By Camilla Sharman

Copyright tomsguide

Skip to main content

Tom’s Guide

Newsletters

View Profile

Search Tom’s Guide

You May Like

Why are my dishes still dirty after running the dishwasher? Here’s what the appliance experts say, and how to fix it

5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Buying a Dishwasher — Don’t Make the Same Mistakes

Hygiene experts warns of the dangers of using the ‘eco’ cycle on your dishwasher

Phone Insights

Phone Best Picks

Phone Deals

Phone Face-Offs

Phone How-Tos

Phone Reviews

Network Carriers

Android Phones

Google Phones

Motorola Phones

OnePlus Phones

Samsung Phones

Nothing Phone

TV Best Picks

TV Face-Offs

Audio Insights

Audio Best Picks

Audio Deals

Audio Face-Offs

Audio How-Tos

Audio Reviews

Over-Ear Headphones

Bluetooth Speakers

Entertainment

Streaming Devices

Prime Video

Paramount Plus

Playstation

Gaming Peripherals

Connections

Computing Insights

Computing Best Picks

Computing Deals

Computing Face-Offs

Computing How-Tos

Computing News

Computing Reviews

VPN Best Picks

VPN Face-Offs

VPN How-Tos

VPN Reviews

Operating Systems

Malware & Adware

Smart Glasses

Chromebooks

Gaming Laptops

Apple Desktops

Gaming Desktops

Android Tablets

Computing Brands

AI Insights

AI Best Picks

AI Face-Offs

Google Gemini

Apple Intelligence

Mattress Best Picks

Mattress Deals

Mattress Face-Offs

Mattress How-Tos

Mattress News

Mattress Reviews

Mattress Care

Mattress Toppers

Pillows & Bedding

Smartwatches

Fitness Trackers

Smart Rings

Apple Watch

Home Insights

Home Best Picks

Home Face-Offs

Home How-Tos

Home Reviews

Home Topics

Home Appliances

Home Office

Home Security

Home Brands

Popular Brands

View Phones

Phone Insights

Phone Best Picks

Phone Deals

Phone Face-Offs

Phone How-Tos

Phone Reviews

Network Carriers

View Network Carriers

Android Phones

View Android Phones

Google Phones

Motorola Phones

OnePlus Phones

Samsung Phones

Nothing Phone

TV Best Picks

TV Face-Offs

Audio Insights

View Audio Insights

Audio Best Picks

Audio Deals

Audio Face-Offs

Audio How-Tos

Audio Reviews

Headphones

View Headphones

Over-Ear Headphones

View Speakers

Bluetooth Speakers

Entertainment

View Entertainment

View Streaming

Streaming Devices

Prime Video

Paramount Plus

View Gaming

Playstation

Gaming Peripherals

Word Games

Connections

View Computing

Computing Insights

Computing Best Picks

Computing Deals

Computing Face-Offs

Computing How-Tos

Computing News

Computing Reviews

VPN Best Picks

VPN Face-Offs

VPN How-Tos

VPN Reviews

View Hardware

View Software

Operating Systems

View Security

Malware & Adware

View VR & AR

Smart Glasses

View Laptops

Chromebooks

Gaming Laptops

View Desktops

Apple Desktops

Gaming Desktops

View Tablets

Android Tablets

Computing Brands

AI Insights

AI Best Picks

AI Face-Offs

AI Engines

Google Gemini

Apple Intelligence

View Wellness

Mattresses

View Mattresses

Mattress Best Picks

Mattress Deals

Mattress Face-Offs

Mattress How-Tos

Mattress News

Mattress Reviews

Mattress Care

Mattress Toppers

Pillows & Bedding

View Fitness

Smartwatches

Fitness Trackers

Smart Rings

Apple Watch

Home Insights

Home Best Picks

Home Face-Offs

Home How-Tos

Home Reviews

Home Topics

Home Appliances

Home Office

Home Security

View Outdoors

Home Brands

Popular Brands

iPhone Air Review
iPhone 17 Pro Max Review
iPhone 17 Review
Meta Ray-Ban Display
Best laptops

Best Mattress

Don’t miss these

Home Appliances
Avoid making this 1 big mistake that could ruin the surface of your induction cooktop

Home Appliances
Best washing machines in 2025

Not vinegar — I just discovered an unusual hack to get rid of hard water stains on glass, and I can’t wait to try it

We spent 500 hours testing robot mops and these are the only ones worth buying

I spent over 500 hours testing the best air fryers — these 3 are the winners

Coffee Makers
You might be using your espresso machine wrong — I’m an ex-barista and here’s what you need to do

Home Appliances
I asked appliance experts whether AC or dehumidifiers are better for reducing humidity — here’s what they recommend

Home Appliances
Shark just dropped a compact new stain cleaner, and it fixes my least favorite thing about spot cleaners

Home Appliances
I test all the latest vacuum cleaners — here’s why this affordable cordless cleaner is still my favorite

The best dehumidifiers in 2025

Best robot vacuums in 2025: expert tested and rated

Home Appliances
Why are my dishes still dirty after running the dishwasher? Here’s what the appliance experts say, and how to fix it

Home Appliances
5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Buying a Dishwasher — Don’t Make the Same Mistakes

Home Appliances
Hygiene experts warns of the dangers of using the ‘eco’ cycle on your dishwasher

Home Appliances
I asked laundry experts why there are detergent stains on my clothes — and it’s down to these 3 common mistakes

Home Appliances

I asked dishwasher experts for the best product to clean my dishes — and there’s one thing they wouldn’t recommend

Camilla Sharman

26 September 2025

Does the type of dishwasher detergent you use really matter?

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There’s been an ongoing debate over whether you should pre-rinse dishes before running your dishwasher. Thankfully, here at Tom’s Guide, we’ve settled the argument by calling in the help of dishwasher experts to explain that it’s not needed.

However, it got me thinking about whether the type of detergent you use in your dishwasher matters.
If you’re using one of the best dishwashers, it makes sense to use the best dishwasher detergent for the job, so once again, I asked the experts what they recommend. It turns out that using the right detergent can help improve your dishwasher’s performance, but there’s one product they don’t advice using.

You may like

Why are my dishes still dirty after running the dishwasher? Here’s what the appliance experts say, and how to fix it

5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Buying a Dishwasher — Don’t Make the Same Mistakes

Hygiene experts warns of the dangers of using the ‘eco’ cycle on your dishwasher

Dishing the dirt on dishwasher detergent

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Does the type of dishwasher detergent you use matter? “Yes, it certainly does,” says Lindsay Zolman, senior consumer analyst at Hisense.

And she adds, “Pods or tablets are your best bet. These usually include enzymes, degreasers, and rinse aid all in one. They are formulated to break down tough food residues and leave dishes sparkling.”
But what does Zolman think about powder and liquid detergents? “Powder detergents can work well too, especially if you prefer to measure out the exact amount.”
However, she believes that liquid detergents tend to be the least effective and can lose their potency over time once opened.

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom’s Guide direct to your inbox.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Vanessa Ruiz, professional organizer at Sparkly Maid San Antonio, agrees with Zolman about using detergents, including enzymes, as she says that they outperform gel formulas. She recommends Cascade Free & Clear for its performance, while Seventh Generation Free & Clear is another where the pre-rinse can be skipped.
How to choose the best detergent for your needs

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
When choosing the best dishwasher detergent, Lindsay Jones, Senior Manager of PR & Brand Experience at Maytag, recommends considering the type of water, loading style, and frequency of dishwasher use. And although we’ve already stated that pods and tablets will give the best results, you might prefer an alternative.
“Liquid detergents are a traditional choice and give you the option to customize how much detergent you want to use based on the soil level of your dishes,” she says, and she suggests measuring one tablespoon of detergent per cycle.

You may like

Why are my dishes still dirty after running the dishwasher? Here’s what the appliance experts say, and how to fix it

5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Buying a Dishwasher — Don’t Make the Same Mistakes

Hygiene experts warns of the dangers of using the ‘eco’ cycle on your dishwasher

However, if you don’t want to spend out on pods and tablets, she says powdered detergents are a budget-friendly option.
Although other products may be more expensive, they are often more user-friendly. “Detergent pods are convenient and pre-measured to make cleaning the dishes even simpler. This type of detergent is recommended for most water hardness and soil levels,” says Jones.
And she adds, “High-quality, pre-measured tablets or pods are a great choice as they perform best with various water hardness and soil levels.”
Although if you live in an area with hard water and don’t have the benefit of a water softener, Ruiz suggests ensuring your detergent of choice includes an antiscalant agent for the best cleaning results.

Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Pods: was $19 now $18 at Amazon
This pack of dishwasher detergent contains 47 pods of premeasured liquid. The detergent will scrubs away dried on food with its enzyme formula. The detergent is free of chlorine bleach and phosphates.

What you should never use in your dishwasher

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While it may be tempting to add in your normal dish soap to a load, it’s one product that’s not recommended.
We all run out of dishwasher detergent from time to time, and while it may be tempting to add in your normal dish soap to a load, it’s one product that’s not recommended.
While it’s perfectly safe to use on your dishes when washing by hand, when used in a dishwasher, it creates a thick sudsy foam that can overflow through the appliance door. Whirlpool explains that this is due to the formula of dish soap that relies on suds and bubbles to clean dishes.
Dishwasher detergent is designed to produce low levels of suds and will clean your dishes without creating a build-up of residue in your pipes and appliance, which could eventually lead to blockages. It’s for this reason that you should always stick to detergents specifically designed to be used within a dishwasher.
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom’s Guide

Experts say you should never put this common kitchen item in your dishwasher — here’s why
What is a ‘third rack’ in a dishwasher and is it worth it?
7 signs your dishwasher needs replacing — with tips from appliance experts

Today’s best dishwasher deals

$1,249View

$1,249.99View

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Camilla Sharman

Social Links Navigation
Staff Writer, Homes

Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.

Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.

Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Why are my dishes still dirty after running the dishwasher? Here’s what the appliance experts say, and how to fix it

5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Buying a Dishwasher — Don’t Make the Same Mistakes

Hygiene experts warns of the dangers of using the ‘eco’ cycle on your dishwasher

I asked laundry experts why there are detergent stains on my clothes — and it’s down to these 3 common mistakes

Hurry! The Whirlpool dishwasher that topped our best budget list is now 32% off

Don’t make this laundry mistake — experts share how much laundry detergent to use for the best wash

Latest in Home Appliances

I’ve been using the Coway Airmega ProX air purifier for a month and it performs better than it looks

I tested the brand new Breville Oracle Dual Boiler, and it’s the most futuristic espresso machine I’ve ever used… for better or for worse

Le Creuset is already retiring one of my favorite new colorways, but it’s $175 off while stocks last

The Always Pan’s latest colorway is the result of an unlikely but adorable collaboration with Crocs

Smeg just dropped its new portable induction cooktop — after testing it, I think it’s a holiday season essential

Hurry! The Whirlpool dishwasher that topped our best budget list is now 32% off

Latest in Features

I’ve spent two weeks with the iPhone 17 Pro — here’s my pros and cons (so far)

The average American spends 15 full days per year bed rotting — and sleep experts are worried

I walked 6,000 steps with the Apple Watch 11 vs Garmin Instinct 3 — and the winner is clear

I’m an ex-phone engineer — 3 tips to avoid iPhone 17 Pro ‘scratchgate’

I asked dishwasher experts for the best product to clean my dishes — and there’s one thing they wouldn’t recommend

2 expert running coaches reveal why running in the cold could actually be better for you — and how to stay safe doing it

LATEST ARTICLES

2 expert running coaches reveal why running in the cold could actually be better for you — and how to stay safe doing it

New on Disney+ in October 2025 — here’s the best shows and movies to watch

Where to buy ROG Xboy Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally — Pre-orders are now open

The average American spends 15 full days per year bed rotting — and sleep experts are worried

I swapped my tight top mattress for a Euro top — why I think most side sleepers should do the same

Tom’s Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Terms and conditions

Contact Future’s experts

Privacy policy

Cookies policy

Accessibility Statement

Advertise with us

Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street,

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait…