Dishwasher detergents are typically offered as pods, tablets, powders, or liquids. Leslie Tam, co-founder of UrbanMop Inc., says to follow the dishwasher manufacturer’s recommendation for the best type of detergent to use. To find the best dishwasher detergent we researched a variety of styles, keeping in mind scent, form, and quantity. We also consulted Tam for additional insight. Overall, the best dishwasher detergent is Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pods for their stain-fighting power that comes in convenient pod form. Here are the best dishwasher detergents. Keep in Mind: It has a fresh scent that may not suit everyone’s preferences. Unlike some other similar styles, these pods don’t need to be unwrapped before use so you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary plastic. All you have to do is load one pod per cycle and it’ll take care of the rest. The pods are designed to dissolve quickly, which means plates get more soaking time during the machine’s cycle. The container includes 62 pods, so you’ll have enough for about two months, give or take. Just keep in mind that the pods do disperse a fresh scent, so it’s not ideal for those who prefer a fragrance-free option. Price at time of publish: $20 Product Details: Scent: Fresh Scent | Form: Pods | Quantity: 62 pods Keep in Mind: The brand recommends filling the pre-wash and the main wash area in your dishwasher for optimal results, so you may go through the detergent quickly. The brand recommends filling the pre-wash and the main wash area in your dishwasher for optimal results, so keep in mind that you may go through the detergent more quickly than some other picks. Luckily, there’s a dispenser top that helps prevent you from overpouring. Price at time of publish: $5 Product Details: Scent: Lemon | Form: Liquid gel | Quantity: 75 ounces Keep in Mind: You may need to fill the pre-wash and main wash compartments, depending on your typical load of dishes. Since it’s made with Dawn, grease will be easily washed away in your dishwashing cycle, so there is no need to pre-rinse the dishes. Just keep in mind that the brand recommends filling the pre-wash and main wash areas of the dishwasher for the best results, so you may go through the 125-ounce bottle quicker than other options. Price at time of publish: $17 Product Details: Scent: Fresh Scent | Form: Liquid | Quantity: 125 ounces Keep in Mind: It has a fresh scent, which may not suit all preferences. To use the detergent, simply pour the powder into the detergent compartment of your dishwasher. Though powder can be messier than some other options, the 75-ounce box does have a spout to make dispensing it even easier. Just note that the powder has a fresh scent, so keep in mind any personal preferences in terms of fragrance. Price at time of publish: $7 Product Details: Scent: Fresh Scent | Form: Powder | Quantity: 75 ounces Keep in Mind: Since it’s pre-portioned, you can’t add more detergent if you feel like you need it. The set is offered in three amounts of pods: 32, 54, and 84. Each set includes pre-portioned pods that are wrap-free, so you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary plastic with each use. Since they’re pre-made you won’t be able to add more detergent if you need. However, the effective pods will work to get rid of grease and food. Price at time of publish: $15 Product Details: Scent: Orange | Form: Gel pod | Quantity: 84 pods Keep in Mind: It includes fewer pods in the pack than other similar styles. The pack includes 60 pods, which is fewer than some other similar styles. However, they’ll clean food off of dishes that’s been there for 48 hours, which is longer than what some other detergents can handle. Plus, the formula aids in stain removal, leaving your dishes looking brand new. Price at time of publish: $17 Product Details: Scent: Unscented | Form: Pod | Quantity: 60 pods Keep in Mind: The pods are more expensive than other similar styles. The unscented dishwasher detergent comes in pre-portioned pod form. However, there’s no plastic to dissolve, unlike similar styles. Instead, it’s a tablet that will dissolve when the dishwasher runs. Just like any other tablet or pod, all you have to do is place it right into your dishwasher’s main wash compartment. The tablets clean dishes and glasses, but they can also get silver and porcelain clean as well. The package includes 60 tablets and while that should last you about two months, you can sign up for a subscription that ensures you’ll never run too low. The subscription will help you save a bit of money, too, which is worth noting as this pick is more expensive than other options. Part of what makes this pick one of the best dishwasher detergents is you won’t find parabens, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals in these. The cruelty-free pods also are U.S. EPA Safer Choice certified as well as Cradle to Cradle Certified, ensuring they’re environmentally friendly and safely made, respectively. Price at time of publish: $24 Product Details: Scent: Unscented | Form: Tablet | Quantity: 60 tablets Keep in Mind: The tablets have a fresh scent and are more expensive than other similar options. The set includes 85 tablets, which is more than most packs of detergent pods. Each tablet is effective due in part to the tablet’s “powerball” core which works to eliminate grease, tea stains, and even dried oatmeal. The set is more expensive than other similar options and has a fresh scent as well, which may not suit your preferences. Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details: Scent: Fresh Scent | Form: Tablet | Quantity: 85 tablets Keep in Mind: The powder pod has a dissolvable wrapping, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a wrap-free option. The set includes 60 pods and is offered fragrance-free, as well as in three scents: tangerine lemon grass, thyme fig leaf, and red pear with magnolia. The hypoallergenic formula can cut through grease and will leave your dishes and drinkware shining. Just keep in mind that these pre-packaged pods do have a dissolvable wrapping, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a wrap-free option. Price at time of publish: $21 Product Details: Scent: Unscented | Form: Pod | Quantity: 60 pods Keep in Mind: The lemon scent may not be ideal. Although the detergent has a refreshing lemon scent that may not suit your preferences, it’s worth noting that it comes from essential oils and botanical extracts rather than fragrances. Plus, the bottle lists all of the ingredients, so you can see what’s in it for yourself. Price at time of publish: $8 Product Details: Scent: Lemon | Form: Liquid gel | Quantity: 70 ounces
What to Know About Dishwasher Detergent Before Shopping
Scent
Dishwasher detergents are typically offered either unscented or with lemon, orange, or fresh scents. According to Tam, lemon is popular as it offers a natural, clean smell. Since some scents can be overpowering, however, the best dishwasher detergent scent, or lack thereof, really comes down to personal preference.
Form
Dishwasher detergent exists in many forms, including liquids, pods, powders, tablets, and gels. Dishwashers can typically handle any type, but be sure to check your specific model just in case. According to Tam, pods and tablets generally cut back on waste because it prevents people from using more liquid than necessary, which happens often. Pods and tablets all tend to have grease-fighting agents and/or rinse aid. However, he noted that some could potentially release microplastics, even if they’re biodegradable. Liquid and powder detergents will give you more control over how much product you use. However, they aren’t pre-portioned packaged amounts and could be messier than some other options.
Quantity
Whether you use your dishwasher every day, or a few days a week, it’s important to keep in mind how many pods, tablets, or ounces of detergent you’re getting. Standard packages of tablets typically include around 60 individual pods, which are likely to last around two months depending on how many times you run your dishwasher. There are also usually smaller and larger packages depending on your needs. On the other hand, a liquid or powder option will be upwards of 75 ounces.
Your Questions, Answered
Can you hand wash dishes with detergent?
Whether or not you can hand wash dishes with detergent depends on the detergent you’re using. According to Tam, dishwasher detergents are usually more concentrated because they’re designed to be “diluted in significant amounts of water in the dishwasher.” For added safety, Tam recommends wearing gloves if you hand wash dishes with your detergent.
Can I use dish soap in my dishwasher?
According to Tam, you should not use dish soap in your dishwasher. For starters, dish soap isn’t as concentrated as dishwasher detergent, so it likely won’t get things as clean as you need them to be. The biggest issue, however, is that dish soap will create more suds, which can make your dishwasher overflow with both suds and water.
Who We Are
This article was written by Brittany VanDerBill, a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To find the best dishwasher detergents, she researched a variety of options, keeping in mind form, scent, and benefits, amongst other details. She also consulted Leslie Tam, Co-Founder of UrbanMop Inc., for additional insight.
