The Best Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber
Published on
March 12th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben has over a decade of experience in cleaning projects of all types along the entire eastern seaboard of the United States. Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician), WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning and leading teams goes back as far as he can remember.

The Cleaning Institute

There are many different types of soaps and detergents to use when washing dishes, but liquid dishwasher detergent is one of the top options due to its ease of use and efficiency. Many people prefer to wash their dishes by hand, under the belief that doing so is more thorough and produces better results. Dishwashing detergent is designed to be used when hand washing or rinsing dishes, and works alongside hot water to remove residue and sanitize the dishware to ensure the germs are removed. After performing tests on multiple products, our top pick is the Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid due to its power and ability to remove grease and cooking oil that has settled on glass and plastic dishware. The concentrated formula makes it easy to use less of the product and ensure that the bottle lasts longer. Our honorable mention product is Cascade Gel Dishwasher because of its powerful formulas. The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel earned green pick due to its natural ingredients; it is a plant-derived dish soap that is safe to use and is non-toxic. It has the ability to make dishes shine and prevent streaks from forming once the dishware is dried.

EXPERT INSIGHTS

From our team: One thing our team knows is that solutions are not created equally. Some cut through grease better than others or simply clean dirty dishes more effectively.

Testing Categories

We tested different liquid dishwasher detergents and created three separate categories to rank each product. With our years of experience with testing products, we’ve learned that creating categories can allow us to narrow down our top choices and have more accuracy with rating each item. The power, application, and odor of each product were evaluated to determine which liquid dishwasher detergents stood out in the industry.

Power: Our top category was the power of each liquid dishwasher detergent to determine how well it cleaned with each use. We evaluated how well it removed grease and dried residue on different types of glassware, pans, and silverware. We checked each dish to determine if any needed to be rewashed.

Application: The application and ease of use of each product were examined to determine how convenient it was to apply and rinse off. We tested how convenient the bottle was to hold and grip and if any scrubbing or pressure was needed to achieve the desired results.

Odor: During our testing process, we evaluated the scent of each dishwashing soap to determine if it had a pleasant odor or smelled artificial and like chemicals. We also looked for any scents that were left behind after the dishes were dried.

Top Pick

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid

The Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid is 100% better at drying compared to detergent alone. It’s useful in removing spots and residue with a glass protection ingredient for lasting shine.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid is versatile in removing grease and spots on dishware, which is mainly due to its excellent ingredients. It’s also effective in removing hard residue and instantly releases in the dishwasher rinse cycle. The original scent is pleasant without being overpowering or leaving behind an odor. It also removes any film on the dishware for shinier dishes that look flawless. The clear shine that is delivered on glassware improves its overall quality and allows it to look new again. It works with any type of dishwasher detergent and prevents the consumer from having to scrub residue or grime on dishes before loading the appliance. The formula lasts longer than similar products, which increases its value and allows a little to go a long way. It only needs to be applied to the dishwasher once each month. The rinse aid can even be used to clean stainless steel appliances by diluting the product without leaving behind any streaks. The product can even be used as a window cleaner due to the quality of results that it delivers. The product proves to be useful in households that have hard water by preventing scum from forming on the dishware.

Biggest downsides: The product can be challenging to use and may benefit from the use of a ventilated cap. It’s prone to pouring out too quickly, which can lead to spills and messes when refilling the dishwasher. The bottle’s large size also makes it more difficult to control when pouring the soap.

Honorable Mention

Cascade Complete Gel Dishwasher Detergent, Citrus Breeze

The Cascade Complete Gel Dishwashing Detergent, Citrus Breeze has the grease-fighting power of Dawn and doesn’t require pre-washing of dishes before loading the dishwasher.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The Cascade Gel Dishwashing Detergent works effectively to remove stuck-on food while leaving behind a flawless finish. Glassware is cleaned thoroughly, eliminating food residue and allowing the glass to sparkle and shine. It’s formulated to fight and remove grease and rinses away cleanly once the load is completed. Consumers can get clean dishes quickly without having to rinse and scrub off residue before loading everything into the dishwasher each time. It’s the top recommended dishwashing brand in North America because it delivers a flawless clean finish that lives up to its reputation. The product can be used with the Cascade Platinum Rinse Aid to remove limescale, odors, and grease from the dishwasher. The product can be used for an average of 70 to 75 washes, which adds extra value to the product. It also includes a pleasant citrus scent that is natural and isn’t overpowering. Unlike other types of dishwashing gels on the market, the product doesn’t clog the dishwasher over time and allows it to run efficiently with each load.

Biggest downsides: The dishwashing formula is prone to leaving spots and streaks on silverware and may leave some dishes unclean, requiring them to be washed again. The orange color of the formula may also leave behind a film on the inside of the dishwasher and can cause it to become stained.

Green Pick

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel

The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel cleans dishes with an eco-friendly formula. The plant-derived ingredients are safe to use on plates and forks when washing.

Price Check

Most notable upside: The gel is safe to use in stainless steel dishwashers due to its gentle but effective formula. The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel delivers consistent results without the use of toxic chemicals that are found in most other dishwasher detergents. It does not contain any petroleum and is a USDA Certified Biobased formula. All of the biobased ingredients are safe for the environment because they limit the use of petroleum, which in turn decreases the use of fossil fuel. The bottle is even constructed from recycled materials with a formula that is biodegradable, which makes it one of the top green dishwashing detergents in the industry for consumers who want to reduce their waste. The scent of the product is natural and pleasing, and is created with the use of essential oils and lemon extracts. It’s designed to be used in a dishwasher by filling the main dispenser cup before closing and locking the door of the appliance. Homes with hard water are recommended to use the detergent with Seventh Generation Rinse Aid. It has a dual-action formula that is designed to cut through grease and prevent streaks. Enzymes are added to the formula to break down starch from leftover food residue and hold the molecules in suspension to ensure that everything can be wiped away. The formula is strong enough to prevent dishes from having to be pre-rinsed before they’re loaded into the dishwasher.

Biggest downsides: Adding too much of the soap to the dishwasher can leave a residue or a cloudy film behind on the dishware and inside of the dishwasher. Some hard residues may not be completely removed. The new bottle cap is also difficult to remove and open because it features a round indentation instead of a lip that offers extra grip. The formula can also increase the risk of clogs that form in the dishwasher with each cycle.

All Our Picks

After a delicious and satisfying meal, the last thing that you want to worry about is cleaning up. Luckily for you, all you need to do to load up your dishwasher and let it do all the heavy lifting. Just load up your dirty dishes, silverware, and kitchenware, put in some dishwashing liquid, and let it fire away.

Now, you might think that all dishwashing liquids are the same: as long as they bubble up and remove the stains and grease, it should be good to use for a dishwasher, right? The short answer – no. Liquid detergents are not created equally, and if you use a detergent in your dishwasher that’s not formulated for dishwasher use, you will face three major problems:

Liquid dishwasher detergents are formulated not to produce suds while washing, but dishwasher liquids designed for handwashing do! If you use a detergent that’s not meant to be used for your dishwasher, you will end up with suds leaking out of your dishwasher and creating a wet mess on your floor.
Using the wrong kind of liquid detergent can leave a slimy or sticky film on your kitchenware, which means that they were not cleaned properly.
The suds can damage your dishwasher’s electronical components, as well as the drainage system.
Before using a particular brand of dishwashing liquid, make sure that it’s formulated specifically for use in your dishwasher, or you might end up damaging your machine. If you mistakenly use a non-dishwasher liquid, you can remove the bubbles and the remaining liquid by putting plain white vinegar into the machine and letting it run. The vinegar will help cut down the suds, and the hot water will wash away any dishwashing liquid left inside.

Tips for Effective Dish Cleaning

When hand washing dishes, soak any pots or pans that have thick, dried residue that could otherwise be too difficult to scrub off. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from drying out or from hot water. Using hot water will prevent streaks or water spots from forming once the dishware dries. Hot water also kills any bacteria or germs that are present to properly sanitize the silverware and dishes. Only one or two drops of dishwashing detergent are needed for every few dishes that are washed. Use a durable sponge or brush with a grip to remove residue. Wash the backs of plates first before scrubbing the eating surface afterward. All of the dishes can be hand-dried or air-dried. Hand drying each item can offer a spotless finish and will prevent streaks from forming. Use a baking sheet under the drying rack to catch any water that drips off as the dishware dries.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Dishwashing detergents may contain natural ingredients but are not intended for ingestion and should be kept in a sealed or locked cabinet that is out of reach from children and pets. The bottle should be sealed with the top on to prevent spillage or contact with other chemicals. Secure and tighten the lid while keeping it stored on a high shelf to make it difficult for children to access.

Other Types of Detergents

Dishwashing detergents come in other forms aside from liquid, such as:

Gel dishwashing detergents is one of the most popular forms of detergent used for dishwashers. They do not form suds, but can still clean kitchenware thoroughly. Since most gel detergents are water-based, they can be used for delicate items such as decorative dishes and glasses. You can even pair them with a rinse aid for a cleaner, shinier finish on your kitchenware.

Tablet

Those who love using dishwashing tablets prefer the convenience and ease of these products, as you won’t need to go through the hassle of measuring and loading the detergent into your dishwasher. Tablet formulations are known for their powerful washing capabilities, as well as their ability to remove stains and grease. Some gel detergent even have washer balls or gel inserts that increase their cleaning capabilities.

There are some drawbacks to tablet detergents. They are more expensive compared to liquid or gel detergents, and they cause mineral deposits that will take time to remove. Also, since they come in pre-measured form, it can be difficult to put in other amounts of detergents into your dishwasher.

Packet

Packet detergents offer all the same benefits as tablet detergents, with the added protection of a protective packet around the detergent itself. It’s not as common compared to other formulation types, since many older dishwasher models don’t have a compartment to place packet dishwashing detergents.

Powder

Old-fashioned powder dishwashing detergent is still a good option, especially if you’re looking to clean stubborn stains and burn spots from pans and pots. The abrasive nature of this type of detergent makes it great for removing grease and grime as well, but it might be a bit difficult to clean out your dishwasher later on.

Liquid Detergents and Water Types

When it comes to water types, hard and soft water refers to the mineral level in the water. Hard water refers to water that contains high amounts of trace minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and fluoride. You can typically find hard water coming out of your faucet, especially if you live in urban areas. Soft water, on the other hand, refers to the most “natural” form of water, such as collected rainwater. It does not contain high or added amounts of dissolved minerals.

When you’re using a dishwasher, the type of detergent you use will become important if you’re using hard water to clean your kitchenware. Most people use hard water, and over time, the minerals in hard water tend to build up around the heating element of your dishwasher. This results in a hard, whitish substance called limescale, and when they dissolve back into the water during your next dishwashing cycle, they can appear as unsightly spots or film on your kitchenware.

You can use liquid dishwashing detergent to avoid these problems with hard water. Many high-quality liquid detergents have added components that will “soften” the water, and prevent the minerals from building up around your dishwasher.

The Bottom Line with Liquid Dishwater Detergents

There is no “one size fits all” type of detergent, since detergents have different purposes and cleaning power. If possible, have several types of dishwashing detergents on hand so that you can clean your kitchenware properly. The most important thing is making sure that you always use detergents – liquid or otherwise – that are formulated for dishwasher use.

The Best Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Thurber

The Cleaning Institute

EXPERT INSIGHTS

Testing Categories

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid

Cascade Complete Gel Dishwasher Detergent, Citrus Breeze

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel

All Our Picks

Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid

Cascade Complete Gel Dishwasher Detergent, Citrus Breeze

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel

Tips for Effective Dish Cleaning

A Note About Safety and Storage

Other Types of Detergents

Liquid Detergents and Water Types

The Bottom Line with Liquid Dishwater Detergents

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