Many traditional dishwasher detergents use harsh ingredients to ensure sparkling clean dishes, but these can come at a cost. Here are some common culprits: 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, can contain phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption. Triclosan, an antibacterial agent, may contribute to antibiotic resistance and environmental toxicity. Switching to non-toxic dishwasher pods or tabs helps you avoid these harmful chemicals while still achieving clean, residue-free dishes. Non-toxic dishwasher detergents aren’t just better for the environment; they’re also safer for your family. Unlike conventional options, they use plant-based or biodegradable ingredients that minimize environmental impact.
Why Choose Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents?
Health and Safety Benefits
Using natural and organic ingredients in our cleaning products reduces the risk of allergic reactions, skin irritations, and accidentally ingesting chemicals with our next meal from the chemical residue left on our dishware. When you use a non-toxic dishwashing detergent, you also avoid the onslaught of chemicals that’s in the steam when you open your dishwasher. A recent study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology utilized new organoid technology to investigate the impact of dishwashing detergent residue on gut health. Researchers discovered that certain detergent chemicals, particularly alcohol ethoxylates commonly used in detergents and surface cleaners, caused significant alterations to genes related to cell survival, epithelial barrier function, cytokine signaling, and metabolism in gut cells. Despite previous research suggesting alcohol ethoxylates were non-toxic, this study is the first to indicate potential harm to gut cells.
Environmental Impact
Did you know in the USA, cleaning companies aren’t legally required to disclose the ingredients in their products? This is a huge issue considering many of our products, including dishwasher detergent, get into our waterways where they can harm aquatic ecosystems. Most dishwasher detergents contain phosphates which can lead to eutrophication in waterways, resulting in big algae blooms. These algae blooms deplete the water of oxygen and can harm marine wildlife. Phosphates aren’t the only problem. There are other ingredients inside dishwasher detergents, like dyes and artificial fragrance, that are toxic to marine organisms too. When these enter waterways, they can lead to dead zones where waters are devoid of life. The chemicals in these detergents often reduce an organism’s life span and ability to reproduce if exposed.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dishwasher Detergents
Getting your dishes clean means looking for a dishwasher detergent that isn’t filled with toxic ingredients! As always, when looking for non-toxic products for our homes, there are usually some common ones you see over and over in certain products. Here are some ingredients you may want to avoid when looking for your next dishwasher detergent:
- Phosphates – Chemicals that can pollute waterways and cause algae to grow out of control and negatively impact other aquatic life.
- Artificial Fragrance – A cocktail of chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, rashes, and are harmful to the environment.
- Dyes – These chemicals can trigger rashes and allergies and most are proven endocrine disruptors and carcinogens.
- Polyacrylates – Exposures to acrylates have been related to eye, throat and skin reactions as well as more serious health consequences such as reproductive toxicity, cancer, neurological damage, development issues, organ system toxicity, cellular damage.
- Sodium Hypochlorite – This is another name for bleach. It is corrosive to eyes and skin, can cause throat irritation, gastric burns, and fluid in the lungs.
- Ethoxylated Ingredients – Like sodium laureth sulfate, PEGs, Polysorbate-20, alcohol ethoxylates, ethylene glycol, and anything ending in -eth, like Ceteareth-20. These may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a chemical linked to cancer.
- Benzisothiazolinone & Methylisothiazolinone – Preservatives that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, and are highly toxic to aquatic life.
Top Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Recommendations
1. Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland, in our experience, offer one of the best dishwasher detergents for easy, breezy, no-tox cleaning. All Blueland’s products are certified by at least one of the major safety certification bodies. Their dishwasher tablets have a Platinum Material Health Certificate from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute and have USDA BioPreferred, EPA Safer Choice certifications, and are EWG verified. This fragrance-free dishwasher detergent tablet cleans dishes without the toxic ingredients, dyes, fragrances, or plastic in traditional dishwasher detergent. It also has no chlorine bleach, VOCs, ammonia, parabens, phthalates, or petroleum. And it’s vegan, gluten-free, soy and nut-free, and Leaping Bunny certified. Their refill packs come in 60, 120, or 240 tablets, and their Dishwasher Starter Set comes with a stylish reusable tin box to keep your cleaning cabinet colorful and tidy. Shop Blueland Dishwasher Tablets on Amazon.
2. Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods
Dropps UltraWash Plus biobased dishwasher detergent pods claim to give big-brand detergents a run for their money. This powerful biobased dishwasher detergent pod cleans well and comes in plastic-free packaging. In tests, it fell a smidgen short of our picks in cutting grease. The pods have a biobased certification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which ensures that the majority of its ingredients are made from biological products instead of petroleum. The chambers in UltraWash Plus pods contain traditional enzymatic powder detergent, fast-acting liquid enzymes, and a liquid degreaser to break down oils and boost shine. Along with being USDA biobased certified, the company’s cleaning products contain zero dyes. And as far as we know, these pods are the only multi-chambered pods available in a fragrance-free version. Shop Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods on Amazon.
3. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods
Our Top Pick: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods offer a safer alternative to conventional dishwasher detergents in a convenient pod form. Liquid soaps are more likely to contain preservatives, so the pod helps you avoid those, while also avoiding the hassle of powdered detergent and struggle to measure the right amount! The brand’s Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent line is USDA certified biobased, featuring plant-based enzymes specially formulated to tackle tough, greasy food stains. These products are free from phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, making them gentle on sensitive skin and the environment. Shop Seventh Generation Free & Clear Pods on Amazon.
4. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
Ecover has been creating powerful, eco-friendly cleaning solutions for over 30 years. Its Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets is one of its products meant to provide effective cleaning for dishes, glasses, and flatware without harming the planet–a true definition of clean! Ecover’s Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, relying instead on plant-based and mineral ingredients to tackle tough grease and grime. The packaging uses much less plastic, despite the tablets being individually wrapped. For cost, Ecover is near the cheapest dishwashing of the options we’ve reviewed. Shop Ecover Dishwasher Tablets on Amazon.
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! Our ultra-concentrated 2-in-1 powder formula is designed with the most advanced bioenzymes and biobased ingredients to break down tough messes and stubborn stuck-on food — without the harsh chemicals. This 2-in-1 powder formula is designed to effectively clean dishes powered by the most advanced bioenzymes and natural, nontoxic ingredients, including no 1,4-dioxane or CA Prop 65 chemicals. Shop Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent on Amazon.
Comparison Table of Top Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
| Product | Form | Key Ingredients | Certifications | Price per Load | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueland Dishwasher Tablets | Tablets | Plant and mineral-based | USDA BioPreferred, EPA Safer Choice, EWG Verified | $0.32 | Plastic-free, fragrance-free, effective cleaning | Higher cost per load |
| Dropps UltraWash Plus Pods | Pods | Enzymatic powder, liquid degreaser | USDA Biobased | $0.40 | Fragrance-free option, biobased ingredients | Less effective on grease |
| Seventh Generation Free & Clear | Pods | Plant-based enzymes | USDA Biobased | $0.30 | Convenient, no preservatives | May leave slight residue |
| Ecover Dishwasher Tablets | Tablets | Plant-based, mineral ingredients | None listed | $0.25 | Low-cost, biodegradable | Individual wrapping |
| Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme | Powder | Bioenzymes, biobased ingredients | None listed | $0.35 | Streak-free, powerful cleaning | Requires measuring |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Test 1: Tough Stain Removal
Burned brownie batter, dried egg yolk, baked-on oil, melted cheese: If it’s hard to wash off a dish, there’s a good chance we’ve used it to test dishwasher detergent. 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. In our tests, the Dropps UltraWash Plus pods 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. Blueland’s tablets also performed well, lifting 48-hour baked-on foods with their 2x enzyme power and oxi stain-fighting action for coffee, tea, and wine stains.
Test 2: Glassware Shine
The Dapple Baby Fragrance Free Dishwasher Pacs is a specialty pod specifically designed to clean baby products. In addition, it offered above-average cleaning power on our adult dishes. The dissolvable pod wrapper is a plus as well, so there are no small pieces of plastic to contend with. One drawback is the moderate amount of film left behind on glassware, which of course, is not what we would have expected or hoped for. In contrast, Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent left dishes sparkling and streak-free, even in hard water conditions, thanks to its advanced bioenzymes.
Test 3: Hard Water Performance
The requirement for me is I need a dishwashing detergent that works with hard water, cleans dishes well, and does not leave a residue. The good news is you can buy these all on Amazon, so it is easy to get. I thought the Lemi-Shine Dishwashing Detergent was great! It has a dual combination on the pod, part gel and part powder. This company makes citric acid-based products that work great, this dishwasher detergent included. It also contains several different enzymes to break down proteins and starches. Blueland’s Dishwasher Detergent Tablets have been tested and proven to perform across varying types of water, making them a reliable choice for households with hard water.
Buying Guide for Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
Factors to Consider
- Ingredients: Look for plant-based or biodegradable ingredients that minimize environmental impact. Avoid phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.
- Packaging: Consider refills or bulk options to cut down on plastic. Tablets and powders often have less packaging than pods.
- Certifications: Check for USDA BioPreferred, EPA Safer Choice, or EWG Verified certifications for added assurance of safety.
- Cost: Compare price per load to balance performance and budget. Ecover offers low-cost options, while Blueland is pricier but highly certified.
- Water Type: Ensure the detergent performs well in your water conditions, especially if you have hard water.
Tips for Optimal Performance
- Load Properly: Avoid overloading the dishwasher to ensure water and detergent reach all surfaces.
- Use Rinse Aid: Add white vinegar to the rinse dispenser for the very best results, especially in hard water areas.
- Check Compatibility: Some detergents, like Ecover, may require a specific dishwasher cycle (e.g., sani rinse) for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are non-toxic dishwasher detergents as effective as conventional ones?
Yes, many non-toxic detergents, like Blueland and Dirty Labs, clean as effectively as conventional options. They use plant-based enzymes and bioenzymes to tackle tough stains, often matching or surpassing the performance of chemical-laden detergents in tests.
Can I use non-toxic detergents in hard water?
Absolutely. Brands like Blueland and Lemi-Shine are designed to perform well in hard water, preventing residue and ensuring clean dishes. Look for detergents with water softeners or citric acid for best results.
Are non-toxic detergents safe for septic systems?
Most non-toxic detergents, such as Seventh Generation and Ecover, are septic-safe due to their biodegradable ingredients. Always check the product label to confirm compatibility.
How do I reduce plastic waste with dishwasher detergents?
Opt for tablets or powders, like Blueland or Dirty Labs, which often come in plastic-free or minimal packaging. Refillable options and bulk purchases also help cut down on waste.
Conclusion
Switching to a non-toxic dishwasher detergent is a simple yet impactful way to create a healthier home and support the planet. Whether you choose the Dropps Dishwasher Pods for their convenience and eco-friendly design or explore handwashing alternatives like the Zero Waste Dish Bundle, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. For more tips on creating a green home, check out EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. By making small, thoughtful changes, you can protect your family’s health and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.