Some Brands Damage Dishes: Here Are the Best and Worst Dishwasher Tablets

Some Brands Damage Dishes: Here Are the Best and Worst Dishwasher Tablets

With so many dishwasher tablets on the market, finding the right one that cleans effectively without damaging your dishes can be a challenge.

When it comes to keeping your dishes spotless, dishwasher tablets are a convenient go to solution. However, not all tablets perform equally well. Some may even harm your dishes by leaving residue, discoloring silverware, or failing to remove grime effectively. Fortunately tests have been done to determine which products live up to their promises and which ones fall short.

Surprisingly, it's not always the budget friendly products that cause issues; even well known brands have been reported to damage dishes or fail basic cleaning tasks. Consumer testing has long evaluated dishwasher detergents for cleaning power, material safety, and environmental impact. Based on recent tests by Real Homes and Sustainably Kind Living, these are the best 5 dishwasher tablets. 

Best Dishwasher Tablets

  • Finish All in 1 Max: Known for tackling tough stains, works in both eco and regular cycles, and delivers a shiny finish without pre-rinsing. Biodegradable and wrapper-free.
  • Fairy Platinum Plus: Ideal for short cycles and low temperatures. Includes rinse aid and salt for added glass and silverware protection. Quick-dissolving for busy households.
  • Ecover All-In-One: Eco-friendly, effective on grease and dried food, gentle on the environment. Perfect for families or homes with septic tanks.
  • Dropps Dishwasher Pods: Non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan, and made from mineral-based ingredients. No harsh chemicals, offering strong cleaning power with an eco-friendly footprint.
  • Puracy Dishwasher Tablets: Free from harmful chemicals, these tablets use plant-derived enzymes for spotless results. Hypoallergenic and biodegradable.

Conversely, Choice and Home Inspection Insider have found that these are the worst dishwasher tablets. 

Worst Dishwasher Tablets

  • Finish Powerball Quantum (some variants): Criticized for leaving residue, poor grease removal, and being overpriced.
  • Earth Choice Dishwasher Powder Lemon Fresh: Performs poorly on basic cleaning tasks, leaving food particles behind.
  • Woolworths Shine Dishwasher Powder Lemon: Lacks cleaning power, leaving film and streaks on dishes.
  • Frigidaire Dishwasher Tablets: Known for underperformance, especially in longer cycles, leaving dishes dirtier than before.