How To Use Your Dishwasher Better | Reviews By Wirecutter

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A close up of a pile of pod-style dishwasher detergents.
Sarah Kobos/NYT Wirecutter

A good detergent is arguably more important than a good dishwasher.

A generic dishwasher detergent has far fewer and weaker ingredients than a pod like Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, the top pick in our guide to dishwasher detergent.

Before you stock up on dishwasher detergent, make sure it contains enzymes, which are the key ingredients in modern detergents. As of late 2024, all of the widely available pods, powders, and tabs we’ve assessed contain enzymes.

We recommend skipping liquid detergent (sometimes called gel) altogether—it didn’t do well in our extensive testing. Unlike most dishwasher detergent available, liquids aren’t always enzymatic. When enzymes are mixed with bleach (including non-chlorine bleaches, like oxygen bleach) in a liquid form, they deactivate. So liquid dishwasher detergent is either enzymatic or bleach-based—and these simpler formulas do not pack the same punch as those of pods, powders, and tabs that contain both enzymes and bleach.

Rinse aid might seem superfluous, but dishwashers are designed to use it. I have spoken with a number of dishwasher product managers who told me tales of multiple appliance companies waging decades-long fights to be less dependent on rinse aid. It has not happened yet.

I personally use Ecover rinse aid, but any kind will do.

Top pick

The best dishwasher detergent pods

Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs

These convenient pods are the best at annihilating tough messes, and they neutralize odors with a mild lemon scent. But they don't leave glassware as shiny as some other detergents.

$20 from Amazon(pack of 47)

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