Dishwasher detergent buying guide

Dishwasher detergent is essential for getting your dishes squeaky clean. Compare tablet, powder and gel types to decide which is the right product for your machine.

Compare some of the best dishwasher detergents

Name	Avg. price (USD)	Type	Size	Phosphate free?	Purchase
Finish All in One Max	$39	Tablets	78 tablets	Yes	Buy now
Cascade Complete Gel	$6	Gel	75 oz	Yes	Buy now
Puracy Natural Dishwasher Detergent Packs	$14	Tablets	50 tablets	Yes	Buy now
Seventh Generation Auto Dish Powder	$22	Powder	2 75-oz boxes	Yes	Buy now
Cascade Platinum Plus	$19	Tablets	70 tablets	Yes	Buy now
OxiClean Extreme Power Crystals	$18	Tablets	41 tablets	Yes	Buy now
Finish Advanced Liquid	$5	Gel	75 oz	Yes	Buy now

What is dishwasher detergent?

Dishwasher detergents are water-soluble cleaning products made specifically for washing dishes in a dishwasher. There are three main types: tablet, powder and gel.

• Tablets are small blocks of concentrated dishwashing powder that are put in the dispenser, or simply placed in the main dishwasher area.
• Powder can be poured or scooped into your dishwasher dispenser. It might be a better choice if your home has smaller washing needs and doesn’t require a full tablet.
• Gel is similar to dishwashing liquid used for washing dishes by hand. It can be poured into the dispenser and is usually the middle ground between powders and tablets in terms of pricing.

How to compare dishwasher detergent

Dishwasher detergents can range from $0.05 per wash for the cheapest home brand powder, up to $0.94 per wash for premium tablets.

Consider these factors when choosing the right type and brand for you:

• Cleaning performance

  While tablet detergents are more expensive, they often include a rinse agent, clean your dishes more thoroughly and ensure a more precise dosage each time. While both tablet and powder versions include enzymes and bleach to remove stains and eat away at proteins and solids, the gel form doesn’t have the same stain removal power.

• Ease of use

  Tablets are the most convenient, since they come in pre-measured, packaged form. Powders and gels, on the other hand, must be measured each load. Of the first two, gel is easier to control than powder when measuring and easier to clean up.

• Flexibility

  Tablet detergent is less flexible since the tablets are pre-measured and only come in one size. If you prefer to vary your dishwasher load, opt for powder or gel.

• Toxin-free

  Watch out for products containing phosphates. While phosphates have conventionally been used in dishwashing detergent, they are not environmentally friendly and cause algae bloom. You can find phosphate-free detergents that work just as well for similar prices.

  Also, if you want to avoid phthalates, parabens and triclosan — which have been flagged as potentially toxic chemicals that can disrupt the hormone system — opt for fragrance-free versions.

• Dishwasher compatibility

  Check your owner’s manual before purchasing detergent to make sure it’s compatible with the type you’re looking at.

• Environmental friendliness

  Tablets require more packaging than powder or gels per dose. However, many companies are aiming to roll out 100% recyclable packaging soon.

• Ethical considerations

  There are several cruelty-free options if you prefer brands that don’t test on animals and don’t contain palm oil or animal by-products.

DIY dishwasher detergent alternatives

Several DIY detergent alternatives are also available. They’re typically compatible with most dishwashers, but may not perform as well as the commercial formulas. Keep in mind that using certain ingredients could void your dishwasher warranty. Check yours before trying a new DIY detergent.

When trying a DIY alternative for the first time, test a small batch first. The effectiveness of the formula can vary depending on your individual dishwasher and the type of water in your house.

Commonly used DIY dishwasher detergent ingredients include:

3 tips for making dishwasher detergent more effective

• Keep detergent fresh and dry. Store your detergent in a container away from moisture to prevent lumps. Only pour it into a cup when you’re ready to run a cycle. When powder detergent gets lumpy, throw it away.
• Use the right amount of detergent. Using the correct amount is important if using powdered or liquid detergent that is not pre-packaged.
• Determine how hard your water is. Depending on whether your water is soft or hard, your dishwasher will need a different amount of detergent for peak performance and to avoid damaging your dishes. As a rule of thumb, harder water needs more detergent. You can find out how hard your water is by checking your state/council website or by asking your water company.

Bottom line

Using the right dishwasher detergent can help you get squeaky clean dishes without having to scrub and soak them first. Compare different types to suit your washing needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between dishwasher detergent and dishwashing soap?

  Dishwashing soap is made for washing dishes by hand. If used in the dishwasher, dishwashing soap can produce excess suds and cause your dishwasher to overflow, potentially causing leaks or flooding in your home and damage your dishwasher’s drainage system. Only use dishwasher detergent inside your dishwasher, since it’s been specifically formulated for this purpose.

• What is rinse aid?

  Rinse aid, or rinsing agent, is used in the rinse cycle to eliminate residue from food and detergent. It can enhance your dishwasher’s dry performance, minimizes water spotting on plates and glasses and prevents film from forming on dishes. It’s usually already included in tablets, but not in powder or gel detergents.

• Is dishwasher detergent safe?

  Many popular brands of detergent contain harmful chemicals. Ensure your detergent is stored out of reach of children and pets, in a child-resistant container and close the packaging properly each time. Detergent can be very dangerous if swallowed. Only fill your dishwasher with detergent just before starting a cycle. Afterwards, clean any residue immediately.

  There are many safe and eco-friendly options available, but remember to check the labels before you buy anything.