The Best Dishwasher Liquid Detergent

Buying Guide

Households have plenty of choices for getting dishes clean, from hand-washing with soap to sticking the remnants of dinner into an automatic dishwashing machine. And there are also plenty of options when it comes to choosing a detergent to use in those machines, from powdered versions to gel packs. Each brings its own benefits, but each has downsides, as well.

Powdered detergent is the more traditional cleaner, but may be too abrasive for more delicate glasses and plates. Although it excels at scrubbing away caked-on foods on sturdy dishes, you might find that you have to constantly remember to keep items like wine glasses and pots out of your dishwasher to avoid them being scratched.

Those detergent capsules that have become so popular recently can also be problematic. Sure, they provide convenience. Simply grab a gel pack and slide it into the detergent compartment, close the compartment and the door and start your dishwasher up. But many people have found gel packs tend not to get dishes as clean, especially if you don’t prewash them beforehand.

A liquid detergent can serve as a happy medium. With its gel-like consistency, this detergent can combine the cleansing power of a powder detergent with a gentler feel for more delicate dishes.

But there’s more to consider than efficiency and safety when choosing a detergent. Effectiveness is, of course, very important — but price and package size are also factors to think about. Another feature you might consider is eco-friendliness. A notable chunk of households now want detergents made with natural ingredients with packaging that’s environmentally-friendly. That’s both for the perceived health and safety of their families as well as a desire to lower their impact on the planet.

With all-natural ingredients, it’s important to ensure you’re getting a detergent that can do the job. Detergents will often use Castile soap, which is vegetable-based, as well as ingredients like water and baking soda. These have the power to clean while still helping you stick to your goals to reduce the use of chemicals in your household products.

• Gel detergent can tend to settle as it sits. Give the bottle a good shake before using it to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Even the best detergent can leave behind water spots, especially if your household is one of many that has hard water. A rinse aid can encourage the water to “sheet” rather than settle in droplets, boosting your chances of getting crystal-clear glasses.
• Even if you don’t go for a fully organic dishwasher detergent, you can keep things a little safer by cutting down on the number of concerning chemicals. Detergents that leave out ingredients like phosphates and bleach can give you the peace of mind you need.
• If you’re sensitive to perfumes, look for an unscented dishwasher detergent, or at the very least, one that keeps fragrances to a minimum. Some of today’s detergents use essential oils, which help infuse your cleansers with scent without overpowering them with synthetic aromas.
• Take a look at the spout of any dishwasher detergent you choose. Some can be unwieldy, requiring one hand to hold the detergent and the other to squeeze out the liquid. You’ll also need a spout that’s narrow enough to dispense the detergent into your detergent holder without spilling it over the sides.
• Not everyone does dishes immediately after using them. If you even occasionally allow food to dry on your plates, you’ll need a detergent that can tackle tough jobs.
• Fast-dissolving features can be valuable in a detergent. This will help ensure you don’t find a filmy or gritty residue on your dishes after the cycle is complete.
• If you’re environmentally conscious, look for a detergent that’s safe as it goes through your municipal sewer system as well as having packaging that’s eco-friendly. Some detergents are made using recycled packaging or materials that are sustainable to keep your carbon footprint small.