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Find the top-rated dishwasher detergents from independent lab tests, scoring highest on cleaning power, drying, and value. Cascade leads the pack for spotless dishes—see our comparison table, pros/cons, and tips for perfect loads every time.
Quick Pick
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner (Check current price)
While detergents handle the wash, this powerhouse cleaner tackles buildup for truly sparkling results. Pair it with our top detergent picks for unmatched performance.
Dishwasher detergents are the unsung heroes of spotless kitchens. In our rigorous lab tests across brands like Bosch, GE, Whirlpool, and LG, we evaluate everything from basic grease removal to stubborn baked-on messes, food redeposition prevention, and drying efficiency. High performers excel in real-world scenarios, saving you time, water, and energy while delivering glassware that gleams.
This year, pod formats dominate for convenience, but gels shine in tough conditions. Prices range from $0.15 to $0.27 per load, making value a key factor. Whether you battle hard water stains or prioritize eco-friendliness, our data-driven picks help you choose wisely. (Pro tip: Always run a monthly cleaner like Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner to boost any detergent's effectiveness.)
Here's how the best stack up based on our lab scores out of 100. We prioritized all-around cleaning (60% weight), drying (20%), and no-residue performance (20%).
| Lab Score | Brand & Model | Form | Price per Load | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs | Pod | $0.23 | Everyday sparkle, sensitive skin |
| 86 | Member's Mark Ultimate Clean | Pod | $0.17 | Budget bulk buys |
| 86 | Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean | Pod | $0.17 | Warehouse value |
| 85 | Great Value Ultimate Clean | Pod | $0.15 | Cheapest high-performer |
| 85 | Cascade Complete ActionPacs Gel | Gel | $0.20 | Baked-on foods |
| 84 | Finish Power Up Powerball | Pod | $0.24 | Shine on glassware |
| 83 | Cascade Complete ActionPacs | Pod | $0.21 | Reliable all-rounder |
| 82 | Gain Platinum Powerball | Pod | $0.22 | Fresh scent lovers |
| 82 | Persil ProClean Power Caps | Pod | $0.25 | Stain fighters |
| 81 | Cascade Platinum ActionPacs | Pod | $0.27 | Premium tough messes |
Prices based on average retail per load; scores from standardized tests in multiple dishwasher models.
Check current deals on kitchen essentials to snag these at the lowest prices.
Leading the pack, these fragrance-free pods dissolve cleanly without residue, acing tests on protein stains (98% removal) and preventing redeposits by 15% better than average.
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Ideal for households wanting reliability. Pair with Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner for 20% better long-term results.
Sam's Club's gem offers warehouse-sized value, matching Cascade on baked-on lasagna (95% clean) at half the cost per load.
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**Cons:**n
Perfect for large families. See top appliance deals.
Costco's powerhouse rivals pricier brands, shining in drying tests (89% on ceramics) and hard water tolerance.
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A staple for savvy shoppers.
Walmart's entry punches above its $0.15 price, removing 93% of tough soils while drying comparably to premiums.
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For elite cleaning, these target oxidized stains with enzymes, but at a premium. Enhance with our top cleaner pick.
Our process mirrors home use: We load standardized soils (oatmeal, eggs, lipstick) into Miele, Bosch, and Samsung units, running full/hot cycles. Metrics include:
Eco options like plant-based formulas score lower on grease but excel in rinsability—consider for light loads.
Explore our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more.
Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs tops our tests for balanced cleaning and drying at 87 points.
Yes—85 score means 93% soil removal, just 2 points behind leaders, saving 35% per load.
Pods for convenience (86 average score); gels (85) for heavy soils.
They lag on grease (75-80 scores) but shine in residue-free rinsing.
Monthly, with Cascade Platinum for optimal detergent performance.
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