5 Best non-toxic dishwasher detergents

Nowadays, people can not imagine their comfort in living without household helpers. Cleaning products make the cleaning process much easier. Unfortunately, many household chemicals are dangerous for our health and for the environment as a whole.

Thankfully, organic detergents offer a safer way. Let’s explore certified non-toxic dishwasher cleaners and pick the best top brands.

Toxic truth: is your dishwasher cleaner safe

What’s Wrong with Dishwasher Detergents? Non-eco-friendly cleaning products contain a vast list of dangerous toxic chemicals that pollute not only wastewater but also enter the human body, causing headaches, irritation of the mucous membranes, and dizziness. Studies have shown that even after using the extra rinse function, traces of synthetic detergents remain on the dishes.

Here’s what’s really going on behind the shine:

Phosphates, chlorine and bleach in the composition can irritate the skin, impair breathing and lead to accidental poisoning.
Detergent residue on dishes can enter the body, causing stomach problems or allergies.
These chemicals pollute waterways, promote algae blooms, and harm aquatic life.
Over time, they wear out dishwasher filters.

So, what’s the safe and smart swap? Plant-based, non-toxic dishwasher detergents that are made with gentle, natural ingredients like essential oils, citrus extracts, soda, vinegar, and minerals. No synthetic nasties, no artificial scents, and totally biodegradable. Plus, they break down safely in your body and the environment.

Non-toxic detergents: easy to say - hard to find

Most conventional cleaning products come packed with harsh chemicals that don’t just rinse away—they linger. They sneak into the body, irritating the eyes, nose, and even causing headaches and dizziness. Phosphates are especially harmful—they flow from your drain straight into rivers and lakes, triggering explosive growth of blue-green algae. The result? Murky, smelly water and mass die-offs of fish. Other chemicals like chlorine and surfactants can even boomerang back to your tap thanks to outdated water systems.

When shopping for dishwasher detergents, flip that label and know what’s inside—skip these harmful ingredients:

Sodium hypochlorite;
Ammonia;
Synthetic dyes & fragrances;
Benzisothiazolinone;
Methylchloroisothiazolinone;
Methylisothiazolinone;

These ingredients can mess with your hormones, damage your health, and some are even carcinogens. If you spot them, leave that bottle on the shelf.

What kind of water comes out of your tap?

To keep all the dishes in the house clean and all the plates and cutlery sparkling, the right non-toxic natural dishwashing detergent. Sometimes after the end of the dishwashing cycle, streaks may remain on glassware (glasses, goblets, vases).

Their appearance is caused by high water hardness, that is, a high content of calcium and magnesium salts in tap water. When water droplets dry, a noticeable white film remains on the surface. Choose a dishwashing detergent that will universally remove food residues and stains on plates at all water hardness units.

But how do you understand what kind of water flows in your tap, its hardness, and how much detergent to use?

Water hardness or softness is measured using grains per gallon (gpg) and the hardness indexes are classified into:

soft water (0–3 gpg is considered);
medium hard or ideal (3.5–7 gpg is considered);
hard water (more than 7.5 gpg is regarded).

Therefore, you need to determine your water hardness indicator and choose a detergent accordingly from those available in the market.

Top 5 green cleaners for your dishwasher

More people are going green, caring for their family and the planet. Eco-friendly dishwasher detergents use biodegradable ingredients, recycled packaging, and no toxic additives. Here are the top 5 brands for clean dishes you can trust.

Puracy Dishwasher Pods, Natural Dishwasher Detergent – Made from plant and mineral ingredients, free from phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic additives. Powered by enzymes, protease and amylase to bust protein and starch stains fast.

Price range: 19.79 $ for 50 pods *

Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Pods – Packed with natural, biodegradable ingredients—free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for kids’ dishes and sensitive households.

Price range: 18.99 $ for 60 pods *

BLUELAND Dishwasher Detergent Tablets – Tackles tough baked-on and burnt stains on dishes, glass, silver, and porcelain—even those stuck for 48 hours. A plant- and mineral-based cleaner with no preservatives, dyes, fragrances, or phosphates.

Price range: 22.60 $ for 60 tablets *

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs – Features a formula that cuts through stubborn oils and food residue—no fragrances, dyes, phosphates, or chlorine bleach. Certified biodegradable and safe for septic tanks.

Price range: 24.15 $ for 72 packs *

If You Care Dishwasher Tablets – Packed with a powerful mix of mineral and plant-based cleaners like coconut and canola. Non-toxic, gentle on aquatic life, phosphate- and chlorine-free, and dissolves fast in water.

Price range: 8.83 $ for 40 tablets *

* (Prices are valid for 2025

Can eco-friendly detergents really clean?

Plenty of studies and glowing user reviews prove that environmentally friendly dishwasher detergents can match the cleaning power of synthetic ones, effortlessly removing residue to keep your dishes sparkling clean. These detergents are not only highly effective but also safe for your family and gentle on the planet. Plus, they’re economical to use and made with plant-based ingredients that support sustainability, making them a smart choice for both your home and the environment.