Selecting the right dishwasher detergent is crucial for achieving spotless, sparkling dishes. With countless options-pods, powders, gels, and tablets-it’s challenging to determine which product delivers the best results. Factors like cleaning power, residue prevention, eco-friendliness, and cost per load play a significant role. This guide compiles insights from rigorous testing and expert reviews to present the top 10 dishwasher detergents that excel in performance, leaving your dishes shiny and free of spots.
Top 10 Dishwasher Detergents for Spotless Dishes
1. Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs
Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs detergent was the most well-rounded one we tested. These pods are excellent at cleaning a variety of stains and substances, and they have a subtle scent and a dye-free formulation. They’re excellent at cleaning. Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs came the closest to cleaning every dish in our test loads. The pods contain liquid detergent boosters designed to cut through grease, and they worked effectively in our testing. In load after load, this was the only detergent that fully eliminated tricky stains and smears, including from avocado, tomato sauce, and peanut butter. With Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, most dishes emerged spotless, while other detergents left behind bits and blobs. Notably, this detergent easily wiped out baked-on egg yolk-a stain that most dishwashers in our dishwasher testing struggled with. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Dye-free, subtle lemon scent, excels at removing tough stains like egg yolk and grease.
- Cons: Doesn’t leave glassware as shiny as some competitors, relatively pricey at 31 cents per pod.
2. Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs
We didn’t think Cascade could get any better, but we were wrong. Our cleaning pros say the new Platinum Plus Pacs are as good as it gets, and our consumer testers agree. These packs now deliver more grease cutters and grime fighters to even remove stuff that’s been sitting on the dishes for 24 hours – no pre-rinsing required. They also contain upgraded enzymes and ingredients that minimize spotting and protect glassware from harmful etching so glasses stay crystal clear. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Removes 24-hour stuck-on food, protects glassware, built-in rinse aid.
- Cons: Strong chemical scent, pods may stick together in storage.
3. Finish Quantum Infinity Shine
The fancy design of these pods – the blue side and the white speckled side meet in the middle with a red ball – seemed gimmicky to us, until we tried them. The idea is that the white part scrubs, the blue degreases and the red shines; and although we can’t confirm that’s what’s really happening when we closed our dishwasher door, these tabs deliver. Dishes, glasses and silverware came out sparkling, with no streaks or spots. Though these have a very strong smell coming out of the package, which we don’t love, the machine doesn’t smell during or after the cycle, as it did with some other, less effective detergents. The dishes also didn’t retain the scent. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Exceptional shine, no residue, effective on tough stains.
- Cons: Strong initial scent, higher cost per load.
4. 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. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Affordable, prevents film and water spots, reliable cleaning.
- Cons: Less effective on baked-on stains compared to premium brands.
5. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs (Free & Clear)
We don’t always associate all-natural or eco-friendly products with affordability but Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs manage to be all of those things. Free of fragrances, dyes and chlorine bleach, these pods are perfect for folks who are a bit more sensitive to ingredients. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Eco-friendly, no harsh chemicals, effective cleaning.
- Cons: May leave residue in hard water, not as powerful on grease.
6. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwashing Pods
Many of us are trying to go green in our kitchens-and that extends to our cleaning products. You can be eco-friendly and get a great clean with Lemi Shine Natural Dishwashing Pods. These pods combine the power of powdered detergent and cleaning gel for a satisfying clean. Dinner dishes came out spotless after each load. And testers enjoyed the fresh smell that came with Lemi Shine. This brand uses the power of citric acid to cut through grease and give a fresh lemon scent. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Citric acid tackles grease, eco-friendly, pleasant scent.
- Cons: May require a rinse aid in hard water areas.
7. Dropps UltraWash Plus Dishwasher Pods
If you’d like a chambered pod and prefer zero fragrance: Dropps UltraWash Plus dishwasher detergent pods might suit your preferences. In testing, this detergent cleaned almost as well as our top pick. It’s also the only chambered pod (that we know of) that is available in a fragrance-free version. One drawback, unfortunately, is that they are one of the most expensive pods available. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Fragrance-free, eco-friendly, strong cleaning power.
- Cons: High cost per pod, less effective on baked-on stains.
8. Finish Powerball Deep Clean Tablets
If you want a single-dose detergent without a PVA/PVOH film: You might like Finish Powerball Deep Clean tablets, the highest-performing PVA/PVOH-free tablets in our testing. This detergent cleaned tough baked-on egg stains pretty well-though not completely. It left glassware consistently shiny and spotless, as many Finish detergents do. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: PVA/PVOH-free, shiny glassware, good for hard water.
- Cons: Struggles with baked-on stains, tablets may not fully dissolve.
9. Cascade Complete Powder
Although they’re economical, powder detergents typically aren’t as powerful at cleaning or as convenient to use as pods. Of the 10 powder detergents we tested, however, the highly effective and affordable Cascade Complete Powder detergent rose to the top, delivering the best combination of cleaning power and value. It’s an impressive cleaner. While it did not quite reach the level of our pod picks, Cascade Complete Powder handled all types of soils well, especially grease and protein. This detergent includes a powdered formulation of Dawn dish soap that boosts grease removal and shine. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Cost-effective, great for grease and protein stains, eco-friendly packaging.
- Cons: Less convenient, may clump in humid conditions.
10. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland is a pricier pick, but in Cleaning Lab tests, the tablets delivered impressive results, leaving clean and shiny glasses and flatware. Plus, they were easy to use and store. Some of the tablets may arrive broken, but Blueland makes up for the loss by including extra tablets in the pouch. Signing up to receive these with a subscription saves money too. Shop on Amazon
- Pros: Eco-friendly, no plastic packaging, shiny results.
- Cons: Tablets may break, higher cost without subscription.
Comparison Table of Top Dishwasher Detergents
| Detergent | Type | Price per Load | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs | Pod | $0.31 | Dye-free, grease-cutting, subtle scent | Sensitive users, tough stains |
| Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs | Pod | $0.35 | 24-hour stain removal, glass protection | Heavy-duty cleaning |
| Finish Quantum Infinity Shine | Pod | $0.28 | Three-chamber design, spotless shine | Glassware, hard water |
| Amazon Basics Dishwasher Pacs | Pod | $0.15 | Affordable, prevents film | Budget-conscious users |
| Seventh Generation Free & Clear | Pod | $0.20 | Eco-friendly, no dyes or fragrances | Eco-conscious users |
| Lemi Shine Natural Pods | Pod | $0.25 | Citric acid, eco-friendly | Grease-heavy loads |
| Dropps UltraWash Plus | Pod | $0.40 | Fragrance-free, eco-friendly | Sensitive skin, eco-focus |
| Finish Powerball Deep Clean | Tablet | $0.22 | PVA/PVOH-free, shiny glassware | Hard water, eco-conscious |
| Cascade Complete Powder | Powder | $0.10 | Cost-effective, grease-fighting | Budget, large loads |
| Blueland Dishwasher Tablets | Tablet | $0.39 | No plastic, eco-friendly | Eco-conscious, subscription users |
Testing Scenarios and Performance Insights
For each dishwasher detergent we test in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we apply our own recipe of a greasy spinach mix to 10-place settings of dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and 50 pieces of flatware. Ten glasses get microwaved with milk. Beaten egg yolk is brushed onto additional bowls and plates. Coffee cup rims are ¡°kissed¡± with lipstick and then filled with coffee that we allow to spill over onto the matching saucers. Serving platters get smeared with measured amounts of margarine. It’s a tall task for a tiny tablet, pack or tablespoon or two of detergent to accomplish.
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. The worst dishwasher detergents, mainly gels, are barely better than water for removing baked-on messes.
Buying Guide for Dishwasher Detergents
From type to scent to amount, there are several important factors to consider as you’re searching for and purchasing new dishwasher detergent. We put together this buying guide to help you find the best detergent for your home. Dishwasher detergent comes in liquid, powder, gel, or tablet form. Tablets are pre-measured and ready to place in the detergent compartment of your dishwasher. While convenient, they’re more expensive than the other types. The remaining three each have their own benefit, with powder scrubbing, gel degreasing, and liquid shining your dishes.
- Type: Pods and tablets are convenient and pre-measured, ideal for consistent results. Powders are budget-friendly and adjustable for smaller loads, while gels excel at degreasing but may leave residue.
- Water Hardness: In hard water areas, choose detergents with built-in rinse aids or water softeners, like Cascade Platinum or Finish Quantum, to prevent spotting.
- Eco-Friendliness: Opt for plant-based or biodegradable options like Seventh Generation or Blueland if sustainability is a priority.
- Scent: Fragrance-free options like Dropps or Seventh Generation are best for sensitive users, while Lemi Shine offers a fresh lemon scent.
- Cost: Balance performance and price. Store brands like Amazon Basics offer value, while premium pods like Cascade Platinum provide superior cleaning at a higher cost.
Tips for Maximizing Dishwasher Performance
Using the best dishwasher detergent is key to getting sparkling clean dishes, flatware and stemware. However, it’s not the only step you can take to get the ultimate clean. You can ensure that your dishes come out spotless by loading the dishwasher the right way. While everyone has their preferred method for packing this appliance full, there are some guidelines to follow. And don’t forget to clean the dishwasher itself. This means cleaning the dishwasher filter and giving the inside a good clean. Cleaning inside doesn’t need to be backbreaking work; try easy-to-use dishwasher cleaning tablets. They do all the hard work for you.
- Scrape off large food particles but skip pre-rinsing to save water and let the detergent work.
- Use a rinse aid like Finish Jet-Dry to enhance drying and reduce spots.
- Run hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure optimal cleaning temperatures.
- Regularly clean the dishwasher filter to prevent clogs and maintain performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the difference between pods, tablets, powders, and gels?
Pods and tablets are pre-measured, offering convenience and consistent dosing. Powders are cost-effective and adjustable but can be messy. Gels are great for degreasing but may leave residue in hard water. Choose based on your budget, water type, and cleaning needs.
2. Do I need a rinse aid with these detergents?
Many top detergents, like Cascade Platinum and Finish Quantum, include built-in rinse aids. However, in hard water areas, a separate rinse aid can enhance drying and prevent spots. Test your detergent first to see if it’s necessary.
3. Are eco-friendly detergents as effective as traditional ones?
Yes, brands like Seventh Generation, Lemi Shine, and Blueland perform comparably to traditional detergents, especially for everyday loads. They may struggle with baked-on stains but are gentler on the environment and safer for sensitive users.
4. How can I prevent white film on my dishes?
White film is often caused by hard water minerals. Use a detergent with water softeners, like Cascade Free & Clear, and consider a rinse aid. Regularly clean your dishwasher and check water hardness levels to adjust detergent amounts.
5. Can I use dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent?
No, dish soap creates excessive foam that can damage your dishwasher. Always use a dedicated dishwasher detergent for safe and effective cleaning.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dishwasher detergent transforms your dishwashing experience, ensuring spotless, shiny results with minimal effort. Whether you prioritize eco-friendliness, budget, or heavy-duty cleaning, the top 10 detergents listed-ranging from Cascade Free & Clear to Blueland Tablets-offer solutions for every need. Pair your choice with proper dishwasher maintenance and loading techniques for optimal performance. Explore these products on Amazon or consult expert reviews at Consumer Reports to make an informed purchase.