Dishwashers have become a daily household utility, and excessive use can leave their interiors filthy and stinky, keeping them from working at their optimum level. It is suggested that you clean your dishwasher once a month. However, household solutions such as white vinegar or baking soda may not be effective.
Don’t worry; we’ve compiled the best dishwasher cleaner based on a thorough evaluation of several cleaning products on the market. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it.
Our Top Picks
If a dishwasher is messy, it will not operate at its best. Take care of your equipment by using the proper cleaning product listed below, summarized.
- Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (Editor’s Pick: Best Overall)
- Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid
- Ahh-some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner
- Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner
- Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner
- Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner
- Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener and Cleaner
Top 7 Cleaning Products for Your Dishwasher
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are small in size, yet they clean all sections of dishwashers, eliminating any mineral deposits and food debris that can generate odors. Once a month, use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets to clean your dishwasher, loaded or not, and it leaves a lemon aroma. This cleaner is available in tablet form, making it harder for you.
The EPA has certified Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, making all chemical components safe for humans and the environment.
| What we like | ✅ Easy to use ✅ Suitable with any dishwasher models ✅ Cleans effectively |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Can cause damage to delicate dishes ✖️ Strong scent |
Get yours at Amazon!
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid is a great cleaning solution that eliminates oil and sticky gunk while leaving a spotless and fragrant dishwasher. This cleaner cleans interior parts such as the tub, rack, pipes, and spray arms by mixing them with hot water.
The only drawback to this product is that it is a single-use cleaning product that could be more environmentally friendly.
Related Article: The Environmental Effects of Using a Dishwasher (12 Facts & Statistics)
| What we like | ✅ Easy to use ✅ Perfect for hard water residue ✅ Affordable |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Single-use bottle ✖️ Not EPA approved |
Get yours at Amazon!
Ahh-some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner
Ahh-some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner is an excellent cleaning and odor remover product. While it takes some time to prepare before use, it is simple.
You should use this cleaning once a month to maintain your equipment clean and free of mold and fungus. Its gel consistency is also excellent for septic pipes.
| What we like | ✅ Suitable for both dishwasher and washing machines ✅ Eliminates molds and fungus |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Expensive ✖️ Possibility of dislodged food grease and debris lingering in the machine |
Get yours at Amazon!
Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner
Glisten Dishwasher Cleaners are excellent for removing dishwasher buildup and eradicating bacteria, protecting you from E. Salmonella and E. coli. Despite its active compounds, the EPA has authorized this product, which is safe for you.
The only drawback of this product is that it is a single-use bottle, which could be more cost-efficient.
| What we like | ✅ Easy to use ✅ Perfect for hard water residue ✅ Septic safe |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Single-use bottle |
Get yours at Amazon!
Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner
Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner is a cleaning solution ideal for dishwashers, particularly ones loaded with dishes. As a result, it saves water and time because it can be used throughout a wash cycle. This solution contains a chemical composition that eliminates stubborn grease and hard-to-reach regions of your dishwasher.
The only disadvantage is that it is advised that you use this to clean your dishwasher once a week.
| What we like | ✅ Easy to use ✅ Biodegradable ✅ Eliminates food grease and debris |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Used on a weekly basis |
Get yours at Amazon!
Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner
Despite its environmentally friendly composition, Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner is powerful against odor-causing chemicals due to its citric components, which also eliminate hard water buildup.
Related Article: Hard Water vs. Soft Water: Which is Better for Your Dishwasher?
This EPA-approved solution may be used monthly to keep your dishwasher clean.
| What we like | ✅ Biodegradable ✅ Perfect for hard water residue |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Strong Fragrance |
Get yours at Amazon!
Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener and Cleaner
Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener and Cleaner is an excellent cleaning solution for several appliances, eradicating smells and any buildup for a very low price. It works particularly well in a dishwasher on cycle, which saves water.
Despite not being EPA approved, Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener and Cleaner contain no bleach or phosphates.
| What we like | ✅ Affordable ✅ Suitable for both dishwasher and washing machines |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Used on a weekly basis |
Get yours at Amazon!
How Did We Select the Best Dishwasher Cleaners?
For our reader’s convenience, we have carefully reviewed all available dishwasher cleaners on the market based on the following parameters to provide you with a list of cleaning solutions to maintain and run your dishwasher at its peak.
Ingredients
Choosing the appropriate cleaning products is necessary since some of them contain chemical compounds that can be hazardous to your equipment, such as bleach, which can damage any stainless steel portion of your dishwasher. You should also select a cleaning solution effective against mineral buildup that causes hard water residue.
There are also EPA-approved eco-friendly cleaning solutions if you prefer something with fewer chemical and synthetic aroma components.
Scent
The user’s personal preferences typically determine the smell of the dishwasher cleanser. You can choose between artificially scented and naturally fragranced cleaning solutions.
Bottomline
Despite the plethora of dishwasher products on the marketplace, we hope this list has helped you narrow down the finest options for your home. Dishwashers have made life easier for every household, and we must maintain them clean and safe to last longer. We suggest our Editor’s Pick: Best Overall, Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets for all-around efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
To learn everything there is to know about everyone’s favorite kitchen partner-in-crime, click here to read the definitive dishwasher guide.
