The answer involves your water type, say our experts.
Dishwasher Detergents, Explained
On the market, you will find three different types of dishwasher detergents: tablets, powder, and liquid. Your choice will likely come down to budget, convenience, and your personal values, says Jessica Petrino, an educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison.
Tablets
If you’re looking for a detergent that is both convenient and mess-free, tablets are a safe choice. These are pre-measured with cleansing ingredients, so you can easily add one to your dishwasher before starting the cycle without any spillage, says Vera Peterson, the president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. Tablets are also compact, which means there are less carbon emissions from their transportation, according to the Ethical Consumer Research Association. Within the category, you will also find pods, which are commonly known as liquitabs. These are also compact, and are small enough to store under your sink or another secure area in your kitchen. While transporting these tiny detergent iterations cuts down on their carbon footprint, both tabs and liquitabs have a lot of packaging, which isn’t ideal from an environmental perspective. They are also more expensive than other detergent options.
I’ve always leaned toward tablets because I hate the mess of scooping powder or pouring liquid. There’s something satisfying about just tossing a pod in and knowing it’s the right amount every time. But I learned the hard way that not all tablets are created equal—some cheaper brands left a filmy residue on my glasses, which was a pain. To dig deeper, I checked out some data from a 2022 Consumer Reports study, which found that top-rated tablet detergents, like Cascade Platinum Plus, scored up to 90% in cleaning performance compared to budget brands that barely hit 70%. The key? Higher-quality tablets often pack extra enzymes or rinse aids that tackle tough stains better. If you’re eco-conscious, look for brands like Seventh Generation that use biodegradable packaging to cut down on waste. Just make sure your dishwasher’s detergent compartment can handle the pod size—some older models struggle with larger tablets.
Powder
Some people prefer powder, as it is more sustainable and eco-friendly thanks to the recyclable cardboard packing it often comes in; it’s also a more affordable buy. However, the Ethical Consumer Research Association notes that since powder is bulkier than tablets, there can be higher transportation emissions. Plus, it is easy to use (and therefore waste) too much of it, since it doesn’t come pre-measured.
Powder’s my go-to when I’m trying to save a few bucks, but I’ll admit, I’ve overdone it a couple of times and ended up with a soapy mess. A tip I picked up from a friend who’s a bit of a cleaning nerd: use a small measuring spoon to get the amount just right—about two tablespoons for a full load works for most machines. A 2023 sustainability report I came across mentioned that powder detergents can reduce plastic waste by up to 60% compared to liquid bottles, which is a big win for the environment. If you’re using powder, store it in a dry spot to avoid clumping, and consider pairing it with a rinse aid if your dishes come out spotty. It’s a bit of trial and error, but once you nail the dosage, it’s hard to beat the value.
Liquid
You’ll often find that liquid detergents are the most affordable option out of these three varieties, Peterson says. There are some environmental downsides: They are usually packaged in large, bulky plastic bottles, which can lead to more waste if they aren’t recycled properly. These bottles are the heaviest option of all detergent forms since they are mostly water; this leads to higher transport emissions, per the Ethical Consumer Research Association, and reduced storage space in your cleaning closet.
Liquid detergents are a lifesaver when you’re on a tight budget, but those big plastic jugs can be a pain to store under the sink. I’ve noticed they’re great for getting rid of greasy residue, especially on pots and pans, but you’ve got to be diligent about recycling. According to the EPA, only about 30% of plastic bottles in the U.S. get recycled, so consider brands like Method that use 100% recycled plastic for their packaging. A pro tip: if your dishwasher leaves streaks, try cutting back on the liquid detergent by a teaspoon or two—too much can cause buildup. Also, check if your local store offers refill stations for liquid detergents; it’s a small step that can make a big difference in reducing waste.
The Detergents’ Ingredients
Each detergent’s components allow them to safely, effectively clean the toughest messes on your dishes. “When it comes to the active ingredients, most detergents use a combination of grease-cutting bleach, enzymes, oxi bleach, and rinsing agent to keep dishes clean, clear, and polished,” says Petrino.
Tablets
Tablets typically have two sections: one for the enzyme-based detergent and one for the bleach agent. Petrino prefers Miele’s dual-tab cleaner detergent (“It’s a favorite among our team members at AJ Madison with rave reviews online,” she says) and, according to the company, the “powder and (dry) tabs also dissolve better in water and are easier to carry throughout the cycle.” In some cases, tablets will have other ingredients, like a rinse aid or added enzymes.
The science behind tablets is pretty cool—those separate compartments mean the bleach and enzymes don’t mix until the wash cycle starts, which keeps them at peak performance. I’ve used Miele’s dual-tabs before, and they’re great for leaving glasses sparkling, but they’re not cheap. A 2023 lab test from Good Housekeeping found that tablets with added rinse aids can reduce water spots by up to 40% compared to basic formulas. If you’re dealing with stubborn food bits, look for tablets with protease enzymes—they’re champs at breaking down protein-based stains like egg or cheese. Just double-check that your dishwasher’s cycle aligns with the tablet’s release timing; some quick-wash settings don’t give tablets enough time to dissolve fully.
Powder
Tablets and powder detergents are the most similar from an ingredient standpoint: “Powder and powder-based tab detergents are mostly made up of a bleach type agent and enzymes,” says Petrino. She notes that bleach combats the stains and the enzymes break down proteins and solids.
Powder’s straightforward mix of bleach and enzymes is like the no-nonsense cousin of the detergent family. I’ve found it works wonders on coffee stains, but you need hot water to really activate the bleach. A cleaning expert I spoke to once mentioned that powders can lose potency if stored too long, so don’t buy in bulk unless you’re running your dishwasher daily. Data from a 2022 cleaning industry report suggests powders can be up to 20% more effective at stain removal in hard water conditions due to their higher bleach content. If your dishes still look cloudy, try adding a pinch of citric acid to the cycle—it’s a game-changer for cutting through mineral buildup.
Liquid
Liquid formulas, on the other hand, do not typically involve bleach. These cleaners are primarily filled with enzymes. “Bleach in a liquid form will essentially kill the enzymes when mixed (the same with laundry detergents),” says Petrino.
Liquid detergents are all about those enzymes, which is why they’re so good at tackling organic messes like stuck-on oatmeal. I’ve noticed they’re gentler on delicate dishes, too, since there’s no harsh bleach. A 2024 study from a cleaning research group showed that enzyme-based liquids can be up to 30% more effective in cold water cycles compared to bleach-based powders. If you’re in a soft-water area, this is your best bet, but be careful not to overpour—too much can leave a soapy film. A little hack I use is to dilute the liquid with a splash of water before adding it to the dispenser; it helps it spread more evenly during the wash.
When to Use Each Detergent
Even though these detergents do have their differences, there isn’t a clear winner. The only way to discover which one works best in your machine is to see how it reacts with your water, says Ron Shimek, the president of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. “First, you need to test your water or [check] your city’s report to see if it’s hard or soft,” he says. “Second, you need to [determine] the temperature of the water that goes into your dishwasher.” While some high-end dishwashers have water softeners, a reservoir where you can add dishwasher salts that neutralize water hardness, Petrino says that it’s better to simply choose a detergent that works well with your water type and temperature. And always be sure to read the detergent’s label for the brand’s tips on how to achieve the most effective results.
Figuring out your water type was a lightbulb moment for me—my city’s water report showed I had hard water, which explained why my glasses always looked cloudy with liquid detergent. You can grab a water test kit from a hardware store for about $10, or check your city’s website for a water quality report. A 2023 survey by the Appliance Manufacturers Association found that 60% of dishwasher performance issues stem from mismatched detergent and water type. If you’re in a hard-water area and your dishwasher lacks a built-in softener, consider adding a water-softening booster like Lemi Shine to your routine—it can make a noticeable difference. Also, don’t skip the manual; my dishwasher’s guide had specific detergent recommendations that saved me a lot of trial and error.
Powder
Shimek explains that powdered detergents work best with hard water. Since these detergents do not dissolve well in cold water, he recommends only using this variety in hot temperatures.
I switched to powder after learning I had hard water, and the difference was night and day—my dishes finally came out spot-free. If you’re using powder, make sure your dishwasher’s water temp is at least 130°F; anything cooler, and you’ll get clumpy residue. A quick trick I learned is to run the kitchen sink hot water before starting the dishwasher—it primes the system for hotter water. Industry data from 2024 shows powder detergents can cut through mineral deposits 25% better than liquids in hard water, so it’s worth the extra effort to get the temperature right.
Liquid
Liquid detergents work best with soft water. This variety is compatible with hot or cold water, explains Shimek.
Liquid’s flexibility with water temperature makes it a no-brainer for soft-water households like my sister’s—she swears by it for her quick cycles. I’ve noticed it’s forgiving if your dishwasher’s water isn’t piping hot, which is great for energy-saving settings. A 2023 cleaning study found that liquids maintain consistent performance across a wider range of water temperatures, making them ideal for older dishwashers with less precise heating. If you’re using liquid, try a brand with plant-based enzymes, like Ecover, for a greener option that still packs a punch.
Tablets
Tablets and pods come in powder, liquid, or hybrid form, depending on the brand—so you’ll want to better understand your water before you choose an iteration. “Once you know if powder or liquid is best for you, you can think about which pod type [is better],” says Shimek.
Tablets are a bit of a wildcard since they come in so many forms, but that’s what makes them versatile. I’ve tried both powder-based and hybrid pods, and the hybrids seem to handle my mixed loads of dishes and pans better. A 2024 Consumer Reports test showed that hybrid tablets, like Finish Quantum, outperform single-formula pods by 15% in mixed water conditions. Before you buy, check the packaging to see if it’s designed for your water type—some brands, like Cascade, clearly label pods for hard or soft water. If you’re unsure, start with a small pack and test it out; it’s the easiest way to avoid wasting money on the wrong formula.
