Best Dishwasher Detergents in 2024

Have you ever opened the dishwasher after a wash cycle, just to find that there’s still pasta sauce on your dishes?

Believe it or not but it’s actually a common problem. For example, it can happen if you loaded the machine incorrectly or have a dirty filter.

Using the wrong type of dishwasher detergent can also contribute to the problem.

So what kind of dish soap should you use? How many different types are there? For the answers, be sure to keep reading.

We’ll be going over some of the best dishwasher detergent options below!

Different Types of Dishwasher Detergents

There are several types of dish soap that you can choose from. For example, you can opt for a powder detergent or gel detergent.

Dishwasher detergent pods are another option.

Here’s what you need to know about these types of dishwasher detergent.

Powder Detergents

Powder detergents have been around for ages. They’re cost-effective and will leave your dishes sparkling clean.

Some types of powder detergent may also come with a lemon scent.

Gel Dishwasher Detergent

Gel detergents are simple to use thanks to their liquid nature, which easily spreads across dirty surfaces.

Not only that but gel dishwasher detergents are also effective at removing stuck-on food without leaving any residue behind.

Dish Detergent Pods

Detergent pods are super convenient as they come pre-measured; just toss one into your dishwasher and voila.

You’ve got yourself some squeaky-clean cutlery with minimal effort.

The best part? There are many different types available including fragrance-free options for those who are sensitive to scents.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Dishwasher Detergent

When it comes to dishwasher detergents, not all are created equal. At the end of the day, they differ in terms of cleaning power, degreasing ability, among other things.

Cleaning Power

Dishwasher detergent is designed to remove stuck-on food and should do so effectively – without you having to scrub after a cycle.

Degreasing Ability

The last thing you want is greasy residue left on your dishes after a wash cycle, which is why you want a dishwasher detergent with good degreasing ability.

That’ll allow it to cut through grease and wash dishes without leaving any traces behind.

Leftover Residue

A high-quality dishwasher detergent should rinse away easily, giving you sparkling dishes. It shouldn’t leave any residue on your dishes or pans.

The Best Dishwasher Pod in 2024 – Cascade Platinum ActionPac

These pods contain an automatic dishwasher gel that will not only tackle your everyday dirty dishes but will also handle tougher tasks like stuck-on pasta sauce with ease.

In terms of cleaning power and fresh scent, these pods are second to none. They will leave your dishes sparkling clean without any residue or spots.

What’s more, is that they’re cost-effective – if you do the math, it works out to be around $19 for 62 washes.

There’s no need to pre-wash either. Just load your pots and pans into the dishwasher and add a single pod.

That’s not all, their Fresh Scent will also leave your dishes smelling fresh.

Top Gel Dishwashing Detergent Choice – Cascade Complete Original Gel

Cascade Original Gel Dishwasher Detergent comes with the power of Dawn, which gives it additional grease-fighting ability.

One standout feature of this product is its phosphate-free formula. This makes it a safer choice for your household and environment while ensuring that your dishes will get sparkling clean.

And let’s face it – who doesn’t love seeing their dinner plates shine?

Cascade Gel with Dawn isn’t just about performance; availability matters too.

It’s widely available at various retailers like Walmart, so you can easily grab one on your next shopping trip or order online if you prefer.

It also has a fresh lemon scent that will give your clean plates a refeshing citrus aroma.

Using an Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent

Making the switch to an eco-friendly detergent isn’t just about saving fish or feeling good about yourself – it has practical benefits too.

For example, it’s not uncommon for regular detergents to leave residual chemicals on your dishes after washing, which can lead to skin irritations.

Fortunately, this can all be avoided by switching to a natural dishwasher detergent.

Given that, it’s best to choose a dishwasher detergent that’s phosphate-free and chlorine-free. It’ll allow you to protect the environment while ensuring that your dishes are squeaky clean.

Seventh generation dishwasher detergent is one such example. It’s free of chemicals and can be used to hand wash dishes, remove stains, all while being environmentally friendly.

And while it doesn’t have a lemon scent per se, it will leave your dishes clean.

Premium Dishwasher Pods for Enhanced Cleaning

You’ve probably seen a lot of dishwasher pods, but have you tried Cascade Platinum Plus pods? They’re more than just your typical dishwasher detergent pod.

If anything, their power lies in their ability to clean tough loads of dishes without leaving spots or streaks behind.

With these premium dishwasher pods, those once dirty dishes will come out sparkling clean each time.

There’s no need to pre-rinse or scrub; they will do all the hard work for you.

This has to do with the fact that their formula is designed specifically to remove stuck-on food and grime, saving time and effort while delivering excellent results every wash cycle.

In addition to being highly effective cleaners, Cascade Platinum Plus also offers a fresh scent that will leave your kitchen smelling great after each wash.

They’re easy to use too; simply place one pod into your machine’s main wash compartments before starting it up, then sit back as they perform magic on your plates and glasses alike.

How economical are Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Detergent Pods?

• A box containing enough capsules for around 62 cycles costs approximately $19
• The per cycle cost falls under 31 cents, making it an affordable yet effective option among its competitors.

Best Dishwasher Detergent FAQs

Do I Need to Use Rinse Aid?

Generally speaking, you don’t need to use rinse aid if you live in an area with soft water.

If you have hard water, howerver, rinse aid can help prevent spots from forming on your dishes. Not only that but it’ll also help them dry faster.

What’s the Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent?

Ideally, you want to choose a detergent with a plant based formula, one without harsh chemicals (seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent is one example) and good cleaning performance.

Does the type of dishwasher detergent I use matter?

While all types of dishwasher detergent are effective, different formulations do have their own pros and cons. For example, dishwashing detergent powder tend to be cheaper than other options.

Are there dishwasher detergents that also clean the inside of the dishwasher?

There are several dishwasher detergents and pods on the market that advertise cleaning the interior of the appliance itself. While they may offer better appliance cleaning than standard detergents, there is no replacement for running dedicated cleaning cycles with a specifically formulated dishwasher cleaning product. Luckily, ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner tablets can do exactly that!

What’s the best dishwasher detergent that’s available on the market?

Cascade Platinum ActionPac Dishwasher Pods is one of the best dishwasher detergents that you can get, due to their strong cleaning power and fresh scent.

Are pods better than liquid dishwasher detergents?

Pods, like the Cascade Platinum ActionPacs, offer pre-measured convenience and excellent performance, making them a superior choice over liquids.

Are gel dishwasher detergents or powder dishwasher detergent better?

Gel detergents such as Cascade Gel with Dawn provide effective cleaning while also being easy to use. Having said that, it all boils down to personal preference. For example, you may want to choose other detergents for specific dishwashing needs.

Which dishwasher detergent won’t leave residue on dishes?

Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs is one dishwasher detergent that will leave minimal residue, thanks to its phosphate-free formulation.

The Best Dishwasher Detergents – Final Overview

Choosing the right dishwasher detergent can be tricky, but we’ve managed to uncover some great options. To summarize, powders are traditional yet reliable, gels offer ease of use and effectiveness, while pods provide pre-measured convenience.

Cascade Platinum ActionPac Dishwasher Pods deliver top-notch cleaning power for a fresh scent finish. On the other hand, Cascade Gel with Dawn is a highly effective gel detergent that is widely available at various retailers.

Eco-friendly choices like phosphate-free and chlorine bleach-free dishwasher detergents matter too! And let’s not forget about some of the upgraded options such as Cascade Platinum Plus pods, which offer enhanced cleaning even on stubborn stains.

So now you know what to consider when choosing between the best dishwasher detergents!