The Best Clean & Natural Dishwasher Detergents
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Using a dishwasher makes life so much easier! It’s so easy to throw the dishes in the dishwasher and get on with our life. However, did you know that some of the residue from dishwashing detergents can stay on your dishes and cause health issues? This is a good reason to switch to a natural dishwasher detergent. This article explains how these dishwashing detergents can harm gut health. Poison control also explains that the same ingredients that work to get the food and grime off of your dishes are the same ingredients that cause health issues if they are swallowed or even come in contact with your skin. These alkaline chemicals are corrosive and damage your skin and internal organs.
I don’t know about you, but there is no way I’m giving up my dishwasher. There is still a way to use your dishwasher and protect your health and safety. It is to choose a natural dishwasher detergent. How do you know if a dishwashing detergent is safe? The only way to really know is to read the ingredients. Apps and websites are helpful but not always perfect, however, I like to use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as a guide to finding products. For those of you who don’t know, the EWG is an organization that assesses the safety and cleanliness of detergents, by rating products ranging from A to F. EWG-verified products are the safest products to use, followed by those rated A, B, and so forth, with F indicating the highest level of potential hazards.
I do use the EWG as a guide, but I don’t follow it blindly. When I find a product, I look into the ingredients to make sure they are safe. I have compiled a list of clean, safe, and non-toxic dishwashing detergents below. You’ll notice that the list isn’t long. I tried to find the cleanest ones that I would feel comfortable using. Hopefully, you find one that works for you. If not, I’m always looking for more clean products and updating my lists so feel free to check back!
1. AspenClean Dishwasher Pods Zero Plastic, Unscented
EWG Rating: EWG Verified
This natural dishwasher detergent is a great pick! It is plant-based and free of carcinogens, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phosphates, sulfates, and petroleum. These pods have zero plastic packaging and don’t contain any harsh chemicals or toxins. In addition to their EWG verification, they have an Ecocert certification (assuring the use of organic products and environmental respect) and a leaping bunny certification.
2. Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablets, Fragrance Free
EWG Rating: EWG Verified
These plastic-free, cruelty-free, eco-friendly dishwashing tablets are made without fragrances, dyes, parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, and phthalates. They contain a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certification which ensures safer ingredients for us and for the environment and they also have a Cradle to Cradle Certification which means they are made with safer materials. This natural dishwasher detergent is an excellent choice to keep your dishes ultra-clean. I’m using this right now and it works great.
3. Earthley Dishwasher Detergent, Unscented
EWG Rating: A
Even though all of these dishwashing detergents are clean, I think this detergent is probably the cleanest one on the list. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s on my list to try soon. This plant-based dishwashing detergent uses certified organic ingredients. It uses no sulfates, phosphates, parabens, preservatives, or petrochemicals, and it’s septic-safe, fragrance-free, and biodegradable. This detergent is also vegan-friendly and GMO-free. This product says to use vinegar as a rinse aid.
4. MamaSuds Dishwasher Powder
EWG Rating: A
This non-toxic dishwashing powder consists of only four ingredients. It’s a great choice for a clean dishwashing detergent. It’s 100% biodegradable and made to remove even the toughest grease and sticky messes. It’s also free of SLS and dyes and it’s safe for septic systems. In addition, it is cruelty-free and vegan. Not sure if you will like it or not? They even sell small sample bags for $5. Just like the Earthley detergent, MamaSuds dish soap also suggests using vinegar as a rinse aid.
