Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
No synthetic fragrance
Essential oil-free
Money-back guarantee
Tablets
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Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
We vetted dishwasher detergents against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Welpr Approved cleaning products are always free from:
- Harsh disinfectants and irritants: bleach, ammonia, sulfates, and quats
- Endocrine disruptors and preservatives: phthalates, parabens, BHA/BHT, triclosan
- Unnecessary additives: optical brighteners, artificial dyes, and synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
- Undisclosed or hidden ingredients
Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergents
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
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Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
Fragrance-free
Gel
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Plastic-free packaging
Compostable packaging
Refillable
Money-back guarantee
Tablets
Septic safe
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Fragrance-free
Powder
Septic safe
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
No synthetic fragrance
Recyclable packaging
Recycled materials
1 year warranty
Gel
Concentrated
Septic safe
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
Fragrance-free
Recyclable packaging
Money-back guarantee
Powder
Concentrated
Septic safe
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Fragrance-free
No synthetic fragrance
Money-back guarantee
Powder
Concentrated
Septic safe
How to Swap to Non-Toxic dishwasher detergents:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic dishwasher detergents:
What to know about dishwasher detergent
Dishwasher detergent touches every plate, glass, and utensil your family eats from. Residue from the wash cycle can stay on surfaces, which means the formula matters even though you're not applying it directly to your skin.
- Many conventional formulas contain synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, or harsh sulfates that can leave behind residue on dishes.
- Because you eat and drink off these surfaces daily, dishwasher detergent is worth prioritizing among your cleaning products.
Review what you already use
Check the label or product page for your current dishwasher detergent. Look for a full ingredient list and watch for vague terms like "proprietary blend" or undisclosed fragrances.
- Flag products that list "fragrance" or "parfum" without specifying what's in it — transparent brands will disclose every ingredient.
- Look for optical brighteners, dyes, bleach, ammonia, or harsh sulfates like SLS and SLES on the ingredient list.
Get more from your current detergent
If you're not ready to switch yet, a couple of small adjustments can help reduce residue left on your dishes after a cycle.
- Run an extra rinse cycle or use the "sanitize" setting if your dishwasher has one — this helps wash away more detergent residue.
- Use the recommended amount or slightly less; extra detergent doesn't clean better and can leave more residue behind.
Choose a cleaner replacement
Look for dishwasher detergents with a full, transparent ingredient list and no added synthetic fragrance. Fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented formulas with simple, plant-based ingredients are a good place to start.
- Certifications like EWG VERIFIED™ or MADE SAFE® are helpful signals, but also check that the brand discloses every ingredient — transparency is key.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved dishwasher detergent.
Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....
Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...