Best Eco Friendly Dishwasher Tablets

List Of Top Eco Friendly Dishwasher Tablets

1. Cascade Complete ActionPacs
2. Affresh W10549851
3. Ecover Automatic Zero
4. Ecover Automatic ECV-037
5. Beyond Natural ZERO PLASTIC WASTE
6. If You Care J25089
7. Claro Classic XXL
8. BigBig House Machine Deodorizer
9. Ecoleaf Natural ECO-DISH25

Comparison Chart For Top 9 Eco Friendly Dishwasher Tablets

Best Ecofriendly Dishwasher Tablets Reviews

1. Cascade Complete ActionPacs

24-hour stuck-on food? These ActionPacs Tablets from Cascade ensure complete removal of the dirt. This would be the first brand that deleted the concept of pre-wash. It means, you can save energy, water, money and time.

You’ll get around 78 tablets and they have this nice fragrance that makes the dishes feel fresh. However, it wouldn’t linger for a long time to bother you.

Talking about the pod, each of them contains ingredients like natural non-ionic surfactants, enzymes and sodium carbonate.

Natural surfactants help fight grease and grime by dissolving them and work to dry your dishes quicker. Enzymes help break down starch and are likewise responsible for fast-cleaning. Sodium carbonate basically refers to washing soda. It’s a strong alkali base that protects metal parts from acid rust.

The tablets even take care of hard water issues since they come with water softener. It prevents hard water deposits on your dishes, so there will be no spots.

Releasing the washing power very early in the cycle, the pods prove how quickly they would dissolve. 

Although the plastic box may feel flimsy, you can store them in better container. Just make sure your box doesn’t let moisture seep in as it can cause the tablets to stick together.

Highlighted Features

• Around 78 tablets in a plastic box.
• 25% more Cleaning Power than other versions.
• There’s no need to pre-wash.
• Comes with a fresh scent.

2. Affresh W10549851

Affresh W10549851 is a very easy-to-use kind of product. It has an amazing ability to freshen up your dishes and dishwasher with its cleaning power.

The tablets boast natural surfactants that break down the food dirt and lift it up to give a squeaky-clean look. For this, they have been called the best eco-friendly rinse aid among users.

Not just that, these work to ensure the protection of plastic and stainless-steel parts since they are septic safe. Because of the alkaline ingredients, they help avoid corrosion and protect the machine.

My favorite feature is that their fragrance is mild to almost null. If you hate strong scents, then you can think of having this one from Affresh.

However, there’s a small downside. They, alone, may not help remove hard water stains. In this situation, you can use salt and rinse agent with the tablets. It can help power away mineral and limescale build-up. You can get Lemi Shine Rinse Aid for the job. It’s both green and great for hard water.

The package will give you 6 tablets. Using a single pod once a month not only will make the machine clean but your dishes cleaner as well.

Highlighted Features

• 6 tablets in a plastic box.
• Safe for stainless steel tub.
• Recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency for safer chemistry.
• 1 tablet once a month.

3. Ecover AutomaticZero

Sensitive and allergic to fragrance? Grab these Ecover Automatic Zero tablets that have nothing of it to bother you. I’d give them extra marks for making the dishes smell fresh and clean despite being unscented.

The most remarkable feature is that the tablets are made with plant-derived ingredients. Ecover has included a kind of surfactant-based yeast that you’ll naturally find in bumblebee hives.

These surfactants are basically the reason for cleaning your dishes well. The tablets also contain stain-removing ingredients like Sodium Carbonate and TAED to give you better performance.

As for the packaging, there will be around 25 tablets where each of them is wrapped in biodegradable plastic. These distinctive features prove the tablets to be the most earth friendly dishwasher detergent.

However, the individual wrapping can be annoying since you have to remove it then use the tabs. But the plus side is that it’s going to help prevent one tablet from sticking to the other.

All the dishwasher tablets dissolve super quickly. They have water softening elements that work great with hard water. So, you won’t have water stains either.

Highlighted Features

• 25 tablets included in a package.
• Each comes individually wrapped in plastic.
• Plant-derived ingredients with stain-removing elements.
• Absolutely free of fragrance.

4. Ecover Automatic ECV-037

Unlike the previous counterpart, Ecover Automatic ECV-037 tablet will instead give you lemony vibe since it comes citrus scented. So, if you’re among people who want the dishes to smell fresh, then this would be a great option.

When it comes to the performance, ECV-037 works great with different materials. Owing to the natural surfactants, the tablets can remove crusted-on foods from any plastic or ceramic-based dishes. This is one of the reasons why I consider the tablets a great green dishwasher soap.

Packaging feels super sturdy. It’s easy to open and close. And if you take a look inside the box, you’ll notice that each of the 45 tablets comes individually wrapped in recyclable cover. And as you know, this helps a lot in preventing collision.

Sadly, they may have this tendency to get partially crushed inside the wrapper. This wouldn’t be a big issue since it’s easy to handle. You’ll just need to put it in the machine like how you’d do in case of using powder.

The tablets do an amazing job of removing hard water stains. Each boasts a water softening ingredient like Sodium Citrate that lets it do the job spot on.

Highlighted Features

• Packaging includes 45 tablets wrapped individually.
• Citrus scented.
• Each comes individually wrapped in recyclable cover.
• Plant-based ingredients with stain-removing elements.

5. Beyond Natural ZERO PLASTIC WASTE

The advantages of Beyond tablets are way beyond your expectation even though it’s listed last. They penetrate the stains and dissolve them in such a way that your dishes end up looking squeaky clean. The dishwasher tablets also eliminate lingering odor and all the sources immediately.

There are lots of reasons why it’s called a green product. One is that the brand has used plant extracts to make the tablets eco-friendly.

Besides, they come in fibre-based packaging that makes it recyclable. It has 32 tablets that are individually covered in dissolvable film. So, you can directly put one into the machine.

It may take a little time to dissolve completely. But there won’t be any residue in the end.

The tablets contain other ingredients like citric acid that acts as water softener. With the help of such element, dealing with hard water will not be hard. In fact, it’ll work to fight the mineral and limescale build up with ease.

You would love the fact that the tabs come free of fragrance and dyes. So, neither they’ll bother people with sensitivities nor cause health risks.

Highlighted Features

• Includes 32 tablets in a fibre-based packaging.
• No plastic wastes with dissolvable wrapper.
• Free of fragrances and dyes.
• Certified by the USDA Bio-Preferred Program.

What To Consider Before Buying Eco Friendly Dishwasher Tablets

Types Of Dishwasher Detergents

1. Tablets Or Pods

Tablets or pods come in the form of either gel packs or concentrated dishwashing powder. Regardless of the sub-types, the tablets dissolve quickly as you put them in the machine’s main area or dispenser.

Usually, these tablets possess rinse aid and other additives that help take out grime, grease, hard water stains and stuck-on foods from your dishes. So, their cleaning capacities are more powerful than other types.

Majority of the tablets even contain elements that help pre-wash, degrease and descale your machine as they do the dishes. Affresh W10549851 is an ideal example for that.

Out of several fragrance options, you’ll find lemon, fresh and orange more popular. I’ve listed Ecover Automatic ECV-037 here because such fragrance helps the dishes smell great.

But in case you’re allergic or sensitive to it, then you can get yourself an unscented product like Ecover Automatic Zero. They can give you similar cleaning benefits as well.

One common issue with the tablets is that they may not dissolve fully in cold water. That’s why they are mostly used with water that’s lukewarm to warm.

Some of the tablets may include hard chemicals like bleach. But fortunately there are some environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent options that averted the use of such ingredients. 

2. Gels

Gels either come as a liquid or pre-packaged, so they have their own subtypes.

Since their liquid-based formulas are less abrasive, they basically work the best for delicate dishes and glasses. Dissolving quickly, the function of gels starts very early in the glass cycle. 

If you’re looking for a cost-friendly option, then this could be the best type for you. One of the most-loved options for me would be Better Life Natural Dishwasher Gel. Coming eco-friendly, it has natural ingredients like potassium cocoate that helps remove dirt.

That being said, note that the gels are less effective than other rivals. It’s because they don’t combine enzyme and bleach agents well to effectively remove stuck-on foods from dishes. In short, they may not clean your very dirty dishes. 

3. Powder

It doesn’t matter if you pour or scoop the powder into the dispenser, its cleaning job will be smooth.

Powder usually comes in a box and is cheaper than others. You can conveniently determine the amount of the powder to use for cleaning the dishes. So, in case you’re washing a small load or when you have a small machine, powder detergents will be great for you.

Obviously make sure you don’t use excessive amount of powder. Otherwise it may form a foam that can leak onto your floor.

Powders are very abrasive so they will be great for pans or pots with burnt-on stain. Even if you’re using hard water, the water softening ingredient in the product will help it do the cleaning job effectively while removing hard water deposits.

My favorite would be Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder. Not only it’s eco-friendly but works to clean different dishes deep with its plant-based ingredients.

Hard Water

Hardness of water plays an essential role in the efficiency of the tablets. It basically refers to the water that has high mineral content like salts of calcium, manganese and magnesium mainly as sulphates, chlorides and bicarbonates. These elements are responsible for leaving films on your dishes after you clean them.

In this case, you should look for dishwasher tablets that have water softener agents such as citric acid or sodium citrate. Such element helps soften water to remove the hard water stains with ease. You’ll find many products that include rinse agent that has similar film-fighting functions.

However, if the tablets don’t have any water softener, then you can additionally combine salt and rinse aid with them. But before purchasing dishwasher tablets, you must know if your water is actually hard.

You can measure it though the amount of calcium carbonate. If it’s below 60mg/L, it’ll be soft. The more the range, the harder the water.

Eco-Responsibility

Since you’re exploring the article, it’s easy to say that the most important factor for you is saving the environment.

For eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, you can consider some factors. Firstly, make sure the product is not heavy on the plastic. Many brands use plastic wrappers that are recyclable and dissolvable. Look for them.

Then, check the ingredients.

To help you out, I’ve listed some of the ingredients that are a BIG NO for eco-friendly dishwasher tablets.

1. Phosphates

These are natural nutrient that helps the plants grow. In aquatic ecosystem, phosphorus supports the growth of both plants and algae while providing habitat and food for fish and other organisms. That being said, high nutrient level can pollute water since it fuels the bloom of algae.

2. Dyes

Since you’ll use the dishes to cook and eat, you wouldn’t want them to have dye remnants.

3. Artificial Fragrance

Fake fragrance has some real health risks. It can cause hormone disruption, allergies, asthma and even cancer. So, avoid the tablets that contain phthalate, a chemical for synthetic fragrances.

4. Bleach

Although bleach or sodium hypochlorite helps kill bacteria, it can cause more damages than benefits. If little particles transfer to your dishes and to your body, it can cause gastric burns.

5. Animal Derives Ingredients

Make sure your tablets are not tested on animal. You can check that easily by looking at the label of the packaging. Moreover, the product shouldn’t contain any animal-derive ingredients. There are many brands that use processed animal fats as surfactants. Ignore if you find any.

All In One

Some tablets come with a built-in rinse aid and salt. These are the all-in-one options that do more than just cleaning the dishes. They help remove hard water stains, lime-scale buildup and prevent acid corrosion. For me, Ecoleaf Natural Dishwasher Tablets is a great all-in-one option. The pods have both the elements to leave your dishes shiny while eliminating greases.

However, being multifunctional doesn’t mean they would be the best for all kinds of stains. For example, rust-buster may not effectively clean grease.

Thus, it’s important you determine the purpose. This way, you’ll be able to get the ideal one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Are The Most Environmentally Friendly Dishwasher Tablets?

Out of several options, my favorite would be Beyond Natural ZERO PLASTIC WASTE. The tablets have used plants extracts and minimal elements to avoid using the ones that can be harmful to the environment.

They come free of fragrances and dyes so that you don’t suffer any allergies or health risks.

The brand has designed the packaging with fibre-based materials that are eco-friendly. Inside the box has tablets wrapped in dissolvable cover so you can put one in the dishwasher directly.

These reasons make the product the most environmentally friendly dishwasher tablets.

2. Are Dishwasher Tablets Environmentally Friendly?

Yes, there are several dishwasher tablets that are environmentally friendly. You can determine that by checking the labels and information.

Some of the tablets are chemical-heavy and contain high level of chlorine bleach. The absence of these elements is what makes the product greener. Rather manufacturers have opted for natural alternatives or plant-based, biodegradable ingredients to promote environment sustainability.

Another factor is the packaging. Many tablets come in recyclable container or wrapper. You can even put some of the tablets directly into the dishwasher with the wrapper on since it’s dissolvable

Just make sure that you check out my list of ingredients that you need to avoid if you want the eco-friendly product.

3. How Can I Make My Dishwasher Tablet Eco-Friendly?

If you want to make eco-friendly dishwasher tablet at your home, then you can check the following steps.

Equipment

• Small measuring jug or short glass tumbler.
• Mixing bowl.
• Teaspoon.
• Ice cube tray.
• Gloves in case you have sensitivity issues.

Ingredients:

• Bicarbonate of soda- 2 parts.
• Citric acid (powder)- 2 parts.
• Pure dishwasher NaCl (salt)- ½ part.
• Distilled vinegar- ½ part.
• A few drops of citrus essential oils such as orange or lemon (optional)

Steps

• Measure the dry ingredients at first. Then put all of them in the bowl.
• Pour half the vinegar. (Now, this step may cause the mixture to fizz and expand since vinegar and soda bicarb react together, it’s normal)
• Pour essential oil. (If you want to loosen the mixture, then you can add a bit more vinegar)
• With the tablespoon, start mixing thoroughly.
• Stir at intervals and continue until the fizz subsides and the mix clumps together.
• Half-fill each of the ice cube slots. The mix may continue expanding so you’ll need to keep pressing it down with the back of the teaspoon for a while. It’ll stop at some point.
• After it stops expanding, fill the slots with rest of the mixture. (You may have to continue pressing it again with the spoon until it stops fizzing. Keep doing it for some time, the mixture will suddenly stop reacting and set. Add vinegar if you think you need to loosen the mixture)
• Now make sure the mixture is fully compacted. You can compact it with the spoon.
• After filling up the slots, keep the tray in a dry place and under room temperature. Wait for 24 hours to let it completely set.
• Afterwards, switch the tablets to a lid-locked container and keep it in a dry place.
• Your home-made tablets are now ready to use.

Final Words

Green tablets may look small but they are enough mighty to take out the hardest stains. It could be stuck-on food, hard water films, grease or any other dirt. The pods function amazingly on different dishes.

And getting the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets can satiate you, especially if you’re someone who loves contributing to the health of the earth.

With their cleaning benefits and green features, no other detergents can beat them.