Do you ever look at the ingredient list on your dishwasher detergent and wonder what exactly you are washing your dishes with? Many common brands contain harsh chemicals that you might not want near your food. It’s a real puzzle trying to find a product that cleans well but is also safe for your family and the planet.
Finding a truly all-natural dishwasher detergent can feel like a treasure hunt. You worry about streaks, stuck-on food, and whether “natural” really means chemical-free. We understand the frustration of wanting sparkling clean dishes without the chemical residue.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a detergent truly natural and review the best options available. Get ready to discover powerful, eco-friendly solutions that leave your dishes spotless. Let’s dive into making your dishwashing routine cleaner and greener!
Top All Natural Dishwasher Detergent Recommendations
No. 1
BLUELAND 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, 60 Count, Free & Clear, Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Pods, Natural, USDA Certified biobased
- 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!
No. 2
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel Lemon Scent 2 pack for sparkling dishes dishwasher soap 70 oz
- Advanced dishwasher gel cuts through grease leaving dishes streak-free and sparkling clean
- Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Liquid Gel has a safe* and effective formula made with plant-based ingredients
- Our dishwasher soap gel is free of synthetic fragrances, dye, chlorine or phosphate
- This dishwasher detergent gel is a USDA Certified Biobased Product 65%
- Lemon scent in our dishwasher liquid gel is derived from 100% essential oils and botanical extract
No. 3
Ginger Lily Farms Botanicals Plant-Based Dishwasher Detergent Gel, 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, 1 Gallon Refill (Pack of 4)
- Tough on Grease & Grime: Cuts through stuck-on food, baked-on messes, and tough grease with ease for powerful, reliable cleaning in every wash.
- Plant-Based, Clean Formula: Made with high-performance plant-based ingredients and free of dyes, chlorine, phosphates, and harsh chemicals—effective yet gentle on dishes.
- Brilliant Sparkle, No Pre-Rinse: Advanced fast-dissolving gel leaves dishes, glasses, and silverware crystal clear and streak-free—skip the sink and save time and water.
- Fragrance-Free & Family-Safe: No added fragrance, ideal for sensitive skin, fragrance allergies, and odor sensitivities. Delivers a fresh, clean finish without scent.
- Works in All Dishwashers: Safe and effective in standard and high-efficiency (HE) machines. Concentrated 1-gallon refill offers excellent value while reducing plastic waste.
No. 4
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)
- 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.
No. 5
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs for sparkling dishes Free & Clear Dishwasher Tabs (72 Count)
- 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
No. 6
Dirty Labs | Dishwasher Detergent and Booster | Scent Free | 48 Loads (1 lb) | Ultra Clean, Spot Free, Quick Wash Optimized | Hyper Concentrated
- EFFECTIVE: Our ultra-concentrated 2-in-1 powder formula is designed with the most advanced bioenzymes and biobased ingredients to break down tough messes and stubborn stuck on food -- without the harsh chemicals. Our dishwash detergent is optimized for quick wash cycles and delivers a brilliant spot-free finish in less time.
- NONTOXIC: Most cleaners today use technologies that were developed almost 100 years ago. In fact, many common deep-cleaning formulas still rely on harmful, petroleum-based chemicals. Dirty Labs is different. Phytolase, our propietary enzyme cleaning technology is consciously formulated with nontoxic, biobased ingredients. Our formulas are nontoxic and free of petroleum-based ingredients and synthetic sufactants. Dirty Labs is cruelty-free, and vegan.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: At Dirty Labs - Less is More. By creating hyper-concentrated formulas, we greatly reduce our package sizes (and thus, our carbon footprint). Our packaging is made of recyclable cardboard. Our scoop is made from responsibly sourced schima superba wood. Our ingredients are responsibly sourced and created through biorenewable manufacturing processes. We examine every aspect of our product life cycles in order to achieve the safest, most sustainable solutions.
- DIRECTIONS: Make sure items are dishwasher safe and follow manufacturer's directions. Add Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent to detergent dispenser. Measure with included wooden scoop: 1 scoop for regular loads, 2 scoops for heavily-soiled dishes or particularly hard water. Start washer.
- SPECS: 1.05 lbs (480 g) = 48 loads. Free & Clear (Fragarence Free). Optimized for quick wash cycles. Nontoxic, clean rinse formula. Biobased and biodegradable formula. No sulfates, dyes, parabens and synthetic perservatives, chlorine bleach, or CA Prop.65 Chemicals. Visit our store for more ingredients information.
No. 7
If You Care Dishwasher Tablets 40 Count - Powerful, Plant Based, Concentrated, Biodegradable, Natural Dish Cleaner Detergent, Dishwashing Soap Tabs
- POTENT CLEANING: If You Care Automatic Dishwasher Tablets are super concentrated and contain a potent blend of mineral and plant derived cleaning ingredients, like coconut and rapeseed, and powerful enzymes to get your dishes sparkling clean.
- THE BETTER OPTION: Our tabs are non-toxic, have minimal impact on aquatic life, are free of phosphates and chlorine, and will dissolve quickly in water. The film is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water soluble, biodegradable polymer, so there is no need to unwrap
- DISH SOAP REPLACMENT: Use in place of large pods and liquid soap, as our small but powerful tabs contribute to reduced emissions and energy consumption related to transport and handling.
- SMALL FOR A REASON: Thanks to the small size of our Dishwasher Tablets, it’s weight is reduced 45% to 55% compared to other leading brands. This means less raw materials used, stored, transported, and distributed, so there is less CO2 emission and less detergents in our waste waters
- QUALITY WITH INTEGRITY: If You Care kitchen and household items are carefully crafted to have the least environmental impact possible, while at the same time, delivering the highest quality products.
No. 8
Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder | Natural Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap | Plastic Free, Plant-Based, Clean, Heavy Duty Hard Water Stain & Grease Remover | Fragrance Free | 12.5 oz (Pack of 1)
- POWERFUL DISHWASHER DETERGENT: Experience exceptional cleaning with our powerful, concentrated natural dishwasher detergent. This specially formulated dish soap dishwashing powder effortlessly penetrates and breaks down tough grease and grime, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.
- NON-TOXIC DISHWASHER SOAP: Truly Free Natural Dishwasher Detergent Powder is designed to combat hard water stains effectively. With its unique formulation, it tackles mineral buildup, ensuring that your glassware and dishes are not only clean but also free from unsightly streaks and spots.
- SAFE & NATURAL: Made without harmful ingredients, our dishwasher powder soap offers a safe and healthy option for your kitchen. You can trust that our dishwashing detergent is gentle on your family and the environment while still delivering powerful cleaning performance.
- EASY-TO-USE POWDER FORMULA: Our user-friendly powder dishwasher detergent comes with a scoop for easy measuring and a resealable bag to keep it fresh, ensuring effortless application in automatic dishwashers. Simply measure the right amount and let Truly Free do the work for you.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS: Truly Free's dishwasher detergent is formulated with absolutely no toxic chemical fragrance, no ammonia, no bleach, no dye, no thickeners, no formaldehyde, no fillers, no parabens, no phosphates, no monoethanolamine, no SLS, no isopropanol, no phthalates, no perchloroethylene or PERC, no triclosan, no Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, or QUATS.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for All-Natural Dishwasher Detergent
Choosing the right dishwasher detergent matters, especially if you want to skip harsh chemicals. All-natural options clean dishes just as well while being safer for your family and the planet. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Effective Cleaning Power: The detergent must remove baked-on food and grease. Look for reviews that mention it handles tough messes well.
- Rinse Aid Functionality: Some all-natural formulas include ingredients that help water sheet off dishes, preventing spots and streaks without needing a separate rinse aid.
- Scent Profile: Natural detergents often use essential oils for scent or come completely unscented. Decide if you prefer a light citrus smell or no smell at all.
- Water Hardness Compatibility: If you have hard water, ensure the product description says it works well in your area. Hard water can make cleaning difficult.
Important Materials: What’s Inside Matters
Natural detergents use plant-derived ingredients instead of phosphates, chlorine, and artificial dyes. Check the label closely for these good ingredients:
- Plant-Based Surfactants: These ingredients lift grease and food particles away from your dishes. They come from sources like coconut or corn.
- Enzymes: Enzymes are nature’s helpers. They break down tough starches and proteins (like egg or oatmeal) found in leftover food.
- Mineral Boosters: Ingredients like sodium carbonate (washing soda) help soften the water and boost cleaning power.
- Avoid: Steer clear of phosphates, chlorine bleach, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances for a truly natural clean.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your detergent affects how shiny your glasses look and how clean your silverware gets.
What Improves Quality:
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often mean you need less product per load, providing better value and less packaging waste.
- Biodegradability: High-quality natural detergents break down quickly and safely after going down the drain.
- Packaging: Look for brands that use recycled or recyclable packaging, like cardboard boxes for pods or recyclable plastic jugs.
What Reduces Quality:
- Residue Left Behind: If you notice a cloudy film on your glasses after the cycle finishes, the formula might be weak or contain fillers.
- Poor Dissolving: Pods or powders that do not dissolve fully can clog your dispenser or leave gritty spots on dishes.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the detergent impacts your satisfaction. All-natural detergents work best when used correctly.
- Loading the Dishwasher: Always load dishes so that the water jets can reach all surfaces. Natural detergents work best when they can circulate freely.
- Pre-Rinsing: While modern natural formulas handle stuck-on food, scraping large chunks off plates before loading improves results significantly.
- Hot Water Use: Most detergents, natural or not, clean most effectively with the hottest water setting your machine allows.
- Different Forms: Pods offer convenience, while powders allow you to adjust the dosage depending on how dirty your load is.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About All-Natural Dishwasher Detergent
Q: Do natural detergents actually sanitize dishes?
A: Natural detergents rely on high heat and powerful enzymes for cleaning. While they remove bacteria effectively, they do not contain chemical sanitizers like chlorine bleach.
Q: Are natural dishwasher pods as effective as powder?
A: Generally, yes. Modern pods contain highly concentrated, effective natural ingredients. Powder sometimes allows for better customization of the amount used for smaller loads.
Q: Why are my dishes still spotty after using a natural detergent?
A: Spotting often means you need a separate rinse aid, or your water is very hard. Try adding white vinegar to the rinse aid dispenser as a natural spot reducer.
Q: Can I use this detergent if I have a septic system?
A: Most reputable all-natural detergents are safe for septic systems because they lack harsh chemicals that harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank.
Q: What is the main difference between natural and conventional detergent?
A: Conventional detergents often use synthetic chemicals, phosphates, and chlorine for heavy-duty stain removal. Natural detergents use plant-based ingredients and enzymes instead.
Q: How should I store my natural detergent?
A: Store all dishwasher detergent, especially pods, in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Moisture ruins the effectiveness of the cleaning agents.
Q: Are all-natural detergents more expensive?
A: Sometimes they cost slightly more upfront. However, many offer better concentration, meaning one container lasts longer than a cheaper, less concentrated option.
Q: Do I need to use a special detergent for stainless steel tubs?
A: No. All-natural detergents are gentle and safe for both plastic and stainless steel dishwasher tubs.
Q: What if I have very hard water?
A: Look specifically for formulas that mention hard water performance. You may also need to add extra washing soda directly to the bottom of the dishwasher tub for boosted cleaning.
Q: Are these detergents safe for handwashing dishes?
A: No. Dishwasher detergents are formulated for the high heat and strong spray of a machine. Never use them for handwashing as they can irritate your skin.