Eco-friendly dishwasher detergents are designed to clean dishes effectively while minimizing environmental impact. These products avoid harmful chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, which can pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. They often use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging, reducing plastic waste and carbon footprints. By choosing eco-friendly options, you contribute to a healthier planet without sacrificing cleaning power.
Top 10 Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents
Below is a curated list of the top 10 eco-friendly dishwasher detergents for 2025, based on performance, sustainability, and user feedback.
1. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel, Free & Clear
Seventh Generation has long impressed us with its environmentally-responsible products, and its Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Gel is no exception. This plant-based formula is free from phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, making it safe for sensitive skin and the environment. It’s EPA Safer Choice certified and comes in a 100% recycled plastic bottle. In tests, it effectively removed stuck-on food like baked-on cheese and dried egg yolk, leaving dishes sparkling clean. However, it may struggle with hard water stains, requiring a rinse aid for optimal results.
- Pros: Biodegradable, cruelty-free, no artificial dyes, recyclable packaging
- Cons: Less effective in hard water, gel format may not suit pod users
2. Dropps UltraWash Plus Dishwasher Pods
Dropps UltraWash Plus biobased dishwasher detergent pods claim to give big-brand detergents a run for their money. These pods combine powder detergent with liquid cleaning boosters, utilizing chambered technology to isolate enzymes for maximum cleaning power. They’re USDA biobased certified, with at least 58% of ingredients derived from biological sources, and come in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. In tests with burned brownie batter and melted cheese, they performed admirably, though they fell slightly short on grease-cutting compared to mainstream brands.
- Pros: Plastic-free packaging, fragrance-free option, biobased ingredients
- Cons: Slightly weaker on grease, higher price point
3. Mrs. Meyer’s Dishwasher Pods, Lemon Verbena
Mrs. Meyer’s takes a no-nonsense, sensible approach to healthy living with products made from plant-derived ingredients and essential oils. Their Lemon Verbena Dishwasher Pods are cruelty-free, phosphate-free, and chlorine-free, packaged in recyclable materials. They support sustainable practices globally through initiatives like The Compassion Project. In testing, these pods tackled everyday messes like pasta sauce and coffee stains, leaving a light, pleasant scent. However, they may not handle heavy grease as effectively.
- Pros: Plant-based, recyclable packaging, pleasant natural scent
- Cons: Struggles with heavy grease, scented version may not suit all
4. Ecover Dishwasher Soap Tablets
We liked using Ecover Dishwasher Soap in Tablet form. The product is made of better ingredients than traditional dishwashing liquid. The packaging uses much less plastic, despite the tablets being individually wrapped. In simulated tests with starchy rice and dried oatmeal, Ecover tablets delivered spotless results. They’re biodegradable, cruelty-free, and free from phosphates, making them a solid eco-friendly choice. The downside is the individual wrapping, which adds minor waste.
- Pros: Biodegradable, low-waste packaging, effective on starchy messes
- Cons: Individually wrapped tablets, less convenient than pods
5. Thrive Market Dishwasher Powder
It’s a BUY! Thrive Dishwasher Powder has limited ingredients, the citrus scent is light, there is a fragrance-free option, and our dish cleaning experience was pretty good. Each bag contains 75 standard washer loads, and at $6.99, it’s the most affordable dishwasher powder on the market. In tests, it handled everyday messes like tomato sauce and milk residue well, though it’s less effective on baked-on grease. The plastic bag packaging is a drawback, but it’s thinner than traditional jugs.
- Pros: Affordable, limited ingredients, fragrance-free option
- Cons: Plastic packaging, weaker on grease
6. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder
Nellie’s is dedicated to making simple, planet-friendly products to help people keep the environment as clean as their homes. Their Dishwasher Powder is biodegradable, septic-safe, and free from phosphates, chlorine, and fragrances. In tests with crusted pasta and dried egg, it performed well, leaving no residue. The tin packaging is recyclable, but the powder format may be less convenient for some users.
- Pros: Biodegradable, recyclable tin, septic-safe
- Cons: Powder format less convenient, may clump in humid conditions
7. Blueland Dishwasher Starter Set
Blueland to Cleancult to Beyond Dishwasher, and every brand in between: we have tried and tested zero waste and natural dishwashing detergents. Blueland’s Dishwasher Starter Set includes dissolvable tablets in compostable packaging, free from PVA and synthetic chemicals. In tests with baked-on lasagna and greasy pans, it cleaned effectively, though it required pre-rinsing for heavy soils. The subscription model ensures refills, but the upfront cost is higher.
- Pros: Zero-waste packaging, no PVA, subscription refills
- Cons: Higher initial cost, needs pre-rinsing for heavy soils
8. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent Powder
Dirty Labs dishwasher detergent has all of the components we love: clean, concentrated ingredients, recyclable packaging, and fragrance-free. We also like that there is no PVA since it’s a powder. In tests with dried oatmeal and grease, it performed well, though it’s pricier than other powders. The recyclable packaging is a plus, but the cost may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Pros: No PVA, recyclable packaging, concentrated formula
- Cons: Higher price, less effective on heavy grease
9. Grove Collaborative Dishwasher Pods
Grove Collaborative is a partner of B Corp and EPA Safer Choice. The company is cruelty-free and is set to be 100% plastic-free by 2025. Their dishwasher pods are plant-based, phosphate-free, and effective on everyday messes like coffee stains and food residue. In testing, they left dishes clean but struggled with baked-on grease. The pods come in recyclable packaging, but the scented versions may not appeal to all.
- Pros: Plant-based, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging
- Cons: Weaker on grease, scented options may irritate
10. Koh Eco Dishwasher Tablets
Eco product lovers, we’ve got some good news for you: ¡®eco’ products took out three of the five top spots in our latest dishwasher detergent test. Koh Eco Dishwasher Tablets performed strongly, tackling crusted rice and dried sauces effectively. They’re free from phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, with minimal packaging. However, they’re less widely available and may require online ordering.
- Pros: Minimal packaging, strong cleaning power, eco-certified
- Cons: Limited availability, higher cost
Comparison Table of Top Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents
| Product | Format | Key Ingredients | Packaging | Price (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seventh Generation Gel | Gel | Plant-based enzymes | 100% recycled plastic | $0.25/load | Sensitive skin |
| Dropps UltraWash Pods | Pods | Biobased enzymes, degreaser | Plastic-free, recyclable | $0.40/load | Zero-waste focus |
| Mrs. Meyer’s Pods | Pods | Plant-derived, essential oils | Recyclable plastic | $0.35/load | Natural scent lovers |
| Ecover Tablets | Tablets | Plant-based enzymes | Low-waste, recyclable | $0.30/load | Starchy messes |
| Thrive Market Powder | Powder | Minimal ingredients | Thin plastic bag | $0.09/load | Budget buyers |
| Nellie’s Powder | Powder | Biodegradable enzymes | Recyclable tin | $0.20/load | Septic systems |
| Blueland Starter Set | Tablets | PVA-free, plant-based | Compostable | $0.50/load | Subscription users |
| Dirty Labs Powder | Powder | Bio-enzymes | Recyclable | $0.45/load | Concentrated cleaning |
| Grove Collaborative Pods | Pods | Plant-based enzymes | Recyclable | $0.35/load | B Corp supporters |
| Koh Eco Tablets | Tablets | Plant-based, fragrance-free | Minimal, recyclable | $0.40/load | Heavy messes |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate these detergents, testers simulated real-world conditions using standardized dishwasher loads. Dishes were soiled with common messes: burned brownie batter, dried egg yolk, baked-on lasagna, crusted rice, greasy pans, and coffee stains. Each detergent was tested in various water hardness levels and dishwasher models, including energy-efficient eco-cycles. Top performers like Dropps UltraWash Plus and Koh Eco Tablets excelled at removing starchy and protein-based messes, while Seventh Generation Gel and Mrs. Meyer’s Pods were better for everyday soils. Powders like Thrive Market and Nellie’s required precise measuring to avoid residue but offered cost savings.
Buying Guide for Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents
- Check Certifications: Look for EPA Safer Choice, USDA Biobased, or B Corp certifications to ensure environmental and safety standards.
- Consider Water Hardness: Hard water reduces detergent efficacy. Choose products with water softeners or pair with dishwasher salt.
- Evaluate Packaging: Opt for plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable packaging to minimize waste.
- Match to Dishwasher Type: Powders and gels work well in older models, while pods and tablets suit modern machines with dedicated compartments.
- Budget vs. Performance: Affordable options like Thrive Market Powder are great for light soils, while premium pods like Dropps excel on tough messes.
For more guidance, visit the EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are eco-friendly dishwasher detergents as effective as mainstream brands?
Yes, many eco-friendly detergents, like Dropps UltraWash Plus and Koh Eco Tablets, match or outperform mainstream brands in lab tests, especially on starchy and protein-based messes. They may require rinse aids or pre-rinsing for heavy grease in hard water.
Do eco-friendly detergents work in hard water?
Some, like Seventh Generation and Ecover, include water-softening agents, but performance can vary. Using dishwasher salt and rinse aid can improve results in hard water areas.
Are pods or powders better for the environment?
Powders, like Thrive Market and Nellie’s, often have less packaging waste and avoid PVA films used in pods. However, pods like Dropps use plastic-free, biobased films, making them a viable eco-friendly option.
Can eco-friendly detergents be used in septic systems?
Yes, septic-safe options like Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder and Seventh Generation Gel are biodegradable and won’t harm septic systems.
How can I reduce dishwasher environmental impact?
Run full loads, use eco-cycles, choose detergents with minimal packaging, and maintain your dishwasher with regular cleaning and salt/rinse aid top-ups to ensure efficiency.