Keeping your dishes clean and sparkling is essential for both hygiene and presentation, but choosing the right dish detergent is just as important as the cleaning process itself. Whether you’re hand-washing your dishes or using a dishwasher, the quality of the dishwasher soap or dish detergent you use can make a significant difference in cleaning efficiency, safety, and the longevity of your cookware. The right dish detergent ensures that your dishes come out spotless, free from greasy residue, and without any lingering odors. It also protects your skin from harsh chemicals, helps preserve the shine of your dishes, and extends= extends the life of your dishwasher. Some detergents can leave behind film or streaks, while others might be too harsh on delicate materials like porcelain or non-stick surfaces. Choosing a product that suits your specific needs is the key to achieving sparkling, clean dishes every time.
Top 10 Best Dishwasher Detergents
After extensive testing and research, here are the top 10 dishwasher detergents that deliver sparkling clean dishes, based on performance, value, and user feedback.
1. Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs
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. We did find these pods cleaned even our dirtiest dishes effectively and left our dishwasher smelling super clean and fresh after every load, but if scents aren’t your thing, that may be something to keep in mind before buying. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Exceptional grease removal, no pre-rinsing needed, includes rinse aid
- Cons: Strong scent, higher price per load (around 30¡é)
2. Finish Quantum Powerball
Need a detergent pod that’ll tackle even the grimiest messes? That’s Finish Quantum Dishwashing Tablets. These tablets cleaned everything. Dirty lasagna pan? Spotless! Flatware? Sparkling clean. Lipstick-smeared glasses? Not a smudge left. Load after load, these dishwashing pods-a blend of detergent gel and powder-performed. Never once did our testing team have to rewash anything that came out of the dishwasher when they used Finish-and that’s truly the sign of a great dishwasher detergent. One thing to note with this product: This powerful clean does come with a powerful scent. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Outstanding cleaning power, no re-washing needed, effective on tough stains
- Cons: Strong fragrance, may not dissolve fully in short cycles
3. 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 we test, at 31 cents a pod. These pods cleaned nearly as well as our top pick. But the dyes and stronger scent may be less appealing to some people. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Fragrance-free, effective cleaning, resists water spots
- Cons: Expensive, less effective on heavy grease
4. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods
The Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods offer a USDA-approved plant-based formula that effectively cleans food residue off of dishes. Overall, in our testing we felt that this pod worked just as well as other all-powder products (although not as well as some of the pods with liquids or rinse aids incorporated in). We like that the smell when opening the bag is pretty mild as far as dishwasher detergents go (some of these products can be pretty aggressive). We found this pod did not work quite as effectively, specifically on dried condiments and sauces. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, mild scent, plant-based
- Cons: Struggles with tough stains, no rinse aid included
5. 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 the time of publishing, these sold for less than half the price per pod as our top-scoring product, the Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Budget-friendly, prevents film, resists water spots
- Cons: May leave food bits, occasional dissolving issues
6. Miele UltraTabs Multi
Miele makes our top-rated dishwasher, so we weren’t surprised by the super-effective formula in Miele UltraTabs Multi, which work in Miele dishwashers (and other brands’ dishwashers too). Miele UltraTabs All in 1 detergent is a fantastic cleaner, but it’s hard to find and was more than 50¡é per load at the time of publication. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning, works in all dishwashers
- Cons: Expensive, limited availability
7. Biokleen Free and Clear
Biokleen Free and Clear is an eco-friendly, non-toxic, plant-based detergent with no artificial fragrance, colors, or preservatives. This effective powder-based detergent is extremely concentrated, so you only need a little to get the job done. Biokleen does not contain phosphate or chlorine but does have sodium carbonate, citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. These natural chemicals are known to power through grease, dissolve baked-on food, and remove stains. Each container has enough detergent for 64 loads. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Non-toxic, concentrated, eco-friendly
- Cons: Messy to dispense, less effective on hard water stains
8. Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Dropps dishwasher detergent pods remove baked-on food and stubborn stains for up to 24 hours, making your glasses sparkle and plates that are so spotless that you could dine off of them. Literally. By skipping the pre-wash, you may save water on each load. Deep cleaning is necessary in order to keep your family healthy and safe. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Water-saving, effective on tough stains, eco-friendly
- Cons: Higher cost, may need extra pods for heavy loads
9. Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Detergent Gel
You want sparkling clean dishes but you also want to live a more sustainable lifestyle-now you can have both. Palmolive Eco dishwasher Detergent Gel provides powerful cleaning action and its formula is phosphate-free. This detergent gel is made with natural ingredients and grease-dissolving environmentally friendly enzymes. Plus, it contains no artificial colorants or preservatives. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, gentle formula, affordable
- Cons: Less effective on tough stains, may leave residue
10. Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent and Booster
The one I thought did the best job was Dirty Labs. I liked the consistency and texture of this also. The powder dissolved well and there was no residue left on the dishes or dishwasher. I really loved the scent too. This contains ingredients like bio enzymes, sodium citrate, and sodium carbonate peroxide in the right proportions to get dishes very clean. It also has such a nice scent. Shop on Amazon.
- Pros: No residue, pleasant scent, effective cleaning
- Cons: Not widely available, higher price point
Comparison Table of Top Dishwasher Detergents
| Detergent | Type | Price per Load | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Platinum Plus | Pod | ~30¡é | Grease removal, rinse aid, phosphate-free | Heavy-duty cleaning |
| Finish Quantum | Tablet | ~25¡é | Powerful stain removal, no pre-rinse | Tough messes |
| Cascade Free & Clear | Pod | ~31¡é | Fragrance-free, resists water spots | Sensitive users |
| Seventh Generation | Pod | ~20¡é | Plant-based, eco-friendly | Green households |
| Amazon Basics | Pod | ~15¡é | Budget-friendly, prevents film | Cost-conscious buyers |
| Miele UltraTabs | Tablet | ~50¡é | High performance, multi-brand | Premium dishwashers |
| Biokleen Free and Clear | Powder | ~10¡é | Non-toxic, concentrated | Eco-conscious users |
| Dropps Pods | Pod | ~28¡é | Water-saving, eco-friendly | Sustainable cleaning |
| Palmolive Eco | Gel | ~12¡é | Phosphate-free, gentle | Light loads |
| Dirty Labs | Powder | ~22¡é | No residue, pleasant scent | Hard water areas |
How We Tested These Detergents
To find the best dishwasher detergents, we applied a greasy spinach mix to 10-place settings of dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and 50 pieces of flatware. Ten glasses were microwaved with milk, and beaten egg yolk was brushed onto additional bowls and plates. Coffee cup rims were “kissed” with lipstick and filled with coffee that spilled onto saucers. Serving platters were smeared with margarine, and we baked macaroni and cheese and baked beans onto casserole dishes. Everything was dried or baked on for two hours before loading into two identical dishwashers. Each load was run on normal and heavy-duty cycles to evaluate cleaning performance, spotting, and residue.
Test Results
- Cascade Platinum Plus: Removed grease and 24-hour-old stains with no pre-rinsing, minimal spotting.
- Finish Quantum: Spotless results on lasagna pans and lipstick-stained glasses.
- Cascade Free & Clear: Excellent for sensitive users but struggled with heavy grease.
- Seventh Generation: Good for eco-conscious users but less effective on dried sauces.
- Amazon Basics: Great value but occasional food bits remained.
Buying Guide for Dishwasher Detergents
Choosing the right dishwasher detergent depends on your dishwasher, water type, and cleaning needs. Here’s what to consider:
- Detergent Type: Pods and tablets offer convenience and pre-measured doses, while powders and gels allow flexibility but can be messy. Pods generally outperform gels in cleaning power due to their mix of enzymes, degreasers, and rinse aids.
- Water Hardness: Hard water can leave spots, so look for sodium-based detergents or use a rinse aid. Test your water hardness (0.3 gpg for soft, 7-10.5 gpg for hard) to choose the right product.
- Eco-Friendliness: Opt for plant-based, phosphate-free detergents like Seventh Generation or Biokleen for sustainable cleaning.
- Budget: Powders like Cascade Complete (5-10¡é per load) are the most economical, while premium pods like Miele UltraTabs can cost 50¡é per load.
- Scent Sensitivity: Choose fragrance-free options like Cascade Free & Clear or Seventh Generation if you’re sensitive to smells.
Tips for Best Results
- Scrape food but avoid pre-rinsing to save water and let detergents work.
- Use a rinse aid to prevent spots and enhance drying.
- Follow package instructions to avoid overuse, which can cause residue.
- Clean your dishwasher filter monthly to maintain performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the difference between pods, powders, and gels?
Pods and tablets are pre-measured for convenience and often include rinse aids, making them ideal for heavy-duty cleaning. Powders are budget-friendly and adjustable but can be messy. Gels are easy to dose but less effective on tough stains.
2. Can I use dish soap in my dishwasher?
No, dish soap creates excessive foam that can damage your dishwasher. Always use detergents formulated for dishwashers.
3. How do I know if I have hard water?
Check your city’s water report or use a test kit. Hard water (7-10.5 gpg) may leave spots, requiring a detergent with water-softening agents or a rinse aid.
4. Are eco-friendly detergents effective?
Yes, brands like Seventh Generation and Biokleen clean well, especially for light to medium loads, but may struggle with heavy grease or hard water stains.
5. How often should I clean my dishwasher?
Clean your dishwasher every 2-4 months using a dishwasher cleaner or a DIY vinegar and baking soda solution to remove grease and mineral buildup.
Conclusion
The best dishwasher detergent depends on your needs, budget, and water type. For heavy-duty cleaning, Cascade Platinum Plus and Finish Quantum are top performers. For eco-conscious households, Seventh Generation and Biokleen offer sustainable options. Budget buyers can opt for Amazon Basics or Cascade Complete Powder. Use our buying guide and test results to find the perfect detergent for sparkling clean dishes every time. For more cleaning tips, check out Good Housekeeping’s Cleaning Lab.