Last updated on November 20th, 2025 at 04:25 pm
The dishwasher detergent you rely on to tackle your dirty dishes could be doing more harm than good. Many popular brands contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, and even PFAS that leave harmful residues behind. According to Environmental Working Group (EWG) research, fewer than half of the 325 detergents reviewed were rated low concern for health and the environment.
If you want clean dishes without hidden toxins, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic dishwasher detergents that are safe, eco-friendly, and tough on grease and grime.
Looking to go green in more areas of your kitchen? Explore my full guide to eco-friendly kitchen products.
Harmful chemicals in dishwasher detergent
While the rinse cycle is designed to remove detergent and leave dishes spotless, it isn’t always completely effective. Traces of chemical residue may remain on dishes and utensils after washing, especially with rinse aids. These chemicals can then be ingested with your next meal. Over time, this repeated exposure—though subtle—can build up in the body and potentially contribute to health issues.
In addition, many of these chemicals are known to pollute waterways, causing harm to the environment and aquatic life.
Ingredients to avoid
Click on each ingredient to learn its function, why it should be avoided, common names, and better alternatives.
Many of these ingredients are often found in other cleaning products–discover non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products here.
Types of dishwasher detergent to skip
Detergent pods & sheets
Dishwasher (and laundry) detergent pods and sheets are frequently marketed as eco-friendly options. But this isn’t exactly true.
Detergent pods are encased in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a clear plastic-like substance, which is also an ingredient in detergent sheets. PVA (also known as PVOH) is a petroleum-based synthetic polymer, and raises concerns about its environmental impact.
Whether PVA is truly biodegradable, as many companies claim, remains highly debated. While PVA is water-soluble, research—like a study from Arizona State University—suggests otherwise. Their findings indicate that PVA doesn’t fully degrade but instead breaks down into microplastics, adding to plastic pollution.
Other studies found that PVA is not filtered out by wastewater treatments, and is biodegradable only under specific, controlled conditions and not in nature. The Washington Post explores this controversy if you wish to learn more.
For me, it’s simple: PVA is derived from petrochemicals, which inherently harm the environment. If I don’t need to use them, I won’t—especially when, in detergent, PVA serves no real purpose beyond convenience. With biodegradability still debated, I’d rather err on the side of caution. Plus, there are numerous effective, eco-friendly, and non-toxic laundry detergents alternatives.
Liquid & gel detergents
There are several reasons why you should stop using liquid and gel dishwasher detergent.
- Liquids and gels require the inclusion of preservatives to prevent microbial growth, and the most commonly used substances–such as formaldehyde releasers and BIT/MIT– are on the above list of harmful ingredients to avoid.
- These detergents are mostly composed of water, which is why they need preservatives. Being liquid, they are generally packaged in plastic, and these jugs are heavier than other forms of detergent, leading to higher transport emissions and waste, comparatively.
- Liquid and gel detergents typically contain unnecessary ingredients, such as artificial dyes and fragrances.
- These detergents may not rinse away thoroughly, leaving residue on dishes and the inside of your dishwasher.
- Ingredients in liquid detergent don’t play well together: bleaching agents (including oxygen bleach) kill enzymes, so you’ve got to pick one or the other.
- And finally, liquid and gels just may not perform as well as other options–at least according to Consumer Reports and Wirecutter.
Best non-toxic dishwasher detergent brands
With dishwasher detergent pods, sheets, liquids, and gels eliminated, the remaining forms–tablets and powder–are the best options for fewer toxins, being both safer for you and better for the environment.
Of course, not all tablets and powders are created equally. I’ve taken it a step further and listed all my favorite non-toxic dishwasher detergents that are packaged without plastic (except one). I’ve personally tested all of them (minus the Branch Basics tablets, a newer product), and I can confidently vouch for the powerful cleaning performance of all these products. And for what it’s worth, my dishwasher is around seven years old.
But first, an example of a traditional popular detergent for comparison:
Cascade Platinum Plus is one of the top-selling dishwasher soaps in the United States. Notably, the product ingredient links on their website don’t even work, so I had to look them up on Smartlabel instead. These PVA pods include ethoxylated ingredients, PEGs, synthetic fragrances, four types of synthetic dyes, and numerous non-biodegradable chemicals–some of which are toxic to aquatic life. A single load of dishes with Cascade costs $0.35 (Amazon price).
Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Tablets
Best For: People who don’t want to measure detergent. Dishwasher tablets are a perfect and convenient alternative to pods.
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets are made without dyes or bleach and are free from parabens, VOCs, ammonia, phthalates, chlorine, bleach, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA/PVOH), methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, octylisothiazolinone, or quaternary amine.
- Ingredients – 10, including enzymes.
- Certifications – The company is a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral certified. Products are EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle, MADE SAFE, EWG verified, USDA Biopreferred, and Leaping Bunny certified.
- Packaging – A starter pack includes a cute refillable tin to store your tablets. Or reuse a container and start with the refill tablets, which come packaged in commercially compostable packaging, printed with water-based inks. Shipping packaging uses paper-based tape. All of Blueland’s products are plastic-free.
- Price – The Dishwasher Detergent Starter Set is $25, which includes a tin and 60 tablets. Refills are $21 for 60 tabs; $0.35/load. Save 10% with a subscription or bulk order.
Branch Basics
Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets are non-GMO plant and mineral-based, 100% biodegradable, and free from dyes, fragrances, phosphates, or chlorine.
- Ingredients – 11, including enzymes.
- Certifications – Products are EWG and MADE SAFE verified, Leaping Bunny certified.
- Packaging – The only downside to these tablets is that they are packaged in a plastic pouch. (I make an exception to my no-plastic rule for these tablets since they are exceptionally clean.) I reached out to the company voicing my concern with the plastic pouch, and they replied, “We are concerned about plastic too, and are looking into non-plastic options for packaging…..We had explored compostable pouches, but unfortunately, these didn’t hold up in shipping. It was very disappointing!”
- Price – $15 for 40 tabs; $0.38/load. Save 10% with subscription.
Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Powder
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Powder Free & Clear formula uses plant-based enzymes.
- Ingredients – 10, including enzymes.
- Certifications – USDA Certified Biobased. Receives an ‘A’ rating from EWG. Company is a Certified B Corp.
- Packaging – FSC-certified paperboard box
- Price – This is your best budget-friendly option for non-toxic dishwasher detergent. A 45-ounce box is $5.99 ($0.13/ounce) or 75 ounces for $8.99 ($0.12/ounce). One load will require about one ounce of detergent, depending on your dishwasher model and water hardness.
Dirty Labs
Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent is a plant-based formula that utilizes bioenzymes for extra cleaning power. The company has gone above and beyond in their clean formulations, all CA Prop 65 chemicals of concern and EU listed fragrance allergens. Free of dyes, fragrance, parabens, phthalates, ethoxylates, synthetic ingredients. Made in the USA.
- Ingredients – 11, including enzymes.
- Certifications – USDA Certified Biobased product, Green Seal certified, PETA cruelty-free and vegan.
- Packaging – Comes in a sturdy cardboard container with a cute wooden measuring spoon. I do wish they offered refills.
- Price – $20 for 16.8 ounces, which is $0.42 per load. Save 10% with subscription.
Mama Suds
Best For: People who want minimal ingredients but effective cleaning.
Mama Suds Automatic Dishwasher Powder is handmade with simple, 100% biodegradable ingredients: non-GMO citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium percarbonate, and sodium carbonate. This small company recognizes that water quality can greatly influence the effectiveness of this product, and offers a 5-ounce refundable sample bag for $5 so you can try it out before buying.
- Ingredients – 4
- Certifications – This product receives an ‘A’ grade from the EWG, and is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and certified vegan by PETA.
- Packaging – Brown paper pouch (recyclable or compostable)
- Price – $23 for 30 ounces ($0.76/ounce), each paper pouch averages 60-90 loads, depending on usage, which equals $0.26 to $0.38 per load. Save 15% with subscription.
Safety certifications to look for
Choosing a safe dishwasher detergent that’s both effective and non-toxic can feel overwhelming. This is where seeking products with third-party testing and certifcations can be a lifesaver.
Dishwasher detergents that have earned third-party eco-certifications have undergone rigorous testing and met standards regarding chemical safety. The presence of symbols denoting these certifications on product packaging reflects the manufacturer’s values and verifies claims regarding product safety.
EWG Verified
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) is a non-profit whose mission is “to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.”
EPA Safer Choice
The EPA’s Safer Choice program “helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Safer Choice is an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) program, which includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products.”
Made Safe certified products are made without harmful and polluting chemicals.
UL Ecologo
The UL ECOLOGO “indicates a product has undergone rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to prove its compliance with stringent, third-party environmental standards.”
This certification is a “designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.”
Leaping Bunny
Standardizes cruelty-free claims. Companies do not conduct animal testing or use/purchase ingredients from companies that do.
Learn more about which sustainability certifications to seek with eco-friendly products.
Final thoughts on non-toxic dishwasher detergent
Choosing a non-toxic dishwasher detergent is a simple yet impactful way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while minimizing environmental waste. Many natural dishwasher detergents today are just as effective as conventional products, without the harsh chemicals that can impact your health or the environment. By opting for safe, plastic-free, and eco-friendly dishwasher detergent, you can protect your health, prevent water pollution, and cut down on plastic use and the shedding of microplastics. Whether you prefer powder or tablets, look for biodegradable ingredients and responsible brands committed to sustainability. Making this switch ensures cleaner dishes without compromising the planet’s well-being, or yours.
Non-toxic dishwasher detergent FAQs
What is the safest non-toxic dishwasher detergent?
There is no single detergent that is universally considered the safest because formulas vary, but the safest options typically use simple ingredient lists, rely on enzymes for cleaning power, and avoid synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh preservatives. Many people look for detergents with third-party certifications like EPA Safer Choice or MADE SAFE, since these programs review ingredients against strict safety guidelines. Powdered detergents and tablets tend to use fewer synthetic additives.
Is Cascade Free and Clear really non-toxic?
For being “free and clear,” this formulation has a LOT of ingredients–17, in fact. And it’s not fragrance-free, so if you want to count the ingredients in the fragrance, that brings it up to 29 chemicals. Among these are plenty of petroleum-based ingredients, including PEGs and ethoxylated substances. It also lists ‘Transition Metal Catalyst,’ which is vague and doesn’t disclose the actual ingredients. The liquid formulation doesn’t fare any better: 17 of its 26 ingredients have a C or D rating from the EWG. Quick answer: No, it’s not non-toxic. There are better options.
Is dishwasher detergent unhealthy?
Not all dishwasher detergents are created equal, so some may be unhealthy while others are very safe, making it very important to pay attention to ingredient labels.
How does non-toxic detergent affect my dishwasher?
Non-toxic dishwasher detergents work in the same way as conventional ones, but they typically rely on enzymes and gentle surfactants instead of harsher chemicals. They should not damage your dishwasher, and many people find they actually reduce buildup because they avoid heavy fragrances and dyes.
What ingredients should I avoid in dishwasher detergents?
When shopping for non-toxic dishwasher detergent, avoid ingredients like synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives (like MIT & BIT), along with chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, and phosphates. You may also choose to avoid petroleum-derived ingredients, as well as PVA film (used in many pods). A good rule of thumb is to choose detergents with shorter ingredient lists and clear disclosure of what is in the formula.
Are dishwasher pods or powder better if I want a safer option?
Pods are popular for convenience, and there are some that contain safe, clean ingredients, but they all use PVA film, which has questionable biodegradability. Powders usually have simpler ingredient lists and lower-waste packaging. The main difference comes down to ingredients and whether you want a plastic-free option.
Do non-toxic dishwasher detergents actually clean well?
Yes, non-toxic dishwasher detergents clean very well. Natural enzymes are a particularly good addition, but overall, these detergents have just as much cleaning power as traditional detergents. Performance depends on water hardness and how well the detergent rinses. Get the best results by keeping your filter clean and using a rinse aid if needed.
Are natural dishwasher detergents safe for septic systems?
Yes! In fact, natural dishwasher detergents are better for septic systems than traditional formulations, which often contain ingredients that are not biodegradable.
Want to make your entire cleaning routine safer? Check out my guide to non-toxic cleaning products. Or continue making your kitchen a safer place with non-toxic and eco-friendly kitchen products.
