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The Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent

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The dishwasher is run quite frequently in every home with bigger families needing to run the dishwasher more often. If you like to use natural cleaning products in your home you might be wondering if there is a way to clean all the dishes without the use of harsh chemicals like phosphates, triclosan, chlorine, and ammonia that could be harmful to your or the environment.

For a healthier home and a safer planet, it is best to use products nature-based and do not have harmful chemicals. It can take a while to find a natural dishwasher detergent that is both eco-friendly and effective enough to leave your dishes squeaky clean.

If you want to make the shift to a natural dishwasher detergent, here is a list of the best natural dishwater detergents available on the market. We have done thorough research to compile this list that includes the best detergent powder, gel, pods, and packs so that you are sure to find something that suits your dishwashing needs.

Related: List of Septic Safe Dishwasher Detergents

ImageProductOur RatingPrice
Best Gel
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel
  • Naturally formulated with 65% bio-based USDA Certified ingredients
  • No dyes, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and chlorine
  • 100% pure essential oils and other plant-based extracts for natural lemon scent
9.7
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Best Pack
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
  • Eco-friendly and powerful detergent formulated to break up to remove food and grease
  • No bleach, dyes, fragrances, and phosphates
  • This product is USDA certified 78% bio-based product
9.6
Check Price on Amazon
Best Tablets
Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
  • Convenient dishwasher tablets are easy to use
  • Renewable plant-based and mineral ingredients offer a powerful clean
  • Biodegradable, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and no phosphates
9.6
Check Price on Amazon

The Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent

1. Best Gel: Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel with Powerful Citric Acid, Lemon Scent, 42 oz (6 Pack) Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel with Powerful Citric Acid

The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel is a powerful dishwasher gel that is enough to remove all kinds of stubborn food messes. The lemon-scented dishwasher gel does all the hard work of cleaning the dishes so that you don’t have to. The gel formula includes plant-based enzymes that are strong enough to remove extra-greasy food stains on your dishes in the dishwasher. It delivers an excellent job of cleaning the dishes without any artificial fragrances or chlorine bleach that could be harmful to you or the environment.

The Seventh Generation dishwasher gel is a USDA Certified 65 % Biobased Product made with renewable, plant-derived ingredients. The biobased program only features products that are people and planet-friendly. No dyes or phosphates are present in the formula and the pleasant lemon scent comes from 100% essential oils and botanical ingredients. Lastly, this dishwasher gel is EPA Safer Choice Certified which ensures that it is a safe and effective product.

The advanced cleaning technology of this natural dishwasher detergent gel is sure to leave your dishes streak-free and sparkling clean. In a nutshell, this highly rated product features the following benefits that made it to the top of the Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent list:

  • Naturally formulated to effectively clean dishes
  • 65% bio-based USDA Certified ingredients
  • No dyes, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and chlorine
  • 100% pure essential oils and other plant-based extracts for natural lemon scent
  • This product has not been tested on animals

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2. Best Dishwasher Packs: Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Free & Clear, 45 count, Pack of 2 Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs

Many of you might be looking to stock up on bundles of detergent pods because they are the easiest to use. With these pods don’t need to pre-rinse your dishes before starting the dishwasher. Just toss a single detergent pod into the dishwasher and you’re good to go.

The Seventh Generation dish detergent pack is a convenient fuss-free alternative to detergent powders and gels. It is a powerful detergent that removes tough residue leaving your dishes in a streak-free, pristine condition with a single wash.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods contain plant-based ingredients. The formula is free of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach.

The Seventh Generation is a company based in Vermont that has been formulating planet-safe, plant-based products for around 25 years. The effective plant-derived surfactants and enzymes in their detergent pods break up stubborn residue and remove food particles for sparkling clean dishes.

The enzymes in this formula break down starch and protein-based residue to remove greasy food stains while the surfactants eliminate dirt and grease by helping the cleaning agent dissolve the stains.

The Seventh Generation is a Certified B Corporation which means it is certified to be better for workers, communities, and the environment.

The following features of the Seventh Generation dish detergent pack make it an excellent option for your kitchen:

  • Eco-friendly and powerful detergent formulated to break up and remove food and grease
  • No bleach, dyes, fragrances, and phosphates
  • No unwrapping or measuring is required
  • This product is USDA certified 78% bio-based product

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3. Best Tablets: Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets

Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets, Citrus, 45 CountEcover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets

The Ecover offers the best automatic dishwasher soap tablets that are efficient in removing stubborn, stuck-on food. The tablets contain plant-based and mineral ingredients that are biodegradable and renewable. The phosphate-free, green formula washes the dirty dishes, glasses, and flatware quite efficiently without harming the planet. The Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets offer a good balance between eco-friendly benefits and strong cleaning power at a reasonable price.

At a glance, the following features make this product stand out on our Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent:

  • Convenient dishwasher tablets are easy to use
  • Renewable plant-based and mineral ingredients offer a powerful clean
  • Biodegradable, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and no phosphates

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4. Best Pods: Nature Clean Natural Dishwasher Pods

Nature Clean Natural Dishwasher Pods, 60 count. High Performance Dishwasher Detergent Pods With 96% Naturally Derived Ingredients From Plants And Minerals. Spot & Residue-Free, No chlorine, Unscented Nature Clean Natural Dishwasher Pods

Our research suggests that the best natural detergent pods are Nature Clean’s Natural Dishwasher Pods. The powerful formula contains plant-based detergent that removes baked-on food, grease, and all kinds of food stains from your dishes.

These planet-friendly pods are hypoallergenic and do not carry any irritants like chlorine, phosphates, sulfates, perfumes, or dyes. Each of these septic tank-safe dishwasher pods contains a precise amount of detergent which means that they are a safer choice for water treatment plants.

The 96% nature-based formula ensures that the pods are gentle in the environment and safe for your family. Have a look at the key features of Nature Clean’s Natural Dishwasher Pods:

  • Contain 96% naturally derived ingredients from plants and minerals
  • No sulfates, phosphates, chlorine, fragrance, or dyes
  • Ecologo certified for lower environmental impact
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable, septic tank safe, hypoallergenic, and gluten-free

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5. Best Powder: Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder

Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder 3.17 lbs, 80 Loads, Fragrance Free, Plant and Mineral Based, Superior Cleaning, Powerful Grease Removal, Brilliant Shine Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder

If you are most comfortable using detergent powders then we have found the best option for you. The best-selling Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder tackles the most stubborn stains without the use of caustic chemicals or carcinogens.

The brand claims to use the finest plant-based and mineral ingredients that deliver a powerful clean. The package comes in Velcro closures that are easy to open and close. The package design clearly states what the product does, how to use it, and breaks down the ingredients in detail:

  • Naturally, effective formula contains powerful plant-based and mineral cleaning agents
  • Clears stains and leaves your dishes spot-free without the use of caustic chemicals and fumes
  • Does not contain phosphates, chlorine, dyes, phthalates, and toxins
  • The package comes with velcro closure and includes a scoop.
  • It is available in fragrance-free as well as Grapefruit + Cranberry scented for those who prefer scented detergents
  • Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, made in the USA, and septic safe

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6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dishwasher Pods

Mrs. Meyer's Automatic Dishwasher Pods, Cruelty Free Formula Dish Soap Tablets, Lemon Verbena Scent, 20 Count - Pack of 3 (60 Total Pods) Mrs. Meyer’s Automatic Dishwasher Pods

Mrs. Meyer is a renowned name in the field of eco-friendly cleaning products. Their Clean Day Automatic Dishwasher Pods will leave your dishes sparkling clean in a single wash.

At a glance, these convenient dishwasher pods offer the following cleaning benefits:

  • No chlorine or phosphates
  • Garden-fresh Lemon Verbena has an invigorating light citrus scent
  • Never tested on animals
  • Easy to use, just throw it into the dishwasher without needing to measure

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7. Puracy Dishwasher Pods

Puracy Dishwasher Pods, 50 Count, Natural Dishwasher Detergent, Free & Clear Enzyme-Powered Automatic Dishwasher Pod, Spot and Residue-Free Dish Tabs, 2-in-1 Dishwasher Soap and Rinse Aid Puracy Dishwasher Pods

Puracy Dishwasher Pods offer plant-powered cleaning performance. These pods will wash your dishes effortlessly with the advanced, plant-based enzymes in their formula.

Puracy claims that these are third-generation dishwasher tablets that have been tried, tested & trusted. These pods have passed many real-world tests with several water types, dishwasher models, and practical usage. The brand has made many revisions and alterations to make the perfect detergent formula that leaves the dishes squeaky clean.

A single Puracy dishwasher pod is enough to remove stubborn grime and dried-up food stains without the need to soak or pre-rinse the dishes. The following benefits of the Puracy detergent pods make it a good choice for all your dishwashing needs:

  • 99.5% natural dishwasher formula contains plant-derived enzymes that effectively remove grease, grime, and stuck-on food particles
  • No need for soaking or pre-rinsing and can be used on all types of dishwasher safe items
  • Biodegradable and cruelty-free
  • A hypoallergenic product that has been tested by physicians and Ph.D. chemists

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8. Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent

Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent, 30 Fl Oz, Pack of 2 Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent

Better Life is a best-selling brand that produces eco-friendly, natural cleaning products. Their natural dishwasher detergent gel is a plant-based product that uses cleaning agents derived from corn and coconut.

This detergent gel offers the following dishwashing benefits that helped it reach a spot on our Best Natural Dishwasher list:

  • Powerful, plant-based cleaning ingredients for a sparkling clean
  • Ideal for all kinds of dishwasher items, including glass and pots
  • Natural, ultra-concentrated gel formula removes stubborn stains and stuck-on gunk
  • Leaping Bunny-certified to be cruelty-free

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9. Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods

Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods, 132 Count, Fragrance Free, Plant and Mineral Based, Superior Cleaning, Powerful Grease Removal, Brilliant ShineGrab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods

Another excellent choice for detergent pods is the Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods which provide a powerful grease removal and a lovely shine to your dishes.  The formula contains naturally derived, non-toxic ingredients that clean effectively without harsh chemicals or carcinogens.

You can achieve film-free, spot-free clean dishes without any residue with these powerful detergent pods.  

These fragrance-free pods are a safe choice for people who are sensitive to fragrance. The formula is also free of other irritants like dyes or masking agents.

Grab Green is a female and mother-owned company that consults a team of organic chemists who help create the most effective, natural, non-toxic cleaning formulas. The convenient packaging features an easy-to-use Velcro closure and clear directions. Each ingredient and its purpose is mentioned on the product label for complete transparency.

The following features of the Grab Green pods make it a suitable choice for your dishwasher:

  • Convenient pre-measured pods
  • Superior cleaning power to remove grease & grime without chemicals
  • Features an eco-responsible and safe formula for your home
  • Naturally derived and non-toxic detergent formula
  • 100% made in the USA

Related: Do Natural Cleaning Products Work?

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ImageProductOur RatingPrice
Best Gel
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel
  • Naturally formulated with 65% bio-based USDA Certified ingredients
  • No dyes, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and chlorine
  • 100% pure essential oils and other plant-based extracts for natural lemon scent
9.7
Check Price on Amazon
Best Pack
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
  • Eco-friendly and powerful detergent formulated to break up to remove food and grease
  • No bleach, dyes, fragrances, and phosphates
  • This product is USDA certified 78% bio-based product
9.6
Check Price on Amazon
Best Tablets
Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
  • Convenient dishwasher tablets are easy to use
  • Renewable plant-based and mineral ingredients offer a powerful clean
  • Biodegradable, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and no phosphates
9.6
Check Price on Amazon

Final Thoughts on the Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent

The eco-friendly cleaning products industry has introduced a large variety of natural dishwasher detergents that use plant or mineral-based detergents and surfactants in their formula. These nature-based dishwasher detergents deliver a powerful clean without causing harm to you or the environment.

We have curated this list of the best natural dishwasher detergents available in the market so that you can pick an option that meets your needs. We have included all kinds of natural dishwasher detergents including pods, powders, gels, and tablets. All of these are eco-friendly, cruelty-free dishwasher detergents that are free of harsh caustic chemicals or carcinogens.