The Best Dishwasher Cleaners

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner

Universally effective

This dishwasher cleaning tablet is designed to be safe enough for all dishwashers.

Best Overall

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There are so many different dishwasher models that it can get confusing when you try to find a cleaner. That is when we turn to Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner. These tablets go right into your dishwasher to clean lime and mineral buildup. They are safe to use with both stainless steel and plastic tub machines, making them compatible with nearly any dishwasher out there. As an added benefit, you can use them with regular dishwashing detergent to clean dishes and remove mineral buildup.

Pros:

• You don’t need to empty the dishwasher to use it
• These tablets are appropriate for all of the major dishwasher brands
• This formula can remove even the toughest mineral and limescale buildup in just one cycle

Cons:

• Although these tablets clear heavy buildup, they don’t sanitize your machine
• This formula doesn’t do a great job at removing strong odors

Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner

Simple convenience

This dishwasher cleaner gives you a sparkling clean with minimal effort.

Easiest To Use

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If simplicity is what you’re looking for, Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner may be exactly what you need. All you need to do is remove the sticker at the top and put the bottle into your machine upside down. Run your dishwasher, and you’re done. It removes limescale and mineral buildup while getting rid of nasty odors for a sparklingly fresh clean. It even removes grease and grime that collects at the bottom of your dishwasher, which is fantastic because grease can easily damage it over time.

Pros:

• This cleaner gets every section, including the heating element and spraying arms
• It’s affordable
• Unlike many other cleaners, this one can effectively remove even old, stuck-on buildup

Cons:

• You can’t run this cleaner with dishes in your machine
• The water has to get very hot to use it properly, so if you have your water heater set to a lower temperature, it won’t work well

Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner & Disinfectant

Disinfect for less

Save money and keep your dishwasher hygienic with this cleaner.

Best Bulk Buy

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There are two things that we feel are very important: saving money and killing bacteria. Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner & Disinfectant does both, which is why it’s on our list of favorites. Bacteria causes illness, infection, nasty smells, and more, and Glisten’s formula is proven to get rid of E. coli, Salmonella, and others. This cleaner is also EPA-registered and proven to be safe, which only adds to our reasons for using it. Add the fact that it can effectively remove rust and mineral buildup, and you can see why this is a fantastic choice.

Pros:

• It leaves behind a fresh lemon scent while removing foul odors
• You can use it to disinfect sinks and other hard to reach kitchen surfaces, as well
• This cleaner comes in convenient packs of three bottles for a good price

Cons:

• If your machine has a thick buildup, you may need to use two bottles the first time you use it
• The water needs to be able to get to at least 125°F to effectively kill bacteria

Xrom High-Efficiency Natural Dishwasher Pro Cleaner

A green clean

Clean out every part of your machine without using harsh chemicals.

Best Natural

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Using natural cleaners can help you on your quest to make your carbon footprint smaller, which is why we like the Xrom High-Efficiency Natural Dishwasher Pro Cleaner. It’s biodegradable and odorless, but don’t confuse that with ineffective. This cleaner removes limescale, mineral buildup, grease, and nasty odors. As a bonus, it’s easy to use. Simply open up the tablet and put it into your empty machine’s detergent compartment or the bottom of a full one.

Pros:

• You can use it with or without dishes
• The water doesn’t need to be a certain temperature or set to any specific cycle
• There are six tablets in every affordable package

Cons:

• For heavy buildup, you may need two tablets instead of one
• Doesn’t leave behind a strong scent

Frigidaire Ready Clean Probiotic Dishwasher Cleaner

Probiotic power

This fantastic option can keep your dishwasher clean for up to a month.

Best Continuous Cleaner

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Frigidaire Ready Clean Probiotic Dishwasher Cleaner is created with friendly bacteria, surfactants, and odor control to remove grease and mineral buildup and continuously do so. Using it every 30 days as directed is a great way to help your dishwasher stay clean so you can avoid having to deal with grime and buildup in the first place. The probiotics can help clear out grease, odor-causing bacteria, and food remnants as you use your machine regularly, unlike ordinary cleaners that are designed to work only at the time of application.

Pros:

• Each package includes six treatments
• It’s affordable
• This cleaner cleans everything, including the filter, pump, spray arms, and surface areas

Cons:

• It doesn’t work as quickly as other formulas, although it works well over time
• There is a long process to using it

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to clean my dishwasher?

If you think about it, your dishwasher comes into contact with all of the bacteria you, your food, and your utensils encounter. There is also rust, limescale, and other mineral buildups that can happen over time that needs to be removed. It makes sense to regularly clean it to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Do I need to use dishwasher cleaner specifically?

Dishwasher cleaner is made specifically to remove limescale, mineral buildup, and bacteria that can cause foul odors. Although it is possible to manually take your machine apart and clean it with a sponge and cleaning solution, that’s time-consuming, and you can break it in the process. Dishwasher cleaner is designed to be used simply by running your dishwasher — no extra work on your part.