Ever open your dishwasher to a faint, musty smell that clings to your supposedly clean plates? It’s a common suprise, and it means your trusty appliance needs a deep clean itself. That’s where a dedicated dishwasher cleaner comes into play. These clever products are designed to tackle the hidden grime, limescale, and food gunk that regular cycles just miss, leaving your machine fresh and working its best.
But with so many options on the shelf, how do you choose the right one? In this review, we’re getting our hands dirty to test the top contenders. We’ll break down which formulas really cut through grease, which are easiest to use, and which leave your dishwasher smelling genuinely clean—so you can get back to sparkling results without any guesswork.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Dishwasher Cleaner
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Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria,…
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9.5 |
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Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria,…
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9.3 |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease &…
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9.1 |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease &…
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9.0 |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease &…
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8.8 |
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Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets – 24 Pack Deep…
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8.6 |
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Dishwasher Cleaner Deodorizer Tablets 48 Pack – Deep Cleaning…
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8.4 |
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Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets – 24 Tablets (1-Year Supply) Lemon-Scented,…
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8.3 |
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Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free &…
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8.1 |
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Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Hard Water Citric…
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7.9 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Dishwasher Cleaner
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria, Limescale, Mineral Deposits & Grime Inside Pump, Tub & Hoses, 6 Tablets, 6 Month Supply
The affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is a specialized cleaning tablet designed to maintain the hygiene and performance of your dishwasher. Over time, even the most reliable dishwasher can develop issues you can’t see. Food particles, grease, and soap scum don’t always get washed completely down the drain. They can accumulate in the machine’s internal components—like the pump, filter, hoses, and spray arms—creating a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
This buildup can not only lead to unpleasant smells but can also transfer onto your supposedly clean dishes and glassware. Mineral deposits from hard water, known as limescale, can also build up, potentially affecting cleaning efficiency and leaving spots. The affresh cleaner targets these hidden problems directly.
What sets this product apart is it’s formulation and convenience. It comes in a simple tablet form, so there’s no messy powders or liquids to handle.
You just place one tablet in the main detergent cup or directly into the bottom of the empty tub and run a normal cycle. A key feature is that you can use it with or without dishes in the dishwasher, making it incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine without having to run a separate, empty cycle. This flexibility means you can maintain your appliance without disrupting your kitchen flow.
It’s also safe for all dishwasher makes and models, including those with septic systems.
The brand’s credibility is a significant point. affresh is the number one recommended dishwasher cleaner brand by major appliance manufacturers like Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid. This recommendation stems from over a century of collective appliance expertise, ensuring the product is designed to work effectively without damaging your machine.
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria, Limescale, Mineral Deposits & Grime Inside Pump, Tub & Hoses, 6 Tablets, 6 Month Supply
The Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is a maintenance product designed to address the unseen buildup that can occur inside your appliance over time. Even if your dishwasher looks clean, residue from food, minerals from water (limescale), and odor-causing bacteria can accumulate in the internal components like the pump, hoses, and filter. This buildup isn’t just about smells; it can effect your dishwasher’s performance and cleaning efficiency.
This cleaner is formulated to tackle that hidden grime.
It’s important to note that Affresh is the number one recommended dishwasher cleaner brand by several major appliance manufacturers, including Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid. The tablets work by helping to power away the sources of unpleasant odors and film. They target the rotten food debris and mineral deposits that cling to areas you can’t easily see or reach during a normal cycle.
By cleaning these internal parts, the product helps your machine maintain its intended performance, potentially leading to cleaner dishes and a fresher smelling appliance overall.
A key feature of this cleaner is its convienience and flexibility. Unlike some other products that require you to run an empty machine, Affresh tablets are safe to use with or without a load of dishes.
This means you can incorporate a cleaning cycle into your regular routine without wasting time or water on an extra, empty run. The tablet form also eliminates the mess associated with powders or liquids; you simply place one tablet in the main detergent cup and run a hot water cycle.
Safety is a central consideration for both your household and your appliance. The formula is EPA Safer Choice Certified, meaning it uses ingredients that are safer for people and the environment.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Limescale, Fights Odors & Maintains Performance, 3 Month Supply, 8.45oz, 1 Bottle
The Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid is a specialized maintenance product designed for the inner workings of your dishwasher. Over time, even the most reliable machines accumulate residues that regular washes don’t address. Hidden grease from food, mineral deposits from hard water, and limescale can build up in critical areas like the spray arms, filters, and internal pipes. This buildup isn’t just a hygiene concern; it can directly impact how well your dishwasher performs its primary job.
This cleaner is formulated to tackle those hidden issues, helping to ensure your appliance runs effectively for the long term.
Using the cleaner is a straightforward process. You simply empty your dishwasher, peel off the seal from the bottle, and place it upside-down in the bottom rack. Running a normal hot cycle without any dishes or detergent allows the concentrated liquid to circulate throughout the entire system.
As it works, it breaks down and removes the grime that can clog spray jets and reduce water flow. By adressing these blockages, the cleaner helps restore water pressure for a more thorough wash on your dishes and glassware. It also neutralizes odors at their source, leaving the interior of your machine smelling fresh instead of musty.
For optimal maintenance, the recommendation is to use this cleaner once every three months.
A single 8.45oz bottle provides one complete treatment, making it a convenient three-month supply. This regular upkeep helps maintain your dishwasher’s health and efficiency, potentially preventing more serious issues down the line. The formula is compatable with a wide range of dishwasher models, including standard, older, and compact units, offering flexible use for most households.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Grime, Fights Odors, No Extra Wash Cycle, Helps Maintain Dishwasher, 4 Month Supply, 4 Count
The Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are designed for a specific but often overlooked part of your kitchen routine: maintaining the dishwasher itself. Over time, even the most reliable machine can accumulate hidden grease, food particles, and mineral scale in its inner workings—places like the spray arms, filters, and drainage pipes that you don’t see during everyday use.
This product adresses that buildup directly, aiming to keep your appliance running as it should.
Its core function is a deep clean for the machine’s inner parts. The tablets are formulated with a high concentration of degreasers, which the brand states offers 100% more degreasing power compared to using your regular dishwasher detergent alone. This targets the residual film and grime that can hinder performance.
A key benefit is the convenience factor; there’s no need to run a separate, empty cycle. You simply place one tablet in the bottom of your dishwasher and run your normal cycle with a load of dishes. It works alongside your regular detergent to clean the machine while it cleans your plates, saving you time and an extra cycle of water and energy.
Beyond cleaning, these tablets help combat odors.
Lingering smells in a dishwasher often come from decomposing food debris trapped in the filter or pipes. By helping to break down these residues at the source, the tablets work to neutralize odors, leaving the appliance smelling fresher after each wash. This monthly maintenance is intended to support the overall health of your dishwasher.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Limescale, Fights Odors & helps maintain Performance, 1 Year Supply, 8.45oz, 4 Bottle
The Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid is designed for a specific but crucial job: maintaining the appliance that cleans your dishes. Over time, even the best dishwasher can accumulate hidden residues. Bits of grease, food particles, and minerals from hard water, known as limescale, build up in places you can’t easily see—inside the spray arms, around the filter, and within the internal pipes. This buildup isn’t just a hygiene concern; it can actually affect how well your machine works.
The Finish cleaner adresses this by providing a deep, targeted clean for these inner parts, helping to ensure your dishwasher itself stays hygienic.
When these residues are left unchecked, they can lead to a few common problems. You might notice your dishes aren’t coming out as spotless as they used to, or perhaps there’s a lingering, unpleasant odor after a cycle. That’s because the very components meant to clean are becoming clogged or coated.
By using this cleaner regularly, you’re tackling these issues at their source. It works to neutralize odors and break down the grease and limescale that can impede water flow and cleaning performance. The idea is that a cleaner dishwasher is a more effective dishwasher, which can lead to better results on your glassware and plates.
One of the key features of this liquid formula is it’s concentrated cleaning power.
The product states it offers five times the cleaning performance compared to dishwasher cleaner tablets, allowing it to tackle tough buildup more effectively. Application is straightforward. You simply empty the dishwasher, remove the cap’s sticker, place the bottle upside-down in the bottom rack, and run a normal hot cycle. There’s no need for scrubbing or disassembly; the machine does the work, distributing the cleaner throughout its entire system.
Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets – 24 Pack Deep Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer Machine, Heavy Duty, Septic Safe, Natural Limescale Remover, Calcium, Odor, Smell – 12 Month Supply
The ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets are a straightforward maintenance solution designed to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and smelling fresh. This 24-pack kit provides a convenient, year-long supply, offering a practical alternative to single-use liquids or smaller count boxes.
The core idea is simple: regular monthly cleaning prevents the buildup of performance-robbing grime and odors that even the best dishwashers are prone to develop over time.
Compatibility is a key strength of this product. These tablets are formulated to work with most major residential and commercial automatic dishwashing brands, including GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Maytag, and Amana models.
They are safe for use with both plastic and stainless steel interiors. Its important to follow the instructions for best results. The manufacturer recommends monitoring your machine during its first cleaning cycle with the product; if you notice any foam or water leaking, simply pause the cycle to allow everything to drain before continuing. This precaution helps ensure a trouble-free clean.
The deep descaling formula tackles the hidden problems inside your appliance.
Using a powerful citric acid base, it actively breaks down and removes hard water limescale, calcium deposits, grease, grime, and stubborn stains. This thorough cleaning does more than just make the interior shine; it helps clear out gunk from the spray jets, tubes, and filter area.
Dishwasher Cleaner Deodorizer Tablets 48 Pack – Deep Cleaning Descaler Pods Dish Washer Machine Clean, Heavy Duty & Septic Safe, Natural Limescale Remover, Hard Water, Calcium, Odor – 48 Count
The Dishwasher Cleaner Deodorizer Tablets 48 Pack is a comprehensive maintenance solution designed to keep your appliance running at its best. This bulk kit provides a two-year supply of cleaning pods, making it a practical choice for regular home use, busy households, or even commercial settings like rentals or restaurants where dishwasher performance is crucial.
By stocking up, you ensure you always have the right tool on hand for essential monthly care, saving you multiple trips to the store and providing consistent value. Compatibility is a key strength of this product. It’s formulated to work safely and effectively in virtually any automatic dishwashing machine, whether it’s a household model or a commercial unit. You can use it with confidence in popular brands like Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid, among others.
The tablets are safe for use with all interior materials, including plastic and stainless steel, and they won’t interfere with your regular dishwasher detergent or rinse aid, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into your existing routine. The deep descaling formula tackles the most common dishwasher issues head-on. Hard water minerals like limescale and calcium, along with accumulated grease, grime, and stubborn stains, are no match for its powerful citric acid-based cleaner.
This action helps to dissolve the gunk that can build up in spray jets and filters, which over time can lead to reduced cleaning performance, unpleasant odors, and even clogs. By regularly using these tablets, you help maintain optimal water flow and pressure for cleaner dishes. Speaking of odors, these tablets offer a dual-action approach. They don’t just mask smells; they work to eliminate the source of them by breaking down the residue where odors breed.
Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets – 24 Tablets (1-Year Supply) Lemon-Scented, Heavy Duty Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer, Deep Cleans & Maintains Your Dishwashing Machine for Optimal Performance
Bastion Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are designed to be a simple, set-it-and-forget-it part of your home maintenance routine. Over time, even the appliance that cleans your dishes needs its own deep clean. Food particles, grease, and mineral deposits from hard water, known as limescale, can build up in the hidden parts of your machine.
This buildup doesn’t just lead to unpleasant odors; it can affect how well your dishwasher performs, leaving spots on glasses or film on plates, and can even strain the internal components over the years. That’s where a dedicated cleaner, like these tablets, comes into play.
This package provides a convenient 12-month supply with 24 individual tablets. The idea is to make regular maintenance effortless—using just one tablet per month helps ensure your dishwasher recieves consistent care.
You don’t need to remember a complicated schedule; simply make it a monthly habit, perhaps on the first of the month, to keep your appliance in top shape. The process itself couldn’t be simpler. There’s no messy powders or liquids to handle. You just remove any dishes from the dishwasher, place a single tablet in the main detergent dispenser, and run a normal, hot wash cycle while the machine is empty.
It’s a hassle-free way to tackle grime you can’t see.
The cleaning action of these pods is formulated to break down and flush away the stubborn residues that regular dishwashing detergent leaves behind. By targeting grease, limescale, and other buildup in the filter, spray arms, and along the interior tub, the tablets help restore your dishwasher’s cleaning power. This means your dishes come out cleaner and your machine operates more efficiently.
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free & Clear Removes odor-causing residue Powered by oxy power
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free & Clear are designed for anyone whose dishwasher needs a refresh. Over time, dishwashers can develop a lingering, musty odor from trapped food particles and grease that regular cycles don’t fully remove. These packs adress that specific issue by targeting the residue that causes those smells, leaving your machine clean and odor-free.
The core of this cleaner is it’s active oxy power.
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, this oxygen-based formula works to lift and break down the sticky, odor-causing residues left behind by dish soils. It’s a powerful clean that doesn’t rely on chlorine bleach or other aggressive agents. Each box contains six convenient packs, and using one is straightforward: you simply place a single, pre-measured pack in the dispenser cup or at the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle.
There’s no messy powders or liquids to handle, and the pack is fully dissolvable, so theres no cleanup afterward. For best results, using one pack monthly helps maintain a fresh, clean dishwasher consistently.
What really sets this product apart is it’s thoughtful formulation and certifications. It is EPA Safer Choice Certified, meaning it has been reviewed for its safer chemical ingredients for both human health and the environment.
It contains no dyes or artificial fragrances, making it a genuinely Free & Clear option. Furthermore, it’s 92% USDA Certified Biobased, derived from renewable plant and mineral sources. This biobased formulation also makes it safe for septic systems, which is an important consideration for many households.
Choosing Seventh Generation means supporting a company with a mission. They are a founding B Corporation, committed to building a more sustainable and equitable world.
Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Hard Water Citric Acid Cleaning Powder – Lemon Scented Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer – 14.08 oz (8 Pack)
The Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner is a specialized cleaning powder designed to tackle the hidden grime that regular dishwashing cycles leave behind. Over time, dishwashers accumulate a mix of food particles, grease, and mineral deposits from hard water. This buildup doesn’t just sit there; it can lead to unpleasant odors, reduce cleaning performance, and even shorten the life of your appliance.
This product adresses that core maintenance need directly, offering a targeted solution to keep your machine running smoothly. Its primary function is to REMOVE ODOR CAUSING BUILDUP AND FIGHT HARD WATER STAINS. The powder works by circulating through the entire system, reaching into spray arms, filters, and hidden nooks where gunk loves to hide. By breaking down this residue, it helps eliminate the source of bad smells and restores your dishwasher’s ability to clean dishes effectively.
For homes with hard water, those chalky white stains on glasses and the interior tub are a common frustration. Lemi Shine works specifically against these mineral deposits, helping to bring back the sparkle. The key ingredient behind its power is that it’s SUPERCHARGED WITH CITRIC ACID. Citric acid is a natural, yet effective, cleaner that dissolves mineral scale and cuts through tough grease without the need for harsh chemicals.
This means you can OPTIMIZE WASHING MACHINE PERFORMANCE without worrying about damaging its internal parts. The manufacturer recommends a monthly use, which acts as a simple routine service for your appliance. A cleaner machine doesn’t have to work as hard, which can contribute to it lasting longer and operating more efficiently with each cycle. A significant aspect of this cleaner is that it is both SAFE AND EFFECTIVE.
Dishwasher Cleaner Buying Guide
That fresh, clean smell from your dishwasher shouldn’t be a rare event. Over time, food bits, grease, and mineral scale build up inside, leading to less effective washes and odd odors. A dedicated dishwasher cleaner tackles this gunk, helping your machine run better and last longer. Here’s what to look for when you need one.
Cleaning Formula & Ingredients
Not all cleaners work teh same. Some use powerful acids, like citric or sulfamic acid, to dissolve tough limescale and mineral deposits, which is great if you have hard water. Others rely on oxygen-based bleaching agents to target organic stains and mildew. A few even combine both for a thorough clean. Check the label to see what the primary action is—it should match your main problem, whether it’s white film or funky smells.
Ease of Use and Process
Convenience is key. Most products are a simple pour-and-run affair; you just place the bottle or pod in the empty machine and run a hot cycle. Avoid any that require extensive pre-soaking or complicated steps. Also, consider if you need to run a rinse cycle afterwards—some stronger formulas recommend it, while others are designed to be a one-step process. The best ones fit seamlessly into your routine without extra fuss.
Safety for Your Machine
You want to clean the dishwasher, not damage it. A good cleaner will be safe for all the internal parts, including rubber seals, plastic tubs, and stainless steel interiors. It shouldn’t be overly corrosive. If you have a septic system, look for a septic-safe formula. Always glancing at the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific dishwasher model can’t hurt, just to be sure.
Frequency and Value
Think about how often you’ll use it. If you have very hard water or use the dishwasher daily, you might clean it monthly. For lighter use, every two to three months may suffice. Buying a multi-pack or a larger bottle often provides better value if you plan on regular maintenance. A single-use packet might be perfect for an occasional deep clean when you notice performance starting to slip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwasher Cleaner
Why do I need a dishwasher cleaner?
Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but it needs cleaning too. Over time, food bits, grease, and hard water minerals build up inside. A cleaner removes this gunk from hidden spots your regular cycle misses.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
It’s a good idea to clean it about once a month. If you have hard water or use it daily, you might want to do it every two weeks. This helps prevent odors and keeps it running well.
What’s the difference between a tablet and a liquid cleaner?
Tablets are pre-measured and easy to drop in. Liquid cleaners often come in a bottle you pour. Both work great, so it’s mostly about personal preference. Tablets are a bit more convinient for many people.
How do you use dishwasher cleaner?
It’s simple. First, make sure the dishwasher is empty. Place the cleaner in the bottom rack or in the detergent cup, depending on the brand’s instructions. Then run a normal hot cycle, usually without any dishes or detergent.
Can I use vinegar or baking soda instead?
You can, but thay aren’t as strong as a dedicated cleaner. Vinegar helps with minor buildup and odors. Baking soda can scrub the tub. But for tough limescale or mildew, a formulated cleaner is more effective.
Is dishwasher cleaner safe for my machine?
Yes, reputable cleaners are designed to be safe for all dishwasher parts. They break down grime without harming seals or pipes. Always check the label to confirm it’s suitable for your model.
My dishwasher still smells after cleaning. What now?
Check and clean the filter first—it’s often the culprit. You can run a second cleaning cycle. Also, leave the door ajar between uses to let it dry out and prevent mold.
Can I use it with dishes in the washer?
No, you should always run a cleaner cycle with an empty dishwasher. The cleaner needs to focus on the machine’s interior, and you don’t want any residue getting on your plates or glasses.
What to Remember
Keeping your dishwasher clean is just another part of taking care of your kitchen. It’s a simple task that makes a real difference. You’ll notice your dishes coming out cleaner and brighter. The whole machine will run more quietly and efficiently, too. It’s a win for your appliance and your dishes.
Just pick a day that works for you, maybe once a month, to run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner. It’s one of those easy habits that helps everything work better. You won’t have to worry about odd smells or leftover grime. It’s a small step for a much cleaner kitchen.