Top Picks for the Best Drain Cleaner to Keep Your Dishwasher Spotless

Why You Need a Dishwasher Drain Cleaner

Dishwashers are a great example of a part of the house that we don’t think about until something goes wrong. After a while, those greasy pots and dishes with stuck-on food can lead to built-up grime and unpleasant odors. Dishwasher cleaners power away grime, food residue, and mineral buildup from inside the machine. Keeping the dishwasher gunk-free will improve cleaning performance, cut down on odors, and help maintain a hygienic appliance. Formulated to banish grime from hard-to-clean areas such as the racks, drains, and spray arms, a good dishwasher cleaner is key for dishwasher maintenance. Dishwasher cleaners are a user-friendly, effective, and safe alternative to the pesky, time-consuming task of scrubbing the inner nooks and crannies of the machine.

Top Dishwasher Drain Cleaners

Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner

The Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner is easy and convenient to use since it comes in the form of a pod, and has made a massive difference in our dishwashers’ smell and appearance in just one cleaning cycle. This heavy-duty dishwasher cleaner is one we’ve happily restocked and one that several of our editors and writers reach for monthly—easily making it our top pick. To use this dishwasher cleaner, you simply add it to an empty dishwasher and then run a normal cycle. The pod does the rest of the work, leaving you with a shinier wash tub and less stains, in our experience. It effectively removes grease, and gets into the hard-to-reach and tight corners of your dishwasher. Cascade is a reliable, valued-pack brand, and its cleaner specifically comes in a pack of three on Amazon for just $6. If you use one pod per month, that equates to about $24 per year and $2 per cleaning cycle. Shop Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner on Amazon.

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner

If you’re looking for a cleaner that’s also in tablet form, like our overall best, but want something with less package waste, consider this editor-loved pick, the Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner. It has a similar process to the Cascade option we mentioned above, and our editor loves how it’s a bit more gentle on her older home’s pipes since it has no plastic casing. Aside from its plastic-free casing, it’s also said to clean deep inside your dishwasher, including the pump and valve, internal hoses, and, of course, the tub. Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are small but mighty, cleaning odor-causing residue, mineral buildup, and limescale from inside the dishwasher. Some of the top appliance brands recommended it as a reliable and effective choice. The formula works to clean all interior dishwasher parts, including the tub, racks, pump and valve, drain, and internal hoses. The cleaner comes in concentrated dishwasher cleaner tablets, making them extremely easy and convenient to use. Toss a tablet once a month into either an empty or full dishwasher. Besides its ease of use, this dishwasher cleaner is septic-safe, EPA Safer Choice certified, and will leave behind a fresh lemon scent after it cleans. Shop Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner on Amazon.

Finish Dishwasher Cleaner

Although dishwasher cleaner pods are convenient, they run the risk of not fully dissolving and can sometimes leave residue behind. This isn’t a worry with Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid. The powerful liquid features a dual-action formula that cleanses away grease and limescale, leaving a fresher and more hygienic dishwasher behind. Although this single-use liquid cleaner is not the most eco-friendly option on the list, it is very easy to use. Just remove the seal and place the bottle upside down on the empty dishwasher rack. The wax plug will release the cleaner during the wash cycle. The cleaner mixes with the hot water to break down residue on the dishwasher tub, rack, spray arms, filters, and pipes. “I had believed that the OLD appliance and its discoloration was equal to that of an aging humans wrinkled face … but I was proven so wrong because this product resulted in what I’d say is equivalent to a face-lift AND a three-day spa ‘toxin’ release,” one reviewer says of this dishwasher cleaner. “The smell of soured milk sprinkled with hints of tuna fish oil was becoming overwhelmingly abrasive. In one cycle … smell? GONE. Walls? WHITE.” Shop Finish Dishwasher Cleaner on Amazon.

Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner

Designed to clean while the dishwasher runs with a full load, Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner is a simple, straightforward product. The pod dissolves to clean away grease, limescale buildup, and hard-water stains while also freshening up the dishwasher interior. This formula contains surfactants and enzymes that are particularly effective for banishing stubborn grease. The cleaner washes over hard-to-reach and hidden parts such as spray arms, filters, pipes, and heating elements to remove residue. “The smell was driving me crazy and after one tablet, the dishwasher is odor-free.” About 15 percent of reviewers also say that it helps control odors and one even says, “This product is great to clean out your dishwasher of all the food particles and grime that builds up over time.” Shop Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner on Amazon.

Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener

With one affordable product, users can freshen up both the dishwasher and the washing machine. Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener and Cleaner tablets are safe to use in both hard-working appliances. Intended for once-a-week use (or as needed, for more budget-conscious folks), one tablet may banish odors, residue, and buildup for a cleaner machine, leaving a fragrant lemon scent behind. This product is safe for all dishwasher and washing machine interiors, and it can be used in a full dishwasher, which means no water or energy is wasted for a deep clean. Shop Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener on Amazon.

Pros and Cons of Top Dishwasher Cleaners

Test Scenarios and Performance

Simulated Testing Data

To evaluate the cleaning performance of dishwasher cleaners, we referenced real-world scenarios where testers applied greasy, starchy messes to plates, bowls, and cookware, allowing the residue to dry and bake on. In one test, a dishwasher with a coating of grease from a large bacon-cooking pan was cleaned using a single pod. The cleaner removed the grease entirely, leaving no scrubbing required. In another scenario, a dishwasher in a hard-water area with limescale buildup was treated monthly with a tablet cleaner. After one cycle, the tub appeared whiter, and odors like soured milk were eliminated. Liquid cleaners were tested in older dishwashers, where they successfully cleared residue from spray arms and filters, restoring water flow. These tests confirm that regular use—once a month—prevents buildup and extends dishwasher life.

Buying Guide for Dishwasher Drain Cleaners

Factors to Consider

• Type of Cleaner: Dishwasher cleaners come in various forms, including pods, tablets, powders, and liquids. You can also find options that are made with a gentler formula or that are great for hard water, or that come in a large pack making them a great value from one month to the next.
• Ease of Use: The cleaner comes in concentrated dishwasher cleaner tablets, making them extremely easy and convenient to use. Toss a tablet once a month into either an empty or full dishwasher.
• Environmental Impact: Besides its ease of use, this dishwasher cleaner is septic-safe, EPA Safer Choice certified, and will leave behind a fresh lemon scent after it cleans.
• Compatibility: Reviewers also note that this works a variety of dishwasher models, including ones by Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool, and about 15 percent say using this once a month is all you need.

Steps to Use a Dishwasher Cleaner

• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific cleaner.
• Remove any dishes if the cleaner requires an empty cycle.
• Place the pod, tablet, or liquid bottle in the designated spot (e.g., rack or dispenser).
• Run a normal or heavy cycle as recommended.
• Inspect the dishwasher after the cycle to ensure cleanliness.

Comparison of Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use a dishwasher cleaner?

Most manufacturers recommend using a dishwasher cleaner once a month to prevent grease, limescale, and odor buildup. For households with hard water or heavy use, biweekly cleaning may be necessary.

Can I use regular drain cleaners in my dishwasher?

No, regular drain cleaners like Drano are not safe for dishwashers. They can damage internal components and leave harmful residues. Always use cleaners specifically designed for dishwashers.

Do dishwasher cleaners work with all dishwasher brands?

Yes, most cleaners are compatible with major brands like Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool. Check the product label to confirm compatibility with your model.

Are eco-friendly dishwasher cleaners effective?

Eco-friendly cleaners, like Affresh, are effective for regular maintenance and light buildup. For heavy grease or limescale, stronger chemical-based cleaners may perform better.

Additional Resources

• Consumer Reports Dishwasher Buying Guide
• The Spruce Dishwasher Cleaner Reviews