With popular brands hiding their contents in the label, picking the best natural dishwasher detergent for a newbie like me has become more difficult. That’s why I have done exhaustive research on the ingredient list of all the popular brands of dishwasher detergents to pick the most natural one.

Fortunately, there are some thoughtful brands that are manufacturing natural and organic dishwasher detergents, safe for our health and the environment. They are cruelty-free too.

But not all of them are good cleaners. That’s why, I have listed the top 8 natural dishwasher detergents that are effective cleaners and tough grease-cutters having ingredients listed as all-natural, plant-derived products, and harsh chemical-free.

How I Picked these natural dishwasher detergents?

Most dishwasher detergents are either proving to be harmful to our health or to the septic system, or sometimes to both. That’s why I relied on the human health and environment watchdog – EWG (Environmental Working Group) to pick the best natural dishwasher detergent.

Also, using a homemade dishwasher detergent does not clean well, hence you need to pre-rinse your dishes effectively before putting them into the dishwasher. Clearly, you are using more water, time, and effort. In my area given the humidity, the DIY dishwashing detergent does not perform well. They clump and stick to each other.  

So, picking a natural dishwasher detergent is more convenient. Since EWG has rated so many premium dishwashing detergents as unhealthy, unsafe, and non-eco-friendly, it is hard to find the best natural dishwasher detergent, having fewer health concerns and effective cleaning ability.

I have still managed to found some “A” (safe) and “B” (mild concern) rated detergents by EWG, and a few are not rated but have plant-based ingredients listed in their content. I have used the top five organic dishwasher detergents and they clean really well. However, in a hard water zone don’t skip the dishwasher rinse aid to get better results with your natural dishwasher detergent.

What is plant-based or natural dishwasher detergent?

The natural plant-based dishwasher detergent is made with unique biodegradable formula extracted from plants. All the ingredients are natural and derived from plants inducing naturally antibacterial properties and making it chemical-free. 

These natural plant-based dishwasher detergents loosen the grip of tough stains and grease on the dishes resulting in deep cleaning and proper drying. It is free from toxic residues hence safe and healthy for use. 

The best part is safe from any harm-causing properties that may affect marine life, making it safe around the environment, and most of its content is biodegradable.

Top 8 Natural Dishwasher Detergents – Best Picks

1. Seventh Generation Fragrance-Free Dishwasher Detergent

Natural Dishwasher Detergent

Seventh Generation is a cruelty-free brand that has a big reputation in manufacturing natural, safe, and organic dishwasher detergents that are effective cleaners too.

USDA certified

It is a USDA certified dishwasher detergent, which means it is a certified organic product by U.S department of Agriculture. You don’t usually come across such a quality product in detergent industry.

Plant-based ingredients

This Seventh Generation dishwasher detergent has received an ‘A’ grading from EWG. It has no animal-based products, only plant-based ingredients, and enzyme-rich formula. If you are a vegan, this is definitely the brand you are looking for.

Convenient to use

Single-dose dishwasher pods are easy to use and very convenient as they go directly into the dishwasher. You don’t need to measure anything.

Often when we use more than enough dishwasher detergent we waste water and energy to clean the dishes. If you are going for a sustainable approach in life, this detergent will surely keep you a step ahead.

Maxium percentage of content is biobased

None of the dishwasher detergents in the market is 100% natural, as cutting tough grease will be impossible. There will be no proper cleaning ability in such a dishwasher detergent. But natural brands try to include as many bio-based ingredients as possible to lower their carbon footprint. And this natural dishwasher detergent from Seventh Generation has a TOTAL of 78% Biobased product.

Big on Performance

While come to its performance, Seventh Generation has always taken the lead among his competitors. It removes tough grease and food residue like many premium dishwasher detergent brands that are filled with chemicals.

Thoughtful Packaging

Easy to use reusable pouch, eco-friendly packaging. You can recycle the pouch too and that is a very big step towards green environment.

Septic-safe dishwasher detergent

There is no chlorine bleach or phosphates, clearly this natural dishwasher detergent safe for your septic and greywater system.

Free & Clear dishwasher detergent

No artificial fragrance. Free and clear of any dyes too, hence a great natural organic dishwasher detergent for sensitive people.

2. Better Life Automatic Magic Natural Dishwasher Gel – Ultra Concentrated

Organic Dishwasher Detergent

Better Life Automatic Magic Natural Dishwasher Gel has plant-derived ingredients. It has a non-toxic and biodegradable formula. The formula of this detergent breaks down in the environment two-three times faster than many leading natural dishwasher detergents.

It is safe to use around kids, pets, and also the planet. Clearly, it can be considered as the best natural dishwasher detergent on a budget.

Nature-friendly manufacturing process

They have tried to ensure the safety of our environment even when making this detergent. They manufactured this dishwasher gel in the USA with solar energy and recyclable materials.

Septic tank safe

Rated ‘A’ by EWG, this detergent gel has also not been tested on any animals. It contains no harmful chemicals to hurt your waterways. So rest assured, if you are using this detergent, it is absolutely safe for your septic tank.

Free of harmful chemicals

Better Life’s soap never contains harmful substances like – Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, synthetic fragrances, Triclosan, Ethoxylates, Dyes, Petroleum Solvents, and Parabens.

Concentrated Dishwasher Gel

This is a very concentrated dishwasher gel. So one bottle is going to sit in your kitchen for a very long period. Try to use as little as possible. Using a little dishwasher gel is also good for your dishwasher’s health.

White films and stain Fighter

If you have used several organic and natural dishwasher detergents before and those detergents left white films and stains on your dishes then it’s time to use this Dishwasher gel from Better Life.

It has proven effective in removing tough grease, white films, and stains from your dishes. Any bad odor will also be dealt with.

3. Sun and Earth Natural Concentrated Dishwashing Liquid, Light Citrus

Natural Content

Sun and Earth uses non-toxic, biodegradable and plant-based ingredients in their detergents.

It is Vegan, Kosher, Gluten free, Soy-free, Nut free, Cruelty free, Phosphate free, Dye free, and Perfume free. It has no harmful synthetics and UV brightener free.

And this is the best performing dishwasher detergent in the market right now which is both organic and natural.

Safe for family and Environment

It has been rated ‘A’ by EWG which makes it safe to use around family and environment. You can rest assured while eating food directly from the dishes or washing baby bottles in this detergent.

Concentrated formula

It has a very concentrated and richly foaming formula. So, cutting tough grease, removing stubborn stains and grime becomes easier with this detergent.

Cost-effective purchase

The best part is, it is a very cost-effective purchase as the detergent is highly concentrated. A little goes a long way. So, always try to go light on every load with this detergent. Otherwise, an excess amount may create a lot of suds.

Dermatologist-recommended

Though tough on grease, it is gentle on hands. It is a hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended detergent.

Free and clear of artificial content

Sun and Earth Natural Diwashing Liquid has no added dyes, artificial perfumes or preservatives which are leading causes of skin irritation.

Plant-derived surfactant and smell

It has a coconut-derived surfactant and the light citrus smell is very refreshing which comes from Aloe, Orange Oil, and Citrus Oil (d-Limonene).

Multipurpose use

You can use it to handwash your dishes. Because of the hypoallergenic formula and plant-derived ingredients your hands will be soft and moisturized even after using this.

4. Nature Clean Automatic Dishwasher Pacs

Natural Dishwasher Detergent

In the search for the best natural dishwasher detergent, these dishwasher pacs catch my eyes. The automatic dishwasher pacs from Nature Clean have 96% of naturally derived ingredients from plants and minerals.

No doubt it has received an A from EWG because of its harsh chemical-free content and safe usability around pets, kids, and the environment. This is a cruelty-free brand and the dishwasher pacs are made in Canada.

Several Certifications

This pack of high performance dishwasher pacs has received several certifications like –

a. Vegan Certified by PETA
b. Kosher Certified (COR 328)
c. Eco Logo Certified

Septic tank safe

It has no phosphates or chlorine bleach. Hence safe to use in septic tank and grey water system.

No artificial dyes or perfumes

These organic and natural dishwasher detergent pacs have been made without perfumes, dyes or any other chemical to make it refreshing.

High Performance

Performance-wise, these detergent pacs are even better than the 7th generation ones. Especially when you are using them to clean your silverware, it works better and more effectively. It will give you a shiny finish and remove all the residues.

Cost-effective bargain

One tub of Nature Clean automatic dishwasher pacs contains 60 of them. So if you run your dishwasher everyday, it will last you two months, which is a great deal in such a lower price.

5. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dishwasher Pods

Organic content:

It is made with safe and natural ingredients like Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Fir Leaf Oil, lemongrass, enzyme blend, amylase enzyme blend, etc., from phosphates and chlorine.

Suitable for all machine types:

Safe for all types of dishwashing machines and offers excellent cleaning of dishes, leaving them sparkling clean.

Garden-inspired smell:

It comes with a mild & refreshing garden-fresh lemon scent, making sure your dishes don’t smell bad. 

Biodegradable and environment friendly:

This natural dishwashing detergent is entirely biodegradable and does not have any toxic effect on the environment or marine life.  

Cost-efficient:

Mrs. Meyer’s dishwasher pods are very cost-effective as a small amount of them go a long way. The price is very affordable, and you won’t have to add it to your grocery list every month. 

Easy to use:

The dishwasher pods can be quickly loaded in the dishwasher’s soap or detergent cup for hassle-free & powerful cleaning.

Directions for using:

Place your dishes in the dishwasher and make sure the dishes are neatly loaded. Take Mrs. Meyer’s clean day automatic dishwasher pod and place it into the dishwasher detergent or soap cup. Make sure your hands are dry in the process. Do not unwrap the pods and reseal the bag after use. 

6. Boulder Clean Dishwasher Detergent Gel

Plant-based formula:

The boulder’s dishwasher detergent gel is a unique plant-based detergent with natural ingredients resulting in excellent cleaning performance. The product also meets EPA’S safer standards making it environment friendly. 

Safe ingredients:

It is made up of mineral based pH adjuster, and water softening agent (Sodium Bicarbonate), plant-derived water softening agent, Biodegradable cleaning agent (sulfonated fatty acids), plant-derived thickener (Xanthan Gum), Protease enzyme, which is a plant-based stain remover, Natural citrus fragrance, etc. 

Free from chemicals:

It does not include phosphates, bleach, dyes, etc., and gives sparkling clean dishes.

Cost-effective:

Boulder clean dishwasher detergent is an inexpensive and natural detergent gel that offers the best results with spotless, filmless, and fogless dishes at a very reasonable price.  

Recycled plastic container:

It comes in a plastic container made with recycled plastic, and it can be recycled again. This container thus is safe for the environment as well. 

Certified B corporation:

The company is a certified B corporation, which means it meets the highest environmental and social performance standards, transparency, and legal accountability for balancing profit and purpose. 

7. Puracy Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods

Trusted plant-derived ingredients:

The puracy platinum dishwasher detergent pods are made with food-grade, minerals, and plant-based safe ingredients. It is safe and hypoallergenic, free from harsh & harmful chemicals and fumes. The product puracy is 99.5% with natural ingredients.

Safe and natural ingredients:

It contains a plant-based water softener, mineral based cleanser, plant based cleanser, protease & amylase (plant based enzyme), plant based softener, biodegradable, water-soluble film, etc. 

No harsh ingredients:

No SLS, SLES, SCS, bleach, perfume, dyes, petroleum-based ingredients, animal products, or any other toxic ingredient. 

Suitable for all dishwasher-safe items:

Offers clear results on ceramic, baby bottles, toys, pots, pans, casserole dishes, glassware, plastic, silicone, crystal, porcelain, metals, and every other material that is safe to clean in the dishwasher. 

Sparkling clean dishes:

It works well with hard water offering spotless dishes. It prevents the formation of cloudy and foggy films on glassware resulting in a shiny surface. 

Affordable price:

The puracy dishwasher detergent comes at an affordable price, just add one pack for one load into the detergent dispenser and wait until your crystal clear dishes are ready. Just make sure to reseal the pouch after each use for maintaining the freshness and smell. 

8. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets

Safe and healthy formula:

The Ecover automatic dishwasher soap tablets are made with non-toxic ingredients. The ingredients are made with renewable plant-based and mineral-based material. It is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. This dishwasher detergent is safe for marine life and does not cause any harm to them. 

Effective results:

The safe and phosphate-free formula cleans the dishes, glassware, and flatware effectively while retaining its shine, polish, and brightness. All this is done without causing any harm to the environment.

Fragrance:

The dishwasher detergent smells pleasant with a mild fragrance inspired by nature.  

Certified B corporation:

The company is a certified B corporation that works with the highest standards of environmental safety. It counts on environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability. 

Easy to load:

The Ecover’s dishwasher detergent tablets are convenient for use as you can quickly put a tablet into the dispenser for each load. The benefit of using detergent tablets is you don’t have to keep an account of each load measurement. 

The reason is excess detergent can leave detergent residues on the plates and dishes, resulting in white patches or a loud smell. 

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