Detergents that are used in the dishwasher come in various formulations. The best non toxic dishwasher detergents are designed in such a way that they clean the dished effectively and, most importantly, safely.
It doesn’t really matter if you clean your dishes by hand or in the dishwasher. At the end of the day, the detergent that you use will get into the environment. So this means that detergents with harmful ingredients like formaldehyde and chlorine bleach are not only harmful to your health but the environment too.
It’s very important for you to go green and start using natural and eco-friendly dishwasher detergents both for your health’s sake and that of the environment.
Top 3 Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent On The Market – Comparison Table:
Top 10 Best Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Reviews
The world of non toxic dishwasher detergents has and still is growing exponentially. As a result, there are endless options for you to choose from. If you are looking to make the switch to eco-friendly, we are happy that you bumped into this article.
In this part of the article, we are going to review 10 of the best dishwasher detergents that are in the market. Each review will cover specific product information as well as the pros and cons. Find out what makes each detergent the best of the best.
1. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods, 65 Count Powder & Gel Dish Detergent
The first product on our list specializes in removing all kinds of dirt that have dried up and gotten stuck on the dishes. These detergent pods are formulated with grease-fighting power so they release their cleaning power that dissolves all the grime and grease, removing stains without leaving a soapy residue behind.
Thanks to the biodegradable surfactants, the dishes dry up faster and so water doesn’t stick to them causing them to look dull. The calcium and magnesium particles in water are neutralized leaving the dishes looking spotless. With just one pod, you can clean an entire heavy load without requiring a prewash or an additional rinse aid.
This detergent is easy to use and leaves your dishware clean with a fresh lemon scent. No harsh or toxic chemicals are used in the manufacturing process; the detergent contains natural citric extracts that power it to remove even the toughest and most stubborn stains. It’s completely free from phosphates which make it an eco-friendly cleaning product.
- Safe and eco-friendly
- Powerful, and effective
- Pods are convenient – no measuring needed
- Removed tough stains, grease, and food residues
- The scent can be overpowering
- Not many fragrance options are available
2. Puracy Natural Dishwasher Detergent Packs, 50 Count, Natural Enzyme Powder
These pods from Puracy Platinum are designed to give you the ultimate results with just one pod per load. The powerful plant-powered performance rules out the need for pre-soaking or pre-washing and this helps you save water. With this detergent, you’re guaranteed to achieve maximum results no matter what dishwasher model you’re using.
Being quick-to-dissolve, the pod releases the plant and mineral-derived enzymes which start working on the films and stains very early in the dishwashing cycle. This product can handle anything and everything from minimal grease to burnt-on baked food without leaving any spots or residues. Even when you use hard water, the detergent ensures that no notable spots are left.
This dishwasher pod is genuinely free from all those chemicals that are commonly found in cleaning detergents like chlorine bleach, phosphates, and formaldehyde. This product is 99.5% natural as it is made up of safe and biodegradable ingredients that are free from any harsh chemicals and fumes. It’s also non-abrasive and improves the longevity of your dishes. You don’t have to worry about the silverware discoloring, corroding, or getting scratches.
- Easy to use
- Quick dissolving
- Works with hard water
- Biodegradable and hypoallergenic
- Relatively expensive
3. Grab Green Dishwasher Pods Review, Organic Enzymed-Powdered, 80 Loads
The Grab Green dishwashing powder is another one of the best natural dishwasher detergents available in the market that leave your utensils with a dazzling shine. The powder is packaged in a recyclable box with a Velcro closure that’s convenient and very easy to use. The package comes with a convenient scoop inside for easy measurements.
This all-rounder product is formulated to work well with both hard and soft water and it prevents hard water filming on your dishes. When you pour the powder into your dishwasher you don’t have to worry about chlorine bleach and phosphates polluting the environment.
The organic enzyme-powered product with a phosphate-free formula is concentrated and powerful thus giving you great value. Unlike their liquid counterparts, powder detergents are not diluted and so you get effective results with half the product. This detergent will tackle almost all your difficult dish challenges without harsh chemicals, harmful toxins, or carcinogens. It’s a blend of the finest naturally-derived ingredients. Overall, it’s safe for you, your family, and the environment too.
We love that it comes in an unscented version.
- Superior cleaning power
- Velcro closure for easy opening and closing
- You receive plenty of product for the price
- The powder can be messy
4. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs, Lemon Verbena, 20 ct, 3 un
Our next recommendation is the Mrs. Meyer Clean Day Automatic Dish Soap Packs that come in a pre-measured compact form that loads easily and fits right into the detergent compartment of the dishwasher. The soap tablets are safe for use in all machines. They dissolve to rapidly release powerful, non-abrasive cleaners that breakthrough the tough stains without damaging the dishes.
In addition to leaving your dishes clean after each wash, the automatic dish soap packs are very easy to use. If you like, you can use the soap to hand-wash your dishes whenever you like. Since is it doesn’t contain any harsh additives, it’s gentle on the hands and doesn’t harm sensitive skin.
This effective cleaning product has concentrated cleaning power and is free of phosphates. It’s bursting with a refreshingly mild citrus fragrance. It scrubs away grime leaving the dishes sparkling clean and safe for use. This dishwasher detergent is toxin-free as it doesn’t contain any phosphates or chlorine bleach. It works on the grease in a very similar manner like how enzymes function inside our bodies to help digest food.
- Refreshing scent
- Quick dissolving
- Easy to use
- The package is easy to tear open
- Heavy loads need more product
5. Cascade Platinum Actionpacs Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent, 78 count
With a catchy name and attention-catching package, this detergent right here works magic in bringing fun back into doing the dishes. This explains why it’s one of the most popular natural dishwasher detergents in the market.The Cascade Complete ActionPacs dishwasher detergent is perfect for environmentally conscious people as it is made using ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients. The ingredients used are either mineral-derived or plant-derived. The formulation is completely hypoallergenic with a fresh scent. It’s a safe option for you and your family.
The action-packed detergent with grease-fighting capabilities dissolves quickly to unleash a cleansing power that delivers impeccable results. It gets rid of even the toughest dried baked-on residues because the cleaning power is cleans released very early in the cycle so the load is cleaned effectively and no spots are left.
This versatile product comes in different package sizes giving you the option of choosing a size that suits your needs. Larger package sizes are ideal for larger families and vice versa. Also, it comes in both scented and unscented varieties.
- No-prewash needed
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Fresh scent
Dissolves quickly
- Not very effective in hard water
6. Better Life Dishwasher Detergent, 30oz (Pack of 2), 24073
For streak-free dishes without using unnecessary chemicals that are harmful to the environment, use the Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent. This eco-friendly dishwasher gel is made of 100% plant and mineral-derived ingredients. This makes it people and planet-friendly. The Better Life Company focuses on using biodegradable ingredients for their products and it’s no different for the gel in question
It is a very effective detergent that is formulated free of harmful and irritating chemicals. It doesn’t contain any phosphates, bleach, dyes, fragrance, or preservatives. This ultra-concentrated get works on stubborn stains as well as stuck-on leftovers leaving your dishes dazzlingly clean. You no longer have to worry about cloudy dishes with traces of spots and films.
With every spray, pour, or pump, this gel proves to be one of the world’s safest and most powerful cleaners. To use with your dishwasher, you first have to shake it up and squirt about a tablespoon or so into the detergent’s compartment. The liquid gel is easy to pour into the dishwasher as compared to its powder counterparts and it, therefore, reduces spillage.
- No mess
- Eco-friendly
- Very easy to use
- Relatively affordable
- Requires pre-washing
- Additional rinsing product may be needed
7. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets, Citrus, 45 Count
Degreasing, cleaning, and shining your dishes is now possible with just one product. Each pre-measured and fast-dissolving Ecover Automatic Dishwasher soap tablet is powerful enough to handle all these tasks. Although powerful, it’s formulated in such a way that it won’t harm the planet or the people in it. It is biodegradable and free from chlorine and phosphates which are toxic to aquatic life.
The box contains 45 individual soap tablets so they can last a while. These easy-to-use automatic dishwasher tablets provide an intense cleaning action that gets rid of stubborn, stuck-on food residues. This detergent uses its grease-cutting power to remove the toughest grease films leaving the dishes with a sparkling shine.
What’s more, this biodegradable detergent is made using plant-based as well as mineral-based ingredients that not only clean the dishes effectively but also take extra care of your dishes, glasses, and silverware.
Besides powering away stuck-on food, the soap tablets’ formulation helps to prevent hard water filming, staining, and formation of any residues. In addition, it uses several natural enzymes to help break up stuck food debris
- Biodegradable
- No pre-washing/soaking needed
- Helps save water
- Strong smell
8. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs, Basil, 20 ct, 3 un
The Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs are created without chlorine bleach, dyes, phosphates, or any animal-based ingredients. They deliver superior cleaning, degreasing, and stain removal power that is sufficient to take care of the toughest of loads. The non toxic dishwasher detergent is safe for use with all machines and leaves the dishes sparkling clean.
The tabs are available in garden-inspired scents and load easily into the dishwasher. When used, they give off a cool, crisp, fresh, and exotic scent that is uplifting and inviting. Thanks to the carefully selected ingredients, this top-tier product does not cause any allergic reactions.
This convenient dishwashing detergent contains a plant-based water softener that makes it okay to use with hard water. Softened water works on the spots and stains very easily and also prevents the formation of films. The surfactants present holds the food particles in suspension making them very easy to rinse away and this reduced the chanced of residue-formation.
- Eco-friendly
- Cool, crisp basil scent
- Easy to use
- Occasionally leaves a residue
9. Nature Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Naturally Derived, Fragrance Free, 60 Count
This particular dishwasher detergent has an extremely eco-friendly formula and leaves your dishes squeaky clean. Being environmentally responsible and toxin-free means that this detergent is a steal and its competitors got nothing on it. The ingredients are safe for your family and for the planet too. Clean your dirty dishes with this effective dishwashing detergent that is free of harsh and toxic chemicals.
Something else that we love about the high-performance Nature Clean Automatic Dishwasher Pacs is that they remove all the mess that has been stuck on the dishes even for more than 24 hours. It doesn’t matter how long the dishes were undone for, they will still come out clean and residue-free. Burnt-on pasta or baked-on lasagna dishes are nothing that this product can’t handle.
This product is vegan, gluten-free, septic, kosher, and grey-water safe. If you’re still not so sure about this detergent, take a look at the pros and cons we put together.
- Eco-friendly formula
- Fragrance-free
- Powerful stain removal
- Additional product may be needed in hard water
10. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder – 2.2lbs (80 scoops)
Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder is made of simple and natural ingredients that leave behind nothing but clean dishes. The phosphate-free formula keeps the environment as spotless as your dishes. It’s safe for you and your entire family so if you have babies or young kids you have nothing to worry about.
The powder’s ingredients are sodium chloride, sodium, sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium metasilicate, sodium silicate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, and protease. The protease enzyme cuts through grease and grime delivering a maximum rate of reaction that kick-starts the process of spotless cleaning.
The detergent tackles dried-on foods by breaking it down and washing it off. the dirt gets lifted off quickly and becomes suspended in the cleaning solution so that it doesn’t stick back to the dishes.
Thanks to its intense grease-fighting power, no pre-soaking or pre-washing is required with this detergent. This has really helped this product earn the “good housekeeping” seal and become a favorite across thousands of homes. Even though this product comes last on this list, that doesn’t mean that it’s also last in terms of results compared to other detergents on the market.
The detergent powers through the toughest baked-on and dried-up foods.
- Biodegradable
- Phosphate and chlorine-free
- Works well with hard and soft water
- May not clean glassware perfectly
- Can cause the pipes to clog if the detergent compartment is wet
Top 10 Best Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Comparison Table
Product Title | Brand | Scent | Item Form | Item Weight | Item Dimension | Review |
Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent | Lemi Shine | Lemon | Tablet | 2.38 Pounds | 6.5 x 4 x 11.5 inches | |
Puracy Natural Dishwasher Detergent Packs | Puracy | Free & Clear | Pac | 1.8 Pounds | 5 x 3 x 7 inches | |
Grab Green Dishwasher Pods | Grab Green | Unscented | Powder | 1.45 Kilograms | 9.5 x 4.5 x 10 inches | |
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs | MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY | Lemon Verbena | Tablet | 0.42 Pounds | 6.88 x 5.63 x 9.75 inches | |
Cascade Platinum Actionpacs Dishwasher Detergent | Cascade | Fresh | Pac | 3.23 pounds | 5.5 x 6.75 x 7.25 inches | |
Better Life Dishwasher Detergent | Better Life | Unscented | Liquid, Gel | 4.36 Pounds | 5.5 x 3.75 x 10.25 inches | |
Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets | Method | Citrus | Liquid | 2.12 Pounds | 2.87 x 7.44 x 5.39 inches | |
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs | MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY | Basil | Tablet | 0.42 Pounds | 6.88 x 5.63 x 9.75 inches | |
Nature Clean Dishwasher Detergent | NATURE CLEAN | Unscented | Pac | 2.65 Pounds | 4.9 x 6.9 x 5.5 inches | |
Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder | Nellie's | Unscented | Powder | 2.2 Pounds | 3.25 x 3.25 x 5.5 inches |
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)
1. Can dishwasher detergent make you sick?
Yes, dishwasher detergent can make you sick if you sallow it but the harm is very little. They don’t damage people’s health seriously. Dis washers are made by using various chemicals such as Sodium Carbonate and Potassium Carbonate. It also can harm your face skin. So, you or someone sallow it contacts your local helpline.
2. Is detergent residue harmful?
Detergent contains harmful chemicals like 1,4 dioxane. 1,4 dioxane causes many health hazards such as skin irritation, headache, damage to the throat if swallowed.
3. How do I stop my dishwasher from leaving residue?
You may notice dishwasher leaves residue after washing kitchen utensils. There is an easy solution for you to get rid of this.
Use 2 cups of white vinegar in the dishwasher and run the dishwasher through a complete washing cycle. Do not use detergent.
4. Is dishwasher detergent toxic?
Not all dishwasher detergent contains toxic. You have to find the best one that doesn’t contain toxic and also work fine with your machine. Here is a list of toxics given for you-
• Phosphate
• Sulfate
• Chlorine
• Ammonia
• Triclosan
5. How do you use dishwasher pods?
Using a detergent dishwasher pod is super easy. All most all the pods work the same way. Just put the pod inside the dishwasher drawer and set the preference then run it. That’s pretty much
Verdict
The endless options for non toxic dishwasher detergent are highly confusing. This is why we put together a list of the top 10 products available in the market. They come in a wide range of formula types and have multiple fragrance choices too but most importantly, they all meet the standards in terms of effectiveness, using safe ingredients, and the overall impact on the environment.
When choosing a dishwasher detergent, go for one that suits your family’s needs and also contributes to the health of the environment in one way or another. For us, the best overall has to be the Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent pods. Try it too and tell us your experience with it. You could also head over to Amazon and see how this detergent is praised by other users.