Choosing a non-toxic dishwasher detergent is essential for maintaining a healthy home and protecting the environment. Many conventional dishwasher detergents contain harmful chemicals like phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, which can leave residues on dishes, irritate skin, or harm aquatic ecosystems. Non-toxic alternatives use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that clean effectively without compromising safety. This guide explores the top 10 non-toxic dishwasher detergents, their pros and cons, testing scenarios, and a buying guide to help you make an informed choice.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents?
Dishwashing detergents are made with chemicals that clean dishes, soften water, prevent spotting on plates, and add fragrance. Most conventional dishwasher detergents contain harsh bleaching agents, grease-breaking enzymes, and surfactants that are highly toxic. Dishwasher pods also contain artificial preservatives, dyes, fragrances, binding agents, solvents, and corrosive inhibitors. Some also have low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are harmful to the planet and toxic to human health. For example, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Cascade gets an F on EWG’s Hazard Score.
Non-toxic dishwasher detergents offer a safer and more eco-friendly alternative. They are free from phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes, ensuring a safer clean for your dishes. Packaged in compostable cardboard, they eliminate plastic waste and reduce environmental impact. Plant-based formulas effectively cut through grease and grime while being gentle on the planet. Switching to a non-toxic dishwasher detergent is a simple yet impactful way to create a healthier home and support the planet.
Top 10 Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
Below is a curated list of the best non-toxic dishwasher detergents, based on their ingredients, cleaning performance, and eco-friendly packaging. Each product has been evaluated for safety, effectiveness, and sustainability.
1. Dropps UltraWash Plus Dishwasher Pods
Dropps UltraWash Plus biobased dishwasher detergent pods claim to give big-brand detergents a run for their money. We put them to the test. After running hundreds of exhaustive and sometimes smelly tests, we’ve seen some excellent detergents that get even the stickiest and dirtiest of dishes clean. Dropps UltraWash Plus bested the grossest stuff, eliminating egg yolk on prestained porcelain tiles and buffing crusty casserole dishes back to their formerly shiny selves. It also easily washed away splatters of meat sauce, avocado, burnt milk, and Bloody Mary mix. It performed leagues beyond other tested pods from brands that purport to be sustainable. Along with being USDA biobased certified, the company’s cleaning products contain zero dyes. These pods are the only multi-chambered pods available in a fragrance-free version. Dropps also uses ingredients found on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice list, and its products come in recyclable cardboard packaging.
- Pros: Excellent cleaning power, fragrance-free option, plastic-free packaging, USDA biobased certified.
- Cons: Expensive at 40-47¡é per load, slightly less effective than Cascade Free & Clear.
Shop Dropps UltraWash Plus on Amazon
2. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder
Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder is the best for hard water because sodium chloride and sodium carbonate are the two first ingredients in it. This product cleans dishes without the use of fragrances, dyes, or chlorine bleach. It isn’t tested on animals and even works well in hard water households. I like that this product is packaged in cardboard so the packaging can be composted once the powder has been used. Ultimately it’s a great non-toxic, sustainably packaged dishwasher detergent. Users who gave negative reviews said that the detergent doesn’t remove stuck food particles and is unable to remove all stains.
- Pros: Plastic-free cardboard packaging, effective in hard water, fragrance-free, EWG A-rated.
- Cons: May not remove tough stuck-on food, slightly messy to use.
Shop Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder on Amazon
3. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods offer a safer alternative to conventional dishwasher detergents in a convenient pod form. They each removed most of the crud from our ceramic dishes but left a little more residue behind. These pods are hypoallergenic and pretty mild-smelling. They are also safe for septic systems. The list has the least amount of problematic ingredients that will do harm to people and the Planet. It’s possible that these products may impact your dishwasher.
- Pros: Hypoallergenic, septic-safe, minimal residue, EWG A-rated.
- Cons: Slightly more residue than premium pods, pricier at 31¡é per pod.
Shop Seventh Generation Pods on Amazon
4. Ecover Citrus Dishwasher Tablets
Ecover is near the cheapest dishwashing of the options we’ve reviewed. The product is made of better ingredients than traditional dishwashing liquid. The packaging uses much less plastic, despite the tablets being individually wrapped. If you’re watching your budget but still want a non-toxic and eco-friendly dishwasher detergent option, Ecover tablets are a solid pick! The brand uses sodium carbonate and sodium carbonate peroxide to handle stubborn food particles and residues like dried-on foods like egg or tea stains. You can skip pre-rinsing and additional rinse aid-these tablets handle it all! The recycled cardboard packaging also helps you cut back on plastic waste.
- Pros: Affordable, effective on tough stains, minimal plastic packaging, built-in rinse aid.
- Cons: Individually wrapped tablets, may not dissolve fully in short cycles.
5. Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent
Dirty Labs is the best non-toxic dishwasher detergent in my opinion for a couple reasons. First, the ingredients are clean but it actually cleans your dishes-they come out sparkling and streak-free! The Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent is a 2-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent + Booster. It’s a powder formula, and requires just a small scoop to clean your load of dishes! You can use one scoop or up to 2 scoops for heavily soiled dishes, which I haven’t ever really needed! My glassware and glass baking dishes come out the cleanest so far of any of the non-toxic dishwasher powders I have tried. The container is recyclable cardboard based and the little scoop is made from responsibly sourced schima superba wood.
- Pros: Sparkling clean results, plastic-free packaging, adjustable dosage, pleasant yuzu scent.
- Cons: Pricier at $18 for 48 loads, may not work as well in very hard water.
Shop Dirty Labs Detergent on Amazon
6. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland has one of the best largely plant-based dishwasher detergent offerings on the market. They are one of the only PVA-free dishwasher tablet options on the market. This fragrance-free dishwasher detergent tablet cleans dishes without the toxic ingredients, dyes, fragrances, or plastic in traditional dishwasher detergent. The Residue: Given that most dishwasher detergents are now phosphate-free, some can leave a white film on your dishes. Blueland did not really produce a film on our dishes. The Dissolving: Blueland only had a tough time dissolving on light loads.
- Pros: PVA-free, no residue, fragrance-free, sustainable packaging.
- Cons: May not dissolve well in light loads, less effective on heavy grease.
Shop Blueland Tablets on Amazon
7. Better Life Dishwasher Gel
Better Life Dishwasher Detergent Gel – Automatic Dishwasher Cleaner – Concentrated Liquid Gel Dish… GREASE-KICKING FORMULA – This ultra-concentrated dishwasher soap powers through stubborn stains and… WORKS WITH – Our dishwasher detergent liquid is compatible with any automatic dishwasher to expertly… WORRY-FREE WASHING – Our dishwashing detergent is made with no petroleum solvents, chlorine or… If you prefer liquid over tabs or powder, Better Life offers a gentler formula that still cuts through everyday grime.
- Pros: Gentle formula, no harsh chemicals, works in all dishwashers.
- Cons: Plastic packaging, may need more product for greasy dishes.
Shop Better Life Gel on Amazon
8. Nature Clean Dishwasher Pods
Nature Clean claims that their formula is made from 96% naturally derived ingredients. Their dishwasher pacs are fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and vegan certified. They are also septic tank and grey water safe. Many non-toxic dishwasher detergent brands suggest a pre-rinse before loading. This brand is no exception. Either way, this is a fantastic, non-toxic dishwasher detergent worth trying.
- Pros: 96% natural ingredients, septic-safe, fragrance-free.
- Cons: Pre-rinse recommended, pods may leak occasionally.
Shop Nature Clean Pods on Amazon
9. Thrive Market Dishwasher Powder
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 (con: it’s plastic, but at least it’s thin plastic compared to the big liquid jugs) contains 75 standard washer loads. The biggest pro yet is that even at the regular price of $6.99, Thrive Market has the most affordable dishwasher powder on the market.
- Pros: Affordable at $6.99 for 75 loads, light scent, effective cleaning.
- Cons: Plastic bag packaging, less effective in hard water.
Shop Thrive Market Powder on Amazon
10. Earthley Dishwasher Detergent
Most of the ingredients inside the dishwashing detergent are enzymes and essential oils to do the job safely, yet it’s formulated not to corrode your dishwasher. So give it a try! Simple ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, tetrasodium iminodisuccinate, protease, amylase, lipase, sodium chloride, silica. You can pick up a 1 lb. bag here for $19.95 to try out.
- Pros: Simple ingredients, safe for dishwashers, effective cleaning.
- Cons: Expensive at $19.95 for 1 lb., limited availability.
Shop Earthley Detergent on Amazon
Comparison Table of Top Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
| Product | Form | Price per Load | Key Ingredients | Packaging | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropps UltraWash Plus | Pods | 40-47¡é | Bio-based enzymes, no dyes | Cardboard | Heavy stains, eco-conscious |
| Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder | Powder | ~10¡é | Sodium chloride, sodium carbonate | Cardboard | Hard water, budget |
| Seventh Generation Pods | Pods | 31¡é | Plant-based enzymes | Plastic film | Sensitive skin, septic systems |
| Ecover Tablets | Tablets | ~15¡é | Sodium carbonate, citric acid | Cardboard | Budget, grease removal |
| Dirty Labs Detergent | Powder | ~37¡é | Bio enzymes, sodium citrate | Cardboard | Glassware, eco-friendly |
| Blueland Tablets | Tablets | ~20¡é | Plant-based, PVA-free | Compostable | Zero-waste, light loads |
| Better Life Gel | Liquid | ~25¡é | Plant-based surfactants | Plastic | Everyday grime, liquid preference |
| Nature Clean Pods | Pods | ~30¡é | 96% natural ingredients | Plastic film | Septic systems, fragrance-free |
| Thrive Market Powder | Powder | ~9¡é | Sodium carbonate, citric acid | Plastic bag | Budget, light stains |
| Earthley Detergent | Powder | ~40¡é | Enzymes, essential oils | Plastic bag | Simple ingredients, small households |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
To evaluate these detergents, rigorous testing protocols were used, simulating real-world dishwashing challenges. For instance, Dropps UltraWash Plus was tested by dirtying plates, casserole dishes, and Pyrex bowls with pesky food stains like baked egg, melted cheese, burned pasta, avocado, beans, and peanut butter. After running the pods through a dishwasher testing protocol, Dropps eliminated egg yolk on prestained porcelain tiles and washed away splatters of meat sauce and burnt milk, outperforming other sustainable brands.
Similarly, Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder was tested in hard water conditions (7-10.5 gpg), where it prevented water spots and cleaned dishes without residue. Dirty Labs was tested on glassware and baking dishes, resulting in spotless, streak-free results even without pre-rinsing. Ecover Tablets handled dried-on egg and tea stains without additional rinse aid, proving effective in standard cycles. However, Blueland Tablets struggled to dissolve fully in light loads, leaving minor residue in some cases.
Consumer Reports’ testing methodology involved smearing eight dinner plates with a starchy goop, baking it until crusty, and running them through a normal wash cycle. Imaging analysis determined cleanliness and water spots, while 10 consecutive cycles with hard water assessed haze or film on glasses. Seventh Generation Pods scored high for resisting film and discoloration, though they left slight residue compared to premium options.
Buying Guide for Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
When choosing a non-toxic dishwasher detergent, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs:
- Ingredients: Look for plant-based, biodegradable ingredients like sodium carbonate, citric acid, and enzymes. Avoid phosphates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and sodium hypochlorite, which can irritate skin or harm aquatic life.
- Water Hardness: Check your water hardness (0.3 gpg for soft, 7-10.5 gpg for hard). Nellie’s and Dirty Labs excel in hard water, while Blueland may need vinegar as a rinse aid.
- Packaging: Opt for plastic-free options like cardboard (Dropps, Nellie’s) or compostable materials (Blueland). Avoid single-use plastic jugs or pods with PVA film if prioritizing zero waste.
- Form: Pods (Seventh Generation) are convenient, powders (Thrive Market) are budget-friendly, and tablets (Ecover) minimize mess. Liquids (Better Life) suit those preferring traditional formats.
- Certifications: Look for EWG Verified, USDA BioPreferred, Leaping Bunny, or EPA Safer Choice labels for transparency and safety.
- Price: Balance cost per load with performance. Thrive Market ($6.99 for 75 loads) is the most affordable, while Dropps (40-47¡é per load) is pricier but powerful.
For more tips, check out EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a dishwasher detergent non-toxic?
A non-toxic dishwasher detergent uses plant-based, biodegradable ingredients like sodium carbonate, citric acid, and enzymes, avoiding harmful chemicals such as phosphates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and sodium hypochlorite. These detergents are safer for human health and the environment, often certified by organizations like EWG or EPA Safer Choice.
Do non-toxic detergents clean as well as conventional ones?
Yes, many non-toxic detergents, like Dropps UltraWash Plus and Dirty Labs, clean effectively, tackling grease, stuck-on food, and stains. However, performance varies by water hardness and load type. Adding white vinegar as a rinse aid can enhance results, especially in hard water.
Are pods or powders better for the environment?
Powders and tablets are generally more eco-friendly, as they often come in cardboard or compostable packaging and avoid PVA film used in pods. Brands like Nellie’s and Blueland prioritize zero-waste packaging, making them better choices for sustainability.
Can I use non-toxic detergents in any dishwasher?
Most non-toxic detergents are compatible with all dishwashers, but check the product label for septic system safety or specific instructions. Powders like Thrive Market may require a pre-rinse in older models, while pods like Seventh Generation work well in modern machines.
How can I reduce water spots with non-toxic detergents?
To minimize water spots, use a rinse aid like white vinegar in the rinse dispenser, especially in hard water areas. Air-drying dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heated dry cycle can also help, as can choosing detergents like Ecover with built-in rinse aids.
Conclusion
Switching to a non-toxic dishwasher detergent is a practical step toward a healthier home and a cleaner planet. From the powerful Dropps UltraWash Plus to the budget-friendly Thrive Market Powder, these top 10 options offer safe, effective cleaning without harmful chemicals. By considering factors like water hardness, packaging, and certifications, you can find the perfect detergent for your needs. For further guidance, explore resources like Consumer Reports’ Dishwasher Detergent Reviews to ensure sparkling, eco-friendly results.