12 Best Natural Dishwasher Detergents (Reviews and Buying Guide 2020)

The best natural dishwasher detergent comes in a wide range of formulations that are designed to clean your dishes safely and effectively.

In this article, we’re going to review six of the best choices that are currently available and rank them based on their popularity and user ratings.

Best Natural Dishwasher Detergent (Updated List)

Each review will cover specific information, like the product’s size and the available scent choices that it comes in.

Before we get into our ranking and detailed reviews, here are our top three best natural dishwasher detergent picks that have caught our attention due to their efficiency, ease of use, and complete lack of chemical ingredients.

12. Puracy Platinum Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods

Puracy Platinum Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Pod count/liquid ounces	50 Count (Pack of 1)
Main ingredients	Sodium Citrate (Plant-Based Water Softener), Sodium Carbonate (Mineral-Based Cleanser), Sodium Percarbonate (Mineral-Based Cleanser), Alkyl Polyglucoside (Plant-Based Cleanser), Sodium Metasilicate (Mineral-Based Cleanser), Protease (Plant-Based Enzyme), Polyvinyl Alcohol (Biodegradable, Water-Soluble Film), Carboxymethyl Inulin (Plant-Based Softener), Amylase (Plant-Based Enzyme)
Free of	No Cocamidopropyl betaine, sulfates (SLS, SLES, SCS), bleach, perfume, dyes, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products (cruelty-free), or other nasty stuff
Fragrance	Unscented
Size options	Pack of 1 (30 Ounces)

One of the best natural dishwasher detergents you’ll find on the market right now come from Puracy.

These Natural Detergent Pods from Puracy come with tons of benefits, including a low price tag, high efficiency, and total eco-friendliness.

If you’re uncertain what you’re looking for exactly, we recommend these because you don’t need to pre-measure anything, and you won’t need to pre-rinse dishes ever again.

Verdict

The Puracy Platinum Pods are completely natural, free from harmful chemicals, and come at a relatively balanced price point.

We recommend them if you care about the grey water area near your home or if you don’t want your septic system to be affected in any way.

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11. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods

Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Pod count/liquid ounces	65 Count (Pack of 1)
Main ingredients	Alkoxylated Alcohol, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate, Sodium Percarbonate, Citric Acid, Iminodisuccinate, Sodium Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, TAED, Polyaspartic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Modified Glutamic Acid Salt, Amylase Enzymes, Protease Enzymes, Fragrance, Aztec Yellow Dye. Film: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Glycerin
Free of	Phosphate-free, chlorine-free, no artificial fillers
Fragrance	Powerful Citric Extracts
Size options	Pack of 1 (31.8 Ounces)

Lemi Shine is one of our favorite brands of dishwasher detergents, and their natural pods are a good example of why we consider them as such.

For what it’s worth and despite the few shortcomings, these are some of the best dishwasher pods you will ever get your hands on, hands down. The Lemi Shine Natural Detergent Pods come at a relatively decent price considering it’s far less harmful than traditional dishwasher detergents.

Verdict

The Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Pods are free from harmful chemicals and contain solely ingredients that you would otherwise find in nature.

While it’s not effective 100% of the time, it does more than a good enough job given the price to value ratio and the great ingredients it contains. Finally, you won’t have to worry about environmentally damaging packaging because every pod is wrapped in a soluble film that dissolves once it touches water.

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10. Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent

Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent
Pod count/liquid ounces	1 bottle; 2 Bottles; 3 Bottles – 30 ounces per bottle, the equivalent of 60 loads
Main ingredients	Purified Water, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Silicate, Potassium Cocoate, Coco Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, Vegetable Glycerin
Free of	Phosphates, Bleach, Fragrances, Dyes, SLS, SLES
Fragrance	Unscented
Size options	Pack of 1, 2 or, 3 Bottles

If you want a natural liquid dishwasher detergent, Better Life has a great option for all your dishwashing needs.

It’s safe for kids, pets, and the planet. All you need to do is shake it before using it, and then pour one tablespoon of detergent in the dispenser.

Then run the dishwasher through one of its cycles and watch it do its job. We like the Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel Detergent because it has no dyes, fragrances, bleach, and other nasty substances that other less effective detergents tend to use.

Verdict

The Better Life Natural Detergent is a 100% plant and mineral derived cleaning agent.

It does an effective job at washing dishes without costing all that much considering the fact that it’s a detergent liquid which allows you to choose your own quantity depending on the dish load.

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9. NATURE CLEAN Automatic Kosher Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

NATURE CLEAN Automatic Dishwasher Pacs
Pod count/liquid ounces	60Count, 2.3 Lbs/24Count, 0.95 Lbs
Main ingredients	Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Sodium Silicate, Zeolite
Free of	Phosphates, dyes, chlorine, fragrances, and perfumes
Fragrance	Unscented
Size options	Pack of 24 or pack of 60

If you want a Kosher Dishwasher Detergent, your best choice is most likely the NATURE CLEAN Pacs.

These naturally-derived dishwasher detergent pacs are completely safe for grey water and septic tanks, so you can use them without any worries regarding the environment.

Furthermore, the NATURE CLEAN Kosher Dishwasher Detergent Pacs has no fragrances, dyes, chlorine, and other elements that might trigger an allergic reaction.

Verdict

The NATURE CLEAN Dishwasher Detergent Pacs clean well most times and come in soluble films so you won’t produce anymore waste.

They’re also kosher, so you can purchase them without worrying about pesky ingredients that go against you and your family’s beliefs.

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8. Biokleen Free & Clear Dishwashing Detergent

Biokleen Free & Clear Dishwashing Detergent
Pod count/liquid ounces	60 loads; 2 lbs
Main ingredients	Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Silicate, Peroxyhydrate, Sodium Citrate, Citrus Grandis
Free of	Phosphates, chlorine, toxins, dyes, and fragrances
Fragrance	Fragrance-Free
Size options	Standard Pack of One

When you need a relatively affordable and reliable natural dishwasher detergent, you should consider getting Biokleen Free & Clear.

It’s free from toxins and additives, so you can use it safely. And you don’t need to worry about skin irritations anymore. Plus that if you have allergies, it might be the best natural dishwasher detergent yet.

Verdict

The Biokleen Free & Clear Dishwashing Detergent doesn’t contain any fragrances, dyes, chlorine, or other pollutants.

At this price, we can recommend it wholeheartedly thanks to its lack of chemicals and efficient dishwashing capabilities.

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7. Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder

Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder
Pod count/liquid ounces	80 loads; 3.17 lbs
Main ingredients	Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Citrate, Linear Alcohol Ethoxylate, Tetrasodium, Hydrated Silica
Free of	Phosphates, phthalates, chlorine, animal by-products, toxins, dyes, and masking agents
Fragrance	Fragrance-Free and Grapefruit with Cranberry
Size options	Standard Pack of One

One of the things we like about this natural dishwasher detergent is its concentration.

With half a scoop of the Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Powder, you’ll be able to wash a full load of dishes. And if you have hard water, one scoop is enough to undermine its effects.

As far as overall dishwashing effectiveness goes, the Grab Green Natural Powder cuts through grease, dissolves hardened food stains, and leaves glassware with that shine you love so much. And it’s completely cruelty-free, as the formula was never tested on animals.

Verdict

The Grab Green Natural Dishwashing Powder is one of the best detergents on our list.

One of the main selling points is its high concentration. Add to that how well it handles hard water, and you’ve got yourself a sweet deal.

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6. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
Pod count/liquid ounces	20 pods
Main ingredients	Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Citrate, Lemon Peel Oil, Fir Leaf Oil, Fragrance
Free of	Phosphates and chlorine
Fragrance	Yes – Lemon Verbena
Size options	Pack of three, four, five, or six

Derived from at least 97 percent natural ingredients, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs are our sixth best natural dishwasher detergent pick.

With its fresh lemon verbena scent, the Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs leave your dishes clean after each wash. Also, these convenient pods require no special measuring and are easy to use.

Verdict

The Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs are a great choice for people who don’t want phosphates and chlorine involved in their dishwashing process.

These cruelty-free tablets are perfect for the eco-friendly crowd as well as vegans who want to reduce to zero the animal-related products that they use for all types of activities.

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5. Ecover Dishwasher Soap Powder

Ecover Dishwasher
Pod count/liquid ounces	48 ounces
Main ingredients	Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Amylase, Alcohol Ethoxylate, Fragrance
Free of	Phosphates
Fragrance	Yes – Citrus (fragrance-free option available as well)
Size options	Pack of eight

The Ecover Dishwasher Soap Powder is another one of the best natural dishwasher detergent products out there.

Packaged in a recyclable cardboard box, this is one of the most eco-friendly choices available. We also love that the Ecover Dishwasher Soap Powder comes in an unscented version as well. It is a plant-based product with a phosphate-free formula.

Verdict

The Ecover Dishwasher Soap Powder comes packaged inside a recycled cardboard packet, which further states how much the company is involved in being earth-friendly.

Users love the fact that it eliminates even the stickiest of odors, such as when using dishes for serving spicy Indian food. On top of that, it’s also efficient against water hardness, so you can easily rank it among the best detergents for hard water.

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4. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel

Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent
Pod count/liquid ounces	42 ounces
Main ingredients	Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Silicate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Chloride
Free of	Synthetic fragrances, dyes, and bleach
Fragrance	Yes – Lemon (also comes in fresh citrus and free & clear)
Size options	Six pack of 42 ounces or single pack of 65 ounces

Made with approximately 65 percent bio-based ingredients, the Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel is another popular dishwasher detergent to consider.

This is a liquid gel type that is much easier to apply than its powder counterparts. In addition, the Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel uses several natural cleaners and enzymes to help break up stuck food debris.

Verdict

The Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel has a safe and effective formula made from mostly plant-based ingredients.

It is USDA-Certified to meet government regulation standards on organic products. Not only that, but the lemon scent of this dish detergent is derived from 100 percent essential oils and botanical extract.

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3. Best natural dishwasher detergent for value: Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods

Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods
Pod count/liquid ounces	60 pods
Main ingredients	Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Silicate, Amylase Enzyme  Blend, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Essential Oils
Free of	Chlorine, dyes, and phosphates
Fragrance	Yes – Red pair with magnolia (also available in thyme with fig leaf, tangerine with lemongrass, and fragrance-free)
Size options	24 pods, 24 pods (pack of 2), 60 pods, and 132 pods

The Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods is another highly popular natural dishwasher detergent you might want to consider.

With multiple size options to choose from, you can easily purchase the right amount of detergent to fit your unique needs. On top of that, the Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods offers some of the largest fragrance selections currently available. The detergent is cruelty-free and has not been tested on animals.

Verdict

The Grab Green Natural Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods gets high praise from many users because it offers top-notch dishwashing quality at a decent price.

Unlike other brands, this particular natural dishwasher detergent has also received praise because it didn’t break during shipping. It shows how resistant the packaging is and that you can rely on it to arrive intact and do its job properly. And above all, it can also rank as one of the best non-toxic dishwasher detergents.

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2. Best dishwasher detergent for fragrance: Method Smarty Dish Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs

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Method Smarty Dish Plus Dishwasher Detergent
Pod count/liquid ounces	45 pods
Main ingredients	Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Fragrance, Tartaric Acid, Amylase, Protease, and Enzyme-Based Cleaners
Free of	Phosphates and chlorine bleach
Fragrance	Yes – Lemon Mint (also comes in pink grapefruit and fragrance-free)
Size options	20 count, 20 count (pack of 6), 45 count

The Method Smarty Dish Plus Dishwasher Detergent is one of the most popular natural dishwasher detergents currently available.

With three different scent options to choose from, this is a very versatile product that does a great job removing stuck on food debris. Also, the Method Smarty Dish Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs comes in multiple package size options. The product dissolves fast, and it provides triple action cleaning power.

Verdict

The Method Smarty Dish Plus Dishwasher Detergent Packs can clean dishes without leaving residue or film.

We like the fact that you can select different sized versions and that the company also puts other fragrance variants out there for people to choose from.

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1. Overall best natural dishwasher detergent: Dapple Naturally Clean Auto Dishwasher Pods

Dapple Naturally Clean Auto Dishwasher Pods
Pod count/liquid ounces	25 pods
Main ingredients	Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Coco Sulfate, Sodium Citrate, Lauramine Oxide, Protease, Amylase, Fragrance
Free of	Artificial dyes, fragrances, parabens, and phosphates
Fragrance	No – Fragrance-free only
Size options	Single package size only

For families with small children, the Dapple Naturally Clean Auto Dishwasher Pod is an excellent product to consider.

Designed to remove difficult items like stuck on formula, this is a very effective natural dishwasher detergent. It’s also formulated to be free of harmful dyes and irritating fragrances. With the majority of its cleaners being plant-based, the Dapple Naturally Clean Auto Dishwasher Pod is the best natural dishwasher detergent on our list. Above all, since its properties allow it to clean so quickly, it also qualifies as one of the best automatic dishwasher detergents out there.

Verdict

The Dapple Naturally Clean Auto Dishwasher Pods are an excellent natural dishwasher detergent option.

If you truly want to make your dishwashing experience as seamless as possible, you can’t go wrong with this product. We recommend using it even on dishwashers below $500 since it is so effective.

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Do you really need natural dishwasher detergent?

Yes, simply because the chemicals regularly found in normal dishwasher detergents can be dangerous to children and even to adults.

For example, if the detergent contains sulphuric acid, it can cause serious burns and it can blind you if you accidentally get it in your eyes.

Natural detergents have no such risks. Of course, we still wouldn’t recommend consuming them, especially not in large quantities, but you can at least rest assured that if some of the detergent gets in your skin and eyes, it won’t inflict any serious damage.

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Final Thoughts

If you have been searching for the best natural dishwasher detergent, you should really consider one of the six products we reviewed.

They come in a wide range of formula types, and many of them have multiple fragrance choices as well. What they all have in common is their mission to be the top natural dishwasher detergent on the market.

And most importantly, if you truly want to get all the benefits of these products, we recommend looking at some of our top-rated dishwashers.