The Best Dishwasher Detergents for the Best Clean
Dishwashers make life so much easier, especially for those with a busy family life. The right dishwasher detergent can make it even better by ensuring your dishes get a shiny, streak-free clean every time. We know there are a ton of options and it can be hard to find the right one, so we are here to help with the best dishwasher detergents for the best clean.
Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwashing Pods
Do you love baking but hate the aftermath when it comes to the dishes, pots, and pans? If so, you definitely need to try Cascade Complete ActionPacs Dishwashing Pods.
This dishwasher detergent comes conveniently packaged in ActionPacs, which contain both a powder and a liquid. Once your dishwasher gets going, they burst open and release powerful cleaning agents, including Dawn dish soap. They cut through grease and stuck-on foods with ease. Meanwhile, they prevent the dreaded build-up that liquid detergents can leave behind.
Pros:
- Easy and convenient to use, simply throw an ActionPac into the dispenser
- Breaks down grease with ease
- You don’t have to pre-rinse your dishes
- Smells great
- They come in a convenient plastic tub so they won’t get squished
Cons:
- Cascade recommends a rinse aid dishwasher cleaner be used, so you may need more products
- If you store the ActionPacs in a hot space they may melt together
Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs Dishwasher Pods
If you regularly have burnt-on foods, sticky messes, and crusty plates, then you know it is important to get a powerful dishwasher detergent. If this sounds like you, you have to try the Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs Dishwasher Pods.
These dishwasher ActionPacs clean your dishes with extra oomph. They can handle even the most burnt-on messes with no pre-washing and no hassle on your end. Just put your dishes and an ActionPac into the dishwasher and turn it on. In no time at all, you will get your favorite pots and pans back with a sparkling finish.
Pros:
- You don’t have to rinse or wash the dishes in advance
- These ActionPacs offer the deepest clean
- They handle burnt-on food, greasy messes, and stuck on residue
- The Power Booster works wonders
- Dawn dish soap is formulated into these pods to fight tough grease
Cons:
- The scent is a bit strong for those who are very sensitive, so you may want to add an extra rinse
- ActionPacs can melt together if they are left exposed to heat for too long
Seventh Generation Fragrance-Free Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Eco-Friendly
Some people are very sensitive to different chemicals and scents that are regularly added to things like dish and laundry detergents. If this sounds like you, give Seventh Generation Fragrance-Free Dishwasher Detergent Packs a try.
These small, yet powerful, dishwasher packs get your dishes sparkly clean without the irritation of the average chemical-laden options. There are no dyes, phosphates, perfumes, or bleach. You get a sparkling clean just by tossing a pack-in with your dishes. Marvel at how well the enzymatic formula works.
Pros:
- Easily cleans your daily dishes
- Safer for you and your family
- Dye and fragrance-free formulas are great for those with allergies and irritations
- The pack is resealable and easy to store
- It doesn’t matter if you have soft or hard water, they still work well
Cons:
- They may not dissolve as well every time, so you should add a rinse to prevent cloudiness of glasses
- The cost may be a bit higher than some of the competitors, however, you can’t put a price on health
Finish Max-in-One Powerball Dishwashing Tablets
Sometimes we have tough stains that just won’t come off with gentler solutions. When that happens, turn to Finish Max-in-One Powerball Dishwashing Tablets.
These strong dishwashing tablets contain glass-protect so your glassware and baking dishes don’t get scratched during the washing process. Meanwhile, bleach power cuts through the darkest stains and strong detergents deeply clean even the most stuck-on messes. In addition, they won’t clog up your dishwasher’s filter or leave a gunky residue behind. Pros:
- Strong on tough stains
- No pre-wash required
- Smell great without leaving a smell or taste on your dishes
- Glass-protect keeps your dishes safe
- Wrapper-free design is convenient and they won’t melt together
Cons:
- It does not work as well on burnt-on messes, so you may need to rinse those first
- No fragrance-free options
Solimo Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
We all love to get a great deal and that is exactly what you get when you choose the Solimo Dishwasher Detergent Pacs. With this pack, you get 85 dishwashing pods in a heavy-duty plastic tub for an excellent price.
These dishwashing pods include a rinse aid and grease fighter that clean your dishes without any pre-washing necessary. They easily remove stuck-on food and messes. Just one pod per load and you are good to go, which means each tub covers 85 runs through the dishwasher. You can’t beat that. Solimo, which is an Amazon brand, even offers a full satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Buy in bulk to save time and money
- Work well on cooked on and greasy messes so you don’t have to pre-wash
- Great customer service
- Rinse-aid and grease fighters are built right in
Cons:
- We do wish there was a fragrance-free option, although the scent is not overwhelming
- Sometimes the pods don’t dissolve completely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it matter whether or not a dishwasher detergent leaves residue?
Residues can build up on dishes and in the dishwasher itself. This can lead to your dishwasher dying sooner than it would have otherwise and your dishes having a bad taste.
Do I need to pre-wash my dishes?
Sometimes, if a dish has particularly stuck-on food, it makes sense to rinse first. However, if you use a good detergent, you shouldn’t need to pre-rinse.
