Switching to a more natural dishwasher detergent reduces potentially harmful chemicals in your home. These products prioritize plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, minimizing environmental impact while delivering sparkling clean dishes. This guide explores top-performing green dishwasher detergents, their benefits, drawbacks, testing scenarios, and a buying guide to help you choose the best option for your household.
Why Choose Green Dishwasher Detergents?
Environmental and Health Benefits
Natural dishwasher detergents are safer for your family’s health and more eco-friendly for the planet than big brands. They avoid harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine bleach, and synthetic fragrances, which can leave residues on dishes and contribute to waterway pollution. For example, phosphates, banned in many regions, spark algae overgrowth, harming aquatic ecosystems. Eco-friendly options use biodegradable materials and minimal packaging, reducing plastic waste. They’re formulated with plant-based ingredients, cutting reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable sourcing.
Performance Expectations
Contrary to popular belief, natural dishwasher detergents clean just as well as traditional ones. They use enzymes and mineral-based agents like sodium citrate to tackle grease and stains effectively. However, performance varies based on water hardness, dishwasher type, and load size, requiring some trial to find the best fit.
Top Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents
Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder
Nellie’s dishwasher powder got my dishes completely clean and stain-free, earning a perfect performance score of 1/5. It’s right up there with the best dishwasher detergents – natural or not. No rinsing or scrubbing was needed prior to washing. Sparkling clean dishes and cutlery! Completely stain-free! Nellie’s also got perfect scores related to detergent scent (none), scent of washed dishes (none), detergent residue (none), and taste residue (none). It’s free from phosphates, made from just 9 ingredients, and is biodegradable. The main drawback is average cleaning in some tests, particularly with hard water, where sodium chloride and sodium carbonate excel.
Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel
Better Life Gel got the dishes sparkling clean, with no food residue left on cutlery or dishes. It earned a perfect performance score (1/5). It only needs half as much to clean, providing great cleaning power for the price. No streaks, residue, or damage to crystal dishes, and no weird smell. It’s easy to use – just shake and squirt into your dishwasher’s detergent cup. However, it’s slightly more expensive per load than Nellie’s, scoring 2/5 for cost. Some users reported excessive suds with certain dishwashers, which may not be ideal.
Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods
Dropps UltraWash Plus pods combine powder detergent with liquid cleaning boosters. They eliminated egg yolk on prestained porcelain tiles and buffed crusty casserole dishes back to their shiny selves. They easily washed away splatters of meat sauce, avocado, burnt milk, and Bloody Mary mix. These pods are USDA biobased certified, dye-free, and available in a fragrance-free version. They come in recyclable cardboard packaging. However, they’re pricier, costing about 40¢-47¢ per load, and some users noted mineral residue on ceramic finishes, requiring longer cycles for optimal results.
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland’s Dishwasher Starter Kit makes it easy to clean up, thanks to PLA-free tablets and a refillable tin. These tablets cut through grease and grime, lift food stains, and leave dishes sparkling clean without artificial dyes, fragrances, or harsh chemicals. They’re packaged in compostable paper, eliminating plastic waste. Refill packs are available in 60, 120, or 240 tablets. The downside is inconsistent dissolving on light loads, and some users reported residue in hard water conditions.
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Pods
These pods don’t contain fragrances, dyes, phosphates, or chlorine bleach. They use an enzyme-rich formula to cut through food residue and grease, leaving dishes sparkling clean. Available in 45- or 90-count bags, they’re USDA-certified bio-based. Some users reported residue or poor performance in hard water, and the brand has faced criticism for potential greenwashing. A sani rinse cycle may be needed for optimal results.
Comparative Analysis of Top Products
| Product | Format | Key Ingredients | Price per Load | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder | Powder | Sodium chloride, sodium carbonate | ~20¢ | Perfect cleaning score, no residue, biodegradable | Average in some tests, hard water challenges |
| Better Life Gel | Gel | Sodium citrate, citric acid | ~25¢ | Sparkling clean, no streaks, half-dose efficiency | Slightly costly, may suds in some machines |
| Dropps UltraWash Plus | Pods | Mineral-based, enzyme blend | 40¢-47¢ | Excellent cleaning, eco-friendly packaging | Expensive, possible residue on ceramics |
| Blueland Tablets | Tablets | Plant-based, no PVA | ~30¢ | Plastic-free, compostable packaging | Inconsistent dissolving, residue in hard water |
| Seventh Generation Pods | Pods | Enzyme-rich, plant-based | ~31¢ | Strong cleaning, widely available | Greenwashing concerns, residue in hard water |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Real-World Testing Descriptions
Testing involved smearing eight dinner plates with a measured portion of starchy goop, baked until crusty. Plates were run through a normal wash cycle, and imaging analysis determined cleanliness and water spots. Clear glasses and aluminum plates underwent 10 cycles with hard water to assess haze or discoloration. Nellie’s and Better Life scored perfectly, leaving no residue or spots. Dropps UltraWash Plus excelled on tough stains like egg yolk and burnt milk but fell slightly behind Cascade pods. Blueland struggled with light loads, while Seventh Generation performed well with a sani rinse.
Hard Water Considerations
Nellie’s is best for hard water due to sodium chloride and sodium carbonate. Detergents with water-softening agents like sodium citrate (Better Life, Dropps) prevent mineral deposits. Users in hard water areas may need rinse aids to avoid spots, as seen with Blueland and Seventh Generation.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Green Detergents
Benefits
- Biodegradable ingredients reduce environmental impact.
- Plant-based formulas minimize health risks from chemical residues.
- Minimal or plastic-free packaging cuts waste.
- Effective cleaning without pre-rinsing saves water and time.
Drawbacks
- Higher cost per load compared to conventional brands like Cascade.
- Performance varies with water hardness and dishwasher type.
- Some products leave residue or require longer cycles.
- Limited availability in mainstream stores for niche brands like Blueland.
Buying Guide for Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents
Key Factors to Consider
- Water Hardness: Soft water may cause excessive suds with traditional formulas. Hard water requires detergents with water soft に. Nellie’s or Dropps are ideal for hard water.
- Detergent Format: Powders (Nellie’s) allow dose adjustment but can clog older machines. Gels (Better Life) are easy to use but may suds. Pods (Dropps, Seventh Generation) are convenient but pricier. Tablets (Blueland) reduce plastic but may not dissolve fully.
- Ingredients: Look for phosphate-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free options. Avoid sodium hypochlorite, polyacrylates, and ethoxylated ingredients for safety.
- Packaging: Prioritize cardboard or compostable packaging (Blueland, Dropps) over plastic.
- Cost: Balance performance with budget. Nellie’s (~20¢/load) is economical, while Dropps (~47¢/load) is premium.
Steps to Choose the Right Detergent
- Test water hardness using a home kit or local water report.
- Match detergent to your dishwasher’s age and cycle options.
- Start with a small pack to test performance in your machine.
- Use rinse aid for hard water to prevent spots.
- Check EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning for ingredient safety ratings.
Best Product Recommendations
- Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder: Best for hard water and budget-conscious buyers. Shop on Amazon
- Better Life Gel: Ideal for crystal dishes and low-dose efficiency. Shop on Amazon
- Dropps UltraWash Plus: Top pick for sustainability and tough stains. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Do eco-friendly dishwasher detergents clean as well as conventional ones?
Yes, top brands like Nellie’s and Dropps match or exceed mainstream detergents in lab tests, tackling grease and stains without harsh chemicals. Performance depends on water hardness and dishwasher settings.
Are green detergents safe for septic systems?
Most eco-friendly detergents, such as Blueland and Seventh Generation, are septic-safe, using biodegradable ingredients that break down naturally. Check product labels to confirm.
Can I use eco-friendly detergents in older dishwashers?
Yes, but powders like Nellie’s may clog older models if overused. Gels or pods are less likely to cause issues. Adjust dosage and clean filters regularly.
How do I prevent residue with green detergents?
Use a rinse aid, especially in hard water, and select a high-quality detergent like Better Life or Dropps. Run a hot cycle and avoid overloading the dishwasher.
Are eco-friendly detergents worth the higher cost?
For environmentally conscious households, the reduced plastic waste and safer ingredients justify the cost. Budget options like Nellie’s offer comparable performance to mainstream brands at a lower price.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly dishwasher detergents deliver sparkling clean dishes while prioritizing health and sustainability. Nellie’s, Better Life, and Dropps stand out for performance, with unique strengths for different needs. By considering water hardness, dishwasher type, and ingredient safety, you can find the perfect green detergent for your home. Explore options like Consumer Reports’ ratings for further insights and make a sustainable choice today.