Dishwasher Detergent Buying Guide

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Appliance Buyers Guide

Not all dishwasher detergents are created equal! Here’s a breakdown of types, tips, and brands to help you get sparkling clean dishes.

Types of Dishwasher Detergents

Single-Dose Pacs
- What They Are: Compact, premeasured units (pacs, pods, tabs, or tablets).
- Pros:
- Best cleaning performance, often containing additives like enzymes, bleach, or rinse aids.
- Convenient—no measuring required.
- Cons:
- Higher cost per load (10 cents to $1).
- Best For: Those seeking powerful cleaning and convenience.

Gels
- What They Are: Liquid detergents poured directly into the dispenser.
- Pros:
- Cost-effective (5 to 35 cents per load).
- Good for small or light loads.
- Cons:
- Generally less effective than pacs for heavy cleaning.
- Some gels are among the poorest-performing detergents.
- Best For: Budget-conscious households or occasional dishwashing.

Powders
- What They Are: Traditional powdered detergents requiring manual measurement.
- Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Cons:
- Struggles with baked-on food and heavy cleaning.
- Declining availability; not included in latest tests.
- Best For: Simple cleaning tasks or nostalgic users.

Tips for Better Dishwasher Performance

Skip Prerinsing
- Dishwashers with sensors clean better if they detect food residue. Just scrape off large pieces.

Load Properly
- Large items: Place along the sides and back.
- Baked-on food: Place face down in the bottom rack.
- Glasses: Secure upside down on prongs.

Use Rinse Aids
- Prevent water spots and improve drying by breaking water bonds. Many dishwashers have rinse-aid dispensers.

Clean the Filter Regularly
- Manual filters should be cleaned every couple of months to prevent food residue from redepositing.

Dishwasher Detergent Brands to Consider

Cascade
- Leading brand with a wide range of options, including pacs, gels, and powders.

Finish
- Offers powerful cleaning and is available in tablets, gels, and powders.

Kirkland Signature (Costco)
- Affordable and effective dishwasher packs exclusive to Costco.

Seventh Generation
- Eco-friendly brand with plant-derived ingredients. Options include pacs, gels, and powder.

Palmolive
- Known for household cleaning products, including detergents with degreasing power.

Up & Up (Target)
- Target’s budget-friendly private label.

Great Value (Walmart)
- Walmart’s private label offering reliable cleaning at lower costs.

Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club)
- Exclusive pacs for members-only warehouse shopping.

How Experts Test Dishwasher Detergents

Cleaning Power: Tests on baked-on food residue using imaging analysis.
Residue Prevention: Checks for spots and hazing on glass and metal in hard water conditions.
Drying Performance: Evaluates whether detergents leave water spots or streaks.

Summing it up

Single-dose pacs deliver the best cleaning, while gels are a budget-friendly alternative for lighter loads. Choose the detergent type and brand that best suits your cleaning needs and budget!