Finding a non-toxic dish detergent that cleans effectively without clogging up your dishwasher or creating spotty, cloudy dishes is a tall order. This is why so many people give up and (reluctantly) go for the synthetic stuff. As busy women ourselves, we get it. After all, who has time to re-wash dishes when there are so many other things to do? Are there any non-toxic dish detergents that actually work?
In this article, weโll share our top 7 picks, including their ingredients, pros and cons, price per load, how to purchase them for your home, and what ingredients to avoid in common dish detergents.
Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning In On Around will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain the site. As always, we value full transparency & only work with brands we love and trust.
Author: In On Around Founder & CEO,ย Catherine Power.
- Published On:
- Updated On: September 17, 2024
Summary:ย
- Synthetic chemical dish detergents are one of the most toxic and corrosive products in the average home. Luckily, there are non-toxic options that are equally as effective.
- Best Brands = Molly’s Suds, Blueland, MamaSuds, Branch Basics (15% off: inonaround)
Table of Contents
Why Bother With Non-Toxic Dish Detergents?
Most people donโt think much about dish detergent beyond performance.ย We know synthetic chemical dish detergents are one of the most toxic and corrosive products in the average home. They are a common source of childhood and pet poisoning.ย And are terrible for the environment.ย [1,ย 2]
This, coupled with the dismal reputation of many eco-friendly dish detergents, led us to investigate the best non-toxic dish detergents and rinse aids.
Even health- and toxin-conscious individuals will often overlook dish detergent because it doesnโt appear to go in, on, or around our bodies.ย Just pop it in the machine and forget about it, right?
However, there are many good reasons to make switching to non-toxic dish detergent a priority, including:
- Dish detergent is a common cause of poisoning in children and pets. ย Children are especially drawn to colorful detergent pods, while dogs and other pets can quickly lap up liquid detergents. [3, 4]
- It leaves residue on dishes and utensils that we ingest. The amount of residue may depend on your dishwasher, the cycle, or the type of detergent. However, research has shown even powerful commercial-grade dishwashers leave enough residue on dishes to disrupt gut biome function. [5]
- Synthetic dish soaps are terrible for the environment, especially aquatic life, which becomes starved for oxygen due to ingredients that feed algae blooms.
- Bleach-containing detergents are not good for septic systems, as they disrupt the microbial balance.
- Steam from the dishwasher creates chemical fumes, such as VOCs and SVOCs. This means we breathe in detergent chemicals every time we run a wash cycle.
- Powdered detergents are an inhalation risk. The caustic chemicals in dish detergents, which weโll discuss below, can easily be breathed in while pouring powders into the dishwasher.
- Dishwasher pods arenโt as biodegradable as weโve been led to believe. As youโve likely observed at home, the PVA used to make dishwasher pods doesnโt always dissolve fully. This is concerning, given the microplastic pollution issues we all face.
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As you can see, dish detergents do make their way in, on, and around our bodies via inhalation (steam and powders), ingestion (everyday residue or accidental swallowing), or skin exposure from handling pods, liquids, powders, or tablets.
Now that you understand the reasons for switching, letโs examine the toxic chemicals in everyday dish detergents and why you should avoid them.
Examples Of Toxic Chemicals Found In Everyday Dish Detergent
We made some big statements above about the toxicity of everyday dish detergents.ย
Here, weโll qualify those statements by sharing some examples of ingredients in an average bottle, box, or bag of dish detergent powder, liquid, gel, or pods and why they should be avoided.
- 1,4-Dioxane: A synthetic detergent byproduct (therefore not listed on labels) considered a probable or likely human carcinogen. Ingredients likely to contain 1-4 Dioxane include PEGs, polysorbates, and ingredients ending in โeth,โ like sodium laureth sulfate. [6]
- Antimicrobial agents: Isothiazolinone Biocides such as methylisothiazolinone, benzisothiazolinone, and methylchloroisothiazolinone act as preservatives and are strong skin, respiratory, eye, and lung sensitizers and are highly toxic to aquatic life. Methylisothiazolinone can be toxic or fatal if ingested or inhaled. [7]
- Dyes: These are made up of various synthetic chemicals not disclosed on labels. They also made dish detergent pods appear more attractive to children, increasing the risk of poisoning or exposure.
- Formaldehyde donors: These ingredients act as preservatives, slowly releasing toxic formaldehyde (a known carcinogen and universal sensitizerโa substance that can make you ultra-sensitive to all chemicals) to control microbial levels. Examples include: [8]
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- DMD hydantoin
- Quaternium-15
- Diazolidinyl urea
- Imidazolidinyl urea
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- Fragrance: Synthetic fragrances are one of the worldโs top allergens and can be made up of dozens of undisclosed chemicals that disrupt endocrine (hormonal) function and cause or contribute to asthma, headaches, obesity, cardiovascular issues, and even cognitive issues. [9, 10]
- Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs): A type of surfactant (a substance that reduces the surface tension of water and is used to make detergents) that is highly toxic to aquatic life and is associated with reproductive and developmental effects in rodents. [11]
- Phthalates: Endocrine-disrupting and likely carcinogenic chemicals found in fragrances, plastics, and other ingredients. [12]
- Phosphates: Historically used as water softeners, phosphates contribute to water pollution and promote algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems. Ingestion of phosphates is also associated with bone disorders, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and aging. Their use in dish detergents is banned in other countries and regulated in some US states.
- Sulfates: Sulfates, such as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are skin, mouth, eye, and lung irritants. Theyโre also highly tested on animals, and SLES likely contains 1-4 Dioxane, a probable carcinogen. The European Union has banned both due to safety and environmental concerns. [13]
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Not all dish detergents will contain all of these ingredients. Still, nearly all synthetic chemical detergents contain highly alkaline (caustic) chemicals capable of causing severe skin burns, organ damage, and even death.
These chemicals are included because they are highly effective at dissolving food, grease, grime, etc.
Liquid detergents are the most dangerous due to their higher alkalinity, making them more corrosive to human tissue.
7 Best Non-Toxic Dish Detergents That Actually Work
Note: Much like laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent can take some trial and error to find a brand you like the best. Your water type can impact this process. Try out these top swaps to find the best fit for you and your family!
Learning about the dangerous chemicals in dish detergents is one of those things you canโt โunseeโ once youโve seen it.
Fortunately, there are many safer and more natural dish detergents that perform just as well as the hard stuff.
Unfortunately, labels can be deceiving, and many โgreen,โ โeco-friendly,โ and โnaturally derivedโ dish detergents still contain some pretty nasty ingredients.
Plus, not all non-toxic or low-tox dish detergents perform equally (as weโre sure youโve noticed!).
These are the dilemmas we live for at In On Around, so we put our team to work researching the best non-toxic dish detergents that perform, are truly eco-friendly, and are safe to use around the whole family.
Hereโs what we came up withโฆ
If you like the convenience of dishwasher pods, Mollyโs Suds is our #1 recommendation based on performance.
- Ingredients: Sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, sodium silicate, alkyl polyglucoside, sodium citrate di-hydrate, sodium percarbonate, TAED, itaconic acid/sulfonate copolymer, 100% natural fragrance* (in citrus – see below), protease, amylase, PVOH (water-soluble film)
- Price: $18.99 (60 count) – $33.24 (120 count) = $0.32-$28 per load
- Pros: This is our top pick for performance as it cleans dishes immaculately without leaving behind any film. Itโs also free from all the major toxic ingredients listed above, is reasonably priced (although not the cheapest), biodegradable, and comes in various scents derived from essential oils or unscented.ย
- Cons: Priced higher than some other brands, contains PVA to wrap the pods (which is not as biodegradable as once believed).ย
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Note: While we usually recommend choosing fragrance-free products, we found the Citrus option, which contains natural fragrance from essential oils, to be a top performer. Their unscented option received raved reviews as well.ย
If you like the convenience of dishwasher pods but not the PVA/plastic film, Blueland’s fast-dissolving, non-toxic dishwasher tablets are an ideal alternative.
- Ingredients: Sodium carbonate, citric acid, sorbitan caprylate, subtilisin, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl inulin, amylase, lauryl/myristyl glucoside, sodium citrate, hydrated silica
- Price: $18.90-$29.99 = $0.32-$0.50 per load (price depends on what product you choose: starter pack, refills, etc.)
- Pros: Plastic-free (no film), fragrance-free, the starter kit comes with a reusable blue tin for low-waste refills, Made Safe Certified, EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny Certified, Cradle to Cradle Certifiedโข, free from toxic ingredients and petroleum products, biodegradable, convenient tablets that dissolve without leaving a film. Blueland is a certified B Corp.
- Cons: Although reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few people report the product started leaving a film on dishes.
MamaSuds has an excellent reputation for creating non-toxic cleaning products that work.ย
Our tests found their dishwashing detergent powder performed exceptionally well, especially when paired with the recommended cup of vinegar.
This is our top pick for a non-toxic dishwasher detergent powder based on performance and clean ingredients.
- Ingredients: Non-GMO citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate
- Price: $23 = $0.38-$0.25 per load (dependent upon how much you use)
- Pros: Simple ingredient list, no harmful synthetic chemicals, non-GMO, plastic-free, recyclable, reusable scoop (you can also order packs with no scoop to reduce waste), low-waste packaging, customize the amount you add, certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny and vegan by PETA, biodegradable. They also offer small sample bags for just $5.00 to test before investing in a larger bag.
- Cons: Although it performed very well in our tests and is highly rated overall, some customers complained it did not clean dishes thoroughly enough. This could be due to water quality/hardness, and MamaSuds recommends running a cup of vinegar with their detergent for best results.
Many people prefer dishwashing detergent liquids or gels for a cleaner clean, and better dishwasher performance. Ecos Wave Dishwasher Gel is our top pick as it contains no harmful ingredients or PVA, performed well in our tests, and is widely available online and in stores.
- Ingredients: Water, sodium citrate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, citric acid, caprylyl/myristyl glucoside, xanthan gum, enzymatic blend, potassium sorbate
- Price: $13-$15 = $0.32-$0.38 per loadย
- Pros: Simple ingredient list, no harmful synthetic chemicals, built-in rinse aid, no PVA, Leaping Bunny certified, meets EPA Safer Choice standards, biodegradable.
- Cons: Packaging is single-use plastic, mixed ratings on performance (but performed very well in our tests)
Branch Basics is a staff favorite around here because of their simple cleaning system and ultra-clean, human-safe, eco-friendly ingredients.
Their Dishwasher Tablets performed well in our tests (although not as well as Blueland), contain simple and clean ingredientsโincluding enzymes, and are affordable at just $0.34-$0.38 per load.
- Ingredients: Sodium Carbonate, sodium percarbonate, MGDA trisodium salt, sodium citrate, sodium silicate, poly(itaconic acid-co-AMPS) sodium salt, TAED, protease, amylase, magnesium stearate, decyl glucoside
- Price: $13.50-$15.00 for 40 tablets = $0.34-$0.38 per load
- Pros: Convenient tablet form, plastic-free, phosphate-free, fragrance-free, and free from harmful chemicals, contains enzymes to boost cleaning, EWG-Verified, Made Safe Certified, not tested on animals. Non-GMO, plant- and mineral-based, affordable at $15 for 40 tablets.
- Cons: Although weโve had great results with these in testing, some reviewers say they donโt dissolve fully and may leave a film. This may depend on your water type or dishwashing cycle.
- Ingredients: Deionized Water, Sodium Metasilicate (Mineral-Based Cleaning Agent & Water Conditioner), Sodium Carbonate (Alkalizing Salt), Sodium Citrate (Water Conditioning Mineral), Sodium Polyacrylate (Soil Anti-Redeposition Agent), Tetrasodium Salt (Hard Water Softener)ย
- Price: $13-$15 = $1.70-$1.90 per load
- Pros: Free of fragrance, bleach, dyes, phosphates, QUATS, and more.
- Cons: The high cost per load is a drawback. It might not be as effective in hard water areas compared to some other detergents.
Do not confuse this with their dishwashing liquids, which cannot be used in a dishwasher (theyโre for hand-washing only).
- Ingredients: โฅ 5 – <15% oxygen-based bleaching agents /agents de blanchiment oxygรฉnรฉs (Sodium Carbonate Peroxide), <5% vegetable non-ionic surfactants / agents de surface non-ioniques, polycarboxylates. Also contains: Enzymes (Amylase, Protease), Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Silicate, Glycerin.
- Price: $25-32 = $0.35-$0.46 per load
- Pros: Dye-free, Chlorine-free, Fragrance-free, Phosphate-free
- Cons: While effective, some users report that they may not dissolve completely in every type of dishwasher, which could leave some residue on dishes.
- Contains ethoxylated alcohol – โbetterโ not best
- While this option contains natural fragrance from essential oils, it has performed the best for me.ย
- Ingredients: Poly (Itaconic Acid-Co Amps) Sodium Salt, Hydrated Silica Silicic Acid, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Alcohol Ethoxylates, Propoxylates (C12-14), Subtilisin, TAED, Amylase, Alpha-, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Sodium Citrate
- Price: $13 for 32 pods = $2.50 per pod
- Pros: Free of dyes, sulfates, chlorine, parabens, and more.
- Cons: Contains Alcohol Ethoxylates. May leave a slight film.
- While this option contains natural fragrance from essential oils, it has performed the best for me.ย
- Ingredients: Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Saponified Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Saponified Castor Oil
- Price: $25 = $2.40 per load
- Pros: Fragrance-free, Free of sulfates and phosphates, GMO-free
- Cons: Much higher cost per load. May leave a slight film.
- Ingredients: Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Percarbonate, Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium Polyitaconate, Alcohol Alkoxylate, Protease, Amylase
- Price: $20 = $2.40 per Fl Oz
- Pros: Free of fragrance, dyes, and chlorine
- Cons: The high cost per ounce is a significant consideration, and some users have reported that it may not perform as well in areas with hard water unless used with a rinse aid.
What About Rinse Aids & Dishwasher Cleaners?
Here are the best non-toxic options. Our favorite? Just plain distilled vinegar. It doesnโt need to be complicated!
- Ingredients: Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Water
- Ingredients: Lemon Juice Powder, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Chloride
- Ingredients: Potassium Hydroxide, TetraSodium Salt, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Carbonate, Acrylic Acid Homopolymer, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Deionized Water
- Ingredients: Water, Acetic Acid (Vinegar), Decyl Glucoside (Coconut-Derived Soap), Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside (Plant-Derived Solubilizer), Citric Acid
- Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Citric Acid, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Rapeseed Oil Ferment, Alcohol Denatured, Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside
- Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Decyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Iminodisuccinate
Final Thoughts: Uplevel Your Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent
Finding a non-toxic dish detergent that cleans effectively without leaving residue or causing environmental harm is challenging, which is why many opt for conventional options despite their toxicity. Synthetic dish detergents are harmful to health and the environment and a common cause of poisoning in children and pets.ย
They can leave harmful residues on dishes, disrupt gut health, and contribute to pollution and chemical fumes. Test out some of these healthier options! It may require some trial and error to find the one you like the best.
What kind of non-toxic dishwashing detergent do you use?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
Want to read more? Check out our other articlesย here!ย
Other references on non-toxic dishwashing detergent from: Wellness Mama, Clean Mama, Mamavation, NIH, ASPCA, Jaci Online, EPA, FDA, Sustainable Jungle, The Filtery, Read Labels For You, News Medical
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Frequently Asked Questions โ Non-Toxic Dish Detergents
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about the best and most affordable non-toxic dishwasher detergents, fragrance free hand wash, and non-toxic dishwashing detergent without harsh chemicals.ย
Avoid ingredients like phosphates, parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes when looking for dish detergents.
Yes, non-toxic dish detergents effectively remove grease and grime without harsh chemicals.
Yes, most non-toxic dish detergents are biodegradable and safe for septic systems.
Yes, non-toxic dish detergents are gentle and free from harmful chemicals, making them safer for babies and pets.ย
