9 best dishwasher soaps

Dishwasher soaps, often referred to as dishwasher detergents, are specially formulated cleaning agents designed for use in automatic dishwashing machines. They are crucial for effectively cleaning and sanitizing dishes, glassware, cutlery, and cookware. Here are some key points about dishwasher soaps:

  1. Types of Dishwasher Soaps:

    • Powder Detergents: These granulated detergents are poured into the detergent dispenser of the dishwasher. They have been a traditional choice for many households.
    • Liquid Detergents: Liquid dishwasher detergents come in bottles and are poured into the detergent dispenser. They are known for their convenience and effectiveness in removing tough stains.
    • Pods or Tablets: These are pre-measured detergent packets that you simply place in the detergent dispenser. They are convenient and reduce the risk of overusing detergent.
    • Gel Detergents: Gel detergents have a thicker consistency and are squeezed into the dispenser. They are known for their ease of use.
  2. Ingredients:

    • Dishwasher soaps typically contain a combination of surfactants, enzymes, bleach, and other cleaning agents. These ingredients work together to break down food residue, grease, and stains on dishes.
  3. Cleaning Power:

    • Dishwasher soaps are formulated to remove a wide range of food particles and stains, including dried-on or baked-on residues.
  4. Rinse Aid Compatibility:

    • Many dishwasher soaps are designed to be used in conjunction with rinse aids.Rinse aids help prevent water spots and ensure that dishes come out sparkling clean and dry.
  5. Hard Water vs. Soft Water:

    • The effectiveness of dishwasher soaps can be influenced by the hardness of the water in your area. In hard water areas, detergents may need additional water softeners to perform optimally.
  6. Eco-Friendly Options:

    • There are eco-friendly dishwasher soaps available that are formulated to be biodegradable and free from phosphates and chlorine. These options are better for the environment.
  7. Precautions:

    • It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific dishwasher and soap to achieve the best results.
    • Some dishwasher soaps may contain chemicals that can be harmful if ingested, so it's crucial to store them out of reach of children.
    • It's recommended to avoid using regular dish soap or handwashing detergent in a dishwasher, as they can create excessive suds and damage the machine.
  8. Dishwasher Maintenance:

    • Regular cleaning and maintenance of your dishwasher can also impact the effectiveness of dishwasher soaps. Cleaning the filters, spray arms, and interior of the dishwasher can help ensure optimal performance.

In summary, dishwasher soaps are essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen by effectively cleaning dishes and cookware in automatic dishwashers. There are various types and formulations available to suit different preferences and water conditions. Proper usage and maintenance of both the dishwasher and soap are crucial for achieving the best results.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best dishwasher soaps on the market
  

Finish Dishwasher Detergent Gel Liquid, Lemon Scent, 75oz

Finish

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Looking for a powerful gel dishwasher detergent. Our finish gel works hard to give you deep cleaning power plus amazing shine boost to remove tough food stains like coffee and tea. This powerful gel works fast to get your dishes sparkling clean.

  • Deep cleaning power
  • Lemon scent
  • 75 ounce

User questions & answers

Question: It was recommended for our Bosch dishwasher to deal with smell. Bottle has no directions for amount. We were told to use very little but how much
Answer: The new version cleans pots and pans better
Question: Is this supposed to be runny? I bought a bottle of Finish dishwasher gel for the first time, at my local grocery store. It is so watery
Answer: I actually called Cascade directly to ask them that exact question. The answer they gave me is that the lemon scent is just added fragrance only & contains NO lemon juice at all. Hope that helps!šŸ™‚
Question: Is this 75 oz 4 something pound or 1 lb as the specs say
Answer: Finish Powerball Tabs are approximately 1.5" x 1.0" x 0.5". Additionally, the tabs can be placed on the floor of the dishwasher. We appreciate your interest in our product.
Question: Is this septic safe
Answer: The tab is just enough, nothing extra needed.

Product features

Cuts Through Greasy Messes
Removes Tough Tea Stains
4x Power Actions
World's #1 Recommended Brand*

*More dishwasher brands recommend Finish products worldwide than any other brand. Recommendations as part of co-marketing agreements (55% of world's dishwasher brands recommended Finish products) Euromonitor, 2016

Our Ultimate Clean & Shine

Upgrade to our New Finish Quantum which gives you the next level of clean. Three separate fast-dissolving chambers deliver three power actions. Because there’s clean. Then there’s so clean it shines.

Get More With Finish Dishwasher Gel!

Finish Dishwasher Gel is an alternative to traditional dishwasher powder because of the fast action & fast dissolving capabilities of gel & deep cleaning power of powder.

Provides the ultimate clean & shine

New Finish Quantum has 3 separate fast dissolving chambers, delivering 3 different power actions; break down and lift toughest messes, grease cutting power, and a finishing boost of shine.

Dries dishes & prevents spots

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid has a glass protection ingredient for 100% better drying and shinier dishes * vs detergent alone *on cutlery & plastics.

Cleans hidden grease & limescale for cleaner dishes

You may think your dishwasher is clean, but day after day, limescale and grease build up in hidden and vital parts. Use Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner once a month for an amazingly clean, fresh and well-maintained dishwasher.

Tough spot & film removal even in hard water

Finish Booster is the solution for your hard water problems! Finish Booster works with your dishwasher detergent for crystal clear dishes and an amazingly clean dishwasher every time, even in hard.

Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent

Cascade

Based on 58 reviews Check latest price

Product description

abc

  • Tougher than baked-on food messes
  • No pre-wash needed. Cleans 24-hour stuck-on food so well you can skip the pre-wash. This can save up to 15 gallons of water per dishwasher load!
  • For best results, use with Cascade Rinse Aid and Dishwasher Cleaner
  • No premeasuring needed: Cascade ActionPacs are convenient and easy to use. No finicky wrapping.
  • Dissolves quickly to unleash cleaning power early in the cycle

Finish All In 1, Dishwasher Detergent - Powerball - Dishwashing Tablets - Dish Tabs, Fresh Scent, 94 Count Each

Finish

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thanks to a unique and powerful dishwashing technology, Finish All In 1 Powerball Dishwasher Detergent Tabs give you an amazing clean and Finish Jet-Dry shine every time - which means you will never have to re-wash your dishes again in your dishwasher.

  • Help soften the toughest food residues like baked-on lasagna and dried-on oatmeal for easy removal
  • Powerful cleaners remove even the toughest stains
  • 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 #1 recommended brand worldwide by more dishwashing brands than any other brand

User questions & answers

Question: pod dimension?. "fat" pods often stick dispenser door shut, so soap never makes it into machine. i need thickness and side of pod in inches
Answer: $3.99 .... (I'm sorry, I couldn't let this pass)
Question: Do we need to add the water softener salt too along with the tabs? or is just a tab is enough
Answer: My package says "Made in USA" That was one of the selling points. In the description it says that the wool is from domestic sheep and is in support of American farms.
Question: Are these the newer style that have the clear wrappers that dissolve in the dishwasher rather than the ones you have to open yourself
Answer: These are used to help prevent static
Question: Are these dishwasher safe
Answer: Two
Question: have these been bleached/dyed
Answer: I don't really know but I doubt it. The balls keep the clothes moving and separated so they avoid wrinkles. I don't like dryer sheets and their chemical smell...so really love these dryer balls.
Question: Drying a King duck down duvet - would these help? Large large loads
Answer: These are plastic. They are pretty hard and dont soften in the dryer
Question: What is the difference between the $19.99 and the $23.98 versions of these dryer balls
Answer: I believe New Zealand.
Question: A little green bee website says in one spot balls are made from usa wool and in another that it's new zealand wool. which is it
Answer: I have had them for approximately 3 plus months and work just like new. I plan to wash them each in a thin sock on hot in wash machine and dry on high if they need to be cleaned/refreshed.

Product features

Cuts Through Greasy Messes
Scrubs Away Dried-On Oatmeal
Removes Tough Tea Stains
Supercharged Tab

The Finish All In 1 Powerball supercharges the tablet, which cuts through even one of the toughest grease for a deep clean. The Powerball cuts through greasy messes, scrubs away dried-on food, removes tough stains like grease & tea, and attacks burnt-on cheese.

Easy To Use!

Finish All In 1 Powerball tabs are individually wrapped and easy to use. Just unwrap 1 tab, place it in your main dishwasher detergent compartment & close, and then start your wash.

World’s #1 Recommended Brand*

*More dishwasher brands recommend Finish products worldwide than any other brand. Recommendations as part of co-marketing agreements. (*55% of World’s Dishwasher brands recommended Finish products) Euromonitor, 2016.

Our Best Clean & Shine

Upgrade to our New Finish Quantum which gives you the next level of clean. Three separate fast-dissolving chambers deliver three power actions. Because there’s clean. Then there’s so clean it shines.

Provides the ultimate clean & shine

New Finish Quantum has 3 separate fast dissolving chambers, delivering 3 different power actions; break down and lift toughest messes, grease cutting power, and a finishing boost of shine.

Dries dishes & prevents spots

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid has a glass protection ingredient for 100% better drying and shinier dishes * vs detergent alone *on cutlery & plastics.

Cleans hidden grease & limescale for cleaner dishes

You may think your dishwasher is clean, but day after day, limescale and grease build up in hidden and vital parts. Use Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner once a month for an amazingly clean, fresh and well-maintained dishwasher.

Tough spot & film removal even in hard water

Finish Booster is the solution for your hard water problems! Finish Booster works with your dishwasher detergent for crystal clear dishes and an amazingly clean dishwasher every time, even in hard.

Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods, ActionPacs Detergent, Lemon, 70 Count

Cascade

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cascade Platinum PLUS+ ActionPacs dishwasher detergent is formulated with POWER BOOSTER to give your dishes a powerful clean. This premium product also has the grease-fighting power of Dawn built in.Ā  Platinum PLUS+ powers away burn-on food, so there's no need to pre-wash! Cascade Platinum ActionPacs use three cleaning agents that dissolve, lift, and rinse away food. It also works in hard water and soft water to leave your dishes sparkling and your machine looking fresh and clean.

  • No pre-wash needed. Cascade Platinum PLUS+ dishwasher detergent cleans 24-hour stuck-on food so well you can skip the pre-wash. This can save up to 15 gallons of water per dishwasher load!
  • ActionPacs are formulated with the grease-fighting power of Dawn dish soap. Formulated with POWER BOOSTER.
  • Cascade Platinum PLUS+ ActionPacs dishwashing detergent dissolve, lift, and rinse away food.
  • #1 Recommended Brand in North America. More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade vs. any other automatic dishwashing detergent brand, recommendations as part of co-marketing agreements
  • Premeasured Actionpac dissolves quickly to unleash cleaning power early in the cycle; No finicky wrapping.Phosphate free.

User questions & answers

Question: What Is The Shelf Life
Answer: you have to open these and then what's really frustrating is that you cannot simply slip it out of the wrapper and drop it into your dishwasher dispenser ... noooooo ... you must touch this thing that is most likely full of chemicals and place it by hand into the dispenser..... so frustrating ... I absolutely hate touching this thing ... so I will not be buying these again!
Question: What's the difference between cascade complete and cascade platnum. i know platinum is supposed to be better, but is it? and why
Answer: Are your dishes dishwasher safe? If not, don’t use itšŸ¤¦šŸ½ā€ā™€ļø
Question: What exactly is the difference between this, the ā€˜new version’ - Platinum Plus, and the ā€˜old version’ platinum
Answer: To my knowledge they are completely natural. I have been very satisfied with this product.
Question: Do these contain actual lemon juice? My silverware says not to use detergent with lemon juice
Answer: Yes I believe they would. I would use all of them when doing that. It will help move it around inside to get the air circulating better. I really like these and have noticed that things dry a little more quickly.

Seventh Generation Fragrance Free Dishwasher Detergent Pack, 45 Count, 2 Pack

Seventh Generation

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

When life is busy, don’t let messes slow you down. Seventh Generation dish detergent packs offer a convenient and powerful clean that blasts through tough residue to leave your dishes streak-free with just one wash, no pre-rinse necessary. Our single dose dishwasher packs come in a dissolvable PVA film that can be tossed right into the dishwasher for a hassle-free alternative to traditional powders and gels – no need to unwrap or measure. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods are made with plant-based ingredients free of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach. Because trust us, we can handle the job without them.



For more than 25 years, Seventh Generation has been thoughtfully formulating safe and effective plant-based products that work. Really well. Our dishwasher soap uses powerful plant-based ingredients like surfactants and enzymes to break down tough residue and lift away food leaving your dishes sparkling clean. So how does it all work? The dishwasher tablets enzymes cut through grease and food by breaking down starch and protein-based residue while the surfactants remove dirt and grease by holding the molecules in suspension so they can wash away. Yes, even those fussy egg stains.



Based in Vermont, Seventh Generation is proud to be a Certified B Corporation. B Corps are certified to be better for workers, better for communities, and better for the environment. By choosing Seventh Generation products, you’re joining us in nurturing the health of the next seven generations.

  • Enzyme rich formula cuts through tough grease and food residue to leave dishes sparkling clean
  • Free of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach
  • Convenient single dose dishwasher pods, just toss right into the dishwasher
  • USDA certified bio based product 78%
  • Dishwasher packs come in an easy to use resealable pouch
  • Caring today for the next seven generations

User questions & answers

Question: Are these a pod of liquid or a solid powder
Answer: I just got only 1 bottle instead of 3. I'm contacting the seller to get this resolved. Otherwise I feel cheated for having the most expensive bottle of dishwasher detergent ever.
Question: Do they work well with hard water
Answer: That would be 45 ounces in each bottle. So 3 bottles should = 135 ounces. More than enough to to coat your dishwasher (and dishes) with a disgusting white residue!
Question: Does the packet wrapper dissolve in the washer or do you have to unwrap it
Answer: You fill the little detergent holder in the door. It's pretty small and I'd say you'd only get about a tablespoon of the stuff in there, maybe less. But just fill the little dish. Then close it. (I don't have a Bosch, so I don't know how it closes.) Turn your dishwasher on and away you go. The Finish All-in-One tablets work just as well. Not sure why they recommended it for the smell. I find that I have to use dishwasher cleaner now and then (you can find that at any grocery or big box store) to get rid of the smell when we have been eating too much fish. But the Finish detergent is really excellent, especially with dried-on foods.
Question: Is it cruelty free
Answer: Shake it up before your first use. It should be fairly runny, but not watery.

Palmolive Eco Dishwasher Detergent Gel, Lemon Splash - 45 ounce (3 Pack)

Palmolive

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

You want sparkling clean dishes, but you also want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Now you can have both! Palmolive Eco+ Gel dishwasher detergent provides powerful cleaning action and its formula is phosphate free, a common dish-washing agent that may be harmful to lakes and streams. It maintains full cleaning power to get your dishes to a sparkling shine without any residue. Ample cleansers whisk away dirt, grease and grime. A fresh, lemon scent makes the everyday task of cleaning your dishes rewarding to the senses. The large-size bottle features an integrated handle and a clean-pouring squeeze spout for easy use.

  • Liquid dishwasher detergent that whisks away dirt, grease, and grime
  • Friendly to lakes and streams
  • Fresh Lemon scent
  • Liquid gel formula full of cleaning power
  • Phosphate-free

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a regular dish detergent? Or have to use for dishwasher
Answer: Good Morning. The Volume is 75 ounces. The 4 pound number on the bottle refers to the total weight which has nothing to do with the Volume of the container. I'm not sure why the manufacturer includes a weight number unless it's a "government" regulation. Don't have a clue as to why the shipping weight shows 1+lbs. Just ignore the shipping weight and know the volume in the bottle is 75 ounces.
Question: Is this product rate or been certified to be septic safe
Answer: I do not known if this septic safe . I been using this same dishwasher detergent for years and can tell you I never had any issues.
Question: Title says "pack of 3", image says "3 pack", shipping weight is 9.2 (3)... seller says listing is for 1 bottle. For posterity, how many did you get
Answer: Our Pacs have a shelf life of 18 months.
Question: is each bottle 45 ounces or is that the total for all three
Answer: The Cascade Platinum is designed to give you the best clean for your dishes while also keeping your dishwasher clean and eliminating the need for a rinse aid. Cascade Complete will still get you a great clean, however we'd recommend using with Cascade Rinse Aid and Dishwasher Cleaner.

Product features

Family’s Favorite

Cook up that cheesy casserole, that grease-sticking roast, that gooey lasagna, and all your family favorites. Make every dinner one to remember and let Palmolive help with difficult cleanups.

You make the memories. We’ll handle the mess.

Easily Cuts Grease

Ultra Palmolive is there to help with the greasiest dishes, so cook up your family favorite!

Residue-free Clean

Ultra Palmolive leaves your dishes sparkling clean.

Fights Odor

Ultra Palmolive fights food odor and leaves your dishes smelling fresh and clean.

Cleans More Greasy Dishes—

Get more cleaning per drop with Ultra Palmolive.

Removes 24 Hour Stuck-On Food

Stuck-on food? No problem! Ultra Palmolive lifts away even 24 hour stuck-on food.

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel with Powerful Citric Acid, Lemon Scent, 42 oz (6 Pack)

Seventh Generation

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Caring today for the next seven generations with Seventh Generation dishwasher liquid. Dishwasher Gel is septic safe.

  • Seventh Generation Lemon Dishwasher Detergent Gel advanced cleaning technology cuts through grease leaving dishes streak-free and sparkling clean
  • A dishwasher detergent with a safe* and effective formula made with plant-based ingredients
  • This Dishwasher gel is free of synthetic fragrances, chlorine, phosphate, and dyes
  • USDA Certified 65% Bio-based natural dishwasher detergent liquid
  • The lemon scent of this dish detergent is derived from 100% essential oils and botanical extract
  • Caring today for the next seven generations with Seventh Generation dishwasher liquid

User questions & answers

Question: Does it have the latest formula cz earlier change they made in their formulation used to leave glasses cloudy
Answer: Dear Friend, Thanks for your question. Phomemo PM-201 shipping label printer compatible with both of rolls and fanfold thermal labels, the fanfold labels feed from the back. Thanks. Best wishes Phomemo Service Team
Question: Can it be used as standalone dish soap as well
Answer: Dear friend, Thanks for your question. Phomemo thermal label printer can't work with your smartphone, it can only work with your mac book or your windows conputer. Besides, you can download the mac driver from the Phomemo Official Website(phomemo.com). Thanks Best Regards Phomemo Service Team
Question: Is this product paraben-free
Answer: Dear Friend, Thanks for your question. Phomemo PM-201 thermal label printer compatible with Windows & Mac OS, so you can use the printer with your MacBook Air. Thanks. Best wishes Phomemo Service Team
Question: Is this product tested on animals
Answer: Dear Friend, Thanks for your question. One-step to install the driver. The 4x6 shipping printer driver is included in the U disk; just put U disk in the computer, install then the printer gets ready to work. Moreover, you can download the driver from the Phomemo Official Website (phomemo.com). Thanks. Best wishes Phomemo Service Team

Finish All in 1 Gelpacs Orange, Dishwasher Detergent Tablets 84 count

Finish

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It has 3X concentrated cleaning power of regular Finish Gel

  • Easy-to-use, pre-measured dishwasher pacs with a refreshing orange scent
  • Powerful cleaners remove the toughest stains & gently scrub your dishes and glasses sparkling clean
  • To use properly, remove one gelpac and place in the main detergent cup & close completely
  • 84Gelpacs = 84wash loads

User questions & answers

Question: How do I subscribe & save as advertized
Answer: Yes! I think I've just learned a hint that might help you. Of course, have your water temp hot enough (120-140 degrees F) and clean your filters and spinner arms regularly. Helpful Hint: once dishwasher is completely loaded with dirty dishes, take a paper towel and thoroughly (obsessively??) wipe dry the dispenser where you will put the Pac. If there is any moisture at all, the Pac may begin softening/dissolving, but then hardens when the heat,even of the water, begins. Then the Pac adheres to the dispenser or only partially empties, hardening rather than dissolving. (I obviously don't know the science behind this, but after 2 months of having to do all our dishes twice, I am so relieved to find a simple answer to an annoying and wasteful and inefficient situation. Good luck!
Question: Are these arriving stuck together still a common issue? i want to subscribe but not if it's going to be a hassle
Answer: My dishwasher has a compartment that they go into. But I have just thrown one in before for extra soap and nothing bad happen...So yeah I think it would be fine just don't let them touch the heating element, Put it in the corner farthest away from the heat :-)
Question: Diswasher has to places for soap. First is open the second dispenser has a lid on it. Which do I use
Answer: I have really hard water so I have to have salt in my water softener or else I still have hard water spots on my dishes with these pods. So, I think that would depend on how hard your water is.
Question: I'm curious? Since When did "2 day prime" become 7 days
Answer: Solid powder. I love these pods, they work very well.

Product features

Cuts Through Greasy Messes
Scrubs Away Dried-On Oatmeal
Removes Burnt-On Food
Quick Dissolving Cleaning Power

This gelpac has pre-soakers that burst into action to scrub away the toughest food residues. Its powerful cleaners remove even the toughest stains and gently scrub your dishes & glasses sparkling clean.

Easy To Use!

Finish All In 1 Gelpacs are pre-measured and easy to use. Just place 1 gelpac in your main dishwasher detergent compartment & close, and then start your wash.

World's #1 Recommended Brand*

*More dishwasher brands recommend Finish products worldwide than any other brand. Recommendations as part of co-marketing agreements (55% of world's dishwasher brands recommended Finish products, 2016).

Our Ultimate Clean & Shine

Upgrade to our New Finish Quantum which gives you the next level of clean. Three separate fast-dissolving chambers deliver three power actions. Because there’s clean. Then there’s so clean it shines.

Our Ultimate Clean

New Finish Quantum has 3 separate fast dissolving chambers, delivering 3 different power actions; break down and lift toughest messes, grease cutting power, and a finishing boost of shine.

Dries dishes & prevents spots

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid has a glass protection ingredient for 100% better drying and shinier dishes vs other detergents on cutlery & plastics.

Cleans hidden grease & limescale for cleaner dishes

You may think your dishwasher is clean, but day after day, limescale and grease build up in hidden and vital parts. Use Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner once a month for an amazingly clean, fresh and well-maintained dishwasher.

Tough spot & film removal even in hard water

Finish Booster is the solution for your hard water problems! Finish Booster works with your dishwasher detergent for crystal clear dishes and an amazingly clean dishwasher every time, even in hard.

Cascade Free & Clear Gel Dishwasher Detergent Liquid Gel, Lemon Essence, 2 Count (60 fl oz ea)

AmazonUs/PRFY7

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cascade Free & Clear dishwasher detergent gel is designed for your family and deliver the consistent clean you expect from Cascade. Formulated free off chlorine bleach, free Of dye, and free of phosphates. Free & Clear has no heavy perfumes yet offer a light citrus scent.

  • Pure cleaning for your family
  • Formulated with biobased* and other thoughtfully selected ingredients.(*1/3 biobased ingredients)
  • Pure Essentials is Cascade's only dye-free liquid top
  • No phosphates & no chlorine bleach. Perfume infused with essential oils.
  • No premeasuring needed: Cascade ActionPacs are convenient and easy to use. No finicky wrapping.

User questions & answers

Question: Is cascade free & clear gel dishwasher detergent liquid gel septic system safe
Answer: We have very hard water here....they worked great.

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