Looking for a dishwasher detergent that can tackle even the toughest dried food? Or maybe you really need an environmentally friendly option that still powers through tough grime. No matter what your dishwasher needs, these 6 detergents really clean up.
1. Best Scent: Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dish Packs
Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dish Packs come in scents like, geranium, clean day, basil, lavender, and lemon verbena. These dish packs are phosphates and chlorine free, instead using an oxygen bleach formula to powerfully clean tough dishes. Each package of Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dish Packs contains 20 loads of dishwasher detergent. These dish detergent packs clean just as well as many harsher types of products on the market. Mrs. Meyer's is gentle enough to protect your dishes while still scrubbing them clean. One of the only drawbacks to this dishwasher detergent is that it can be difficult to find in a local store. If it's not available, try talking to your favorite retailer and asking them to begin carrying it. Or, find online sources that will ship straight to your home.Buy from Amazon »
2. Best Powder Tab: Finish Quantum
Finish Quantum Tabs are a powder based tab that is actually made up of 3 different parts. Scrubbing microbeads are designed to soften burnt on food particles from your dishes. Then there are bleach particles to attack tough stains like coffee and tea. Finally there is a rinse agent designed to leave your dishes sparkling and shiny. Finish Quantum Tabs are sold in several different sized packages. 1 Finish Tab is equal to one load of dishes in the dishwasher. The downside to the Finish Quantum Tabs can be the price. This dishwasher detergent is more expensive per load than many other powder and gel packs. However, keep in mind that you probably will not need an additional rinse agent since Finish Quantum has one built right in.Buy from Amazon »
3. Best Gel Pack: Cascade Complete All-In-One Packs
As many communities begin to change rules about phosphates being allowed to be used to wash dishes, it's nice to know that Cascade has a Complete All-In-One Pack that is phosphate free and still highly effective. Cascade Complete Packs are gel based and easy to use. Simply grab one gel pack and toss it into the designated detergent place on your dishwasher. Be careful, though. Using gel packs has its own set of rules when it comes to water. If you reach into the container of gel packs with wet hands, you run the risk of accidentally dissolving some of your gel packs. Avoid a meltdown, and use only dry hands to retrieve the gel packs.Buy from Amazon »
4. Best Eco Friendly: Seventh Generation Auto Dish Packs
Seventh Generation has long been making real products that work but reduce the negative impact on our earth and its environment. Seventh Generation Auto Dish Packs are no different. And they do not disappoint. Seventh Generation Free and Clear dish packs are scent and dye free. These powerful dishwasher detergent packs come in packs of 20 loads. Many people, even with hard water, are surprised by how effective Seventh Generation's dish packs are at cleaning without leaving a film on dishes. Seventh Generation, too can be a little more difficult to find although I have had great success in requesting it with my local grocer. It is also available to be purchased online.Buy from Amazon »
5. Best Eco Friendly: Method Smarty Dish Tabs
I've long been a fan of many of Method's products and Method's Smarty Dish Tabs are some of my favorites. These dish tabs are available in packs of 20 tabs/loads. The Go Naked variety are dye and scent free, while the Pink Grapefruit are scented lightly and pink. Each dish tab packs a powerful punch despite the fact that they are phosphate and bleach free. I love that Method discloses their ingredients without trying to hide what is in their products. I also love the super compact packaging that Method uses to reduce waste and trash. Method can sometimes be harder to find in smaller stores. Remember to ask your store manager if they will carry it for you, or shop online for the best deals.Buy from Amazon »
6. Best Powder: Cascade Complete
If you like good old fashioned dishwasher detergent powder, you are not alone. Many people prefer powder so that they can control how much soap is used. Others appreciate the gentle scrubbing action that powder offers on their dishes and in their dishwasher. If powder dishwasher detergent is your favorite, then Cascade Complete powder might be the perfect answer for your dish needs. Most formulas can be found phosphate free and the added boost of Dawn dish soap helps to cut grease on even the toughest dirt.Buy from Amazon »
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