The 10 Best Dishwasher Cleaners of 2023

Best Overall

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner

5

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Packed with powerful sulfate and salt-based abrasives, Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is capable of cleaning significant buildup from detergent, limescale, minerals, and grime. Not only will it help remove any film or residue on the interior of the dishwasher tub, but will also clean racks, spray arms, and unseen components like drain and recirculation hoses.

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner tablets are perfect for the once-monthly dishwasher cleanings recommended by experts. They're compatible with virtually all dishwashers, since they can be placed in the detergent tray, or at the bottom of your dishwasher's main compartment. They're also approved by the EPA Safer Choice program and safe to use in dishwashers connected to septic tanks.

One of the few downsides is that Affresh can be a little too effective. While it can be used in a normal dishwashing cycle with a full load of dishes, caution should be taken with printed glassware, customized mugs, and similar items that might get effaced by this powerful cleaner. It also has a strong lemon scent that's effective at overwriting odors, but may be a bit much for anyone who's sensitive to smells.

Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner uses sodium bisulfate and citric acid for cleaning and is available in packs of six tablets.

Price at time of publish: $9

_{Type: Tablets︱Amount: 6 tablets︱Scent: Lemon︱Safe for septic systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: Yes}

Best Budget

Finish Dishwasher Hygienic Cleaner

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Our most budget-friendly option, Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner uses citric acid and trideceth-4 to remove buildup in the tub, filter, pump, spray arm, and other hidden areas of your appliance. It works on all types of dishwashers and is septic tank-safe.

Finish is also easy to use, with a unique design completely unlike the powders, tablets, and pods featured elsewhere on this list. Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner comes in a single-use bottle. All you do is remove the sticker from the top of the bottle, then turn it upside down in your dishwasher's bottom dish rack. Your dishwasher and the Finish cleaner will do the rest.

While extremely convenient, it's also a one-use bottle, which means you'll need to repurchase for every cleaning cycle. However, you shouldn't have a problem finding a bottle, since it is readily available from online retailers and grocery store chains. Unlike our best overall pick, Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner should only be used in an empty dishwasher, so make sure to remove any dishes and silverware before you run a hot cycle.

Unfortunately this product is not approved by the EPA Safer Choice Program.

Price at time of publish: $4

_{Type: Liquid︱Amount: 8.45 ounces︱Scent: Fresh scent︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No}

Best Liquid

Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner

4.8

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Glisten is especially impressive at removing mineral buildup, rust, grease, and hard water stains. But it's more than just a cleaner, it's also a disinfectant. Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner has a unique antibacterial formula designed to eliminate bacteria like salmonella and E. coli from your dishwasher. It’s also safe for septic systems and all types of plumbing.

The Glisten dishwasher cleaner works similarly to our favorite budget pick—Finish Dual Action—employing a single bottle for every cleaning cycle. The bottle is placed in your silverware tray upside down. When your dishwasher starts, it melts a wax plug on the bottle's lid and dispenses the cleaner. Glisten is not recommended for use at the same time as a cleaning cycle with dishes.

While a supremely effective cleanser, with additional disinfectant bona fides, Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner does have a strong lemon scent and might not be the best pick for anyone with related sensitivities.

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Type: Liquid︱Amount: 12 fluid ounces︱Scent: Lemon︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No, but separately registered as a cleaner and disinfectant with the EPA}

Best Pods

Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner

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If you already use pods as part of your dishwasher routine, then nothing could be simpler than Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner Pods. Formulated with powerful surfactants, these tablets remove stains and limescale, in addition to degreasing.

Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner Pods come in single-use packets and are sold individually or in boxes of three. While the single-use packet is convenient, it creates excess package waste, compared to other recommendations on this list.

Cascade dishwasher pods should only be used in an empty dishwasher cycle. While not approved by the EPA Safer Choice, they are safe for septic tank systems.

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Type: Tablet︱Amount: 1 tablet and 3 tablet packs︱Scent: Fresh scent︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No}

Best Tablets

Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner

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Our favorite tablets (second only to our Best Overall pick) are the easy-to-use Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaning Tabs. Throw one in the machine, and set it for a regular cycle, just once a month for comprehensive cleaning.

Biodegradable and free of phosphates, Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner requires no backup wash cycle and can be used with a full load of dishes. The pods are simply placed at the bottom of the dishwasher when you’re ready to do a load, working while your dishes get washed.

Aside from its magnificent grease-cutting powers, these tabs are great for removing limescale, hard water stains, and other types of buildup. They don't have a strong scent, but they still cut through odors, making them a reasonable pick for those who are sensitive to stronger smells. Unfortunately, the formula is not EPA-registered, but it's safe for septic tanks and works on any type of dishwasher.

Price at time of publish: $5

_{Type: Pods︱Amount: 3 per pack︱Scent: Not listed︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No}

Most Versatile

Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner & Deodorizer

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This versatile gel pick works in your dishwasher (or washing machine!) to attack odors, mold, mildew, viruses, and fungi. Simply put half of a teaspoon in the bottom cabinet of your dishwasher, and run a short clean/hot cycle with no dishes present.

Although cleaning your dishwasher filter separately is recommended, this cleaner can still reach hard-to-clean areas like the door seal, edges, and more. The potent formula is not EPA-registered but is safe for all septic systems.

While the Ahh-Some cleaner seems to have a surprisingly high price, each 2-ounce jar should last for 12 full dishwasher cleaning cycles. Unlike monthly cleaners, Ahh-Some recommends using its biocleaner and deodorizer gel every 60 days. It also doesn't smell too aggressively, with only a faint lemon scent, making it a better pick for anyone who's sensitive to strong smells.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Type: Gel︱Amount: 2 ounces︱Scent: Mild lemon︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No}

Best Eco-Friendly

Truly Free Dishwasher Cleaner

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Using a clean formula that's suitable for eco-conscious households, TrulyFree Non-Toxic Dishwasher Cleaner uses citric acid and mineral-based cleaning agents. It is cruelty-free, plant-based, dye-free, and fragrance-free.

The eco-friendly dishwasher cleaner comes in a powder form that's abrasive enough to clear soap scum, stains, hard water issues, and other buildups. Simply sprinkle it around an empty dishwasher, and run a heavy hot water cycle to let it work its magic.

Even the TrulyFree Non-Toxic Dishwasher Cleaner packaging is recyclable.

Price at time of publish: $9

_{Type: Powder︱Amount: 4 ounces︱Scent: Mild lemon scent, but contains no added fragrance︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No}

Best Deodorizer

Plink Washer & Dishwasher Freshener & Cleaner

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Plink Washer & Dishwasher Freshener & Cleaner comes in tablet form and has a zingy lemon scent. In addition to busting buildup, it's formulated to leave a lasting fresh smell.

Plink can be used with dishes inside the dishwasher. However, the brand does note that Plink is not safe for all types of dinnerware and should not be used when washing silver, painted glassware, painted mugs, aluminum, fine china, or enamel-coated cutlery or cookware. The product is quality tested in America and safe for septic systems, and it works on all brands and types of dishwashers.

Plink Washer & Dishwasher Freshener & Cleaner Tabs come in packs of four tablets and are recommended for weekly use.

Price at time of publish: $5

_{Type: Tablet︱Amount: 4 tablets︱Scent: Lemon︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: No}

Best for Hard Water

Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner

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If you're looking to tackle hard water, try the Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner. Formulated with citric acid, it promises to bust up hard water and remove buildup, stains, and other gunk that could be lying in your dishwasher.

The biodegradable and phosphate-free formula is certified under the EPA Safer Choice program, safe for septic systems, and super-easy to use—simply sprinkle it over an empty dishwasher, and run it on a regular cycle.

Like other powder cleaners on this list, it comes in single-use packages that are convenient, but they add unnecessary packaging waste.

Price at time of publish: $21

_{Type: Powder︱Amount: 1 use, 4 use containers︱Scent: Citrus︱Safe for Septic Systems: Yes︱EPA Safer Choice: Yes}