On the hunt for a dishwasher detergent that is safe for your family and for the environment? Well, I have you covered with this list of non-toxic and plant based dishwasher detergents. All of the natural and eco-friendly dishwasher detergent brands that you see in this list are made in the USA, so you can trust that only the best and safest ingredients are used.
Non Toxic & Plant Based Dishwasher Detergents
Have you ever thought about how safe your dishwasher detergent really is? Every soap leaves a residue after rinsing, even the soap that you use in the dishwasher. The colorful liquid pods made by popular dishwasher detergent brands can contain synthetic dyes, chlorine, phosphates, triclosan, and other ingredients that can irritate skin, cause breathing problems, disrupt hormones, and pollute the environment. YUCK! Don't give these chemicals a chance to get stuck to your dishes or silverware!
It is possible to find dishwasher detergent that does not contain these toxic chemicals! In fact, I found THIRTEEN American made non-toxic detergent brands to include in this list. They are all made with plant based and mineral based ingredients.
Why Plant Based Dishwasher Detergents?
Plant based dishwasher detergents are cleaning products made from natural, renewable plant-based ingredients instead of synthetic chemicals. They are designed to be safer for the environment and human health, while still effectively cleaning and removing stains and grease from dishes and utensils in a dishwasher.
These detergents use plant-based ingredients such as enzymes, citric acid, and natural surfactants to clean dishes. Some common plant-based dishwasher detergent ingredients include:
- Enzymes: Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins that break down food and grease on dishes. They are often derived from plants and are used in plant-based dishwasher detergents to help remove tough stains and residue.
- Citric Acid: Citric acid is a natural acid found in citrus fruits that helps to remove hard water stains and buildup from dishes.
- Natural Surfactants: Surfactants are substances that help to break down grease and food particles on dishes. Plant-based dishwasher detergents often use natural surfactants such as coconut oil or cornstarch instead of synthetic surfactants that can be harmful to the environment.
Plant based dishwasher detergents are generally considered safer for the environment and human health compared to traditional dishwasher detergents, which often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled or come into contact with skin. Additionally, many plant-based dishwasher detergents come in recyclable packaging, which further reduces their environmental impact.
Don't miss our list of Eco Friendly Laundry Detergents Made in the USA
The List Criteria
In order to make it on our list, non-toxic dishwasher detergent brands had to be;
- Phosphate Free
- Parabens Free
- Dye Free
- Chlorine Free
- Petroleum Free
- Septic tank safe (biodegradable)
- and of course… MADE IN THE USA!
Most of the dishwasher detergent brands on this list are Leaping Bunny Certified, and many are either EWG (Environmental Working Group) verified or EWG A rated.
We have found non-toxic dishwasher pods, dishwasher gel, dishwasher powder, and even dishwasher tablets to include in this list, so no matter your preference, you should be able to find a brand to try out.
Made in USA Non Toxic & Plant Based Dishwasher Detergent Brands
The brands we have included are listed in alphabetical order. Is your favorite made in USA non-toxic dishwasher detergent missing? Let us know in the comments below.
Aspen Clean Dishwasher Pods
Aspen Clean Dishwasher Pods are hypoallergenic, spot and film free and have 0% plastic packaging. The pods are unscented and come in packages of 28 pods. Aspen Clean Dishwasher Pods are EWG Verified™, Leaping Bunny certified, EcoCert® certified and vegan.
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets are natural and plastic free. Unlike conventional detergent pods that are wrapped in plastic, the Bluland dishwasher detergent comes in a tablet form. The tablets are made with plant based and plant safe ingredients. They have been independently tested and are effective in cleaning silver, porcelain, and glassware. The tablets are unscented and come in packages of 60 or 120 tablets. The storage tin is not made in the USA.
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets are made without parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, chlorine bleach, or phthalates. They are vegan, gluten-free, soy and nut-free. They are also rated EPA Safer Choice, Cradle to Cradle Certified,™ Leaping Bunny certified, and EWG Verified™.
- Shop the Blueland Amazon store.
- Shop Blueland at The Container Store.
Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets
Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets are plant & mineral based, non-GMO, sufate free, and fragrance free. The tablets contain no fillers. One of the active ingredients is Methylglycinediacetic Acid Trisodium Salt (MGDA), a plant-based cleanser that softens water and minimizes residue.
Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets are EWG Verified™, and Leaping Bunny certified, Each package contains 40 tablets.
Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods are made with mineral based ingredients, not plant based ingredients, but they are still non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Dropps' oxygen based bleach is effective at brightening whites and removing stains, and is less aggressive than chlorine based bleach. The pod is made from a water soluble casing called Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which dissolves upon contact with water.
Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods are Leaping Bunny certified. The fragrance free pods are EWG rated A.
Earthley Wellness Dishwasher Detergent
Earthley Wellness Dishwasher Detergent is a powder detergent handmade in Columbus, Ohio. It is all natural and eco-friendly and is made with the natural power of washing soda, baking soda, citric acid, and saponified oils. A 37.5 oz package cleans 60 loads and is available in four options; Lemon-Thyme, Eucalyptus-Spearmint, Grapefruit, or Unscented.
Earthley Wellness Dishwasher Detergent is free of sulfates, phosphates, petrochemicals, parabens, artificial fragrance and colors, preservatives, and allergens (soy, corn, dairy, tree nuts, gluten, peanuts, sesame, and fish). It is vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, and non GMO, The Lemon-Thyme and Unscented have an EWG rating of A. The other scents haven't been rated yet.
ECOS Dishwasher Gel and Packs
ECOS dishwasher gel and dishwasher pods are made in the USA from globaly sourced ingredients. ECOS Wave® Dishwasher Gel is made from plant derived (with the featured ingredient being beet sugars). The gel is rated EPA Safer Choice, is Blue Bunny certified, and has an EWG A rating (Free & Clear and Lavender varieties). A 40oz bottle washes up to 40 loads. ECOS Wave® Dishwasher Packs are rated Leaping Bunny certified. There are 20 packs per package. NOTE: The ECOS Dishwasher sheets are NOT made in the USA.
Grab Green® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder
The Grab Green® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder is a highly concentrated powder that is formulated for standard and European dishwasher models. It works with all water temperatures. One 3.17 pound bag is enough for 80 dishwasher loads. Grab Green® Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder is available fragrance free and cranberry/grapefruit scented.
Grab Green® Classic Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods
Grab Green® Classic Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods are filled with powder and no liquid. The powder pods are available in 3 essential oil scents- Tangerine with Lemongrass, Thyme with Fig Leaf, and Red Pear with Magnolia. Unscented pods are also available.
Grab Greeen® Stoneworks Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods
The Grab Green® Stoneworks Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods are from Grab Green®'s new Stoneworks line of healthy cleaning products. These powder pods are available in 3 essential oil scents; Lemon Zest, Passionfruit Vine, and Mandarin Blossom. A fragrance free option is also available. There are 54 powder pods in a pack.
Grove Co. Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Grove Co. has two varieties of made in USA dishwasher packs- Total Clean and Pure Power. The Pure Power is the extra strength formula to removes stains and food from dishes that have been sitting for 48 hours. Both varieties are made with 91% plant derived ingredients and the outer film is made from Water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol. Grove Co. is a B Certified Corporation, and both pack varieties are Leaping Bunny certified, and USDA BioPreferred.
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods
Molly's Suds has been manufacturing natural laundry detergent in the USA since 2008 and has recently introduced Dishwasher Detergent Pods to their cleaning product line. Molly's Suds Dishwasher Detergent Pods are made with plant-based surfactants and naturally occurring enzymes. They are free from ethoxylates, are Leaping Bunny certified, One package contains 60 pods and is available in citrus or unscented.
- Shop the Molly's Suds Amazon store.
Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Packs are made with Advanced plant-derived enzymes and mineral-based water softeners that leave dishes spotless and clean no matter how hard your water is. Puracy packs contain no harsh chemicals; free from phosphates, SLES, parabens, chlorine bleach, petrochemicals, animal by-products, dyes, perfumes, phthalates, caustics, and other harsh ingredients. One package of Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Packs contains 50 enough packs for 50 loads.
- Shop the Puracy Amazon store.
- Shop Puracy at Walmart.com
Truly Free Dishwasher Soap
Truly Free Dishwasher Soap is a non-toxic unscented powder dishwasher soap. It is made in Michigan and each package in enough for 25 loads. The active natural and plant based ingredients are Sodium Citrate (mineral based water conditioner) Sodium Sulfate (inert drying agent) Sodium Carbonate (alkalizing salt) Sodium Percarbonate (technical grade oxygen booster) Acrylic Terpolymer (phospate free anti-spotting and anti-filming agent) Lauryl Alcohol (cleaning agent derived from coconuts) Sodium Carboxymethyl Inulin (chelating agent) and Naturally Occurring Enzymes (safely breaks down stains).
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