Here are the 5 Best Eco- Friendly Dishwasher Detergents In 2025

The popularity of eco-friendly dishwasher detergents has led to hundreds of brands flooding the market.

However, not all eco-friendly dishwasher detergents are created equal.

Many brands claim to powerfully clean dishes with natural and safe ingredients, but do they really live up to those claims?

I decided to find out by putting a few dozen natural dishwasher detergents to the test in my own home for four months.

My goal was to find the 5 best eco-friendly dishwasher detergents for my family, and yours too.

I evaluated different well-known brands like Mothers Earth, Seventh Generation and Blueland on a few key criteria.

Why Did I Go To The Effort Of Testing Dozens Of Dishwasher Detergents?

Hi, my name is Willow, and my family means everything to me. I have two precious kids named Geoff and Alexandria, and a wonderful husband named James.

My goal is to keep our family as safe and healthy as possible. And that means keeping our household free of toxins and chemicals as much as possible.

After discovering about all the toxic chemicals used in dishwasher detergents I decided to do my own research to find the best eco-friendly detergent for my home and family. I figured other families who live a natural toxin free lifestyle might be interested in these results too.

Here’s The Criteria I Used To Rate Each Brand:

✅ Cleaning Power

✅ Ingredient Safety

✅ Ingredient Environmental Impact

✅ Leftover Residue

✅ Packaging Environmental Impact

How I Tested Each Brand Of Dishwasher Detergent:

I used each brand for 5 dishwashing cycles to test the cleaning power and to see if any streaks or residue were left behind.

This allowed me to see how each detergent cleaned dishes ranging from slightly dirty to burnt on food stains.

Next, I researched each detergent's ingredients and packaging to evaluate how eco-friendly they actually are.

Here's The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents I Tested:

I have tested 15 dishwasher detergents from 12 different brands, rigorously testing their cleaning power and operating multiple dishwashing cycles over a 3-day period.

The evaluation criteria for each dishwasher detergent included its effectiveness in removing 20 common food stains, restoring the original shine of glassware and cutlery, and its speed and thoroughness of dissolution in water. We also meticulously reviewed the packaging labels to ensure they included proper safety warnings and clear usage instructions

Mothers Earth Eco-Friendly Dishwasher sheets was by far the best option earning 9.9/10 stars across all my criteria.

These sheets use a 100% plant based cleaning enzyme that breaks down food particles so they can be easily washed off.

I washed dishes that had lasagna, baked on cheese, eggs and even a pan with burned rice and they all came out sparking clean.

Mothers Earth Dishwasher sheets are entirely microplastic and chemical free which protects your family and the environment.

There’s no parabens, phosphates, bleaches, microplastics, or chemicals - Just a 100% plant based cleaning enzyme.

Plus, I loved how these sheets entirely dissolved, and never left any residue or streaks on dishes while removing stubborn food.

This means Mothers Earth Sheets clean the best out of all the detergents I tested, and are the safest for your family too.

What about their impact on the environment?

The sheets and box are 100% biodegradable and compostable so there’s zero impact on the environment from this product.

Mothers Earth Dishwasher Sheets come with a 30 day money back guarantee, so trying them is risk free.

Finally, I love all the great reviews and charities they donate to that are listed on their website.

I recommend Mothers Earth to all my loved ones, and it’s the only dishwasher detergent I use in my home now.

Dip Dishwasher Strips are a solid choice for those seeking an eco-friendly, plant-based alternative.

The biodegradable, plastic-free packaging and natural formula make it a top contender for sustainable living. While they work well for regular dish loads, they may fall short on tougher, baked-on residue.

Proper usage and water temperature are key to getting the best results with these strips.

Smol Dishwasher Tablets offer an eco-friendly alternative with strong cleaning capabilities.

Their plastic-free packaging and commitment to vegan, cruelty-free formulations make them appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

The direct-to-door subscription service adds convenience, though it may not suit everyone. While effective for regular dishwashing tasks, they may require extra effort for more challenging cleaning scenarios.

Simple Living Eco Dishwasher Strips are a reasonable choice for eco-conscious consumers looking for a basic, environmentally friendly dishwashing solution.

While they perform well on lightly soiled dishes, their cleaning capabilities diminish with tougher loads, making pre-rinsing a common necessity.

The packaging, although eco-friendly, isn’t highly durable, particularly in moist environments. Overall, they offer a sustainable option but fall short when compared to higher-performing eco-strips.

Ecover Dishwasher Tablets are a popular eco-friendly option with a focus on plant-based and biodegradable ingredients. These tablets offer decent cleaning power for everyday dishwashing and are a solid choice for those prioritizing sustainability.

However, the cleaning performance can be inconsistent, particularly with tougher food residues or in hard water areas. While the recyclable packaging is a win for sustainability, the cleaning formula sometimes falls short compared to conventional detergents. Additionally, the individual plastic wrapping on each tablet undermines their eco-friendly claims, as it is not recyclable.

For eco-conscious households with moderate cleaning needs, Ecover provides a reliable, greener alternative, though it may not meet expectations for heavily soiled loads.

Why I chose Mothers Earth as the number 1 pick?

Mothers Earth Eco Friendly Dishwasher Sheets was the CLEAR winner.

Out of all the detergents I tested, Mothers Earth cleaned my dishes remarkably well with the most eco-friendly ingredients.

Their secret is the 100% natural plant based cleaning enzyme they use called protease.

Using this powerful plant enzyme removes the need for any harsh chemicals or microplastics in their dishwasher detergent.

Plus, the sheets and box they come in are 100% biodegradable so there’s no waste or harm to the environment. 

Switching to Mothers Earth Dishwasher Sheets has given me peace of mind knowing I’m protecting my family from chemicals.

And with their 30-day money back guarantee there’s zero risk when you try them today.

The only downside is these sheets have gone viral on social media so they do run out of stock regularly.

I was also pleased to discover that Mothers Earth goes beyond just providing eco-friendly products.

With every purchase, they donate 10 washes to a charitable cause on your behalf.

This initiative not only supports sustainable practices but also contributes positively to communities in need, making each purchase a meaningful step toward greater social impact.