The Best Dishwasher Detergents of 2025 – Health Essential

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2025's Top 4 Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents, Tested and Ranked

By Rachel Sherman

June 15, 2025
Are you looking for an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent that gives a powerful clean without the use of toxic ingredients?

Finding a dishwasher detergent that’s tough on grime, uses non-harsh ingredients and is gentle on the planet isn’t easy.


Many of the big-name detergents use various harsh chemicals like parabens, phosphates and chlorine and also artificial fragrances.


Not only have these harsh chemicals been shown to interfere with the bodies hormones and cause inflammation in the gut, they also make their way into our water systems and pose serious threats to aquatic life.


As more and more people become aware of these health and environmental impacts, the demand has grown for eco-friendly and non toxic dishwasher detergent.


Over the last two years we've seen many new eco-friendly dishwasher detergent brands pop up, including some that don't meet the highest standards…

That’s why our team of editors decided to take matters into our own hands and test 21 different eco-friendly dishwasher detergents and narrowed it down to the top 5 that truly delivered on their promise of clean, shiny dishes without compromising health or the planet. 

What were we ranking them based on?

1.Cleaning power. We evaluated each detergent’s ability to remove 20 common food residues, restoring the original shine and cleanliness of standard dishware.


2.Dissolution and rinsing. We assessed how well each detergent dissolved in water and rinsed off without leaving residues on dishes.


3.Safety and ingredient quality. We also carefully inspected the ingredients and labels on these detergents to ensure they had proper safety warnings and clear instructions – and no chemical nasties.

Must-Have Ingredients For Best Cleaning Results

✅ Multiple types of Surfactants

Surfactants are essential for effective cleaning because they break down grease and food residues while being gentle on both your dishes and the environment.


Surfactants come in three main types:

1. Anionic

2. Nonionic

3. Amphoteric


Each type plays a unique role in cleaning.


Anionic surfactants: Excellent for tackling tough grease and stains. Their strong negative charge allows them to bind with grease and dirt, helping to lift it from surfaces.


Nonionic surfactants: Effective in a range of water conditions and create little to no foam, which helps with rinsing and leaves dishes residue-free. 


Amphoteric surfactants: Versatile because they can act as either anionic or cationic surfactants, depending on the pH of the water. This allows them to handle a lots of cleaning tasks and enhances overall cleaning performance.


When choosing a dishwasher detergent, look for products that include a combination of these surfactants. This blend ensures a comprehensive cleaning action that can tackle everything from everyday messes to stubborn, baked-on food.

Other Powerful Natural Ingredients to look for

✅ Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural compound commonly found in skincare products due to its moisturizing properties. 


In dishwashing detergents, glycerin helps protect delicate items like glassware from etching and cloudiness during high-temperature wash cycles.


It forms a protective barrier that prevents water spots, leaving dishes shinier and streak-free. Additionally, glycerin ensures the detergent dissolves smoothly, allowing for even distribution during the wash cycle. 

✅ Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate plays a critical role in improving the performance of dishwashing machines by softening hard water. 


It helps to prevent mineral deposits (like limescale) from forming on dishes and inside the machine, which ensures more efficient cleaning and helps extend the machine's lifespan. 


Its alkaline properties raise the pH of the wash water, which aids in breaking down tough grease, food residue, and stains. This makes it easier for the detergent to lift away grime, even in eco-friendly, low-water wash cycles.

Avoid these ingredients

❌ Parabens

These are used as preservatives, but they've been linked to potential hormonal disruption in numerous studies.

❌ Phosphates

Often used to soften water and enhance cleaning performance. However when released into waterways, they can cause significant environmental damage. They promote algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies and can harm aquatic life.

❌ Chlorine Bleach

While effective at whitening and disinfecting, it can release harmful fumes and form toxic byproducts, such as dioxins, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. 

Top 5 Dishwasher Detergents of 2024 Tested and Ranked

FREDDIE: Dishwasher Sheets 🏆

CLEANING ABILITY:  A+ 

PROS: 

  • Powerful Cleaning Action: Best results out of all products tested in removing tough, greasy residues without pre-rinsing

  • Multiple Plant-Based Surfactants: Formulated with a combination of anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, as well as Glycerin and Sodium Carbonate.
  • Fragrance-Free: Suitable for users with sensitivities to scents, ensuring no lingering smells.
  • Risk-Free Purchase: 30 Day Moneyback Satisfaction

CONS:

  • Limited Availability: Exclusively sold via their online website (not available in stores or Amazon)


This was our first time using sheets as dishwasher detergent, so we didn't know what to expect.


However, these dishwasher sheets were an absolute standout in cleaning performance and they were our overall top scorer by a long shot. 


Their ingredient profile includes all three types of the surfactants discussed earlier in the article and they excelled in removing grease, food debris, and even tough stuck-on bits like dried Peanut butter.

What are dishwasher sheets?

Dishwasher sheets are thin, pre-measured sheets of concentrated detergent that dissolve in water.

Unlike pods and tablets, they don't have plastic casing or hard form that take longer to dissolve, especially in short cycles or cold water.

How do they work

Simply place one sheet on the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Load your dishes as usual, and run the dishwasher on your preferred cycle. 

The sheet will dissolve during the wash cycle, leaving your dishes clean and without any mess or residue.

Why did the sheets clean so well?

Freddie's Sheets are packed with anionic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants, which are highly effective at breaking down grease and food particles when combined into one detergent.


Additionally, Freddie sheets contain glycerin, which helps prevent water spots, leaving dishes shiny and streak-free.


The formula also includes sodium carbonate, which softens hard water and prevents mineral buildup in both your dishwasher and on your dishes, ensuring a more efficient clean.


They were also very quick to dissolve in both hot and cold water and left no residue. 

⭐️ UPDATE: Freddie is currently running a Flash Sale with up to 50% Off + Free Shipping. No coupon code needed. Sale ends June 15, 2025.

Dropps: Excellent Runner-Up

CLEANING ABILITY:  B+ 

PROS: 

  • Effective at Low Temperatures: Performs well in energy-saving cycles, reducing utility costs.

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Dropps offers plastic-free, recyclable packaging.

CONS:

  • Potential for Residue: We noticed that the pod itself didn't fully dissolve and left a residue on some glassware.

  • Strong Scent: The Lemon scent we tested is quite strong and may not be suited for everyone.

Dropps UltraWash Dishwasher Detergent delivered consistently strong results in our testing, especially in terms of handling a wide range of stains and food residues. 


The pods worked well across various temperatures, including energy-saving, low-temperature washes, which is a notable advantage for those looking to reduce energy consumption. We also love the plastic-free packaging, aligning well with the brand's eco-friendly ethos. 


However, we did notice a slight residue on some glassware, though this was not a universal issue. The Lemon scent was also quite strong so we'd recommend the Unscented option for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

Ecover: Reliable Choice

CLEANING ABILITY:   B  

PROS: 

  • Gentle on Dishes: Free from harsh chemicals, making it suitable for delicate dishware.

  • Trusted Brand: Ecover has a long history in the eco-friendly cleaning market, providing assurance of quality.

CONS:

  • Plastic Packaging: The tablets are individually wrapped in plastic, which doesn't align with their mission and values.

Ecover dishwasher detergent is backed by a long history in eco-friendly cleaning, offering trusted quality with a plant-based, biodegradable formula that’s good for the environment. It’s free from harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for both your dishes and the planet. 


A major drawback is that each tablet is individually wrapped in plastic, which contradicts Ecover's environmentally conscious values, adding unnecessary waste.

Dirty Labs: Great Alternative

CLEANING ABILITY:   B  

PROS: 

  • Clean Ingredients: No dyes, no SLS, vegan and cruelty free

  • Fragrance-Free Option: Suitable for users with sensitivities to scents, ensuring no lingering smells.

CONS:

  • Requires Precise Measurement: The powder format needs accurate dosing to ensure optimal performance (and can be messy!).

  • Higher Price Point: Pricy option, especially for a powder format.

From our experience with Dirty Labs, their dishwasher detergent stands out for its environmentally conscious formula. It features a cruelty-free formula with no dyes or SLS, plus a fragrance-free option for scent-sensitive users. 


On the downside, its powder format requires precise, sometimes messy, measurement, and it comes at a higher price than many alternatives.

Why our team chose Freddie as the number 1 pick

After evaluating 21 different dishwasher detergent brands, our team selected Freddie Dishwasher Detergent Sheets as our number one pick. Several reasons drove our decision, making Freddie stand out from the competition.

Cleaning Performance: Right off the bat, Freddie Dishwasher Detergent Sheets impressed us with their superior cleaning power, tackling all kinds of tough residue. Our comprehensive testing included challenging grime like baked-on grease, egg-whites, sauces,  and Freddie consistently outperformed other detergents in removing these stubborn spots. Its powerful formula effectively breaks down and lifts debris, leaving dishes spotless and streak-free.

Residue-free clear finish: Among all the brands we tested,  Freddie Dishwasher Detergent Sheets delivered the most consistent results for residue-free dishes and glassware. The formula effectively breaks down and rinses away all traces of food and grease, leaving no unwanted film or spots behind.

No Pre-Rinse Needed: Along with its exceptional ability to remove tough residues, it also removes the need for pre-rinsing. The powerful formula easily breaks down tough baked-on food and grease, ensuring that dishes come out spotless without the extra step of rinsing beforehand. This not only saves time but also conserves water, making Freddie a smart choice for both your dishes and the environment.

Dissolution Efficiency: What sets Freddie apart is how well they dissolve. They quickly break down during the wash cycle, spreading cleaning agents evenly across your dishes. This ensures maximum cleaning power, so every dish gets the effective clean it needs.

User-Friendliness: Freddie Dishwasher Detergent Sheets provided clear and user-friendly instructions on their labels, along with necessary safety precautions. This attention to detail demonstrated their commitment to consumer satisfaction and safety. Moreover, Freddie's commitment to environmental responsibility was evident, with their sheets being free from unnecessary fillers and harsh chemicals, making them eco-friendly and gentle on dishes.

Comes in Fragrance Free: Another thing to take note, Freddie offers a no-fragrance option for those who prefer a scent-free cleaning experience. This fragrance-free formula effectively cleans dishes without any lingering smells, making it ideal for users with sensitivities or allergies.

Price Tag: In addition to its outstanding cleaning performance and innovative features, Freddie also offers an appealing pricing advantage. For those who opt for a subscription, Freddie provides a very cost effective price per wash compared to the other dishwasher detergent brands. 

Consumer Feedback: Lastly, the positive reviews and feedback from customers about Freddie Dishwasher Detergent Sheets strengthened our decision. Many praised the ease of use and cleaning power of Freddie, making it a preferred option for countless households.

In conclusion, Freddie Dishwasher Detergent Sheets stood out as our top choice because of their exceptional cleaning power, residue-free finish, and efficient dissolution without the need for pre-rinsing. Coupled with straightforward instructions and strong customer reviews, Freddie’s commitment to outstanding, eco-friendly results makes it the clear leader in the dishwasher detergent category.

Below are some frequently asked questions by our readers:

Do Dishwasher Detergent Sheets really work?

Yes they do. From our testing we found that some brands like Freddie actually clean and remove tough grease and grime better than pods, tablets, and powders.

Do they work with all types of dishwashers?

Yes, dishwasher detergent sheets are designed to be compatible with all dishwasher models—whether it's a newer model or an older one.

Are dishwasher sheets safe for my dishwasher?

Yes, they dissolve completely in water, leaving no residue on your dishes or in your machine. 

Will the detergent sheets leave any residue or film on my dishes?

Nope! From our testing we can note that some brands like Freddie perform better in dissolving completely, leaving no residue or film behind.

Do dishwasher sheets have a shelf-life?

This varies from brand to brand but usually for about 2 years.


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