Switching to a more natural dishwasher detergent can reduce the number of potentially harmful chemicals in your home. Many traditional dishwasher detergents use harsh ingredients to ensure sparkling clean dishes, but these can come at a cost. Phosphates help remove food and grease but contribute to harmful algal blooms in waterways. Chlorine bleach, a powerful cleaner, can release toxic fumes and harm aquatic life. Synthetic fragrances, often undisclosed, may contain phthalates linked to hormone disruption. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent, may contribute to antibiotic resistance and environmental toxicity. Non-toxic dishwasher detergents use plant-based or biodegradable ingredients that minimize environmental impact while still achieving clean, residue-free dishes.
Why Choose Natural Dishwasher Detergents?
Non-toxic dishwasher detergents aren’t just better for the environment; they’re also safer for your family. They use plant-based or biodegradable ingredients that minimize environmental impact. Have you shied away from non-toxic dishwasher detergents because you believe chemicals are required for sparkling, spot-free dishes? It’s time to bust that myth because dishwasher detergents with natural and organic ingredients are not only tough on grease but also safer for humans and the environment.
Benefits of Natural Detergents
- Safer for your family by avoiding toxic chemicals like phosphates and chlorine bleach.
- Environmentally friendly with biodegradable formulas and sustainable packaging.
- Effective cleaning power, tackling grease and stuck-on food without harmful residues.
- Often fragrance-free or use natural scents, reducing the risk of allergies or sensitivities.
Top 10 Natural Dishwasher Detergents
Below is a curated list of the top 10 natural dishwasher detergents that deliver sparkling clean dishes, based on rigorous testing and user feedback. Each product is evaluated for cleaning performance, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness.
1. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent Powder
Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent is a 2-in-1 powder formula requiring just one small scoop for a standard load or two for heavily soiled dishes. Its ingredients include sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate peroxide, and enzymes like protease and alpha-amylase. The formula is biobased, biodegradable, and free of CA Prop 65 Chemicals of Concern. The recyclable cardboard packaging and wooden scoop enhance its eco-friendly appeal. Testers noted that glassware and baking dishes came out exceptionally clean with no residue or spots. At $18 for 48 loads, it’s pricier but outperforms competitors like Thrive Market’s Rosey powder. The Yuzu, Geranium, Lemon scent is subtle and natural. Shop on Amazon.
2. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder
Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder delivers sparkling clean dishes and cutlery with no stains or residue. It earned perfect scores for no detergent scent, no residue, and no taste transfer. Free from phosphates, it’s made with just nine biodegradable ingredients. Priced at about $0.23 per load, it’s affordable compared to mainstream brands like Cascade. Testers reported no need for pre-rinsing or scrubbing, even with tough stains. The only drawback is the slightly higher cost compared to budget options like Ecover Citrus. Shop on Amazon.
3. Better Life Dishwasher Gel
Better Life Gel achieves sparkling clean dishes with no food residue, earning a perfect performance score in testing. Its ingredients include water, ethoxylated alcohol, sodium citrate, and citric acid, avoiding petroleum solvents, chlorine, or parabens. At roughly the same price per load as Cascade, it’s a competitive option. The downside is its plastic container, which generates waste, and the need to pour it into the dispenser, which can be messy. It’s widely available at Amazon, Thrive Market, and grocery stores. Shop on Amazon.
4. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Free of fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleach, Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs are ideal for sensitive users. They combine powder and gel for a satisfying clean, excelling in dinner dish tests but struggling with highly pigmented lipstick stains. Affordable and eco-friendly, they’re a great choice for green households. The plastic-free packaging is a plus, but the cost per load is higher than some powder alternatives. Shop on Amazon.
5. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwashing Pods
Lemi Shine pods use citric acid to cut through grease, delivering a fresh lemon scent. They combine powder and gel for spotless dishes in every load. Testers praised the clean results and pleasant smell. The pods are eco-friendly but come individually wrapped, which isn’t the most sustainable. They’re a bit pricier than budget options but worth it for those skipping pre-rinsing. Shop on Amazon.
6. Ecover Dishwasher Soap Tablets
Ecover tablets use better ingredients than traditional liquids and come in minimal plastic packaging. They performed well in tests, cleaning dishes effectively, but are more expensive at around $0.27 per load. The citrus scent is light, and a fragrance-free option is available. Testers liked the convenience of tablets but noted slower results compared to powders. Shop on Amazon.
7. Thrive Market Dishwasher Powder
Thrive Market’s powder has limited ingredients and a light citrus scent, with a fragrance-free option. At $6.99 for 75 loads, it’s the most affordable powder tested. The cleaning experience was good, but the plastic bag packaging is a drawback. It’s a great value for those with a Thrive Market membership. Shop on Amazon.
8. Grab Green Automatic Dishwasher Pods
Grab Green pods performed well, with no complaints about cleaning power. However, the plastic pouch isn’t recyclable, and the price is high. They’re a decent choice for convenience but less sustainable than powders. Shop on Amazon.
9. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland tablets are zero-waste and use clean ingredients. They performed adequately but are pricier than competitors. The recyclable packaging is a highlight, but cleaning power lagged behind top performers like Dirty Labs. Shop on Amazon.
10. Aspen Clean Dishwasher Pods
Aspen Clean pods use 99.9% naturally derived ingredients, including enzymes like protease and amylase. They cleaned well in tests, with a subtle scent. The recyclable cardboard packaging is a plus, but the cost per load is higher at around $0.56. Shop on Amazon.
Comparison Table of Top Natural Dishwasher Detergents
| Product | Form | Price per Load | Key Ingredients | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty Labs | Powder | $0.41 | Sodium citrate, enzymes | Exceptional cleaning, eco-friendly packaging | Pricier |
| Nellie’s | Powder | $0.23 | 9 biodegradable ingredients | Affordable, no residue | Not the cheapest |
| Better Life | Gel | Comparable to Cascade | Citric acid, sodium citrate | Perfect cleaning score, widely available | Plastic container, messy to pour |
| Seventh Generation | Packs | Higher than powder | Plant-based, no dyes | Eco-friendly, fragrance-free | Struggles with lipstick stains |
| Lemi Shine | Pods | Pricier | Citric acid | Fresh scent, great cleaning | Individually wrapped pods |
| Ecover | Tablets | $0.27 | Plant-based | Minimal packaging, good cleaning | Slower results |
| Thrive Market | Powder | $0.09 | Limited ingredients | Most affordable, good cleaning | Plastic bag packaging |
| Grab Green quizzing | Pods | High | Plant-based | Convenient, good cleaning | Non-recyclable pouch |
| Blueland | Tablets | Pricier | Clean ingredients | Zero-waste packaging | Less effective cleaning |
| Aspen Clean | Pods | $0.56 | 99.9% natural | Recyclable packaging, good cleaning | Expensive |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate these detergents, testers applied a baked-on food mixture to ceramic dinner plates, including starchy goop, egg yolk, and grease, then ran them through a normal wash cycle. Imaging analysis determined cleanliness and checked for water spots. Glassware and aluminum plates were washed in hard water over 10 cycles to assess film and discoloration. Top performers like Dirty Labs and Nellie’s removed crusty residues without pre-rinsing, while Seventh Generation struggled with pigmented stains. Lemi Shine and Better Life excelled in grease-cutting, and Thrive Market offered consistent results at a budget price.
Real-World Testing Example
In a simulated test, eight dinner plates were smeared with a mix of macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and hamburger grease, baked for two hours, and loaded into a dishwasher. Dirty Labs powder removed all residues in one cycle, leaving no spots. Better Life Gel matched this performance but required careful pouring. Seventh Generation pods left minor lipstick traces, requiring hand-washing for stemware.
Buying Guide for Natural Dishwasher Detergents
Choosing the right natural dishwasher detergent involves balancing performance, cost, and environmental impact. Here’s how to make an informed decision:
- Form: Powders (Dirty Labs, Nellie’s) are eco-friendly and cost-effective but less convenient. Pods (Lemi Shine, Seventh Generation) are easy to use but often pricier. Gels (Better Life) offer flexibility but can be messy.
- Ingredients: Look for plant-based, biodegradable formulas free of phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances. Citric acid and enzymes like protease are effective for grease and stains.
- Packaging: Prioritize recyclable or zero-waste options like Dirty Labs’ cardboard or Blueland’s refills. Avoid non-recyclable plastic pouches (Grab Green).
- Cost: Budget options like Thrive Market ($0.09/load) rival pricier brands like Aspen Clean ($0.56/load) in performance.
- Scent: Choose fragrance-free (Seventh Generation) or natural scents (Lemi Shine’s lemon) to avoid synthetic phthalates.
Tips for Optimal Dishwasher Performance
- Skip pre-rinsing; enzymes work best with some buildup.
- Scrape large food chunks to prevent clogs.
- Load dishes with dirty sides facing the center and avoid nesting.
- Use a rinse aid for spot-free results, especially in hard water.
- Place detergent in the dispenser for optimal release timing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are natural dishwasher detergents as effective as traditional ones?
Yes, top natural detergents like Dirty Labs and Nellie’s match or outperform mainstream brands like Cascade in removing grease and stains, especially when paired with proper loading and rinse aids.
Can natural detergents work in hard water?
Many natural detergents, such as Lemi Shine and Better Life, contain citric acid to combat mineral deposits in hard water, reducing spots and film on glassware.
Are natural detergents safe for septic systems?
Most natural detergents, including Ecover and Seventh Generation, are septic-safe due to their biodegradable ingredients. Check product labels to confirm.
How can I reduce plastic waste with dishwasher detergents?
Choose powders in cardboard packaging (Dirty Labs, Nellie’s) or tablets with minimal wrapping (Blueland). Refillable systems like Thrive Market also cut waste.
Do I need to use a rinse aid with natural detergents?
While some detergents include rinse aids, using a separate one (like Finish Rinse Aid) improves drying and reduces spots, especially in hard water.
Conclusion
Natural dishwasher detergents offer a safer, eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing cleaning power. From Dirty Labs’ superior performance to Thrive Market’s budget-friendly powder, there’s an option for every household. By choosing plant-based ingredients and sustainable packaging, you can achieve sparkling dishes while protecting your family and the environment. For more eco-friendly cleaning tips, explore EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.