Green Cleaning: Top 5 Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

Dive into the World of Sustainable Sparkle for Your Dishes

In today’s eco-conscious world, making sustainable choices even in seemingly mundane aspects of life, such as dishwashing, can have a significant impact. Eco-friendly dishwasher detergents are gaining popularity, promising both effective cleaning and a reduced environmental footprint. In this article, we’ll explore and compare five leading brands—Seventh Generation, BLUELAND, Ecover Zero, Dropps, and ATTITUDE—across various criteria to help you make an informed decision for a greener, cleaner kitchen.

Criteria for Comparison

To evaluate the eco-friendly dishwasher detergents thoroughly, we’ll consider five key criteria:

1. Environmental Impact
2. Cleaning Performance
3. Packaging
4. Price
5. User Reviews and Ratings

1. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs

• Environmental Impact: Seventh Generation boasts an enzyme-rich formula free of fragrances, dyes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach. The product is recognized for its sustainability features, adhering to safer chemical usage.
• Cleaning Performance: Customers appreciate the product’s ability to cut through tough grease and food residue. It’s specifically designed to leave dishes sparkling clean without harmful additives.
• Packaging: The detergent comes in packs, contributing to a streak-free, plant-based approach. Users commend the recyclability of the packaging, which aligns with eco-friendly values.
• Price: With a price of $28.29 for a 45-count pack (Pack of 2), Seventh Generation positions itself as a mid-range option, offering value for the environmentally conscious consumer.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Users praise the product’s smell, ease of use, and recyclability. Some even highlight the reduction in plastic consumption, aligning with sustainable living practices.

“I have to trust them on their product being better for the environment. I can’t read everything and understand it all. I can tell you that it works, cleans the dishes nicely, doesn’t leave any odor and to me is a great replacement for the name brand highly marketed dishwashing detergents that are out there. I’ve bought it now three times and will continue to purchase this.”

2. BLUELAND Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergent Tablet Starter Set

• Environmental Impact: BLUELAND takes pride in being plastic-free and eco-friendly. The tablet’s plant and bio-based power contribute to a cleaner planet without compromising on effectiveness.
• Cleaning Performance: Customers express satisfaction with the texture, performance, and pleasant scent of BLUELAND’s detergent. The reusable tin packaging adds an aesthetic touch to eco-conscious kitchens.
• Packaging: The emphasis on plastic-free packaging resonates well with users. The reusable tin not only reduces waste but also enhances the product’s visual appeal.
• Price: At $29.99 for a pack of 60, BLUELAND positions itself as a slightly higher-end option. The value lies not just in the cleaning power but also in the sustainable, reusable packaging.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Users appreciate the visual appeal, cleaning prowess, and absence of plastic waste, making BLUELAND a top choice for those prioritizing sustainability.

“I saw this product advertised on (Instagram? Facebook?) and, after researching a few of its competitors, decided to buy it. In so many ways, it beats any commercial dishwasher detergent I have used. I love the plastic-free tablets, ease of use, lack of strong smell, and love the company’s ethics. Will be ordering this product from now on!”

3. Ecover Zero Dishwasher Tablets

• Environmental Impact: Ecover Zero positions itself as a clean choice with eco-friendly packaging. The product’s manufacturing practices focus on reducing negative environmental impacts.
• Cleaning Performance: Customers praise the detergent for its effective cleaning, leaving dishes feeling sanitized without any residue.
• Packaging: Ecover Zero’s emphasis on using 100% recycled materials in packaging aligns with its commitment to sustainability.
• Price: At $24.50 for a 25-count pack, Ecover Zero strikes a balance between eco-friendliness and affordability, making it an attractive option for conscious consumers.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Users appreciate the performance, cleanliness, and eco-friendly nature of Ecover Zero, emphasizing its value in sustainable dishwashing.

“Really needed a fragrance free product. This is great and cleans well.
Deducted a star because they’re in plastic wrappers. Poor choice for an eco brand. Will give 5 stars when they switch to dissolvable wrapper.”

4. Dropps Dishwasher Detergent

• Environmental Impact: Dropps stands out with its natural, mineral-based ingredients, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. The brand’s commitment to sustainability extends to recyclable cardboard packaging.
• Cleaning Performance: Dropps excels at dissolving tough grease and 24-hour stuck-on food, providing a powerful clean without strong smells or fragrances.
• Packaging: The use of recyclable cardboard enhances Dropps’ eco-friendly image. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is further solidified by being a Certified B Corporation.
• Price: At $19.13 for a pack of 64, Dropps offers an affordable yet high-quality option for those looking to balance budget and sustainability.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Customers applaud Dropps for its quality, performance, and eco-friendly ingredients, making it a go-to choice for conscientious consumers.

“Due to MCAS, I can’t use anything with chemicals. Purchased these because it felt like the brand we were using wasn’t working well with our harder water. I love that even though it says lemon scented, I can baaaaaarely smell anything at all. Does a good job, only a few water spots without no rinse aid too!”

5. ATTITUDE Dishwasher Tablets

• Environmental Impact: ATTITUDE’s dishwasher tablets boast a plant- and mineral-based formula, are phosphate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. The product also incorporates anti-limescale protection for enhanced sustainability.
• Cleaning Performance: Users appreciate ATTITUDE for being eco-friendly and non-harmful to the environment. The tablets are noted for their effectiveness in cleaning without leaving a soapy smell.
• Packaging: ATTITUDE’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging is evident, with water-soluble film ensuring optimal dissolution and reduced environmental impact during transportation.
• Price: At $11.75 for a 26-count pack, ATTITUDE positions itself as a budget-friendly option without compromising on sustainability.
• User Reviews and Ratings: Customer opinions on ATTITUDE are mixed, with praises for quality and performance. Some concerns are raised about the product’s value, citing it as slightly pricey.

“Switched over to these because of the better quality ingredients and eco friendliness and we couldn’t be happier. Dishes come out clean and I feel safe using them”

Comparative Analysis of Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents

Summarizing the findings, a comparative analysis table showcases each eco-friendly dishwasher detergent’s strengths and weaknesses, aiding readers in making an informed decision.

Criteria	Seventh Generation	BLUELAND	Ecover Zero	Dropps	ATTITUDE
Environmental Impact	Safer chemicals, plant-based	Plastic-free, plant and bio-based	Recycled materials	Natural, mineral-based	Plant and mineral-based, anti-limescale
Cleaning Performance	Tough grease and residue removal	Effective, pleasant scent	Sanitizing, residue-free	Powerful, no strong smells	Effective cleaning, no lingering soap smell
Packaging	Streak-free, plant-based, recyclable	Plastic-free, reusable tin	100% recycled materials	Recyclable cardboard	Water-soluble film, eco-friendly
Price	$28.29 for 45 (Pack of 2)	$29.99 for 60	$24.50 for 25	$19.13 for 64	$11.75 for 26
User Reviews	Liked smell, ease of use, recyclability	Texture, performance, packaging	Performance, cleanliness	Quality, eco-friendly	Quality, some concerns about the price
Final Rating (0-5 Stars)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Conclusion

In the quest for a sustainable and effective eco-friendly dishwasher detergent, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Whether it’s the environmental impact, cleaning performance, packaging, or price, each of the reviewed products has its unique strengths. Here’s a quick summary of their performance in a star rating system:

• Seventh Generation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• BLUELAND: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Ecover Zero: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Dropps: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• ATTITUDE: ⭐⭐⭐

Consider your values, budget, and cleaning need to find the perfect eco-friendly dishwasher detergent that aligns with your commitment to a greener, cleaner planet. Make the switch today and contribute to a sustainable future, one sparkling dish at a time.

Additional Tips for Environment-Friendly Dishwashing

While choosing an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent is a significant step, optimizing your dishwashing routine can further enhance your sustainability efforts. Here are some quick tips to reduce water and energy usage, along with a couple of DIY dishwasher detergent recipes for those who enjoy a hands-on, eco-friendly approach.

Tips for Efficient Dishwashing:

1. Wait for a Full Load: Running your dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded maximizes its efficiency and reduces water and energy waste. Consider using a smaller load setting if your dishwasher has this feature.
2. Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Skip the pre-rinse habit and simply scrape off excess food from your dishes. Most modern dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes without the need for a manual rinse.
3. Choose Shorter Cycles: For dishes that aren’t heavily soiled, opt for shorter wash cycles. This not only saves energy but also helps extend the life of your dishwasher.
4. Use the Energy-Saving Setting: Many dishwashers come with an energy-saving or eco-friendly setting. Utilize this option to reduce water and energy consumption during each wash.
5. Regular Maintenance: Keep your dishwasher in optimal condition by cleaning the filter and checking for any leaks. A well-maintained machine operates more efficiently.

For those who enjoy crafting their cleaning solutions, here are two simple and eco-friendly DIY dishwasher detergent recipes:

1. Lemon and Baking Soda Detergent:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup citric acid
• 1 cup coarse salt
• Zest of two lemons

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and store the mixture in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load.

2. Castile Soap and Vinegar Detergent:

• 1 cup liquid Castile soap
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops of essential oil (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or lemon)

Combine the ingredients and store the mixture in a glass container. Shake well before each use and use 2-3 tablespoons per load.

Note: Remember to test these DIY detergents in a small batch first, as dishwasher performance can vary. Adjust ingredient quantities based on your dishwasher’s specific requirements.

By implementing these tips and experimenting with DIY detergent recipes, you not only contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle but also personalize your dishwashing routine to align with your eco-friendly values. Happy dishwashing!