Reviewers Say These Top-Rated Dishwasher Detergents Will Actually Make Your Dishes Spotless

Published Jan 15, 2026 2:50 am ET


Jonathan Knowles/Getty Images

We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. The McClatchy Commerce Content team, which is independent from our newsroom, oversees this content.

If your kitchen has a dishwasher, cleaning up at the end of the night is easy as can be. But finding a dishwasher detergent that will actually get your dishes clean can be tricky. So, we made things easier for you with a list of top-rated detergents that Amazon reviewers swear by. Whether you’re looking for pods, something nontoxic or something high-value is entirely up to you. But regardless, there’s something for everyone.

Shop our list below, and may spotless loads be in your future!

Top-Rated Dishwasher Detergents on Amazon

  • Residue-Free: With a 4.7-star rating, shoppers really seem to like Finish Ultimate Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods because they don’t leave any grime or streaks behind. “This brand is a whole new level of clean,” one shopper raves. “I can even overload the dishwasher and somehow everything comes out sparkling” — $20 for 62 pods
  • Non-Toxic: Do your body (and the planet) a favor by opting for something nontoxic. Truly Free Home Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent is free of any dyes or harmful chemicals. And even without the chemicals, reviewers still give it 4.8 stars, claiming it’s super effective. “I like that this product is plant based and cleans equally well and maybe better than the chemically laden brands,” a five-star review reads. “Fantastic product” — $17 for 12.5 ounces
  • Dye-Free: If you’d prefer detergent sans the dyes, Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Liquid Gel is a viable option without heavy perfumes, colors or toxins. And with a 4.7-star rating, shoppers really seem to appreciate its more natural appearance. “Works very well for a free and clear dishwasher detergent,” a shopper writes. “[It] doesn’t smell as strong as regular kinds and doesn’t have blue dye in it which seems healthier to use. I recommend trying the Cascade Free & Clear if you like regular Cascade but want something more natural” — $10 for 75 ounces
  • Best Rated: Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods have the highest rating of them all, with 4.8 stars and almost 99,000 reviews that largely highlight their power and freshness. “These Cascade Complete Dishwasher ActionPacs are good dishwasher pods that offer excellent cleaning power,” one review reads. “They are easy to use, and the Fresh Scent leaves your dishes smelling clean” — $20 for 78 pods
  • Fragrance-Free: Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent and Booster is free of potentially harmful fragrances. And with a 4.5-star rating, it also leaves dishes shiny and clean. “I wasn’t sure if the non chemical options would wash as good as the rest, and have been pleasantly surprised,” a satisfied shopper writes. “This is perfect: My dishes are even brighter than before and smell great. Plus it gives me peace with its ingredients” — $22 for 1.05 pounds
  • Grease Goodbye: If you’re looking for something that really combats grease, Clean People Dishwasher Detergent Pods may be for you. Cleaning with enzymes rather than harsh chemicals, it effectively breaks down tough stains. And with a 4.5-star rating, shoppers really seem happy with the clean results (and ingredients). “I would highly recommend this brand and all their products,” reads one review. “Especially for anyone looking to reduce the toxic load on their bodies and remove toxic chemicals from their homemaking routines” — $20 for 60 pods
  • Best Deal: At less than $6 for a 42-ounce bottle, Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Gel is a natural and effective option. With an impressive 4.5 stars, shoppers seem to appreciate its functionality and clean ingredients. “I have been using this dish soap for years now and my dishes are always clean and stain free,” a happy user writes. “I don’t even use Jet dry anymore, even though my dishwasher is asking for it! Always restock when on sale” — $6 for 42 ounces

Lizzy Rosenberg is a Catskills-based journalist, with about eight years of experience in the world of journalism. She has written and edited at People.com, Elite Daily, PureWow, Green Matters, and Distractify. Additionally, she has several freelance bylines with SKI Magazine, Outside Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Hey Alma, Best Products and USA Today’s Reviewed. You may also recognize her name from the book Green Living, which she helped her team write and publish during her time as Managing Editor at Green Matters.

Chase Clements

Chase Clements

Editor McClatchy Commerce

Based in Kansas City, Chase Clements is the Commerce Content Operations Manager. He has many years of experience as a Commerce Writer and Editor for McClatchy.