Comparison: Best Detergent For Dishwasher (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Choosing the right dishwasher detergent can significantly impact cleaning performance, energy efficiency, and the longevity of your appliance. With options ranging from pods and tablets to powders and liquids, consumers often face a dilemma in selecting a product that balances effectiveness, environmental considerations, and compatibility with their dishwasher. This comparison explores top-rated detergents, evaluating factors like stain removal, residue prevention, and eco-friendliness to help you make an informed, practical choice for your needs.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best overall:
Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods -
Best for best value:
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods – Fresh Scent ActionPacs -
Best for budget gel:
Cascade Complete Gel All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent – Citrus breeze – 75 oz Packaging May Vary -
Best for deep cleaning:
Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent -
Best for eco-friendly pick:
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent -
Best for editors choice:
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods -
Best for pre-rinse free:
Finish – All in 1 – Dishwasher Detergent – Powerball – Dishwashing Tablets – Dish Tabs – Fresh Scent -
Best for sensitive-safe:
Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Liquid Gel -
Best for biobased power:
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs Free & Clear Pack of 2 for sparkling dishes Dishwasher tabs 45 count -
Best for plastic-free option:
BLUELAND 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
Product Comparison: Best Detergent For Dishwasher
Best overall
Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 82 Count
Finish
- Finish is Auto Dishwashing Global Brand
- ADVANCED DISHWASHER PODS: Unleash the Quantum Leap with Finish Quantum dishwasher tabs that deliver 2X GREASE FIGHTING POWER, making them powerful dishwasher detergent pods.
- POWERFUL DISHWASHER DETERGENT: Tackle 24 HOUR DRIED-ON STAINS and stuck-on-food with these Finish dishwasher pods.
- VIRTUALLY SPOT-FREE SHINE: Unlock the power of Finish Quantum’s 3 fast dissolving chambers to enjoy a virtually spot-free shine on your dishes —from delicate wine glasses to sturdy stainless-steel pans.
- SKIP THE RINSE: Save time and water with these dish pods, specially formulated to break down tough food residues without the need for pre-rinsing. Save up to 20 gallons of water per load by skipping the rinse step.
- THREE-CHAMBER DESIGN: Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods feature three fast-dissolving chambers for a deep clean— Powder to scrub and break down stubborn, stuck-on food, Gel to cut through tough grease effortlessly, and Powerball for a sparkling shine.
- EFFORTLESS USE: Finish dishwashing pods dissolve easily, require no pre-measuring, and come in resealable packaging to help keep moisture out.
- FINISH YOUR CLEAN: Shop our range of dishwasher supplies, including our best detergent Ultimate Infinity Shine, Jet Dry rinse aid, dishwasher cleaners. Start with Finish dishwasher products today.
Best value
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods – Fresh Scent ActionPacs, Dishwasher Detergent, Dishwasher Soap, Detergent Pods, 78 Count
Cascade
- 1. GREASE FIGHTING POWER: Cascade dishwasher pods dissolve fast to release the grease fighting power of Dawn
- 2. SPOTFREE CLEAN DISHES: Get virtually spotfree sparkling clean dishes from even the toughest messes with these dishwasher detergent pods, a must-have among your cleaning supplies
- 3. WATER SAVING: Running the dishwasher daily saves water*. *ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use less than 4 gallons per cycle. Running the tap for 11 minutes while handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water
- 4. 1 RECOMMENDED BRAND: More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade based on co-marketing agreements vs. other automatic dishwasher detergent brands
- 5. CONVENIENT AND RESPONSIBLE: Convenient, premeasured ActionPac with no finicky plastic wrapping. Phosphate free, making it a responsible choice among household essentials and cleaning products
Budget gel
Cascade Complete Gel All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent – Citrus breeze – 75 oz Packaging May Vary
Cascade
- No pre-wash needed, powers away stuck-on food
- Gel formulated with the grease-fighting power of Dawn
- Pure Rinse Formula rinses cleanly away
- Citrus Breeze Scent
- Also available in Powder and ActionPacs
Deep cleaning
Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Septic Safe & Plastic-Free Dish Detergent, Orange Scent, 75oz
Finish
- Deep cleaning power
- Orange scent
- Easy-to-pour gel with refreshing lemon & orange scents
- For shinier & drier dishes vs detergent alone, add Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid
Eco-friendly pick
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)
Molly's Suds
- SPARKLING CLEAN WITHOUT HARSH CHEMICALS: Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods cut through grease & stuck-on food stains to leave dishes sparking with zero residue, streaks, or other mineral build-up. Simple and effective, Molly’s Suds products are free from ethoxylates and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
- CONVENIENT & EASY TO USE: A single auto-release pod works to clean 1 full load of dishes. Safe for use on glassware, porcelain, stainless steel, pots & pans, baby bottles and more! Simply rinse dishes with hot water prior to loading in your dishwasher (works with built-in, portable & drawer styles), add pod, select your preferred wash cycle and let Molly’s Suds do the hard work!
- MOM APPROVED: Developed by a pediatric nurse & mom with simple ingredients that really work. Created for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies in mind. Cleaner dishes, cleaner environment!
- POWERFUL YET GENTLE: Low sudsing formula contains active enzymes to dissolve food, grease & grime without the need for harsh chemicals or any rinse aids. Works well on all stain types including dried-on food, coffee & tea stains, even red wine spots! Effective with both hard and soft water.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: One 60 count bag of Dishwasher Detergent Pods. Free of harsh synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals such as ethoxylates.
Editors choice
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods, Dishwasher Detergent, Dish Detergent Soap, Mountain, 47 Count
Cascade
- Our best dishwasher detergent for up to 100% Food Residue Removal
- Only Cascade Platinum Plus contains 2X* the Dawn grease fighting power and 2X* the scrubbing power to power through dried on food *Cleaning ingredients vs Cascade Complete ActionPacs
- Removes visible and invisible residues for virtually spotfree and shiny dishes
- 40% larger liquid top for even more* cleaning power that still fits in your dishwasher detergent dispenser *vs Cascade Platinum ActionPacs
- Running the dishwasher daily saves water* Save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load *ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use 4 gallons per cycle. Running the tap for 11 minutes handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water.
- #1 Recommended Brand in North America* *More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade based on co-marketing agreements vs. other automatic dishwasher detergent brands
- Formulated to help prevent hard water spots and filming to keep your machine looking fresh and clean
- Convenient, premeasured ActionPac. Phosphate free. Safe for plumbing, safe for machines.
Pre-rinse free
Finish – All in 1 – Dishwasher Detergent – Powerball – Dishwashing Tablets – Dish Tabs – Fresh Scent, 94 Count (Pack of 1) – Packaging May Vary
Finish
- Help soften the toughest food residues like baked-on lasagna and dried-on oatmeal for easy removal
- Powerful cleaners remove even the toughest stains. No need to pre-soak or pre-rinse with Powerball cuts through grease & scrubs away burnt & dried-on food
- Each individually wrapped Finish Powerball tab provides a premeasured dose of detergent, eliminating guesswork and dissolves completely
- Rinse agent action helps rinse away residues, eliminating spots and film for a sparkling shine
- Finish is the worldwide leader in dishwashing and is the recommended brand worldwide by more dishwashing brands than any other brand
Sensitive-safe
Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Liquid Gel, Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap, Lemon, 75oz
Cascade
- Formulated with biobased* and other thoughtfully selected ingredients. *45% biobased ingredients
- More tough food-cleaning ingredients (vs. Cascade Original Gel)
- No Chlorine Bleach. No Phosphates. No Heavy Perfumes.
- Powers Away 24 Hr. Stuck on Food
- Use with Cascade Power Dry Rinse Aid and Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner for our best clean
- Running the dishwasher daily saves water* Save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load when you skip the pre-wash *ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use 4 gallons per cycle. Running the tap for 11 minutes handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water.
- #1 Recommended Brand in North America* *More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade based on co-marketing agreements vs. other automatic dishwasher detergent brands
Biobased power
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs Free & Clear Pack of 2 for sparkling dishes Dishwasher tabs 45 count
Seventh Generation
- LEAVES DISHES SPARKLING CLEAN: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Packs have a formula that cuts through tough grease and food residue
- FREE FROM: Our powerful dishwasher soap is free of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach
- EASY TO USE: Convenient single dose dishwasher packs – just toss right into the dishwasher
- BIOBASED CLEANING POWER: This dishwasher soap is a USDA Certified Biobased Product, 79%
- LESS PLASTIC: Seventh Generation dishwasher packs come in 90% plastic-free packaging
- Caring today for the next seven generations with Seventh Generation dishwasher detergent pods
Plastic-free option
BLUELAND 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, 60 Count, Free & Clear, Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Pods, Natural, USDA Certified biobased
BLUELAND
- PLASTIC-FREE, ECO FRIENDLY DISHWASHER DETERGENT TABLETS. Hardworking without the harsh chemicals, our NEW and improved, eco-friendly Dishwasher Detergent Tablets cut grease and grime with 100% plastic-free tablets for a sparkling clean you can feel good about. Say goodbye to conventional PVA-wrapped dishwasher pods and hello to plastic-free tablets that are just as easy to use.
- POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE: NEW 2x enzyme power lifts 48-hr baked-on foods, plus oxi stain-fighting action tackles coffee tea and wine stains
- EASY TO USE: Drop a tablet directly into the main dishwasher dispenser and run your dishwasher as normal.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS. Microplastic-free, septic-safe formula made with plant and mineral-based cleaning power so it’s powerful enough to combat spotting and filming even in hard water, but safe for use around everyone in the family. Formulated clean without potentially gut-harming ingredients. EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, Vegan, B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral, USDA Bio-Preferred.
- Questions or concerns about your purchase? Contact our Blueland Customer Experience Team and we’ll help make it right!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which detergent is best for removing tough grease?
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods are designed to cut grease effectively.
What option is ideal for sensitive skin or allergies?
Cascade Free & Clear and Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs are free of dyes and fragrances.
Which detergent is eco-friendly and plastic-free?
BLUELAND Dishwasher Detergent Tablets are 100% plastic-free.
What detergent works best for hard water areas?
Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are formulated to tackle hard water stains.
Which product is best for a deep clean?
Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent provides advanced deep cleaning power.
Are there alternatives to pods for dishwasher use?
Cascade Complete Gel and Seventh Generation Detergent Packs offer liquid gel or powder options.
Which detergent is most cost-effective for large households?
BLUELAND Tablets (60 count) provide a high number of uses per package.
