Best Dishwasher Cleaners for Deep Clean and Fresh Smell
Are you trying to find the best dishwasher cleaner? You’ve come to the right place! Say goodbye to dirt or stains with the best dishwasher cleaners.
Top Picks by CM Reviews!
- Best Overall: Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner at Amazon $8.49
- Best Liquid: Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner at Amazon $5.79
- Best Eco-Friendly: Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner at Amazon $3.99
- Best Versatile: Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant at Amazon $15.90
- Best Triple Decontamination: XROM Dishwasher Pro Cleaner and Descaler at Amazon $10.76
- Best Budget: Active Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets at Amazon $17.95
- Best Pods: Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner Pods at Amazon $9.99
Dishwasher cleaners are products that are used to effectively clean and maintain your dishwashers. There are several types of dishwasher cleaners available, including powder, liquid, and tablet forms.
Some dishwasher cleaners contain enzymes to break down food particles and grease, while others use citric acid or other chemicals to dissolve mineral buildup.
Some also include additional features, such as deodorizing agents to combat unpleasant odors.
Best Dishwasher Cleaners of 2024
We put in a lot of effort to bring you some great recommendations for dishwasher cleaners.
After conducting extensive research, we’ve identified seven products that do an amazing job of keeping your dishwasher sparkling clean.
Whether you’re dealing with tough stains, hard water buildup, or just want to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh, these cleaners are definitely worth checking out.
So, if you want to keep your dishwasher in top shape, take a look at our list of top-rated cleaners!
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is a powerful cleaning solution designed to help you get the most out of your dishwasher. That comes in tablet form and is easy to use.
This dishwasher cleaner is specifically formulated to target and remove limescale, mineral buildup, and other residues that can accumulate in your dishwasher over time.
Pros
- The Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice certified, which means it is environmentally friendly and free of harmful chemicals.
- The cleaner is affordable and a great option for anyone who wants to keep their dishwasher in top condition.
Cons
- Some users with hard water have reported that the cleaner did not work for them, despite their efforts to keep the dishwasher clean.
- Some customers received a package containing fewer tablets than advertised, or defective and opened products.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $8.49
Little Infomation – Brand Name: Affresh | Item Form: Tablet | Scent: Lemon | Climate Pledge Friendly: EPA Safer Choice
It uses sodium bisulfate and citric acid for cleaning. Since they may be put in the detergent tray or the bottom of your dishwasher’s main compartment, they work with almost all dishwashers.
To use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, simply place one tablet in the detergent tray of your empty dishwasher and run a hot cycle. The tablet will dissolve and release a powerful cleaning solution that will penetrate and dissolve any buildup in your dishwasher’s interior, leaving it clean and fresh-smelling.
Overall, Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is a simple and effective way to keep your dishwasher in top condition and ensure that your dishes always come out sparkling clean.
Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner
The Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner is an excellent product that helps to keep your dishwasher clean and fresh.
It is available in liquid form and comes in a single-use bottle.
Pros
- Breaks down and removes mineral buildup, including hard-to-reach parts like the heating element and sprayer arms.
- Cradle to Cradle certified, made with safer materials and responsible processes that positively impact people and the planet.
Cons
- Some customers have reported a chemical smell during the cleaning process, although this dissipates after the cycle is complete.
- May require multiple applications to fully clean heavily soiled or clogged dishwashers.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $5.79
Little Infomation – Brand Name: Finish | Item Form: Liquid | Scent: Fresh Scent | Climate Pledge Friendly: Cradle to Cradle Certified
The product is easy to use, simply add it to an empty dishwasher and run a regular cycle. It is recommended to use the cleaner once a month or as soon as you notice a buildup in your dishwasher. The 8.45oz bottle is the perfect size for single use and is a great value for the price.
The Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner is a Cradle to Cradle certified product, which means that it is made with safer materials and responsible processes that positively impact people and the planet. This is an important factor for those who are environmentally conscious and want to make sustainable choices.
We highly recommend the Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner. It is an effective and affordable way to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and smelling fresh. With over 42,000 ratings and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, it’s clear that many people have had positive experiences with this product.
Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner
The Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner is powered by citric acid.
This is an eco-friendly dishwasher cleaner and deodorizer that claims to be 100% guaranteed for hard water cleaning and has a fresh lemon scent.
Pros
- Powered by citric acid, an all-natural and eco-friendly cleaning agent that is safer for your home and the environment than harsh chemicals.
- Safer Choice Certified by the EPA, meaning it meets strict safety standards for human health and the environment.
Cons
- The granular texture of the cleaner may be difficult to dissolve completely and may require a pre-rinse of the dishwasher before use.
- The lemon scent may be too strong for some users, while others may love it. It really comes down to personal preference.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $3.99
Little Infomation – Brand Name: Lemi Shine | Item Form: Granule | Scent: Lemon | Climate Pledge Friendly: EPA Safer Choice
First of all, we appreciate that this product is made from all-natural ingredients, powered by citric acid. This is a great alternative to harsh chemicals and additives that can potentially harm dishes and home appliances. Citric acid is a powerful cleaning agent that effectively removes build-up and grime, leaving your dishwasher sparkling clean.
We also appreciate that this product is EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning that it is septic system-friendly and safer for the environment. The fact that it is biodegradable is also a plus, as it reduces the impact on the environment.
Another great thing about Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner is that it is very affordable. For just $3.99, you can get a single count of this cleaner, which is a great deal considering its effectiveness and eco-friendliness.
Overall, it is an excellent product that lives up to its claims, and it is an eco-friendly alternative to other dishwasher cleaners on the market.
Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant
The Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant is a powerful and versatile cleaning product designed to remove limescale, rust, grease, and other buildup from your dishwasher.
Pros
- Disinfects against E-coli and Salmonella for a clean and safe dishwasher.
- Design for the Environment Certified, which means it meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for human and environmental health.
Cons
- Some users might find the price a bit high compared to other dishwasher cleaners in the market.
- While it is versatile, it is primarily designed for use in dishwashers, which might limit its usage compared to other cleaning products.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $15.90
Little Infomation – Brand Name: Glisten | Item Form: Liquid | Scent: Lemon | Climate Pledge Friendly: EPA Safer Choice
One of the standout features of this product is its efficient cleaning action. It is designed to clean even the hard-to-reach areas of your dishwasher, ensuring that all buildup is removed. This results in better appliance performance and reduces the risk of repair or replacement.
Another great aspect of the Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant is that it is safe to use. It does not contain harsh or abrasive chemicals, making it ideal for regular use. It is also designed for the environment and is an EPA-registered dishwasher cleaner and disinfectant.
The fresh lemon scent of the Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Disinfectant is also a nice touch. It leaves your dishwasher smelling great and feeling clean for up to 30 days after use.
With its powerful cleaning action and fresh scent, it is a must-have for any household!
XROM Dishwasher Pro Cleaner and Descaler
The XROM Dishwasher Pro Cleaner and Descaler is a highly effective product that offers triple decontamination, natural ingredients, and biodegradability.
It is easy to use and comes with six treatments, making it a cost-effective option for keeping your dishwasher clean and odor-free.
Pros
- It provides you with several cleaning sessions, making it a cost-effective cleaning solution.
- The product uses citric acid and oxygen to power away grease and grime, making it safe for both you and the environment.
Cons
- It may not be as effective on extremely heavy-duty build-up or stains, requiring multiple treatments.
- The scent of the original formula may not be to everyone’s liking. However, the product is also available in a lemon scent.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $10.76
Little Infomation – Brand Name: XROM | Item Form: Tablet | Scent: Original Scent | Climate Pledge Friendly: No
One of the main advantages of this product is that it offers triple decontamination by removing limescale, all odor, and detergent build-up.
It hygienically cleans and descales the internal parts of your dishwasher, including the spray arm, pump, and filter. The product is powered by natural ingredients and is biodegradable, which makes it a safe and eco-friendly option.
The XROM Dishwasher Pro Cleaner and Descaler are easy to use. You just need to empty the dishwasher, add one cleaning tablet and start the complete washing cycle. There’s no need to disassemble the dishwasher. The product offers six treatments, and you can use it once a month or after 15 cycles for top performance.
It will make your dishwasher’s maintenance routine easy and stress-free.
Active Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets
The Active Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets are a game-changer for anyone who wants to keep their dishwasher clean and smelling fresh.
These tablets are compatible with a wide range of dishwasher models, including Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, and Maytag.
Pros
- Compatible with various dishwasher brands and types.
- Comes in a bulk 24-pack, providing a 12-month supply at a reasonable price.
Cons
- Some users may find the scent too strong or not to their liking.
- Some customers say the product caused water to leak out of the dishwasher, likely due to the high amount of foam and suds it produces.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $17.95
Little Infomation – Brand Name: ACTIVE | Item Form: Tablet | Scent: Citrus, Lemon | Climate Pledge Friendly: Compact by Design
One of the standout features of these tablets is their deep descaling formula. They are formulated to remove hard water, lime, scale, grime, grease, stains, and more with a simple citric acid powder dishwasher cleaning agent. These tablets also remove gunk spots and can help unclog and clear out foam in the jet.
Another great feature of these tablets is their fresh odor eliminator. The dual-action freshener booster tablet for smelly dishwashers is scented with lemon citrus and leaves your dishwasher smelling and looking good.
The Active Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets are a monthly maintenance solution that keeps your dishwashing machine clean. You can use a single or two treatment tabs per month. Simply place a pod inside an empty dishwasher and run a self-clean or regular dishwasher cycle to restore your machine.
Finally, these tablets come in a bulk 24-count kit, which is a 12-month supply. That’s the best value promise from the brand. Compare to other products with fewer tablets, you will find that the Active Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets are a great value for the money.
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner Pods
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner Pods are a product that helps clean and maintain your dishwasher.
The product comes in a pack of 8 individually wrapped pods and is designed to be used once a month to help keep your dishwasher sparkling clean and odor-free.
Pros
- These cleaner pods come in a variety of sizes and scents to suit different preferences and needs.
- Recommended by more dishwasher brands in North America than any other automatic dishwashing detergent brand.
Cons
- While the product is recommended to be used once a month, some people may find that they need to use it more frequently to keep their dishwasher smelling fresh.
- Some users report that the pods do not dissolve completely, leaving residue in the dishwasher.
Price at Edit Time – Amazon $10.99
Little Infomation – Brand Name: Cascade | Item Form: Tablet | Scent: Fresh | Climate Pledge Friendly: No
Cascade is the number one recommended brand for dishwasher cleaners in North America and is recommended by more dishwasher brands than any other automatic dishwashing detergent brand. The product is easy to use and comes in single-dose packs for convenience.
To use the product, you simply toss one pod into your empty dishwasher and run a cycle, just like you would with Cascade ActionPacs. The cleaner is designed to remove limescale buildup, grease, and odors from your dishwasher.
If you want the ultimate cleaning for your dishwasher, you can also wash your dishes with Cascade Platinum dishwasher detergent. Using both products together can help keep your dishwasher and dishes looking their best.
Benefits of Using a Dishwasher Cleaner
Using a dishwasher cleaner offers several benefits.
Removes Mineral Buildup
Over time, mineral buildup can accumulate in the dishwasher, causing it to work less efficiently. A dishwasher cleaner can help dissolve this buildup, leading to a more effective cleaning process and better results.
Eliminates Odors
Dishwashers can develop unpleasant odors due to leftover food debris, mineral buildup, and stagnant water. The dishwasher cleaner will eliminate these odors and leave the dishwasher smelling fresh.
Extends the Lifespan of Your Dishwasher
Regular use of a dishwasher cleaner can help prolong the life of the appliance. By preventing mineral buildup and other issues, the dishwasher will work better and last longer.
Better Cleaning Performance
When a dishwasher is clean and functioning properly, it will clean dishes more effectively. This means fewer rewashes and less wasted time and water.
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Overall, using a dishwasher cleaner is an easy and effective way to keep your dishwasher in good working condition and ensure that it continues to provide clean dishes every time!
What to Look for in the Best Dishwasher Cleaner
If you’re looking for the best dishwasher cleaner, there are a few important factors to consider.
Effectiveness
First and foremost, you want a cleaner that is effective at removing stubborn stains, grease, and buildup from your dishwasher’s interior surfaces.
Look for a cleaner that is specifically designed for dishwashers, as it will likely contain ingredients that can break down food particles and hard water deposits.
Safety for Dishwasher Components
Another factor to consider is the safety of the cleaner. You want a product that is non-toxic and won’t harm your dishwasher’s delicate components, such as the spray arms, filters, and seals.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is also important when choosing a dishwasher cleaner. Look for a product that is easy to apply and doesn’t require a lot of scrubbing or rinsing.
Ideally, the cleaner should be able to dissolve on its own and be easily wiped away with a damp cloth or sponge.
EPA Safer Choice Certification
One of the most important things to look for in a dishwasher cleaner is whether the product is EPA Safer Choice certified.
If the product is certified, this means that it has been tested and proven to be effective at removing dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your dishwasher.
Plus, it’s a good way to ensure that you’re using a product that is safe for the environment and for your family.
Fragrances
While it’s not a necessity, some people like to choose a dishwasher cleaner with a pleasant scent.
Just be sure to choose a product that uses natural fragrances, rather than synthetic ones that can cause headaches or other health issues.
Consideration of Price and Value
While some dishwasher cleaners may be more expensive than others, you want to make sure you’re getting good value for your money.
Look for a product that is reasonably priced and offers enough cleaning power to last for multiple uses.
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Overall, the best dishwasher cleaner is one that is effective, safe, easy to use and provides good value for your money.
By considering these factors, you can find a cleaner that will help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and your dishes looking their best.
Which Types of Dishwasher Cleaners Are Better
The choice between powder, liquid, and tablet dishwasher cleaners often comes down to personal preference and convenience.
Each type has its own advantages, and the effectiveness can vary based on the specific brand and formulation.
Here’s a breakdown of each type:
Powder Dishwasher Cleaner
- Pros: Powder cleaners are versatile and can be used for both dishwashers and other cleaning tasks. They are often more affordable than other types and can be effective in breaking down limescale and residue.
- Cons: They might require pre-dissolving in water before use, and there is a possibility of overdosing if not measured correctly.
Liquid Dishwasher Cleaner
- Pros: Liquid cleaners are pre-dissolved and ready to use, making them convenient. They can be effective in removing grease, limescale, and odors.
- Cons: Some users find that liquids can be messier to handle compared to tablets.
Tablet Dishwasher Cleaner
- Pros: Tablets are convenient and pre-measured, reducing the risk of overuse. They often have a concentrated formula that can tackle tough stains, limescale, and buildup.
- Cons: Tablets can be slightly more expensive than other forms. In some cases, they might not dissolve completely in certain dishwasher models.
Ultimately, the “better” choice depends on your preferences and needs.
You can experiment by using different types of dishwasher cleaner to determine which one works best for your dishwasher and cleaning routine.
Final Thoughts
Using a dishwasher cleaner is an important part of maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of your appliance.
By choosing the right cleaner and using it consistently, you can extend the life of your dishwasher and ensure that it’s always performing at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions and their responses relate to the greatest dishwashing cleansers.
Yes, using a dishwasher cleaner is necessary to maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of your dishwasher.
It is recommended to use a dishwasher cleaner once a month to keep your dishwasher functioning properly and to ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean.
Clean your dishwasher at least once a month to ensure that it operates at peak performance and to prevent any buildup of food particles, grease, or soap scum.
If you use your dishwasher frequently or have hard water, you may need to clean it more frequently.
It depends on the specific task you are trying to accomplish. Both vinegar and dishwasher cleaners are effective at cleaning and disinfecting.
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that is often used as a general-purpose cleaner.
On the other hand, dishwasher cleaners are specifically designed to clean and maintain your dishwashers.
No, it is not recommended to use regular dish soap to clean your dishwasher. Regular dish soap is designed for hand washing dishes and is not suitable for use in a dishwasher.
Using regular dish soap in your dishwasher can cause excessive suds, which can lead to leaks and damage to your dishwasher.
Additionally, regular dish soap may contain ingredients that can damage the interior of your dishwasher, such as bleach or abrasives.
Instead, you should use a dishwasher cleaner specifically designed for use in dishwashers.
Yes, you can make your own dishwasher cleaner using simple ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon.
There are many recipes available online that can help you create an effective and natural dishwasher cleaner.
Most dishwasher cleaners are designed to be safe for septic systems when used as directed.
However, it’s important to check the product label or packaging for specific information about septic system compatibility.
Look for cleaners that are labeled as “septic-safe” or those that explicitly mention their compatibility with septic systems.
Septic-safe dishwasher cleaners are formulated to break down effectively in septic systems and not disrupt the natural bacterial balance that is crucial for proper septic system function.
They are often biodegradable and contain ingredients that are less likely to harm the septic system or the environment.
While some dishwasher manufacturers may recommend specific brands of dishwasher cleaners, it’s not always necessary to use the exact brand they recommend.
Most dishwasher cleaners on the market are designed to work effectively with a wide range of dishwasher brands and models.