6 Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent of 2024

It appears that natural cleaning products will continue to grow in demand in 2024. People are paying more attention to what’s in their household things, prioritizing health and the environment. An essential product that has seen an increase in eco-friendly alternatives is dishwasher detergent. It’s hard to find the best natural dishwasher detergent with adequate cleaning power, but we’ve researched it for you.

Many “eco-friendly” dishwasher detergents are advertised as “green” or “natural,” but some contain harmful ingredients, so they are not as safe as they may seem. However, several kinds are out there that are truly safe and effective for washing away food particles. In this article, I’ll explore the six best natural dishwasher detergents of 2024. My review will detail each product’s key features, pros and cons, and customer feedback. Let’s dive in.

What to Look for in a Natural Dishwasher Detergent

When selecting the best natural dishwasher detergent, it is essential to consider a few key factors. I’ve found that paying attention to these details can make a big difference in performance and satisfaction.

Ingredients

First and foremost, let’s look at the ingredients. A natural dishwasher detergent should not contain harsh chemicals such as phosphates, chlorine, or artificial fragrances. Instead, they should contain plant-based ingredients and biodegradable formulas. It ensures that we’re using a product that’s safe for our health and the environment.

Eco-Friendliness

Next, consider the eco-friendliness of the product. We should look for detergents that come in sustainable packaging, such as recyclable or compostable materials. In addition, you should support brands that use eco-friendly production methods and reduce their carbon footprints.

Performance

Of course, a detergent needs to do its job well. It should effectively remove grease and food residue, leaving dishes spotless without any chemical residue. The most effective natural detergents combine natural ingredients with strong cleaning power. 

Eco-Friendly Packaging

Packaging matters! Make sure the products you choose are recyclable or biodegradable. Some brands use minimal packaging to reduce waste. This small choice can have a big impact on reducing plastic pollution.

6 Best Natural Dishwasher Detergents

1. Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Pods

My experience with Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Pods was refreshing. These pods are great at cutting through grease and stubborn food stains, leaving dishes sparkling without residue or streaks. The natural, plant-based formula contains no harsh chemicals like ethoxylates, and it’s Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free.

I’ve found these pods are gentle enough for sensitive skin and effective on various stains, even dried-on ones. You can toss the pod into your dishwasher, and it handles the rest. It’s a hassle-free option for anyone looking to switch to natural products.

What People Are Saying About Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Pods

I absolutely love Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods! These pods work far better than any other dishwasher product I've tried. They leave my dishes sparkling clean, even beyond my expectations! I’ve noticed a significant improvement in how thoroughly everything is cleaned—no leftover residue, no water spots.
The scent is also fantastic. It's fresh but not overpowering, leaving my dishwasher smelling pleasant after every use. Plus, I love the story behind the brand—it's inspiring to see a company with such a strong commitment to safe, eco-friendly, and non-toxic products. Knowing I’m using something that’s both effective and mindful of the environment makes this an easy choice. I’ll definitely be sticking with these from now on. Highly recommend!---Pedro---

2. BLUELAND Dishwasher Detergent Tablet

Dishwasher Detergent Tablets from BLUELAND help users reduce their plastic waste while maintaining adequate cleaning power. They are 100% plastic-free, eliminating the need for plastic film found in conventional pods. I’ve noticed they handle a variety of tough stains—think 24-hour baked-on grime and burnt-on residues—without the need for rinse aids.

It’s made with plant- and mineral-based ingredients that are gentle on the environment, with certifications from Leaping Bunny, EPA Safer Choice, and USDA BioPreferred. You just drop the tablet into the dishwasher’s main dispenser, and you’re good to go.

What people are saying about BLUELAND

These really do the trick and are better for our environment. I was surprised to read 1 star reviews saying their dishes didn't get clean. My dishes come out cleaner than with my old Cascade pods - the smell of Cascade made me nauseous! I wonder who writes those reviews! I am a genuine consumer and I can tell you that these are great. I gave some to my bachelor brother and he loves them too!

3. ECOS Dishmate Dishwashing Liquid

People who value both effective cleaning and eco-friendliness will have significant experience using ECOS Dishmate Dish Soap. With over 50 years of scientific expertise, this dish soap provides powerful, plant-based cleaning that’s easy on the hands. When I use just a few drops on a sponge, I can tackle whole sinks full of dishes.

Plus, it doubles as a hand soap, which is a great bonus. The natural almond fragrance is refreshingly unique and adds a touch of luxury to dishwashing. With no dyes, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates, it’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a cleaner, greener option.

4. Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs

When I tested all of the detergents, Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs was closest to cleaning every dish. It removed baked-on egg and peanut butter stains that are difficult to remove with dishwashers and detergents. It also cleaned my glassware and stemware well, though it didn’t leave them as shiny as some other detergents did.

Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs combine powder detergent with liquid detergent boosters that dissolve as the coating dissolves. It gives them an edge over powder- or liquid-only formulas when it comes to cleaning power. It’s also convenient since you don’t need to measure or pour out detergent.

The extra detergent boosters in Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs help cut grease and enhance shine better than anything else I’ve tried. They are free of dyes and chlorine bleach, which some people prefer to avoid. It did the best job neutralizing dishwasher odors due to its mild lemon scent, which is made with essential oils.

What people are saying about Cascade

I found out about these after practically destroying my dishwasher by using finish dishwasher cleaner that had a hidden perfume sent. It was impossible to get rid of. I tried everything. Once I finally got the sent to calm down, I looked into natural detergents that don’t have any cent and heard about these and I’ve been really happy with them. My dishes, get nice and clean! On my second pack already. Highly recommend.

5. Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs

In my testing, Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs cleaned some of my toughest stains with ease, including peanut butter, baked-on egg, and cheese. Although it did a great job on greasy dishes, it lacked the power of my top pick, missing egg yolks and leaving tomato juice residue.

The liquid detergent boosters contained inside each pod are designed to reduce grease and enhance shine. However, these pods contain dyes (whereas our top pick does not), which may make them less appealing if you generally avoid dyes due to sensitivities. Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs have a strong “fresh” scent, which is more intense and noticeable than the lemon fragrance of my pick.

What People Are Saying About Cascade

We’re pro-Cascade in this household of two, and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve sampled others from various brands but somehow I always find my way back to them. I think their product is superior and the hefty price reflects that. Not once has their dish pods ever fall apart during a cycle and everything in the washer always turned out gleaming and super clean. During Prime Week recently, I went ahead and placed another order before mine began to run out and was glad to snag up a tub at such a great price. I should’ve ordered another tub but didn’t think far ahead. Hopefully they’ll go on sale soon again and I’ll be sure to stock up on more.

6. Dirty Labs | Dishwasher Detergent and Booster

The Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent and Booster has opened my eyes to eco-friendly living without compromising cleaning power. This 2-in-1 powder formula, enriched with advanced bio enzymes and biobased ingredients, gets tough messes cleaned up easily. It’s optimized for quick wash cycles, so you get a brilliant, spot-free finish in less time.

The sustainable approach is evident, with recyclable packaging and a scoop made from responsibly sourced wood. Plus, this detergent is free from sulfates, dyes, and synthetic chemicals. The Aestival scent combines yuzu, geranium, and lemon balm for a nice and refreshing touch.

What People Are Saying About Dirty Labs

The performance is excellent. My dishes come out sparkling clean, even when I don't pre-rinse (a big deal for baked-on messes). It also leaves no residue, which is something I've struggled with using other nontoxic brands. Another plus is that it's super gentle on glassware and doesn't cause any etching or cloudiness.
The packaging is minimal and sustainable, which aligns with Dirty Labs' commitment to reducing waste.
While the upfront cost is a bit higher than traditional dishwasher soaps, I think it's worth it for the peace of mind and high-quality results.
Overall, Dirty Labs has created a fantastic product that balances eco-consciousness with powerful cleaning. If you're looking for a safer alternative that doesn't compromise on performance, this is definitely worth trying.

How to Choose the Right Natural Dishwasher Detergent

The following are some of the tips that will help you to choose the best natural dishwasher detergent.

Assess Your Household Needs

Every household is different. Consider the hardness of your water, the type of dishes you use, and allergies or sensitivities. Hard water stains often require more powerful detergents, so look for products designed specifically for them.

Check for Allergens

If you or anyone in your household has sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic detergent. Look for products free from common allergens and irritants to avoid potential reactions.

Budget Considerations

It is sometimes more expensive to use natural detergents than conventional detergents. Compare products within your budget to find one that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Don’t forget that a higher price doesn’t always mean better performance.

Benefits of Using Natural Dishwasher Detergents

Healthier for Your Family

Compared to harsh chemicals, natural detergents have fewer chances of causing skin irritation or respiratory problems. Use products made from natural ingredients to protect your family from potentially harmful chemicals.

Better for the Environment

The use of eco-friendly products reduces pollution and waste. Natural detergents are often designed to break down quickly and completely, so they’re less damaging to the environment. In addition, eco-friendly packaging means less plastic ends up in landfills.

Gentler on Your Dishes

Natural detergents are less likely to damage your dishes or utensils. Their gentle formula protects the integrity and appearance of your kitchenware while being effective.

DIY Natural Dishwasher Detergent

Making your own natural dishwasher detergent can be both fun and cost-effective if you’re feeling adventurous. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup citric acid
• 1/4 cup coarse salt
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 10 drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender, optional for fragrance)

Instructions: 

• Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
• Store the mixture in an airtight container.
• Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, depending on the size and dirtiness of the load.

This homemade detergent is easy to make and can be customized 

Ingredients in Dish Detergents

When choosing non toxic products for our homes, there are usually some common ones you see over and over again. Consider avoiding these ingredients when choosing 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 can cause gastric burns and it can be damaging to eyes and skin and cause major throat irritation.
• Benzisothiazolinone – A chemical that causes eye, lung, and skin irritation, and it’s harmful to fish.
• Methylsothiazolinone – Associated with allergic reaction and inhalation toxicity.
• Ethoxylated surfactants – Ingredients such as PPG, PEGs, Polysorbates, and Sodium laureth sulfate are ingredients that may leave behind trace amounts of carcinogens 1,4 dioxane and ethylene oxide which are linked to cancers and development issues not to mention harmful to the environment.
• Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) – PVA is used to create a thin single-use plastic wrap for dishwasher tablets. After researching this ingredient, I found it was biodegradable and left no microplastics or harmful residues. Unfortunately, this has been found not be true. It has been designed to dissolve (which it does) but that doesn’t mean it totally disappears. In certain conditions, it biodegrades, but when those conditions aren’t present, it will stay in our waterways and ultimately in the environment.

Unfortunately when you see a list of everything you shouldn’t be using, what should you look for in a dishwasher detergent that is free of toxins? Here are some ingredients that would be beneficial:

• Citric acid – plant-based pH adjuster
• Sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) – a mineral-based scouring agent and deodorizer.
• Sodium citrate – plant based water softener
• Sodium silicate – mineral corrosion inhibitor
• Sodium carbonate – mineral based cleanser and water softener
• Sodium percarbonate – mineral based cleanser, stain remover
• Sodium sulfate – mineral processing aid
• Amylase – enzyme that cuts through starch molecules
• Protease – enzyme that breaks proteins down
• Alkyl polyglucoside – plant-based cleanser
• Decyl glucoside – plant-based foaming cleanser
• Sodium Polyaspartate – plant-based anti-redeposition agent
• Sodium carboxymethyl inulin – ​​anti-redisposition agent that suppresses filming and spotting

Why is Finding Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents Difficult?

There’s no one dish detergent that’s good for all kinds of water hardness, so finding an all-natural one can be hard. There’s no one solution that will work in all circumstances-I know, since I studied the whole dishwashing detergent market and even considered making my own.

In general, you need 0.3 grains per gallon (gpg) for soft water, 3.5-7.0 gpg for moderate water, 7-10.5 gpg for hard water, and over 10.5 gpg for very hard water. Therefore, not every non-toxic dish detergent will work well with your water hardness. However, do not use detergents that contain harmful chemicals again. Rather, use a non-toxic dishwashing detergent with a gpg number that matches your water hardness.

How to Use a Dishwasher Detergent

Our top tips for getting the most out of your newly selected dishwasher detergent;

• Be careful to allow small gaps between dishes and wash items. If plates are leaning against each other or surfaces are blocked from sight – detergent actives will have a reduced chance of interacting with that surface. You guessed it – this means reduced cleaning power.
• Keep plastic items on top. The heating element of your dishwasher is at the bottom i.e. closest to the bottom layer. Keeping plastic Tupperware on your top shelve helps protect its shape – long live your Tupperware.

Note: ever wonder why plastic Tupperware clings to water droplets even after your dishwasher is done? Plastic is made up from polymers. The difference in charge, i.e. polymers aren’t highly charged, whereas water is charged, makes them repel each other. Plates and ceramics don’t repel as actively – so water forms a film instead of droplets. This film evaporates away quickly in the heat of your dishwashing cycle.

• Make your first use in line with the manufacturer’s guidance. Read the instructions and follow to a T the dosing they suggest. Once you have a handle on how well this amount washes an average load – you can adjust it as needed.
• Decide if rinse aid is needed. Water stains thrive in hard water areas. They make dishes look dirty even when they’re clean.

FAQs

Conclusion

Making the switch to a natural dishwasher detergent is a smart choice for your family and the environment. When you buy products that are made with non-toxic ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and work effectively, you help the environment. Whether you buy a top-rated product or make your own, natural detergents are safer and greener. Your new, eco-friendly choice will make your dishes cleaner and your conscience cleaner!