Top 5 Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergents: A Review

Ever look at the ingredients list on your dishwasher detergent and wonder what you are actually spraying onto your plates? Many common brands contain harsh chemicals that can linger on your dishes and affect your family’s health. It is tricky to find a detergent that cleans powerfully without all the questionable stuff.

You want sparkling clean dishes, but you do not want to expose your loved ones to phosphates, chlorine, or artificial fragrances. Navigating the grocery aisle feels like a guessing game. You deserve products that work well and keep your home safe.

This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what to look for and what to avoid in non-toxic dishwasher detergents. Get ready to discover safe, effective options that give you peace of mind with every load.

Top Non Toxic Dishwasher Detergent Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 60 Auto-Release Tabs (Unscented)

SPARKLING CLEAN WITHOUT HARSH CHEMICALS: Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods cut through grease & stuck-on food stains to leave dishes sparking with zero residue, streaks, or other mineral build-up. Simple and effective, Molly’s Suds products are free from ethoxylates and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
CONVENIENT & EASY TO USE: A single auto-release pod works to clean 1 full load of dishes. Safe for use on glassware, porcelain, stainless steel, pots & pans, baby bottles and more! Simply rinse dishes with hot water prior to loading in your dishwasher (works with built-in, portable & drawer styles), add pod, select your preferred wash cycle and let Molly’s Suds do the hard work!
MOM APPROVED: Developed by a pediatric nurse & mom with simple ingredients that really work. Created for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies in mind. Cleaner dishes, cleaner environment!
POWERFUL YET GENTLE: Low sudsing formula contains active enzymes to dissolve food, grease & grime without the need for harsh chemicals or any rinse aids. Works well on all stain types including dried-on food, coffee & tea stains, even red wine spots! Effective with both hard and soft water.
WHAT’S INCLUDED: One 60 count bag of Dishwasher Detergent Pods. Free of harsh synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals such as ethoxylates.

Bestseller No. 2

BLUELAND 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, 60 Count, Free & Clear, Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Pods, Natural, USDA Certified biobased

PLASTIC-FREE, ECO FRIENDLY DISHWASHER DETERGENT TABLETS. Hardworking without the harsh chemicals, our NEW and improved, eco-friendly Dishwasher Detergent Tablets cut grease and grime with 100% plastic-free tablets for a sparkling clean you can feel good about. Say goodbye to conventional PVA-wrapped dishwasher pods and hello to plastic-free tablets that are just as easy to use.
POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE: NEW 2x enzyme power lifts 48-hr baked-on foods, plus oxi stain-fighting action tackles coffee tea and wine stains
EASY TO USE: Drop a tablet directly into the main dishwasher dispenser and run your dishwasher as normal.
CLEAN INGREDIENTS. Microplastic-free, septic-safe formula made with plant and mineral-based cleaning power so it’s powerful enough to combat spotting and filming even in hard water, but safe for use around everyone in the family. Formulated clean without potentially gut-harming ingredients. EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, Vegan, B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral, USDA Bio-Preferred.
Questions or concerns about your purchase? Contact our Blueland Customer Experience Team and we’ll help make it right!

Bestseller No. 3

BLUELAND 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, 36 Count, Free & Clear, Eco-Friendly Dishwashing Pods, Natural, USDA Certified biobased

PLASTIC-FREE, ECO FRIENDLY DISHWASHER DETERGENT TABLETS. Hardworking without the harsh chemicals, our NEW and improved, eco-friendly Dishwasher Detergent Tablets cut grease and grime with 100% plastic-free tablets for a sparkling clean you can feel good about. Say goodbye to conventional PVA-wrapped dishwasher pods and hello to plastic-free tablets that are just as easy to use.
POWERFULLY EFFECTIVE: NEW 2x enzyme power lifts 48-hr baked-on foods, plus oxi stain-fighting action tackles coffee tea and wine stains
EASY TO USE: Drop a tablet directly into the main dishwasher dispenser and run your dishwasher as normal.
CLEAN INGREDIENTS. Microplastic-free, septic-safe formula made with plant and mineral-based cleaning power so it’s powerful enough to combat spotting and filming even in hard water, but safe for use around everyone in the family. Formulated clean without potentially gut-harming ingredients. EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, Vegan, B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral, USDA Bio-Preferred.
Questions or concerns about your purchase? Contact our Blueland Customer Experience Team and we’ll help make it right!

SaleBestseller No. 4

EFFECTIVE: Our ultra-concentrated 2-in-1 powder formula is designed with the most advanced bioenzymes and biobased ingredients to break down tough messes and stubborn stuck on food -- without the harsh chemicals. Our dishwash detergent is optimized for quick wash cycles and delivers a brilliant spot-free finish in less time.
NONTOXIC: Most cleaners today use technologies that were developed almost 100 years ago. In fact, many common deep-cleaning formulas still rely on harmful, petroleum-based chemicals. Dirty Labs is different. Phytolase, our propietary enzyme cleaning technology is consciously formulated with nontoxic, biobased ingredients. Our formulas are nontoxic and free of petroleum-based ingredients and synthetic sufactants. Dirty Labs is cruelty-free, and vegan.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: At Dirty Labs - Less is More. By creating hyper-concentrated formulas, we greatly reduce our package sizes (and thus, our carbon footprint). Our packaging is made of recyclable cardboard. Our scoop is made from responsibly sourced schima superba wood. Our ingredients are responsibly sourced and created through biorenewable manufacturing processes. We examine every aspect of our product life cycles in order to achieve the safest, most sustainable solutions.
DIRECTIONS: Make sure items are dishwasher safe and follow manufacturer's directions. Add Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent to detergent dispenser. Measure with included wooden scoop: 1 scoop for regular loads, 2 scoops for heavily-soiled dishes or particularly hard water. Start washer.
SPECS: 1.05 lbs (480 g) = 48 loads. Free & Clear (Fragarence Free). Optimized for quick wash cycles. Nontoxic, clean rinse formula. Biobased and biodegradable formula. No sulfates, dyes, parabens and synthetic perservatives, chlorine bleach, or CA Prop.65 Chemicals. Visit our store for more ingredients information.

Bestseller No. 5

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs for sparkling dishes Free & Clear Dishwasher Tabs (72 Count)

LEAVES DISHES SPARKLING CLEAN: Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Packs have a formula that cuts through tough grease and food residue
FREE FROM: Our powerful dishwasher soap is free of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach
EASY TO USE: Convenient single dose dishwasher packs - just toss right into the dishwasher
BIOBASED CLEANING POWER: This dishwasher soap is a USDA Certified Biobased Product, 79%
LESS PLASTIC: Seventh Generation dishwasher packs come in 90% plastic-free packaging

Bestseller No. 6

Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder | Natural Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap | Plastic Free, Plant-Based, Clean, Heavy Duty Hard Water Stain & Grease Remover | Fragrance Free | 12.5 oz (Pack of 1)

POWERFUL DISHWASHER DETERGENT: Experience exceptional cleaning with our powerful, concentrated natural dishwasher detergent. This specially formulated dish soap dishwashing powder effortlessly penetrates and breaks down tough grease and grime, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.
NON-TOXIC DISHWASHER SOAP: Truly Free Natural Dishwasher Detergent Powder is designed to combat hard water stains effectively. With its unique formulation, it tackles mineral buildup, ensuring that your glassware and dishes are not only clean but also free from unsightly streaks and spots.
SAFE & NATURAL: Made without harmful ingredients, our dishwasher powder soap offers a safe and healthy option for your kitchen. You can trust that our dishwashing detergent is gentle on your family and the environment while still delivering powerful cleaning performance.
EASY-TO-USE POWDER FORMULA: Our user-friendly powder dishwasher detergent comes with a scoop for easy measuring and a resealable bag to keep it fresh, ensuring effortless application in automatic dishwashers. Simply measure the right amount and let Truly Free do the work for you.
NO HARSH CHEMICALS: Truly Free's dishwasher detergent is formulated with absolutely no toxic chemical fragrance, no ammonia, no bleach, no dye, no thickeners, no formaldehyde, no fillers, no parabens, no phosphates, no monoethanolamine, no SLS, no isopropanol, no phthalates, no perchloroethylene or PERC, no triclosan, no Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, or QUATS.

SaleBestseller No. 7

EFFECTIVE: Our ultra-concentrated 2-in-1 powder formula is designed with the most advanced bioenzymes and biobased ingredients to break down tough messes and stubborn stuck on food -- without the harsh chemicals. Our dishwash detergent is optimized for quick wash cycles and delivers a brilliant spot-free finish in less time.
NONTOXIC: Most cleaners today use technologies that were developed almost 100 years ago. In fact, many common deep-cleaning formulas still rely on harmful, petroleum-based chemicals. Dirty Labs is different. Phytolase, our propietary enzyme cleaning technology is consciously formulated with nontoxic, biobased ingredients. Our formulas are nontoxic and free of petroleum-based ingredients and synthetic sufactants. Dirty Labs is cruelty-free, and vegan.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: At Dirty Labs - Less is More. By creating hyper-concentrated formulas, we greatly reduce our package sizes (and thus, our carbon footprint). Our packaging is made of recyclable cardboard. Our scoop is made from responsibly sourced schima superba wood. Our ingredients are responsibly sourced and created through biorenewable manufacturing processes. We examine every aspect of our product life cycles in order to achieve the safest, most sustainable solutions.
DIRECTIONS: Make sure items are dishwasher safe and follow manufacturer's directions. Add Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent to detergent dispenser. Measure with included wooden scoop: 1 scoop for regular loads, 2 scoops for heavily-soiled dishes or particularly hard water. Start washer.
SPECS: 1.05 lbs (480 g) = 48 loads. Aestival Scent (Yuzu, Geranium, & Lemon Balm). Optimized for quick wash cycles. Nontoxic, clean rinse formula. Biobased and biodegradable formula. No sulfates, dyes, parabens and synthetic perservatives, chlorine bleach, or CA Prop.65 Chemicals. Visit our store for more ingredients information.

Bestseller No. 8

Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods | Clean Dishwasher Detergent, Cuts Grease & Rinses Clean (Residue-Free) for Sparkling Dishes | 120 Auto-Release Tabs (Citrus)

SPARKLING CLEAN WITHOUT HARSH CHEMICALS: Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods cut through grease & stuck-on food stains to leave dishes sparking with zero residue, streaks, or other mineral build-up. Simple and effective, Molly’s Suds products are free from ethoxylates and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
CONVENIENT & EASY TO USE: A single auto-release pod works to clean 1 full load of dishes. Safe for use on glassware, porcelain, stainless steel, pots & pans, baby bottles and more! Simply rinse dishes with hot water prior to loading in your dishwasher (works with built-in, portable & drawer styles), add pod, select your preferred wash cycle and let Molly’s Suds do the hard work!
MOM APPROVED: Developed by a pediatric nurse & mom with simple ingredients that really work. Created for those with chemical sensitivities and allergies in mind. Cleaner dishes, cleaner environment!
POWERFUL YET GENTLE: Low sudsing formula contains active enzymes to dissolve food, grease & grime without the need for harsh chemicals or any rinse aids. Works well on all stain types including dried-on food, coffee & tea stains, even red wine spots! Effective with both hard and soft water.
WHAT’S INCLUDED: One 120 count bag of Dishwasher Detergent Pods. Free of harsh synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other harmful chemicals such as ethoxylates.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Sparkling Clean, Naturally

Choosing a non-toxic dishwasher detergent means you care about your family’s health and the planet. You want dishes that shine without harsh chemicals. This guide helps you find the perfect eco-friendly cleaner for your machine and your peace of mind.

Key Features to Look For

A great non-toxic detergent offers powerful cleaning without harmful ingredients. Look for these top features:

Phosphate-Free Formula: Phosphates harm waterways. Good detergents skip them entirely.
Chlorine-Free Bleaching Agents: Instead of harsh chlorine, look for oxygen-based brighteners (like sodium percarbonate). These work effectively and break down safely.
Plant-Derived Ingredients: Seek out cleaners made from coconut, corn, or citrus extracts. These are gentler on your skin and the environment.
Biodegradability: The ingredients should break down naturally after going down the drain. Check the packaging for a “readily biodegradable” label.
Scent Options: Many people prefer unscented options. If you like a scent, choose natural essential oils over synthetic perfumes.

Important Materials: What’s In Your Cleaner?

Understanding the ingredients list helps you make the best choice. Good non-toxic detergents focus on safety. Bad ones hide harsh chemicals.

Safe Ingredients We Love:

Surfactants: These lift food messes. Look for plant-derived options.
Enzymes: These biological helpers break down tough proteins and starches. They are very effective even in low temperatures.
Natural Mineral Builders: Ingredients like sodium citrate help soften water, allowing the detergent to work better.

Materials to Avoid:

These ingredients often appear in conventional detergents but should be avoided in non-toxic versions:

Phosphates
Chlorine Bleach
Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum)
Phthalates
Optical Brighteners (These make dishes *look* brighter using chemical coatings, but they don’t actually clean them.)

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of a non-toxic detergent depends on its ability to handle tough jobs while remaining gentle.

Quality Boosters:

Hard Water Performance: If you live where water is hard, a detergent with strong water softeners works much better. This prevents white spots on glasses.
Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often mean you use less product for the same clean, saving money and plastic.
Drying Power: Some eco-detergents include natural rinse aids or agents that help water sheet off dishes, reducing drying time.

Quality Reducers:

If you notice these issues, the formula might not be strong enough for your needs:

Dishes still have stuck-on food after a full cycle.
Glasses look cloudy or spotty.
The detergent leaves a gritty residue inside the machine.

User Experience and Use Cases

Non-toxic detergents work best when used correctly. The user experience should be simple and effective.

Common Use Cases:

Daily Use: For everyday meals, a simple powder or pod works perfectly. Scrape large food chunks off first; these natural cleaners work best when they can attack smaller residue.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning: For baked-on casserole dishes, you might need to pre-soak items or use a stronger gel formula specifically designed for tough grease.
Sensitive Users: If you have skin sensitivities, choose unscented pods or powders. Avoid liquid detergents that require touching the product often.

Modern eco-detergents often come in convenient pods or tablets. These reduce mess and ensure you use the right amount every time. Remember, even natural cleaners need a little help sometimes—ensure your dishwasher filter stays clean for the best results!

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent

Q: Do non-toxic detergents clean as well as conventional ones?

A: Yes, many modern non-toxic formulas use powerful plant-based enzymes that tackle tough food messes just as well as traditional harsh chemicals.

Q: Are non-toxic pods safe for septic systems?

A: Generally, yes. Look specifically for labels stating “septic safe.” Since they lack phosphates and harsh chemicals, they break down more easily.

Q: Why do my glasses look cloudy when I use natural detergent?

A: Cloudiness often means the water is too hard or the detergent lacks effective water softeners. Try adding a cup of white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher as a rinse aid.

Q: Should I still use a rinse aid with eco-detergent?

A: It depends on the brand. Some natural detergents include rinse aid properties. If you see spots, add a proven, non-toxic rinse aid product.

Q: What is the difference between “natural” and “non-toxic”?

A: “Natural” means ingredients come from nature. “Non-toxic” means the product is formulated not to cause harm to humans or the environment when used as directed.

Q: Can I use regular dish soap in my dishwasher instead?

A: No! Regular dish soap creates too many suds, which can damage your dishwasher and cause leaks all over your kitchen floor.

Q: Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before using non-toxic detergent?

A: Scrape off big chunks of food, but you usually do not need to fully rinse. The enzymes in the detergent need some food residue to work on.

Q: How should I store my eco-detergent pods?

A: Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. Keep them tightly sealed, especially if children or pets are around.

Q: Are fragrance-free options truly better for allergies?

A: Yes. Synthetic fragrances are common irritants. Choosing unscented or naturally scented (with essential oils) products greatly reduces allergy risks.

Q: How do I know if the packaging is truly eco-friendly?

A: Look for packaging that uses recycled cardboard or plastic. Avoid excessive plastic wrapping around individual pods.