I was searching for the best cruelty-free dishwasher detergent and found out that the most popular brands are still testing their stuff on helpless animals. I mean seriously? This is 2021.
However, the good news is there are many old and new brands which have launched cruelty-free dishwasher detergents. But the question remains how good they are in cleaning tough grease or keeping our health and septic tank safe.
When you have kids and pets at home, choosing the right dishwashing detergent is extremely important. After all, no one wants to wash their crockery in a chemical-laden detergent and then eat from such plates directly. The thought makes my stomach churn. But no more repeating previous mistakes, because now I know better.
While been on the lookout for a dishwashing detergent that does the job well, not loaded with harmful chemicals, and most importantly cruelty-free, I have found the five best dishwasher detergents that match the criteria.
Among these, Ecover Zero Dishwasher Soap Powder is the best cruelty-free dishwasher detergent by performance and natural content. It doesn’t contain any fragrance, dyes, or chlorine, making it incredibly safe for daily use. It is also phosphate and chemical-free.
Here are some of the best features of this dishwasher detergent:
- Biodegradable
- Packaged in recycled cardboard
- Removes stubborn and stuck-on food from the plates easily
- contains plant-based & mineral ingredients
- Creates medium suds
- No lingering toxic smell after use
The other dishwasher detergents are also good, but Ecover Zero stands out amongst the rest regarding its performance and features. Here’s a detailed review:
1. Ecover Zero Dishwasher Soap Powder
This product is completely cruelty-free, 100% eco-friendly, comes in a cardboard box made with 100% recycled paper. It is super effective and can remove every last speck of dirt and grime from your dirty dishes. With every wash, you will notice sparkling clean dishes.
The best part is that this detergent comes without chlorine, phosphate, and dyes. Since it is made completely from plant-based ingredients and minerals, it is an ideal choice for those who care for the environment and want safer options to wash the dishes.
The label says –
- 0% fragrance, dyes, or chlorine
- Plant-based & mineral ingredients
- Biodegradable & phosphate-free formula
- Removes stuck-on food for sparkling dishes
- Packaged in recycled cardboard.
- Made in clean and green factories
- Never tested on animals
2. Method Power Dish Dishwasher Soap Packs
The next cruelty-free dishwasher detergent that I recommend is this one from the Method Store. I absolutely love this one as it is non-toxic, naturally derived, and mineral-based.
Using this detergent is a great way to maintain the shine and sparkle of my everyday dishes. The detergent tabs also dissolve really quickly, making them incredibly easy to use in the kitchen.
It also contains the power of rinse-aid hence saves you one additional step in the dishwasher. While some natural dishwashing detergents may leave an ugly white streak behind, you will never face that issue with these cleaning tablets.
Moreover, since Method is a founding B Corporation, they are certified to be better for the people and the planet.
Here’s what the label says –
- Not tested on animals
- Comes in recycled plastic
- Removes food that is stuck on plates for more than 48 hours
- Free of phosphate and chlorine bleach
- Works hard on hard water
- Powerful rinse aid action
3. Homesolv Automatic Dishwashing Detergent
The next one on my list of cruelty-free detergents is this one from Citrasolv. What I like the most about this detergent is that it has no phosphate, chlorine, or bad chemicals. Your septic tank stays with all the good bacteria.
Noticeably, the fragrance of the detergent is derived from essential oils. You are not putting your loved ones at any risk by forcing them to inhale harmful chemicals. This is also a dishwasher detergent and rinse-aid combo. So, getting an amazing shine on your plates is incredibly easy without using harmful rinse aids.
Here’s what the label says-
- Natural
- Biodegradable
- delightfully effervescent.
- All in one formula
- Contains no synthetic perfumes or dyes.
- Contains no phosphates, EDTA or NTA.
- Chlorine Bleach Free.
4. Grab Green Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Grab green is a well-known brand when it comes to cruelty-free detergent for the dishwasher.
While I was a bit skeptical about using this, my aunt has been using this forever and highly recommended that I try it out. I am happy to state that it did not disappoint.
It comes in the form of one pre-measured powder pod that can easily handle the toughest loads and clean your dishes without harsh chemicals. It is also made with only naturally-derived ingredients.
So, you can safely use this non-toxic formula without putting your loved ones at the risk of any known carcinogens.
What the label says –
- Made without phosphates, phthalates, chlorine, toxins, dyes
- Recyclable packaging
- No animal testing
- Formulated for standard & European models
5. Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent
The final one on my list of cruelty-free dishwasher detergents is this one from Better Life. It is a pretty powerful cleaner that is safe for kids, pets, and the planet.
With every wash, you get dazzling dishes as the detergent fights rough stubborn stains and stuck-on food.
It is an ultra-concentrated gel. So, make sure to shake it up vigorously before you use it. What also works is that this detergent doesn’t give off any offensive fumes while the dishwasher is running. Even if there are any spills, it is easy to clean it up. It also works with hard water.
What the label says –
- 100% plant and mineral-derived cleaning agent
- Phosphate-free, bleach-free, and fragrance-free
- Biodegradable
- Not tested on animals
With this, I conclude the list. In the future, if I try or test any new cruelty-free dishwasher detergent that qualifies to be on this list, I will surely update it. Till then, be safe and sound!
