Dishwasher detergents are a staple in most households for cleaning dishes efficiently. However, most mainstream brands contain plastic microbeads and other environmentally harmful ingredients. Using plastic-free dishwasher detergents is better for the planet while still getting your dishes sparkling clean.
Switching to plastic-free dishwasher detergent is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption and help the environment. This guide will compare the top 10 best plastic-free dishwasher detergents in 2024 based on ingredients, effectiveness, price, availability, and sustainability.
What to Look for in Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergents
When choosing the best plastic-free dishwasher detergent, there are a few key factors to consider:
- No plastic microbeads – Plastic microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic that go down the drain into waterways. All of the detergents in this guide do not contain them.
- Plant-based ingredients – The most eco-friendly dishwasher detergents use plant-derived cleansing agents instead of synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum.
- Phosphate-free formulas – Phosphates provide cleaning power but can cause algal blooms in lakes and rivers when they go down the drain. Phosphate-free detergents are gentler on the environment.
- Biodegradable & non-toxic – You want an environmentally-friendly detergent that will break down naturally without releasing harmful chemicals.
- Concentrated formulas – More concentrated detergents use less packaging overall, resulting in less plastic waste.
- Unscented – Fragrance is an unnecessary additive that can contain hidden chemicals. Fragrance-free products are ideal.
Using these criteria, we selected the top 10 best plastic-free and eco-friendly dishwasher detergents available in 2024.
The 10 Best Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergents of 2024
1. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, concentrated packs
- Packaging: Cardboard box, paper packaging
- Scent: Unscented
- Performance: Excellent cleaning and degreasing ability
Seventh Generation is a leader when it comes to environmentally friendly cleaning products. Their dishwasher detergent packs check all the boxes for an effective and sustainable formula that cleans dishes without any plastic.
The powdered detergent inside the packs is made from renewable plant-based ingredients like citric acid, sodium carbonate, and sodium silicate. It effectively removes stuck-on food and grease residue without phosphate buildup.
The concentrated packs mean you use less detergent overall. And the paper packaging makes these detergent packs fully recyclable. For the best plastic-free dishwasher detergent, Seventh Generation is a top choice.
- Pros
- Uses plant-based cleansing ingredients
- Phosphate-free and biodegradable
- Hypoallergenic for sensitive skin
- Unscented
- Concentrated formula
- Cardboard box and paper packaging
- Effective cleaning power
- Cons
- Powder can leave some residue
- Higher cost per load than liquid alternatives
2. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, biodegradable, concentrated tablets
- Packaging: Cardboard box
- Scent: Light citrus
- Performance: Strong cleaning ability
Ecover is another leading manufacturer of eco-friendly cleaners, from laundry detergent to all-purpose cleaners. Their automatic dishwasher tablets are phosphate-free, biodegradable, and vegan, making them a great plastic-free pick.
The key cleansing ingredients in Ecover dishwasher tablets are all plant-based, like sodium citrate and sodium carbonate. They effectively remove stuck-on residue without strong chemical fumes or buildup.
While Ecover tablets have a light citrus scent, they do not contain synthetic fragrances. The concentrated tablet formula helps reduce plastic waste. And the cardboard packaging makes for easy recycling. For a high-performance plastic-free dishwasher detergent, Ecover tablets deliver.
- Pros
- Uses plant-based ingredients
- Phosphate-free and biodegradable
- Light but pleasant scent
- Concentrated tablet formula
- Cardboard box packaging
- Effective cleaning ability
- Cons
- Higher cost per tablet than some brands
- May leave slight soap residue
3. Cleancult Dishwasher Detergent Powder
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, non-toxic, concentrated powder
- Packaging: Cardboard carton with compostable paper bag
- Scent: Unscented
- Performance: Excellent degreasing power
Cleancult makes a variety of eco-friendly cleaners packaged in their signature sleek cardboard boxes. Their dishwasher detergent powder uses safe, plant-based ingredients to cut through grease and food residue without unnecessary additives.
The active cleansing ingredients are sodium carbonate and sodium citrate derived from plants. The formula is phosphate-free, non-toxic, and biodegradable. It effectively removes stuck-on gunk without leaving residue or harming the environment when washed down the drain.
The concentrated powder formula contains less water for ultimate efficiency in a smaller package. Cleancult’s compostable paper packaging allows the entire product to be recycled or composted after use. It’s a great option for a simple but high-performance plastic-free dishwasher detergent.
- Pros
- Made from plant-based ingredients
- Phosphate-free and biodegradable
- Unscented
- Concentrated powder formula
- Cardboard carton and compostable bag
- Excellent cleaning ability
- Cons
- Powder can leave small amounts of residue
- Only available from Cleancult’s website
4. Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, biodegradable pods
- Packaging: Cardboard box
- Scent: Unscented
- Performance: Very good grease removal
Dropps makes convenient single-use dishwasher detergent pods that are formulated for high-performance cleaning without unnecessary plastic packaging.
The plant-based ingredients like sodium citrate efficiently cut through stuck-on food and oils without phosphate buildup. They’re safe for septic tanks and won’t pollute waterways with harmful chemicals either.
While the pods themselves are made of polyvinyl alcohol plastic, they’re still biodegradable and compostable. Dropps also offsets the carbon footprint created by manufacturing their products, making them one of the more eco-friendly dishwasher pod options.
The pods come in a recyclable cardboard box, keeping excess plastic out of landfills. For convenient and effective plastic-free cleaning, Dropps dishwasher pods deliver excellent results.
- Pros
- Uses renewable plant-based ingredients
- Phosphate-free and biodegradable
- Unscented
- Convenient dissolvable pod format
- Cardboard packaging
- Great grease removal
- Cons
- Pods have thin plastic membrane
- Only available for subscription online
5. Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, non-toxic, concentrated gel
- Packaging: Plastic pouch for refills
- Scent: Light lemon verbena
- Performance: Excellent cleansing ability
Better Life makes a range of non-toxic household cleaners packaged in plastic pouches that can be refilled and reused. Their natural dishwasher gel has similar eco-friendly benefits without compromising on cleaning performance.
It’s formulated from plant-based ingredients like decyl glucoside and disodium cocoyl glutamate. It contains no phosphates, dyes, petroleum solvents, or chemical preservatives.
While it has a light lemon verbena scent, there are no synthetic fragrances or perfumes. The thick concentrated gel clings to dishes for superior cleaning power. And a little bit of cleaner goes a long way for efficiency.
The plastic pouches can be refilled and reused with Better Life bottle refills to significantly reduce plastic consumption. For a powerful plant-based dishwasher detergent with less plastic, it’s an excellent choice.
- Pros
- Made from plant-based ingredients
- Phosphate-free and non-toxic
- Light but refreshing scent
- Super concentrated gel
- Reusable plastic pouches
- Available in reusable stainless steel bottle
- Cons
- Refill pouches are still plastic
- Can leave behind a slight residue
- Harder to find in local stores
6. AspenClean Natural Dishwasher Detergent
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, hypoallergenic, concentrated liquid
- Packaging: Plastic bottle made with 100% recycled plastic
- Scent: Unscented
- Performance: Very good cleaning ability
AspenClean makes effective cleaners focused on natural plant-based ingredients and sustainable packaging. Their natural dishwasher detergent comes in a bottle made with 100% recycled plastic.
The liquid formula itself uses ingredients like sodium citrate and sodium carbonate derived from plants. It’s free of phosphates, dyes, synthetic fragrances, and anything that could irritate sensitive skin.
In terms of cleaning power, it tackles grease, stuck-on food residue, and baked-on casserole pieces with ease. While it comes in plastic, the recycled bottle is better than virgin plastic. And the concentrated formula means you use less overall.
- Pros
- Derived from plant-based ingredients
- Phosphate-free and hypoallergenic
- Unscented
- Bottle made from 100% recycled plastic
- Good value for performance
- Cons
- Still packaged in plastic
- Can leave a slight film on glassware
- Not as widely available in stores
7. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, biodegradable, cruelty-free, liquid soap
- Packaging: Plastic bottle with 25% PCR
- Scent: Lemon verbena
- Performance: Moderate cleaning ability
Mrs. Meyer’s is known for their scented plant-based home cleaning products. Their dish soap can work for hand washing or in the dishwasher with decent grease-fighting ability.
The main cleansing ingredients are coconut oil, soda ash, and castor oil derived from plants. The formula is biodegradable, cruelty-free, and free of ammonia, bleach, and synthetic colors or fragrances.
It has a noticeable lemon verbena scent that comes from essential oils rather than artificial ingredients. The bottle contains 25% post-consumer recycled plastic.
While it’s not the most powerful dishwasher detergent alternative, it can work moderately well for basic everyday loads. The plant-based formula makes it more eco-friendly than typical dish soap.
- Pros
- Uses plant-based ingredients
- Biodegradable and cruelty-free
- Light pleasant scent
- Bottle with 25% recycled plastic
- Cons
- Not as effective on heavy grease
- Contains more essential oils than fragrance-free options
- Only moderate cleaning power
8. Nature Clean Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, phosphate-free, biodegradable, liquid detergent
- Packaging: Plastic jug and pouch refills
- Scent: Light lemongrass
- Performance: Good grease removal
Nature Clean is a Canadian brand focused on eco-friendly cleaners in plastic-free packaging. Their automatic dishwashing detergent uses plant-based ingredients for good degreasing power.
It’s formulated using renewable ingredients like decyl glucoside and sodium citrate. The formula itself is readily biodegradable without phosphate buildup concerns.
It has a light botanical scent from essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances. Nature Clean’s refill pouches help reduce plastic waste by 92% compared to conventional packaged detergents.
While it comes in plastic jugs, the recyclable pouches minimize overall plastic use. And the plant-based formula makes this a solid plastic free detergent option both performance and sustainability-wise.
- Pros
- Derived from plant-based ingredients
- Phosphate-free and biodegradable
- Light lemongrass scent
- Significant plastic reduction with pouches
- Good value for the price
- Cons
- Jugs still made from plastic
- The scent may be strong for some
- Not sold in many mainstream stores
9. Branch Basics Concentrated Dish Soap
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, biodegradable, cruelty-free, super concentrated liquid
- Packaging: Glass bottle with optional plastic refills
- Scent: Light citrus
- Performance: Moderate cleaning ability
Branch Basics makes ultra-concentrated cleaners packaged in glass bottles instead of plastic. Their dish soap can work moderately well for hand or machine washing with an environmentally friendly formula.
It contains coconut-derived surfactants and sodium citrate for grease removal. The formula itself is biodegradable, cruelty-free, and vegan.
There’s a hint of essential oil scent with light citrus notes. While it’s not the most heavy-duty option, it can sufficiently clean regular dish loads without strong chemicals.
Branch Basics uses glass bottles with plastic-free pumps to minimize single-use plastics. And the super-concentrated formula means each bottle lasts for up to 64 loads. For a moderately effective plastic-free dishwasher detergent, it’s a decent choice.
- Pros
- Made from plant-derived ingredients
- Biodegradable and cruelty-free
- A subtle light citrus scent
- Sold in reusable glass bottles
- Super concentrated for efficiency
- Cons
- Only moderate cleaning ability
- Contains coconut oil which can build up
- Refill pouches are still plastic
10. Sun & Earth Liquid Dish Soap
- Key Attributes: Plant-based formula, biodegradable, concentrated liquid
- Packaging: Plastic bottle or jug
- Scent: Light aloe scent
- Performance: Basic effectiveness
Sun & Earth makes affordable eco-friendly cleaners, including their liquid dish soap. It uses plant-based ingredients for a basic but biodegradable formula safe enough for the environment.
The main cleansing agents are sodium lauryl sulfate and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate derived from coconut oil. While it’s not the most heavy-duty formula, the dish soap can moderately clean daily dish loads sufficiently.
It has a light, fresh aloe fragrance from essential oil rather than synthetic perfumes. And the concentrated liquid means you need less soap per wash.
While it still comes in plastic, this plant-based dish soap is an inexpensive option for more eco-friendly hand or machine washing with basic loads. The environmental impact is gentler for the modest price.
- Pros
- Made from plant-based ingredients
- Biodegradable formula
- Affordable price
- Concentrated for efficiency
- Light aloe scent
- Cons
- Only basic cleaning effectiveness
- Packaged in plastic bottles
- Not enough for heavy grease
What Are the Best Plastic Free Dishwasher Detergent Pods?
For convenience, plastic-free dishwasher pods allow tossing a premeasured dose into the machine without messy liquids or powder. The best options use plant-based ingredients enclosed in a water-soluble outer coating:
- Seventh Generation Dishwasher Pods – The top eco-friendly pick uses renewable ingredients and paper packaging.
- Dropps Dishwasher Pods – While these pods have a plastic membrane, they’re still biodegradable with cardboard boxes.
- Ecover Tablets – These effective plant-based tablets come in plastic-free cardboard boxes.
DIY Plastic Free Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
You can even make your homemade dishwasher detergent using simple ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup borax
- 1⁄2 cup kosher salt
- Water
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the washing soda, borax, and salt together thoroughly. Use a spoon to break up any clumps.
- Add 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil if you want a light scent. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil work well.
- Slowly stir in just enough water so the powder clumps together slightly when compressed.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per dishwasher load.
- Store in an airtight container away from moisture.
This easy homemade recipe is plastic-free, biodegradable, and contains no phosphates, dyes, or synthetic chemicals. The washing soda, borax, and salt work together to cut through grease and food residue for sparkling dishes.
Key Takeaways: Selecting the Best Plastic Dishwasher Detergents
- Seek out plant-based ingredients like citric acid instead of synthetic chemicals.
- Check for phosphate-free and biodegradable formulas that won’t pollute waterways.
- Choose concentrated detergents and unscented ones when possible.
- Opt for products in cardboard, paper, or glass packaging instead of plastic bottles.
- Plastic-free dishwasher pods offer convenience while keeping plastics out of landfills.
- You can even make an effective DIY detergent with simple pantry ingredients.
Eliminating single-use plastics provides environmental benefits. But you can still get sparkling clean dishes using non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. The best plastic-free dishwasher detergents get your dishes
