Having a dishwasher pod could make or break your post-meal cleaning. That is why you must choose the right one, ensuring that your dishes are spotless, shiny, and free of contaminants.
After analyzing over 30 dishwashing pods on the market, we extensively examined them based on type, size, price, and formula to provide you with a list to guide you in buying the perfect pods for your dishwasher.
Our Top Picks
- Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs (Editor’s Pick: Best Overall)
- Amazon Basics Detergent Pacs
- Cascade Complete ActionPacs
- Dapple Baby Fragrance Free Dishwasher Pacs
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods
- Finish Powerball Deep Clean
- Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
Top 7 Dishwasher Pods for Your Dishwasher
Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs
The Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs, our “Best Overall,” is an excellent cleaning solution for eliminating oil. It may also remove food particles, leaving a spotless dish. Because it is phosphate-free, this product is suitable for both soft and hard water. If you are sensitive to strong smells, its overpowering fragrance may be a big turnoff.
The main drawback of Cascade Platinum Plus Actionpacs is that they are more expensive than standard cleaning pods. Nonetheless, the price is justified.
| What we like | ✅ Safe for septic tanks ✅ Phosphate-free |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Expensive ✖️ Strong fragrance |
Get yours at Amazon!
Amazon Basics Detergent Pacs
Suppose you want a low-cost but effective product further farther than the Amazon Basics Detergent Pacs. Despite its powder formula, this product contains detergent and rinse aid, washing your dishes with no visible spots.
The only downside of these items is that food remnants are occasionally seen on clean plates.
| What we like | ✅ Budget friendly ✅ Cleans dishes effectively |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Strong fragrance |
Get yours at Amazon!
Cascade Complete ActionPacs
If you want a cleaning product that eliminates spot-free dishes, the Cascade Complete ActionPacs is the way to go. This product is easy to use and provides excellent cleaning results. All of its cleaning properties are accompanied by a strong chemical odor. However, this is the best solution if you merely want to remove grease from your meals.
Related Article: Liquid vs. Tablet Detergents for Dishwashers: Which is Better?
| What we like | ✅ Water softener and rinse aid liquid ✅ Make dishes spot-free |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Strong fragrance |
Get yours at Amazon!
Dapple Baby Fragrance Free Dishwasher Pacs
Dapple Baby Fragrance Free Dishwasher Pacs is a specially formulated pod for cleaning baby items. The product contains no toxic ingredients and includes tabs with a minimal odor. Furthermore, it can clean as effectively as standard dishwashing pods.
The only disadvantage is that it makes your glasses hazy. Nonetheless, if you are searching for an average cleaning product, this product is certainly worth the cost.
| What we like | ✅ Hypoallergenic ✅ Non-toxic |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Expensive |
Get yours at Amazon!
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods is a USDA-approved natural cleaning product that efficiently cleans your dishes. Compared to the previous cleaning solutions, Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent Pods does not have a strong aroma, which is nice.
Related Article: The Environmental Effects of Using a Dishwasher (12 Facts & Statistics)
The only problem is that this pod does not work well on dry condiments since it lacks a rinse aid and degreasers.
| What we like | ✅ Phosphate and chlorine-free ✅ Less odor |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Less effective than liquid formulated pods ✖️ Slightly expensive |
Get yours at Amazon!
Finish Powerball Deep Clean
The Finish Powerball Deep Clean can remove almost every bit of food remnants at a surprisingly low cost. This product has a 3 stage cleaning powder that removes any residue on your dishes.
These pods come with separate wrapping, which is unnecessary and economical yet keeps the pod moist.
| What we like | ✅ Budget-friendly ✅ Safe for septic tanks ✅ Effective for cleaning dishes |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Unnecessary wrappings |
Get yours at Amazon!
Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets
The Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets are a nice choice if you are susceptible to strong fragrances. This solution is developed from a biodegradable composition that cleans dishes while leaving little residue.
Despite being an eco-friendly pod, it is not recommended if you search for a powerful cleaning product against any food particles. Furthermore, it has separate wrappings, which is ironic given that it is an environmentally friendly product.
| What we like | ✅ Less odor ✅ Biodegradable ✅ Phosphate-free |
| What we don’t like | ✖️ Unnecessary wrappings |
Get yours at Amazon!
Are Dishwasher Pods Bad?
Pods are safe from dishwashers, given through years of production and testing. However, there are ingredients in pods that may be dangerous to dishwashers and the environment.
Potentially Dangerous Dishwasher Cleaner Ingredients
- Dye
- Antimicrobial agents
- Surfactants
- Fragrance that emits VOCs
- Phthalates
- Ethoxylated ingredients
Do Dishwasher Pods Have an Expiration Date?
While most dishwashing pods claim to have over 12-18 months of lifespan, most cleaning products lose their cleaning power within a year.
Bottomline
Dishwasher pods make washing, sanitizing, and polishing your dishes easy. However, testing with several products can be costly and time-consuming. We hope this review has given you the information you need to clean your next load of dishes.
To learn everything there is to know about everyone’s favorite kitchen partner-in-crime, click here to read the definitive dishwasher guide.
