Best Overall
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner
AMAZON
- This reliable dishwasher cleaner is particularly effective on limescale and mineral build-up.
This reliable dishwasher cleaner is particularly effective on limescale and mineral build-up.
- You may not notice results right away.
You may not notice results right away.
If you want something reliable and efficient, you can’t beat the classic Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner. The no-nonsense dishwasher cleaner is one of the most popular options for a reason: it works. The tablets are unscented and relatively budget-friendly—but the best part is that they’re super easy to use and will leave your dishwasher looking, smelling, and functioning in tip-top shape.
The best dishwasher cleaner tablets were designed to suit all makes and models—you won’t have to stress about whether they’ll work with your machine. The tablets are especially effective on limescale and mineral build-up and can work in tandem with your dishwasher detergent so you can wash your dishes and your dishwasher at the same time.
We also really like that these tablets are EPA Safer Choice Certified and septic safe. The only downside is that it may take a while to see results—but with regular use, there should be a noticeable difference in odors and build-up over time.
Type: Tablets | Scent: Unscented | EPA Safer Choice Certified: Yes | Number of Uses: 6
Key Terms to Know
- EPA Safer Choice Certified: This certification ensures the cleaner meets the highest health and safety standards.
Best Budget
Active Dishwasher Cleaner
AMAZON
- This dishwasher tablet costs less than a dollar per load, making it a supremely affordable option.
This dishwasher tablet costs less than a dollar per load, making it a supremely affordable option.
- The cleaner needs to run on its own cycle, without any dishes in the machine.
The cleaner needs to run on its own cycle, without any dishes in the machine.
Dishwasher maintenance can add up quickly—which is why we’re huge fans of the ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer. This budget-friendly tablet is the best dishwasher cleaner on a budget because it costs less than a dollar per load, but doesn’t sacrifice efficiency or ease of use.
The tablet slips right into your regular detergent tray and is designed to clean your machine of grime and limescale while also helping to ensure the internal parts remain clean and in proper function. It finishes off with a pleasant (but not overpowering) lemon scent that should last between washes.
This dishwasher cleaner is designed to work without any dishes in the machine. This means that you’ll have to carve out the time to descale and clean your dishwasher in between its regular dishwashing cycles.
Type: Tablets | Scent: Lemon | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 24
Best Eco-Friendly
TrulyFree Dishwasher Cleaner
TRULY FREE
- This powder is designed to easily get into every nook and cranny of your dishwasher.
This powder is designed to easily get into every nook and cranny of your dishwasher.
- The cost per load is much higher than other options.
The cost per load is much higher than other options.
When you’re washing the interior of your dishwasher, it makes sense to think about what’s in the cleanser itself. The TrulyFree Dishwasher Cleaner is the best dishwasher cleaner made from eco-friendly ingredients.
The powder gets into every nook and cranny of your machine using ingredients like citric acid, lemon juice powder, and salt to tackle tough grime and hard water. The lemony scent is also very fresh and clean, lingering pleasantly between washes (if you do it every month or so).
The only setback that might make you think twice about this option is the price. It’s much more expensive than the average dishwasher cleaner, and there's only one use per container. We do like that it’s all-natural and eco-friendly, but it is definitely on the premium side of household cleaning products.
Type: Powder | Scent: Lemon | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 1
Best for Hard Water
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner
AMAZON
- This liquid detergent is a great choice for homes with hard water and it helps cut down on spots left on glassware.
This liquid detergent is a great choice for homes with hard water and it helps cut down on spots left on glassware.
- It has a long-lasting chemical smell.
It has a long-lasting chemical smell.
The Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner is going to be the best dishwasher cleaner if your home has hard water or you experience significant mineral deposits in your dishwasher. It’s designed to eliminate these issues in a single cycle—so even if you’ve been delinquent with dishwasher hygiene you won’t have to worry about doing multiple cleanings to get it back in shape.
It also easily reaches nooks and crannies like your heating element and sprayer arms to ensure no hidden grime or mold is lurking inside your dishwasher. We really like that the cleaner helps to prevent pesky spots and watermarks on your glassware so you don’t have to worry about rinsing your wine glasses or champagne flutes before serving your guests.
The price is admittedly a bit high compared to other dishwasher cleaners on the market, and there’s only one load per bottle, but its efficiency might be worth it if you’re struggling to remove stubborn residue build-up. We've seen some complaints about it leaving behind a strong chemical scent, so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to fragrance.
Type: Liquid | Scent: Fresh | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 1
Best for Odor
Powerizer Dishwasher Cleaner
WALMART
- This dishwasher cleaner is biodegradable and has a slew of eco-friendly certifications.
This dishwasher cleaner is biodegradable and has a slew of eco-friendly certifications.
- The scent might be a bit strong for those with sensitivities.
The scent might be a bit strong for those with sensitivities.
Dishwasher odors can easily crop up due to excess food build-up and mold. Making sure to use a dishwasher cleaner every month will help quell this issue, but if you’re dealing with a persistent issue, the Powerizer Dishwasher Cleaner with Odor Control is the best dishwasher cleaner.
This citrus-scented detergent is biodegradable and contains no dyes or fillers in the formula. It’s also Leaping Bunny Certified, is a USDA Certified Biobased Preferred Product, and is safe to use with a septic system.
While the dishwasher cleaner does an excellent job of eliminating and preventing odors, it does have a pretty strong scent itself. That might be nice if you enjoy the fresh citrus finish, but it could be overpowering or too strong for those with scent-related sensitivities.
Type: Powder | Scent: Citrus | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 5
Best Liquid
Glisten Dishwasher Detergent Booster
WALMART
- This reliable freshener can be used in conjunction with your regular detergent to give the formula a boost.
This reliable freshener can be used in conjunction with your regular detergent to give the formula a boost.
- The scent could last longer.
The scent could last longer.
The Glisten Dishwasher Detergent Booster is an excellent solution for those looking for a product that smells great and works to prevent the foul smells and hard water residue that can often be found on glassware post-washing.
The formula can be used on its own (without any dishes in the appliance) or in combination with your existing dishwasher detergent during a regular wash to boost its cleaning efficiency.
Keep in mind that although this liquid cleaner is very efficient at eliminating lingering dishwasher odors, the freshener while smelling great, doesn’t last all that long. You’ll have to use it more than once a month to get that fresh scent to linger.
Type: Liquid | Scent: Lemon | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: NA
Best Tablets
Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener
AMAZON
- This multi-purpose detergent works on dishwashers and washing machines.
This multi-purpose detergent works on dishwashers and washing machines.
- There are only four tablets in a pack, which can be inconvenient if you want to use them for both dishwashers and washing machines.
There are only four tablets in a pack, which can be inconvenient if you want to use them for both dishwashers and washing machines.
Looking for a multi-purpose product that’ll work on various appliances in your home? The Summit Brands Washer and Dishwasher Freshener is designed to efficiently eliminate foul smells and build-up from both your dishwasher and your washing machine. The multi-use formula will streamline your grocery list.
The tablets leave a fresh lemon scent that won’t overwhelm the senses while tackling build-up that can occur in hidden parts of your washing machine or dishwasher. We also really like that this option is made and packaged entirely in the US.
Keep in mind that although the price point on this option is relatively on par with the average dishwasher cleaner, it’s only available in a pack of four, which can be inconvenient, especially if you’re planning on using it for both your dishwasher and washing machine.
Type: Tablets | Scent: Lemon | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 4
Best Pods
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner
WALMART
- The pods are engineered to attack stuck-on food and grime particles, allowing you to skip pre-rinsing dishes.
The pods are engineered to attack stuck-on food and grime particles, allowing you to skip pre-rinsing dishes.
- Each pod is individually wrapped, so it's not the most sustainable choice.
Each pod is individually wrapped, so it's not the most sustainable choice.
The Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner Pods are often considered one of the best dishwasher cleaners on the market—and for good reason. The heavy-duty cleaner works seamlessly on its own and can also be combined with regular dishwasher detergent for an even deeper clean as needed.
The dishwasher cleaner pod works hard to eliminate limescale build-up and odors but is also extremely tough on grease. The price point is quite a bit higher than other options on the list but we think it’s worth the splurge. It's worth noting that the pods come individually wrapped, which may keep them fresher, but isn't the most sustainable.
If you prefer to skip rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, this is the best dishwasher cleaner, as the pods were engineered to tackle grime particles and stuck-on food that might be lurking in the nooks and crannies of your dishwasher.
Type: Pods | Scent: Fresh | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 8
Best Powder
Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner
AMAZON
- This dishwasher cleaner is safe to use around kids and pets thanks to a natural lemon oil and salt formula.
This dishwasher cleaner is safe to use around kids and pets thanks to a natural lemon oil and salt formula.
- It might not be powerful enough to tackle stubborn grease and thick build-up.
It might not be powerful enough to tackle stubborn grease and thick build-up.
The Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner is one of the best dishwasher cleaners for several reasons; the hard-working formula is natural and safe to use around kids and pets, but doesn’t leave behind gunk or build-up if you use it on a regular basis.
The powder cleaner is super easy to use (all you have to do is pour it into your dishwasher and give it a run) and also comes in super adorable packaging that evokes old-school cleaning products. Lemi Shine is made in the US and is biodegradable and phosphate-free.
Keep in mind that this option is made using natural ingredients like lemon oil and salt powder might be better for the health of your family and the environment, but also might not be powerful enough to tackle tough stains and build-up if you haven’t been as regular with your cleaning schedule. That said—if you’re cleaning your dishwasher on a monthly basis, it’ll leave it fresh and clean.
Type: Powder | Scent: Lemon Oil | EPA Safer Choice Certified: Yes | Number of Uses: 1
Best for Mold
Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Cleaner
AMAZON
- This gel dishwasher cleaner is a great value, with 24 uses in one container.
This gel dishwasher cleaner is a great value, with 24 uses in one container.
- The formula contains bleach, which may be irritating or unsafe in homes with pets or children.
The formula contains bleach, which may be irritating or unsafe in homes with pets or children.
If you’ve inherited a dishwasher in a move or have neglected your dishwasher for longer than you’d like to admit (hey—it happens!), opt for a cleaner designed specifically to tackle mold and mildew. The Ahh-Some Bio-Cleaner and Deodorizer is definitely going to be the best dishwasher cleaner in this situation.
It’s made from a unique gel formula that’ll tackle even the yuckiest build-up by working its way all the way down into the plumbing. We also really like that this option can be used in the washing machine to ensure you don’t end up with moldy-smelling clothing over time, either.
You’ll want to keep in mind that this formula is made using bleach—which might not be the best option for those with sensitivities or households with kids and/or pets. It’s also designed to work on its own and cannot be combined with dishwasher detergent or run while there are dishes already loaded in the dishwasher.
Type: Gel | Scent: NA | EPA Safer Choice Certified: No | Number of Uses: 24