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Dishwasher detergent can be one of the tougher products to find good natural options for. Homemade versions can work, but getting the ratios right is really important.
On the other hand, there are some good options out there but separating the good from the bad can be difficult.
These are the options that I’ve tried that actually work and that I use at our house:
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent:
I use this recipe when I make homemade dishwasher detergent. It works but it can be persnickety and form clumps (that still work) if there is a lot of humidity.
The upside is that it is a simple and cost effective recipe and you know exactly what it contains. The downside is that it can leave a residue depending on your water, the temperature used, and other factors.
Tropical Traditions Dishwasher Detergent
Another option that I use often is Tropical Traditions Powdered Dish Detergent. It is also all-natural and an enzyme cleaner so it is a much safer option than many store bought dish detergents.
One canister lasts at least a month at our house (often much longer). This one is a little pricier but it cleans well and lasts longer than many of the other natural options.
Ecover Powder
Another natural option that works well is Ecover Powder. It is available locally in many places, it cleans well and it isn’t that much more expensive than store bought brands. It was pretty close between Ecover and Tropical Traditions as to which one cleaned better, and I’d use either one.
Mrs. Myers
Another natural brand that I’ve tried that actually gets the dishes clean is Mrs. Myers. It comes in a variety of natural scents and is also available locally in many places. It is more expensive than the other natural options, but it does a good job.
What I Do
I’m all for a DIY option whenever possible, but in the case of dishwasher detergent, finding a homemade option that works with your water quality and dishwasher can be difficult.
If the homemade options haven’t worked for you, I’ve used all three of the other above powdered dish soaps with good results and would use them again. Most often, I use Tropical Traditions, but it is only available online and the other two can often be found locally.
Your turn- what do you use in your dishwasher? Share below!
Ecover – owned by SC Johnson. Mrs. Meyers – definitely NOT non-toxic clean products… I haven’t even looked up Tropical Traditions yet, but I’m pretty done with this review that already has a 67% fail rate in reliability. I’m VERY disappointed in these recommendations. I used to trust your advice. Now I’m doubting everything…
Can I ask why you suggest Mrs. Myers? I see their products everywhere as being touted as natural and on the Think Dirty app, just about every single one of their products comes up as an 8 on a scale of 0-10, 10 being the worst for you.
I just moved into a place with my first dishwasher, so I of course consulted wellnessmama for a truly natural dishwasher soap. I bought Ecover, and just tried it for the first time and am really disappointed. I haven’t even taken the dishes out, but as soon as the load started my entire house filled up with the scent. I abhor scents, unless it’s essential oils or something else truly natural. My nose and body can tell if it’s not and my whole being reacts. I live in California and we are smoked in by the fires so I can’t even open my windows. My mom uses seventh generation at her house and it doesn’t smell at all, nut I don’t think it’s totally no-toxic. I’d love any recommendations for truly natural stuff that is unscented!! Thanks so much!
I’m having trouble finding the enzymatic (Household Traditions?) One, online. Any suggestions where I can look? Thank you for the article!