Dishwasher detergents come in a number of formulations. You'll need to measure traditional powders and gels, and the newer gel packs and tabs provide premeasured packets of detergent. All of these types can clean well, but powders are the least expensive. Although phosphates have been removed from traditional dishwasher detergents to comply with the legislated ban, they may still contain bleach, dyes and perfumes.

Green dishwasher detergents usually skip the chlorine bleach. However, they may contain oxygen bleach, which does not emit irritating fumes when mixed with hot water. When released into the environment, this type of bleach leaves behind oxygen rather than chlorine molecules, making it a more environmentally sensitive choice. We found well-reviewed dishwasher detergents in gels, powders, gel packs, tablets and green formulations.

Experts suggest you consider the following when buying or using dishwasher detergent:

  • Using too much dishwasher detergent can leave behind a film on dishes. If you're getting film, try using less of the product.
  • The type of water in a household -- hard or soft -- can affect how well a dishwasher detergent works. Hard water contains more calcium than soft water, which can lead to streaking of glassware. Before the July 2010 ban, phosphates helped soften water so that dishwasher detergents could work more effectively.  Other additives, such as enzymes that help dissolve food waste, can help make up for the lack of phosphates.  If your water is especially hard, you may want to consider using a rinse agent to prevent cloudy glassware.
  • Do not use manual dishwashing soap in a dishwasher; it will make far too many suds and may cause your dishwasher to overflow.
  • Most homemade dishwasher detergent recipes call for Borax; however, the manufacturer of Borax doesn't recommend its use because it may scratch glasses and dishware.
  • Some newer eco-friendly dishwasher detergents can clean dishes just as well as more traditional brands. Green detergents do not contain phosphates but may contain chlorine bleach, and check the ingredients if you are sensitive to this chemical. Many detergents are perfume and dye-free.
  • If you're allergic to chlorine bleach or concerned about its environmental, look for detergents that contain oxygen bleach instead. Oxygen bleach is considered a nonirritating, ecologically sound alternative to chlorine bleach. 
  • Reviewers find that the addition of food-dissolving enzymes helps boost the performance of green dishwasher detergents. However, it is hard to determine which detergents contain enzymes because manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on the packaging.

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