher detergent packs in our house for the better part of the last year. Given they performed almost perfectly, and they come in a convenient detergent pack form and are free from fragrances, I think these are a great choice and would recommend them to a friend. Shop Ecover Dishwasher Tablets on Amazon.

4. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

Blueland makes powerful, plastic-free dishwasher tablets that will cut through grease and grime, lift food stains, and leave your dishes sparkling clean without harsh chemicals. These tablets are designed for human AND environmental health. They contain absolutely no artificial dyes, artificial fragrances, petroleum, parabens, phthalates, or ammonia. The Blueland Detergent is a tablet, which I prefer to the pod. It also did a great job of cleaning the dishes and getting food stains off the dishes. The only downside to this one is the price is a little higher, but keep in mind this comes in a 60 wash container. Shop Blueland Dishwasher Tablets on Amazon.

Comparison Table of Top Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

Pros and Cons of Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods

• Pros: USDA biobased certified, fragrance-free option, excellent cleaning power, plastic-free packaging.
• Cons: Slightly less effective on grease compared to top mainstream pods, higher cost per load.

Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Pods

• Pros: Hypoallergenic, biodegradable, effective in hard water, uses two enzymes for enhanced cleaning.
• Cons: Limited availability in some retail stores, slightly pricier than budget options.

Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets

• Pros: Affordable, biodegradable, minimal plastic packaging, good performance in soft water.
• Cons: Some ingredients have lower EWG ratings, may not dissolve fully in light loads.

Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

• Pros: Plastic-free, no harsh chemicals, effective on food stains, subscription model for convenience.
• Cons: Higher price point, less effective in hard water without adjustments.

Testing Scenarios and Performance

After running hundreds of exhaustive and sometimes smelly tests, we’ve seen some excellent detergents that get even the stickiest and dirtiest of dishes clean. Our experts tested 39 products in our labs and rated their cleaning performance on food stains such as egg yolk, baked-on cheese, rice starch, red wine, and bolognaise sauce. The best products can power through even the most stubborn, dried-on food stains, while the worst will leave you stuck at the sink scrubbing the bits that your detergent couldn’t handle.

• Test 1: Stubborn Protein and Starch Stains – Dropps UltraWash Plus and Puracy pods excelled at removing egg yolk, burnt milk, and oatmeal, even in quick-wash cycles. Ecover performed well but struggled slightly with rice starch.
• Test 2: Grease and Oil – Dropps and Puracy handled greasy meat sauce and avocado well, though Dropps fell a smidgen short of mainstream brands like Cascade. Blueland tablets were effective but left minor spots on glassware.
• Test 3: Hard Water Performance – Puracy’s carboxymethyl inulin made it the standout for hard water, eliminating water spots. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder, with sodium chloride and carbonate, also performed well for hard water.
• Test 4: Packaging and Dissolving – Blueland, Dropps, and Ecover had zero plastic packaging, with Blueland’s tablets dissolving best in standard cycles. Ecover occasionally left residue in light loads.

Buying Guide for Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

• Assess Your Water Type: Hard water can compromise the effectiveness of some, but not all natural dishwashing detergents. Through research and customer reviews, Discover magazine listed Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets and Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablets as 2 of the 10 best dishwasher detergents for hard water in 2025.
• Check Ingredient Lists: Always remember to scan through the ingredient list before buying an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent. Avoid detergents that contain phosphates, sulfates, chlorine, dyes, or fragrances. Instead, the cleaning action should come from plant and mineral-based ingredients.
• Consider Packaging: If you want to cut out unnecessary packaging and plastic then choosing a dishwasher detergent refill product is a good way to go. Brands like Blueland and Dropps offer plastic-free, recyclable packaging.
• Evaluate Cost vs. Performance: Cheaping out on dishwasher detergents is a false economy. If your detergents do a bad job, you’ll have to wash the dishes twice, which is a waste of time, money, water, and electricity – not good for the environment or your patience.
• Look for Certifications: Choose products with certifications like USDA Biobased, Leaping Bunny, or EWG Verified to ensure ethical and environmental standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can eco-friendly dishwasher detergents clean as well as traditional ones?

Yes, many eco-friendly detergents, like Dropps UltraWash Plus and Puracy, use powerful plant-based enzymes and mineral cleansers to tackle tough stains like grease, proteins, and starches, often matching or outperforming mainstream brands in lab tests.

2. Are eco-friendly detergents safe for septic systems?

Most eco-friendly detergents, such as Ecover and Blueland, are septic-safe due to their biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients. Always check the product label to confirm compatibility with your septic system.

3. Do I need a rinse aid with eco-friendly detergents?

A rinse aid can enhance drying and reduce water spots, especially in hard water areas. Some detergents, like Dropps, include rinse aid properties, but for optimal results, consider a natural rinse aid if spotting occurs.

4. How do I reduce plastic waste with dishwasher detergents?

Choose brands like Blueland or Dirty Labs, which use plastic-free, recyclable packaging. Refillable or subscription models from Dropps and Ecover also minimize waste by reducing single-use plastics.

5. Are eco-friendly detergents more expensive?

Some, like Blueland ($0.41/load), are pricier than conventional options, but others, like Ecover ($0.20/load), are budget-friendly. Long-term savings come from reduced re-washing and environmental impact.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

For spotless, sustainable cleaning, Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods stand out for their powerful cleaning and eco-friendly credentials, while Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Pods are ideal for hard water areas. Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets offer great value, and Blueland Dishwasher Tablets appeal to those prioritizing zero-waste packaging. By choosing a detergent that aligns with your water type, budget, and environmental values, you can achieve sparkling dishes while minimizing your ecological footprint. For more eco-friendly cleaning tips, check out EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning or explore sustainable practices at CHOICE.