What is the best thing to use in a dishwasher?

Author: Sarah Towne  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Use an enzymatic dishwasher detergent and rinse aid A good detergent is arguably more important than a good dishwasher. A generic dishwasher detergent has far fewer and weaker ingredients than a pod like Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, the top pick in our guide to dishwasher detergent.

Is it better to use dishwasher pods or liquid?

It's unanimous! All four plumbers I spoke to recommend using dishwasher pods over liquid detergent. Pods are pre-measured, which means they're less likely to leave residue behind, and they perform better than liquid detergent. “I prefer Cascade Platinum Pods.

What is the best product to use in a dishwasher?

If you want dishwasher soap that will do the hard work for you and produce pans free of baked-on food and silverware that shines, either the Cascade Platinum ActionPac Pods or Cascade Gel with Dawn will get the job done.

Is it better to use dishwasher tablets or powder?

Go for pods if you prioritize cleaning performance and convenience, while powder is a good choice if you want to have less of an environmental impact. And if you prefer measuring out the detergent yourself, both liquid and powder are good options.

Is gel or tablet better for the dishwasher?

According to Consumer Reports and every DW repairman I have talked to, the powders work better than the gels, in general. The pre-measured pods work the best. One thing many people do wrong is add too much detergent, and that doesn't improve cleaning and can damage dishes. The pods have the right amount of detergent.

Your dishwasher is better than you think (tips, tricks, and how they work)

What's the best dishwashing liquid to buy?

The Best Overall Dish Soap: Dawn Ultra
  • Dawn Ultra Original Dish Detergent Liquid. $8.58. Amazon. Buy Now.
  • Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. $8.44. Amazon. Buy Now.
  • Dapple Bottle & Dish Soap. $17.91. Amazon. Buy Now.
  • Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Lemon Verbena Dish Soap. $10.99. Amazon. Buy Now.

Can I use anything instead of dishwasher tablets?

Squeeze in two to three drops of regular dish soap, the kind you'd use to hand-wash your dishes normally. Next, pour in baking soda until the compartment is full. Then run your dishwasher on the normal cycle. Don't be tempted to use a compartment full of dish soap.

What do plumbers say about dishwasher pods?

There is some concern about whether dishwasher pods are the best option given the fact that they contain PVA and can have a negative effect on the environment and the plumbing in your home. "It's not necessarily that they aren't the best option, but more so if they can work for you," Novacek says.

Is rinse aid necessary?

"Rinse aid can help with drying and prevent water spots, especially if you have hard water—it can also make your dishes shine." While most dishwasher manufacturers expect owners to use rinse aid, it's not required: "You can skip it if your dishes are clean and dry without it," says Fleming.

What are the best pods to use for a dishwasher?

Compared with our favorite pods, UltraWash Plus fell just a smidgen behind our top pick (Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs) and our runner-up (Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs) in its cleaning results. But it ranked ahead of a bunch of other multi-chambered pods we tested, even those from larger brands.

What product to use for dishwasher?

All modern dishwasher detergents are formulated to work specifically in dishwashers. On no occasion should ordinary washing up liquid be used, as it will cause excess foam, which can result in a leak. If it is accidentally used, sprinkle ordinary salt into the chamber to disperse the resulting suds.

Can I use Dawn in my dishwasher?

No, you should only use dishwasher detergent in your dishwasher as it is designed specifically for your dishwasher to clean dishes without the use of suds or bubbles. Read on to learn what to do if you accidentally use dish soap in your dishwasher.

What is the best dishwasher detergent according to plumbers?

The Overall Favorite: Cascade Platinum ActionPacs

“It's made up of half powder and half gel, and it's the ideal mix for removing all dirt off dishes,” he says. Ray Brosnan, a plumber with the Ireland-based Brosnan Property Solutions, agrees. He says the pods are especially helpful if you have hard water.

What detergent is best for a dishwasher?

The Best Dishwasher Detergent

After a new round of testing, Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs are still our top pick, and Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs remain our runner-up pick.

Is it better to use pods or liquid detergent?

If I'm doing an easy load that doesn't require any extra care, I'll toss in pods. For items that come home dirtier than usual, it's time for a tougher bio detergent probably in pod form. For anything that requires a gentle or handwash cycle, then a liquid detergent customized for silk or wool is a must.

Can I use vinegar instead of rinse aid?

Vinegar can be used as a temporary fix if you run out of rinse aid, but prolonged use is not recommended. The acidity in vinegar can limit the cleaning power of the detergent and can also lead to premature deterioration of rubber seals and gaskets inside of your dishwasher.

What is the safest dishwasher detergent?

  • Better Life Dishwasher Gel. ...
  • Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods, Unscented. ...
  • Earthley Dishwasher Detergent, Lemon-Thyme. ...
  • Earthley Dishwasher Detergent, Unscented. ...
  • Eco Olea Dishwasher Gel, Pine. ...
  • ECOS Dishwasher Gel, Free & Clear. ...
  • ECOS Dishwasher Gel, Lavender. ...
  • Fit Organic Automatic Dishwasher Gel, Lemongrass Tangerine. A.

What happens if you don't put rinse aid in the dishwasher?

Not using rinse aid decreases the drying performance of your dishwasher. It might also leave water spots on your dishes, especially if you have hard water. How often should I put rinse aid in the dishwasher? When the rinse-aid refill light appears on the control panel, the rinse aid will suffice for one to two loads.

Do cascade pods clog pipes?

No, dishwasher pods with packed powder won't clog up your pipes, so long as you use them correctly | VERIFY. Problems arise, however, when you don't put the pod in the correct spot.

Why put dishwasher pod in toilet?

Who knew that dishwasher tablets could help keep your toilet sparkling clean? Just drop a dishwasher tablet in toilet bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl and flush it. The tablet will help to break down any stains or buildup in the bowl, leaving it fresh and clean.

Which is better dishwasher pods or liquid?

Choosing between pod or liquid dishwasher detergent depends on the brand of detergent, how you use your dishwasher and your home's water hardness. However, dishwasher pods are generally better at reducing white film buildup on dishes compared to liquid or gel detergents.

What is the best homemade dishwasher cleaner?

Cohoon recommends a powdered mixture of washing soda, borax, salt, and citric acid powder. "Washing soda will obviously wash things up, while borax helps erase residue and remove baked-on stains and grime," she says.

Can you just throw a dishwasher tablet in the dishwasher?

Can you put a dishwasher tablet on the bottom of the dishwasher? Doing so won't harm your appliance. However, putting the tablet in the compartment ensures it's released at the most effective time in a programme. That's why we advise putting it in the designated compartment.

What can I use as rinse aid for dishwasher without dispenser?

If your dishwasher doesn't have a dispenser, you can buy a rinse aid basket (which hangs from the upper rack) or just look for a dishwasher pod that has detergent and rinse aid in one. Easy!

Previous article
How to check if the freezer is working?
Next article
Is it healthy to drink water softener water?