Looking for the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets? We've done a round-up of the best brands and products to save you the legwork.
When shopping for dishwasher tablets, it's easy to fall into the habit of reaching for the same product every time. So, why not try something new and do your bit for the planet at the same time?
There are plenty of eco-friendly options to choose from, each with their own cleaning properties and added benefits, without the use of harmful chemicals or toxins. Whether you’re looking for a septic-tank compatible tablet, or for something with a pleasant citrus smell, we’ve got the best dishwasher products you can buy right now.
See our pick of the best planet-friendly dishwasher tablets below to make sure that your crockery, cutlery, cookware and glasses stay clean and shiny, in the most sustainable way. And, if you're in need of a new dishwasher to actually wash your dishes in, take a look at our guide to the very best dishwasher options on the market right now.
What are the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets you can buy?
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
We reckon the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets you can buy are the Claro All-in-One Phosphate-Free Eco Dishwasher Tablets, as they offer excellent cleaning results without the use of phosphates or chlorine. We also rate the Ecoleaf Dishwasher Tablets, as they come with a built-in rinse aid to leave your load sparkling clean.
Read more on both further down this page, or see our best list underneath to save time:
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets: Claro All-in-One Phosphate-Free Eco Dishwasher Tablets
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for sparkling results: Ecoleaf Dishwasher Tablets
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for families: Ecover All in One Dishwasher Tablets
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for baked-on food: Ecozone Ultra All-in-One Dishwasher Tablets
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for a lovely fragrance: Ecover Classic Dishwasher Tablets Citrus
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets for vegans: Ecozone Brilliance Dishwasher Tablets
The best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets
Best for…
You won’t need to worry about streaky glasses or food residue, plus, most average loads can be done on a quick wash with still, excellent results.
Self-dissolving film
These tablets are specially designed to dissolve in the dishwasher, layer by layer, and you don’t need to unwrap the plastic. The enzymes and other active ingredients are simply released into the machine in the order that will achieve the best clean.
Septic tank friendly
For those who need products that are compatible with a septic tank, these Claro tablets are just the thing.
Results
Some buyers use distilled vinegar in the rinse, and that seems to make the results even better!
Good to know
For best results, use with other Claro products such as its dishwasher salt and dishwashing rinse aid.
Best for…
The environment – as these eco-friendly dishwasher tablets are natural, biodegradable and safe for our planet.
Naturally derived
The ingredients of these eco-friendly tablets are taken from plant extracts and based on biodegradable and non-harmful ingredients from sustainable sources.
Rinse aid included
Instead of having to buy, and add, separate rinse aid to your dishwasher, with these tablets the rinse aid is built-in which saves time and money.
Results
There’s also a degreasing action as well as powerful cleaning agents, so you know you’re getting the best wash results, even on shorter or eco cycles.
Good to know
Each tablet comes in a biodegradable plant-based (not plastic) film that dissolves when it’s released into the dishwasher.
Best for…
Cleaning the really dirty stuff, even if you’ve popped on an eco programme or shorter wash cycle.
Naturally derived
There are no chemicals used in the ingredients of these eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, so you can be sure you’re choosing the safest product for your family and the planet.
All temperatures
Ecover all-in-one dishwasher tablets excellently clean plates, glasses, cutlery, pots and pans at all temperatures.
Results
Choose these tablets for septic tanks and you will get an excellent wash that's free from any soapy residue, funny smells or aftertaste on cutlery and glassware.
Good to know
Many buyers rate them as ideal for soft water areas, so if you live in a hard water area, you may need to adjust your dishwasher settings slightly so as to get the same results.
Best for…
Vegans, and so it goes without saying that these tablets are also certified cruelty-free.
Advanced formula
Thanks to its advanced cleaning power, these tablets can tackle the toughest baked-on food as well as preventing spots and watermarks on cutlery and glasses.
Goodbye grease
Say goodbye to grease, as these tablets have an all-in-one action that delivers on all levels.
Results
There’s even a built-in salt function, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the very best cleaning power, without the use of chemicals or toxins.
Good to know
These tablets come in a soluble wrapping and are suitable for both short washes and low temperature cycles.
Best for…
Powerful cleaning, even at lower temperatures.
No nasty smells
There’s no odd aroma with these eco-friendly dishwasher tablets – just a lovely citrus scent - and they are suitable for use with septic tanks.
No more stains
Even tea stains in cups are removed with these dishwasher tablets, and that’s no mean feat!
Results
Some users rate this product as the best because it doesn’t leave any residue unlike some brands. Some buyers recommend running a rinse cycle first then using these tablets on a quick wash.
Good to know
The advice from Ecover is to use this alongside Ecover rinse aid, and normal dishwasher salt, then be sure to run your cycle on an eco mode.
Best for…
When you want an eco-friendly product that comes with a dissolving soluble wrapping, too. These tablets work by releasing plant-based ingredients to tackle baked-on food and drink stains with ease.
Phosphate-free
Easy to use as the wrapper quickly dissolves inside the dishwasher, these tablets are totally eco-friendly.
5-in-one
With this product you really get your money’s worth thanks to the excellent cleaning power, glass protection, salt, rinse aid and a soluble wrapper all-in-one.
Results
These tablets leave your plates and dishwasher with a lovely fresh lemon scent after each wash.
Good to know
You may need to use additional salt and rinse aid if you live in a hard water area.
How to buy the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets
When selecting an eco-friendly product, it’s important to balance cleaning power with eco credentials. Look for tablets that are rated excellent for their cleaning power by buyers that have used them regularly, as they are the ones who will know if glasses really do come out streak-free, time and time again.
All-in-one options
Next, consider if you want something with a built-in salt and rinse aid. You may need to add additional, separate salt and rinse aid if you live in a hard water area, but those lucky enough to have soft water say that an all-in-one tablet is all they need.
Biodegradable wrappers
As well as being chemical and phosphate-free, a good eco-friendly dishwasher tablet will have dissolvable wrappings too, which simply melt away once in the dishwasher. You may also want to look for those products that are EU Ecolabel approved, vegan certified and animal cruelty-free.