17 Best Dishwasher Tablets (Review) In 2022
- The Best Dishwasher Tablet
- 1. Cascade Original Dishwasher Pods
- 2. Finish Powerball - Dishwashing Tablets
- 3. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
- 4. Amazon Brand - Solimo Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
- 5. Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods
- 6. IF YOU CARE Automatic Dishwasher Tablets
- 7. Beyond Natural Auto Dishwasher Tablets
- 8. Legacy of Clean Dish Drops Dishwasher Tablets
- 9. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods
- 10. Finish Quantum Ultimate Clean & Shine Dishwashing Tablets
- 11. Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods
- 12. Seventh Generation Power Clean Auto Dish Pacs
- 13. Seventh Generation Fragrance Free Dishwasher Detergent Packs
- 14. Method Dish Dishwasher Soap Pack
- 15. Amazon Brand - Presto! Premium Dishwasher Detergent Pacs
- 16. ATTITUDE Vegan Dishwasher Tablets
- 17. Grab Green Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Washing your dishes has never been more simple than with a dishwasher! What if we told you there was a way to make dishwashing even simpler than that? Don't believe us? Give dishwasher tablets a try and you will never revert back to using gels or powders!
Dishwasher tablets are pre-measured and so simple to use. Simply load your dishwasher, pop a tablet in and you can then go and put your feet up! You no longer need to worry about measuring out the correct amount of detergent and adding rinse aid as it is all done for you. This guide reviews some of the best dishwasher tablets available, including those that are environmentally friendly, so you can find the best tablets for your needs.
The Best Dishwasher Tablet
1. Cascade Original Dishwasher Pods




Key Features
105 count
Fresh scent
Pre-measured pods
Powerful enough for 24 hour stuck-on messes
For those tough to clean dishes, Cascade Original Dishwasher Pods get to the heart of grease with a combination of Cascade scrubbing power as well as Dawn to spotlessly clean your dishes. Even the toughest dishes with over 24 hours worth of stuck-on food are no match for these dishwasher pods! You will be impressed at just how sparkling clean your dishes look when they come out of the dishwasher. With no pre-measuring required, you simply need to load your dishwasher, add an Action Pack and let it do the hard work for you. The boxed dimensions are 9 x 12 x 9 inches, weighing just 3.56 pounds, so it can be stored under your sink or away in a cabinet.
Pros
Great on grease and tea stains
Combination of Dawn and Cascade scrubbing power
Don’t need to prewash dishes
Cons
Some residue can remain in the dishwasher receptacle
Has quite a strong odor
Can leave a film when used in hard water
2. Finish Powerball – Dishwashing Tablets


Key Features
85 count
Individually wrapped pre-measured tablets
3x more concentrated power than standard powder
Reduces spotting, leaving shiny dishes
The powerful dishwashing technology found in the Finish Powerball Tablets ensure that dishes with even the toughest stains are thoroughly cleaned and remain shiny. These pre-measured single-dose tablets contain three times more concentrated cleaning power than Finish’s standard powder. Not only can these dishwashing tablets cut through tough grease, but also tea stains and even stuck-on food like oatmeal, which we all know can be a pain trying to clean! Only one tablet per load is required, so you simply need to pop it into your dishwasher and go and put your feet up. The cardboard box these tablets are stored in is 3 x 8 x 8.38 inches and weighs 3.73 pounds; be sure to store it a moisture-free place due to the box being cardboard.
Pros
Cuts through grease, tea stains and stuck-on foods
Doesn’t leave streaks on dishes
No need to pre-wash dishes
Cons
Tablet must be unpackaged before use
Individual packaging creates more waste
3. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets


Key Features
45 count
Environmentally friendly
Nature-inspired scent
Boxed in recycled cardboard
Individually wrapped
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly dishwasher tablet, then our budget pick by Ecover will tick that box! Say goodbye to stubborn stuck-on food with these automatic dishwashing tablets. Not only do Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets offer a powerful clean, but they are made with plant-based and mineral ingredients and feature a biodegradable and phosphate-free formula that is eco-friendly. These tablets are never tested on animals and are fish friendly, which is a great feature if your drainage systems connect to any waterways. The recycled cardboard box in which these tablets are stored measures 2.87 x 7.44 x 5.39 inches and weighs just 4.8 ounces.
Pros
Plant-based and mineral ingredients
Only one tablet per load
No residue left behind
Powerful cleaning through grease and other hard to clean stains
Cons
Plastic wrapper must be removed prior to use
Plastic wrapper can be hard to remove
4. Amazon Brand – Solimo Dishwasher Detergent Pacs


Key Features
85 count
Fresh scent
2-in-1 power with rinse aid
Money-back guarantee
The 2-in-1 Solimo Dishwasher Detergent Pacs pack a powerful cleaning punch as they combine grease-fighting power with rinse aid to remove tough stains and stuck-on food while leaving your dishes sparkling and clean. With just one tablet per load, you can have clean dishes in no time! Offering 85 packs per container, you can get anywhere from two months’ worth of washes all at an incredible value. At just 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.06 inches and weighing 3.65 pounds, you can store these under your kitchen sink or cupboards. If you are unsatisfied with these dishwasher packs, you will receive all of your money back, no quibble, or hassle.
Pros
Fights grease
Removes stuck-on food
Doesn’t leave any residue
No pre-rinse required
Not individually wrapped
Cons
Must be stored in a moisture-free area
Don’t have much of a scent
Not the best when used in hard water
5. Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods



Key Features
70 count
Triple power to dissolve, lift and clean
Suitable in both soft and hard water
Lemon scent
The Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods features grease-cutting Dawn as well as a power booster which helps remove burnt-on food. We all know how hard it can be to clean dishes that have food burnt onto them, but this added power uses three layers of power to dissolve, lift and thoroughly clean away food from your pots and pans. Many dishwasher detergents and tablets do not work well in hard water, but these dishwasher pods provide the same cleaning power no matter your water type. These pods are stored in a plastic box measuring 6.75 x 5.5 x 7.25 inches and weighing 2.8 pounds.
Pros
Phosphate-free
No pre-rinse required
Streak-free, shiny finish
Tackles burnt on food well
Cons
Pods sometimes stick together in the box
May leave a lingering scent on silicone and plastic
Plastic packaging is large and bulky
6. IF YOU CARE Automatic Dishwasher Tablets


Key Features
40 count
Biodegradable film coating
Non-toxic and phosphate-free
Plant-based and mineral ingredients
These super-concentrated automatic dishwasher tablets by IF YOU CARE feature a blend of plant-based and mineral cleaning ingredients, making the detergent eco-friendly. The PVA film that coats these tablets dissolves quickly in hot water, so you need not worry about unwrapping them prior to use; they are also biodegradable and toxin-free. As many drainage systems lead out into the ocean or other waterways, the ingredients used in dishwashing products can be of concern; luckily the ingredients used in this detergent tablet is safe for fish and other sea life. The space-saving box these tablets are stored in measures 5.25 x 4.5 x 2.15 inches and weighs 1.14 pounds.
Pros
Environmentally friendly tablets and packaging
Super concentrated for powerful cleaning
Dissolves quickly
Recyclable cardboard packaging
Cons
Results vary in hard water
Cardboard packaging can get damp depending on where it’s stored
Powerful, so not ideal for small dishwashers
7. Beyond Natural Auto Dishwasher Tablets


Key Features
32 count
100% plastic-free
Free of fragrances, bleaches and dyes
Recyclable packaging
Cruelty-free
Perfect for those who have sensitivities, the Beyond Natural Auto Dishwasher Tablets are free of fragrances, bleaches, and dyes. The detergent is formulated from plant sources and minerals but provides powerful cleaning with built-in rinse aid, effective even on short-run cycles. Each tab is coated in a film that you do not need to remove; they can be popped directly into your dishwasher receptacle and will dissolve quickly. The box in which these dishwasher tablets are supplied is recyclable, measures 5.75 x 5.5 x 1.87 inches, and weighs 14.4 ounces.
Pros
Certified by the USDA BioPreferred Program
Works well even on a short cycle
Excellent cleaning power even in hard water
Built-in rinse aid
Cons
Quite expensive
Could be tougher on grime
8. Legacy of Clean Dish Drops Dishwasher Tablets

Key Features
60 count
Biodegradable materials
Powerful, quick cleaning
Dissolvable film
Dermatologically and allergy-tested
Our premium pick is the Legacy of Clean Dish Drops Dishwasher Tablets, which quickly and powerfully clean your dishes. Without using chlorine, acids, or phosphates, these dishwasher tablets use a biodegradable formula made of natural products. These automatic tablets have a dissolvable film, so you are able to load your dishwasher, put a tablet in, and the hard work is taken care of – simple! For a spotless, grime-free clean, these tablets will not disappoint. These dishwasher tablets have been dermatologically and allergy-tested. The recyclable cardboard storage box measures 8.3 x 7.5 x 2.9 inches and weighs 2.9 pounds.
Pros
Residue-free dishes and glassware
Works well on a short cycle
Recyclable packaging
Shiny finish on dishes
Cons
Moisture can damage the packaging
Slightly pricey
9. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods



Key Features
65 count
Gel and powder detergent combo
Natural, eco-friendly ingredients
No chlorine, phosphate or artificial fillers
Tough on 48 hour stuck-on food
For a combo clean with both gel and powder detergent, the Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Pods keep your dishes clean and shiny. These pods do not contain any harsh chemicals and their natural ingredients make them eco-friendly; these pods contain citric acids, natural enzymes, and a biodegradable film that pack some serious cleaning power. Even dishes that have over 48 hours baked-on food, grease, or grime, the natural enzymes are able to break them down and remove all residue. The package measures in at 6.5 x 4 x 11.5 inches and weighs 2.25 pounds.
Pros
You don’t need to pre-rinse your dishes
Cleans stains and grease with ease
Lemon scent
Great for those who have hard water
Cons
Pods stick together sometimes
A bit expensive
10. Finish Quantum Ultimate Clean & Shine Dishwashing Tablets



Key Features
82 count
Triple cleaning action – gel, powder and liquid powerball
Shine and protect for your glassware
Cuts through tough grease and stuck-on food
The Finish Quantum Ultimate Clean & Shine Dishwashing Tablets contain three separate chambers that dissolve quickly for a deep, powerful clean for your dishes. These pods feature triple action that use gel, powder, and a liquid powerball. The powder chamber helps to dissolve and lift tough, stuck-on food, whereas the gel chamber uses its power to cut through grease. The liquid powerball helps to dry your dishes and leaves them with a sparkling, streak-free finish. The shine and protect in these tablets helps to ensure your glassware is never left with nasty water spots or streaks. You can store your dishwasher tablets easily in your cleaning cabinet or underneath your sink; the resealable package dimensions are 3.62 x 11.02 x 9.84 inches and weighs 2.55 pounds.
Pros
No pre-rinse required
Not individually wrapped
Removes hard water stains
Works well even when running a short cycle
Cons
Resealable part sometimes doesn’t seal well
Scent is quite strong
11. Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods


Key Features
50 count
99.5% natural products
Scent-free
No harsh chemicals
Biodegradable
Using 99.5% natural products, the Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods feature powerful plant enzymes and surfactants that really get to the heart of grease and grime, removing them from your plates, pots, and pans. Unlike other detergents that require rinse aid to help keep your dishes clean, you can simply pop one of these pods into the dishwasher, no pre-rinse or soaking required! Always be sure to scrape your dishes before placing them into the dishwasher. This powerful detergent perfectly cleans any item that is labeled as being dishwasher safe; its natural ingredients, free of harsh chemicals, means that you can use your dishes without any fear of contaminants. The resealable package measures 5 x 3 x 7 inches and weighs 30 ounces. These pods come with a money-back guarantee, so if you are unhappy for any reason at all, you are able to get a full refund.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
No need to soak or rinse dishes first
Powerfully cleans all dishwasher safe items
Not individually wrapped
Streak-free and leaves no water spots
Cons
Dishwasher must be full for them to work properly
Plastic packaging to store them
12. Seventh Generation Power Clean Auto Dish Pacs



Key Features
20 count
Lemon scent
Free of chlorine and phosphate
Biodegradable PVA film
Plant-based enzyme cleaning system
The Seventh Generation Power Clean Auto Dish Pacs are pre-measured for a powerful clean. Simply load your dishes (no pre-rinse required) and pop a single dose pack into your dishwasher – hard work done! The premium plant enzyme-based system tackles dried-on food and efficiently cuts through grease and grime. The PVA film coating on the packs dissolve quickly and are biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly. The resealable pack makes for convenient storage, measuring 10.9 x 9.9 x 9.3 inches and weighing 0.21 ounces.
Pros
Dirty dishes do not need to be rinsed or pre-washed
No residue left behind
No streaking or spotting
Breaks down stuck-on food
Environmentally friendly
Cons
Silver, aluminum and stainless steel must be washed separately
Can’t handle with wet hands
Plastic packaging (although can be recycled)
13. Seventh Generation Fragrance Free Dishwasher Detergent Packs


Key Features
73 count
Does not contain any fragrances, dyes or chlorine
USDA certified Bio-based products
Phosphate-free
Features an enzyme-rich cleaning system
If you love Seventh Generation dishwashing products but have sensitivities that need to be taken into account, their fragrance-free dishwasher detergent packs are a great option. Completely fragrance-free, these detergent packs also do not contain any dyes, phosphates, or chlorine. The enzyme-rich formula uses citric acid to help remove stuck-on food and stubborn grease and grime resulting in clean, streak-free dishes. Completely hassle-free, these single-dose detergent packs require no unwrapping and can be quickly tossed into your dishwasher for them to take the hard work away from you – easy! The cylinder-shaped storage container measures 5.3 x 5.3 x 9.7 inches and weighs 3.25 pounds.
Pros
No pre-cleaning required
Not individually wrapped
Plant-based ingredients
Recyclable storage tub
Powerful cleaning
Cons
Tea and coffee stains can be troublesome
Stuck on foods may need soaking
14. Method Dish Dishwasher Soap Pack


Key Features
45 count
Non-toxic, natural ingredients
Includes rinse aid
Tackles 48 hour stuck-on food
Choice of lemon-mint scent or fragrance-free
Washing dishes has never been so simple! The Method Dish Dishwasher Soap are pre-measured, dissolvable packs that are derived from natural ingredients. The non-toxic ingredients in these packs are no match for tough messes! The triple cleaning action with rinse aid action keeps your dishes sparkling clean, even with just a single dose. Even food that has been stuck on for over 48 hours is no test for these packs; stuck-on food is dissolved, lifted and dishes rinsed. You can choose between lemon-mint scent or fragrance-free, which makes them ideal for those who have sensitivities or skin allergies. The resealable pouch these packs come in measures 9.75 x 7.88 x 3.45 inches and weighs 1.54 pounds.
Pros
Cruelty-free
Cleans well
Works well even in hard water
No residue left behind
Cons
Scented pods are quite strong
Price is a little higher than other brands
15. Amazon Brand – Presto! Premium Dishwasher Detergent Pacs



Key Features
67 count
Does not contain phosphates
Fresh scent
Removes 24 hour stuck-on food
Formulated with rinse aid
These 2-in-1 Premium Dishwasher Detergent Pacs by Presto!, an Amazon brand, powerfully fights grease and features rinse aid to leave your dishes sparkling clean! These powerful packs contain a pre-measured, single-dose that can clean dishes that have had food stuck on for up to 24 hours in just a single wash, without need for rinsing your dishes before placing them into your dishwasher. The compact storage container measures 6.5 x 6.5 x 6.06 inches and weighs 3.1 pounds. If you may find that you are not happy with these detergent packs for any reason at all, you are able to claim a full refund within a year of purchase.
Pros
Eco-friendly
Powerful cleaning for your dishwasher and dishes
Competitive prices
Scent isn’t too overpowering like other brands
Includes a money-back guarantee
Cons
Glassware is sometimes spotty
Not the best for use with hard water
16. ATTITUDE Vegan Dishwasher Tablets


Key Features
26 count
Vegan
Hypoallergenic
Free of phosphates
Safe for your septic tank
Derived from plants and natural ingredients
If you are on the search for environmentally friendly dishwasher tablets that are vegan, then you will find ATTITUDE’s offering best! The ATTITUDE Vegan Dishwasher Tablets are both phosphate-free and safe for your septic tank, the natural ingredients found in these tablets provide powerful cleaning while remaining hypoallergenic. The dissolvable film means that you don’t need to unwrap each tablet; only one tablet per load is required. The compact box made of recycled cardboard measures 2.36 x 5.83 x 5.43 inches and 14.82 ounces.
Pros
Not tested on animals
Great for glassware and flatware
Don’t need to unwrap prior to use
Doesn’t leave any residue behind
Cons
Sometimes they don’t dissolve entirely
Not ideal for very full dishwashers
Stuck on food must be rinsed off first
17. Grab Green Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods


Key Features
60 count
Tangerine and lemongrass scent
High quality, plant-based ingredients
Non-toxic, eco-friendly tablets
Cruelty-free
Tough on grease and grime
The non-toxic, natural ingredients in the Grab Green Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods effectively removes grease and grime, keeping your dishes perfectly clean. Each pod contains a pre-measured dose of powder detergent that is capable of removing stuck-on food and tough stains and leaves your dishes with sparkle and clean, fresh scent. The bag in which the pods are contained is thoughtfully designed with velcro closure; it measures 8.75 x 3 x 11.5 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds.
Pros
Velcro closure on detergent pods bag
No spots on glasses, leaves them shiny and fresh
Works well in hard water
No residue/film left behind
Doesn’t leave a strong scent on dishes
Cons
Dishes should be rinsed first
Plastic storage
Delicate pods
Features To Consider With Dishwasher Tablets
Eco-Friendly Rating
When it comes to considering your family's health as well as that of the environment, you should consider the eco-friendly rating of your dishwasher tablets. Many dishwasher tablets consider harsh chemicals and additives that are not safe for your septic tank and can affect the waterways in which your drains lead to. The best dishwasher detergents contain natural ingredients, are free of phosphates and chlorine, and are not tested on animals. When you consider that there may be some residue left behind on dishes, which can sometimes occur even with the best of detergents, it makes you think about what you and your family may potentially consume; when considering this, it shows the importance of considering the formula used in detergents and their eco-friendly rating.
Grease & Stain Removal Strength
The best dishwasher tablets can tackle stuck-on food, even those dishes that have had food stuck on for over 48 hours. Triple action power found in the best dishwasher detergents combines the use of powder, gel, and rinse aid to thoroughly and effectively dissolve, lift and remove grease, stains, or stuck-on food. This can be especially important if you load your dishwasher over the course of a couple of days, allowing food and grease to set in. In our blog post, you can find out how to prevent this from happening, and how to get the most out of your dishwasher.
Glass & Dish Shining
For beautiful, sparkling glasses and dishes that look brand new right out of the dishwasher, you need to use the best dishwasher tablets. Dishwasher detergents that contain rinse aid ensure that water droplets that are left on your dishes are dispersed which allows your dishes to dry quickly; this quick-drying action helps to remove grease and ensures that your dishes are streak-free and shiny. The type of water you have (soft or hard) can also affect water spotting on your glassware and dishes, so you may need to test your water to determine its hardness. While rinse aid can perform at high efficiency in soft water, hard water can create spots that are unattractive; adding vinegar to your hard water as well as searching for dishwasher detergents ideal for use with hard water can help to ensure your dishes maintain the sparkle they had when you first bought them.
Number Of Tablets
If you use your dishwasher frequently, you will want to search for the most value for your money. The majority of the best dishwasher detergents feature tablets that only require one tablet per load, which maximizes the amount of usage you get per pack of tablets. Consider how often you are using your dishwasher - is it nightly, every few days, or just once a week? This will help you determine how much you use it per month and can help you make the right decision about how many tablets per pack will be be best so that you are not having to reorder constantly.
Scent
There are many dishwasher detergents that are scented, as well as many that are not. If you like lemony scents or a fresh smell to your dishes, many popular brands have the option of a scented detergent as well as non-scented. For those who have breathing problems or skin sensitivities (if you do notice this, you may want to also look at changing your laundry detergent) may find that scented dishwasher detergents can be either too overwhelming or bothersome to skin, so the option for non-scented tablets means you can use your dishwasher worry-free.
Dishwasher Tablet FAQ
Q: Is dishwasher liquid better than tablets?
This comes down to preference as opposed to one being better than the other! However, dishwashing tablets are much more convenient as they are pre-measured and simply need to be popped into your dishwasher. Other than just being very convenient, dishwasher tablets perform efficiently and can include additional features like a combination of gels and powder detergents or powerballs that provide a powerful clean, more so than dishwasher liquid. The only downside to dishwasher tablets is they can sometimes cost more than bottles of detergent; however, when considering this in the long run, it is easy to over-pour your detergent, thus making it the equivalent cost or more than tablets.
Q: Should you unwrap dishwasher tablets from the plastic film?
The directions on your dishwasher tablets will specify whether the plastic film should be removed, however, in most cases the film is biodegradable and dissolvable, meaning it doesn't need to be removed and is safe for the environment.
Q: Do you need to use dishwasher salt as well as dishwasher tablets?
Many of the best dishwasher tablets are all in one, which means you don't need to add anything else to your dishwasher. However, when we look at various water conditions, there are times when additional salt is required, even if your dishwasher detergents do contain it. Hard water requires more salt to soften it to avoid the buildup of limescale. Do note, when we speak of salt, we don't mean your typical, old table salt! Instead, we are talking about specific salt granules that are designed for dishwashers; so, when adding additional salts to your dishwasher, be sure you are using the correct kind!