Ever feel a little pang of guilt when you pop that plastic pod into the dishwasher? You’re not alone. Many of us are looking for ways to clean our dishes without leaving a harsh chemical footprint behind. That’s where a good eco friendly dishwasher detergent comes in. It promises to tackle grease and grime while being kinder to the planet, which sounds pretty great, right? But with so many options on the shelf, it’s tough to know which ones actually work well and aren’t just greenwashing.
We decided to put several popular brands to the test. In this review, we’ll break down which tablets and powders really cut through dried-on food, which ones leave glasses sparkling, and which formulas are truly gentle on our waterways. Let’s find a cleaner clean for your kitchen.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Eco Friendly Dishwasher Detergent
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Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets – 24 Pack Deep…
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9.9 |
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Renuv® Heavy Duty Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Tablets, Descaler,…
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9.7 |
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Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free &…
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9.4 |
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Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Hard Water Citric…
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9.2 |
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The Clean People Dishwasher Cleaner – Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets…
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9.0 |
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Truly Free Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Dish Washer Machine…
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8.7 |
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Eco-Gals Dishwasher Cleaner – 12 Tablets – 12 Month…
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8.5 |
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Brighter Shine – 60 Uses, Natural Lemon Dishwasher Additive…
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8.3 |
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EcoEgret Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (24 Count) – with Fresh…
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8.0 |
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Turbo Suds Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer XL Tablets –…
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7.8 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Eco Friendly Dishwasher Detergent
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 simple monthly maintenance solution for keeping your machine running its best. Over time, dishwashers accumulate hidden grime, hard water scale, and food residue that regular washes don’t touch. This build-up can lead to unpleasant odors, reduced cleaning performance, and even clogs.
These tablets offer a targeted deep clean without the hassle of messy liquids or powders.
Each pod contains a powerful descaling formula based on citric acid. This natural agent effectively breaks down limescale, calcium deposits, and grease that stick to your dishwasher’s interior, spray arms, and filter. By removing this gunk, you help maintain water flow and pressure for cleaner dishes. It also works to eliminate the source of bad smells, not just cover them up.
After a cycle, your machine is left with a light, fresh lemon-citrus scent and a noticeably cleaner interior.
Compatibility is broad with these tablets. They are designed to work with most major brands like GE, Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool, and KitchenAid, amoung others. They’re safe for use in both plastic and stainless steel tubs and are septic system friendly. For the best results, always run the cleaner in an empty dishwasher.
Renuv® Heavy Duty Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Tablets, Descaler, Deep Cleaning, Natural Odor & Smell Remover, Calcium, Limescale, Hard Water Marks, Grease, Septic Safe Pods (12 Tabs 1 Yr Supply)
Renuv® Heavy Duty Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer Tablets are designed for a specific, often overlooked job: giving your dishwasher itself a thorough clean. Over time, dishwashers accumulate a hidden mix of grease, food particles, and mineral deposits from hard water. This build-up can lead to unpleasant odors, less effective cleaning, and even effect the long-term performance of your appliance.
This product adresses that core maintenance need directly.
Each tablet is a substantial 20-gram pod. The brand emphasizes that these are large, concentrated tabs meant to do the work of multiple smaller ones. You use just a single tablet per cleaning cycle; there’s no need to use several at once to get a powerful result.
This approach focuses on substance over quantity, providing a full year’s supply of deep cleaning with just the 12 tablets in the box.
The tablets function as a powerful three-in-one solution: a deep cleaner, a deodorizer, and a descaler. Their time-release, effervescent formula dissolves slowly during the wash cycle.
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free & Clear Removes odor-causing residue Powered by oxy power
The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free & Clear are designed for a specific, often overlooked household task: cleaning your dishwasher itself. Over time, dishwashers can accumulate greasy films and food residues that regular dishwashing cycles don’t remove, leading to lingering, unpleasant odors.
This product adresses that issue directly, offering a simple monthly maintenance solution to keep your appliance fresh and performing well.
Each box contains six convenient, pre-measured packs. The cleaning formula is powered by an oxygen-based boost, which actively targets and lifts away the odor-causing residue left behind by dish soils. This means it’s working to break down the source of the smell, not just mask it.
The packs are fully dissolvable and mess-free—you simply use one pack for one cleaning cycle. For best results, it’s recommended to use montly to consistently refresh your machine’s interior.
Using the cleaner is straightforward. You start with an empty dishwasher. Place one pack in the detergent dispenser cup. If it doesn’t quite fit in the cup, you can just place it directly on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Then, you run a normal wash cycle (without any dishes inside).
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 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 cause unpleasant odors; it can actually reduce your machine’s cleaning efficiency and even lead to premature wear.
This cleaner adresses that core problem directly, helping to maintain your appliance’s performance.
Its primary active ingredient is citric acid, a natural substance derived from citrus fruits. This supercharged formula is particularly effective at breaking down limescale and hard water stains that can cloud glasses and leave spots on dishes. By cutting through this tough, chalky residue, it helps restore your dishwasher’s inner workings.
The result is a machine that runs more effectively, which can mean cleaner dishes and fewer rewashes for you. It’s a straightforward solution for a common household issue.
For best results, its recommended to use this cleaner about once a month. The process is simple: you just pour the powder into the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a hot water cycle. This regular maintenance helps prevent major clogs and buildup from forming in the first place.
The Clean People Dishwasher Cleaner – Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets for Removing Limescale, Mineral Buildup, Grease & Odors – 6 Count, Citrus Scent
The Clean People Dishwasher Cleaner is a simple solution for a common household problem: a dishwasher that isn’t as clean as it should be. Over time, limescale, mineral deposits, and grease can build up inside your machine, even though you run it regularly. This buildup can affect performance and leave behind unpleasant odors on what should be your sparkling clean dishes.
These cleaner tablets are designed to tackle that hidden grime directly.
Each tablet works to penetrate deep into the internal components of your dishwasher, like the spray arms and filters, where old food and soap scum like to hide. It powerfully removes grime and scale that a regular cycle just can’t reach. This process helps wash away the residue that can cause spots on your glassware or leave a film on your plates.
By cleaning these parts, you’re helping your dishwasher run more efficiently, which is good for the machine itself in the long run.
A key benefit is the odor removing formula. The cleaner uses clean ingredients to break down the sources of bad smells, not just mask them. After a cycle, your dishwasher is left with a light, fresh citrus scent and a genuinely clean interior. This means your dishes come out smelling as clean as they look, without any lingering stale odors.
Truly Free Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Dish Washer Machine Descaler, Fights Grease & Limescale, Hard Water Stain Remover, Smell Eliminator for Clean Dishwashers – Lemon Fresh Scent, 4 oz (Pack of 1)
The Truly Free Natural Dishwasher Cleaner is a specialized descaler and cleaner formulated to tackle the hidden grime inside your dishwasher. Over time, dishwashers accumulate grease from food, hard water limescale, and mineral stains that regular washes don’t touch. This buildup can lead to unpleasant smells and even affect how well your machine cleans your dishes.
This product adresses those issues directly with a powerful, yet natural, powder formula.
Its primary job is to act as a deep cleaner and descaler. The eco-friendly formula works to break down tough grease, dissolve stubborn limescale, and remove hard water stains that cloud your dishwasher’s interior and racks. By removing this residue, it helps restore your dishwasher’s performance.
You might notice your dishes and glasses coming out cleaner and more spot-free because water and detergent can flow unimpeded. It’s a simple maintenance step that supports your machine’s efficiency.
A key feature is its commitment to safety. The powder is made without toxic ingredients, making it a gentle choice for your home. It’s safe for households with children or for anyone with sensitive skin, as there’s no harsh chemical residue left behind.
Eco-Gals Dishwasher Cleaner – 12 Tablets – 12 Month Supply – Unscented
The Eco-Gals Dishwasher Cleaner is a 12-month supply of unscented tablets designed to maintain your machine with minimal effort on your part. It’s a straightforward solution for anyone who wants a clean dishwasher without the hassle of strong chemical smells or complicated routines.
Each tablet utilizes the Eco-Scrubz unique foaming action. This isn’t just about surface cleaning.
The foam works to reach into the hidden parts of your dishwasher—around the spray arms, along the door seals, and in the filter area—where old food and grease can build up. This action empowers you to simply pop in a tablet and let the cleaner work while you go about your day. Your dishwasher cleans itself, helping you maintain a key appliance without it becoming a chore.
You get a full year’s supply in one box, which means you’re set for twelve cleanings.
This bulk approach is practical. It means one less item to remember on your shopping list for months, and it often provides better value compared to buying smaller packs repeatedly. With twelve tablets, you can establish a simple monthly maintenance routine that helps prevent larger issues down the line.
A common concern with cleaners is the lingering perfume they can leave behind. The Eco-Gals formula is specifically unscented.
Brighter Shine – 60 Uses, Natural Lemon Dishwasher Additive & Citric Acid Cleaner, Hard Water Spots Remover
Brighter Shine – 60 Uses, Natural Lemon Dishwasher Additive & Citric Acid Cleaner, Hard Water Spots Remover is a versatile cleaning powder designed to tackle common household problems. If you have hard water, you know the frustration of cloudy glassware and spotty dishes. Over time, mineral deposits and oily residue can build up inside your dishwasher and washing machine, leading to dull results and funky odors.
This product adresses those issues directly with a simple, natural formula.
The main ingredient is citric acid, a powerful natural cleaner derived from lemons. It works by dissolving the mineral scale that causes hard water spots and that filmy residue on your dishes. Instead of just masking the problem with a scent, it breaks down the actual buildup. You simply add one scoop to your dishwasher’s detergent compartment or directly into the tub and run a normal cycle.
You’ll notice your glasses come out clearer and your plates have a brighter shine, without those annoying white spots.
But its uses go beyond the dishwasher. That same mineral buildup happens in your clothes washer, which can trap odors and make your laundry less fresh. To clean it, just run an empty hot cycle with a scoop of Brighter Shine. It helps eliminate the sour mildew smell by cleaning the drum and internal parts. This makes it a great two-in-one appliance maintainer.
EcoEgret Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (24 Count) – with Fresh Lemon Scent Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer, Deep Cleans & Descales, Fits All Dishwashers, Septic Safe, 12 Month Supply
The EcoEgret Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (24 Count) are designed for one simple job: keeping your dishwasher clean and running smoothly from the inside out. Over time, even the best dishwasher can develop hidden grime. Food particles, grease, and mineral deposits from hard water, known as limescale, can build up in the spray arms, filters, and on the heating element.
This buildup doesn’t just look bad; it can effect your dishwasher’s performance and efficiency, leading to less sparkling dishes and potential repairs down the line.
That’s where a dedicated cleaner comes in. These tablets offer a powerful, yet convenient, solution for monthly maintenance. Their formula is made to deep clean by penetrating and lifting away stuck-on residue that regular dishwashing detergent leaves behind.
More importantly, it actively works to descale and prevent new limescale from forming. This is crucial because scale on the heating element can make your machine work harder, using more energy and possibly leading to breakdowns. By preventing this buildup, you’re helping to extend the life of your appliance.
Another common issue with dishwashers is lingering odors.
Turbo Suds Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer XL Tablets – Heavy-Duty Descaler & Odor Remover for Hard Water, Removes Spots & Residue, Enhance Drying & Shine, 12 Pack (1 Year Supply)
The Turbo Suds Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer XL Tablets are a heavy-duty solution designed to tackle common dishwasher frustrations. If you’re tired of pulling out dishes that are still wet, covered in water spots, or have a lingering odor, these larger, concentrated tablets aim to address those exact issues.
They work as both a powerful descaler for hard water and a deodorizer, targeting the buildup inside your machine that regular detergents often leave behind.
So, what makes these XL Tabs different? They’re formulated to be a single, comprehensive treatment. Instead of using multiple smaller products or tablets repeatedly, one of these heavy-duty tabs per cycle is intended to support better overall cleaning performance.
They’re made to help reduce tough residue and hard water marks that can leave glasses looking cloudy and dishes feeling less than clean. By tackling the mineral scale and film, the tablets work to prevent spotting, aiming to leave your everyday plates and special glassware looking brighter and shininer.
One of the standout benefits users often report is improved drying. The tablets are engineered to support better drying performance compared to using detergent alone.
Eco Friendly Dishwasher Detergent Buying Guide
You want clean dishes without teh chemical residue, right? Eco friendly dishwasher detergent cleans your plates and glasses using plant-based ingredients and avoids harsh phosphates and chlorine. It’s a simple switch that makes a real difference. Here’s what to look for when picking one.
Cleaning Power & Ingredients
Don’t assume green means weak. Look for enzymes and plant-derived surfactants; they’re great at tackling grease and food. Check the label for what’s *not* there: phosphates, chlorine bleach, and synthetic dyes are big ones to avoid. A good formula will handle everyday messes without any problem.
Packaging & Refills
The bottle matters as much as the liquid inside. Many brands now use recycled cardboard boxes or compostable pouches instead of plastic jugs. Some even offer concentrate tablets or powders you can pour into a reusable container. This cuts down on waste significantly, which is kinda the whole point.
Certifications to Trust
Labels can be confusing. Reliable certifications do the vetting for you. Look for the EPA Safer Choice seal, which means every ingredient is safefor the environment. USDA Certified Biobased confirms the product is made from renewable materials. These logos offer a quick, trustworthy shortcut.
Skin Sensitivity & Scents
If you have sensitive skin or just prefer unscented products, you’re in luck. Many eco detergents are free from heavy perfumes. They might use essential oils for a light, natural fragrance instead. This means less chance of irritation for you and no overpowering smell lingering on your mugs.
Value & Cost Per Load
While the upfront price might seem higher, calculate the cost per wash. Concentrated formulas and tablets often require less product per load, making them more economical over time. A compact powder or a pack of strips can last longer than a giant plastic bottle, saving you money and space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco Friendly Dishwasher Detergent
What makes a dishwasher detergent “eco friendly”?
It usually means the formula is plant-based and biodegradable. These detergents avoid harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic dyes. They are often not tested on animals and come in recycled or minimal packaging.
Do eco friendly detergents clean as well as regular ones?
Yes, many do! Modern formulas are very effective at cutting grease and removing food. For best results, you might need to scrape plates well before loading. Some brands work better in soft water, so it’s good to check.
Are thay safe for my septic system?
Most are excellent for septic systems. Because they are biodegradable and phosphate-free, they are much gentler on the system and the beneficial bacteria inside it. Always check the label to be sure.
Can I use them in any dishwasher?
Absolutely. They are safe for all dishwasher models, including stainless steel interiors. They won’t void your machine’s warranty. Just follow the dosage instructions on the package for your water hardness.
Why are they often more expensive?
The plant-based ingredients and sustainable sourcing can cost more. Eco-friendly packaging also adds to the price. Think of it as an investment in your home’s health and the planet. A little often goes a long way, too.
What’s the difference between pods, powder, and gel?
Pods are pre-measured and convenient. Powder is often very effective and affordable. Gels are less common in eco-friendly lines. The cleaning power is similar; it’s mostly about your preference and which one you’ll use correctly.
Will they leave a film on my glasses?
They shouldn’t. If you see film, it’s often due to hard water. You can try adding a rinse aid like white vinegar. Also, make sure you’re not overloading the dishwasher, as that prevents proper rinsing.
How do I know a brand is truly eco friendly?
Look for third-party certifications on the box. Reliable ones include EPA Safer Choice, Ecologo, or Leaping Bunny. Read the ingredient list and avoid vague claims like “natural” without specifics backing it up.
Our Final Words
We hope this helps you see your options a bit more clearly. Choosing a cleaner for your dishes is a small step, but it’s one that adds up. Every load you run is a chance to make a choice that feels good for your home and the world outside it. It’s really about finding a product that works well for you and fits your routine. When you find that match, it just becomes a simple part of your day.
In the end, switching to an eco friendly dishwasher detergent is a straightforward swap with a positive impact. You get clean dishes without the harsh chemicals, and you contribute a little less plastic and pollution. It’s a win-win that’s easier than ever to try. We think that’s pretty great, and we hope you do to. Thanks for reading along!