Dishwasher detergents

What's behind our dishwasher detergent Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 23 models in dishwasher detergents to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based mainly on cleaning tests and redeposits. Models are listed by precise overall score.
Type
Liquids and powders generally pour easily; gels have a thicker consistency than liquids. Tablets are a dry, solid premeasured amount of detergent. Pacs have a dissolvable outer package containing a premeasured amount of liquid, gel, or powder. A dispenser product uses a cartridge that automatically dispenses a charge of detergent for 12 loads of dishes.
Size
Indicates either the net contents in ounces or the number of wash cycles you get from a tablet, pac, or dispenser product.
Dishes
Gauges how well a detergent removed a caked-on puree of foods from glass dishes.
Pots
Indicates how well a detergent cleaned pots that were covered with baked-on macaroni and cheese.
No water spots
Shows the ability to prevent water spots on glass plates.
No redeposit
Indicates the ability to prevent washed-off food from resettling on dishes and glasses.
Glassware remained clear
Our EARLY FINDINGS show that this detergent didn't leave a white film on glassware.
Aluminum unchanged
Our EARLY FINDINGS show that the aluminum panels did not discolor or tarnish when washed in this detergent.

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Recommended dishwasher detergents

Recommended dishwasher detergents are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended dishwasher detergents

Dishwasher detergent buying guide

To find the dishwasher detergent that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Manufacturers have reformulated their dishwasher detergents in response to state laws banning phosphates. But we found several that clean very well. If you're looking for information about dishwasher detergents, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ dishwasher detergent reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our dishwasher detergent buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and dishwasher detergent reviews to help you choose the best dishwasher detergent for your needs.

Ratings & recommended dishwasher detergents

Dishwasher detergents (23)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

Dishwasher detergent buying guide

The federal government has proposed legislation requiring dishwasher detergents to contain no more than trace amounts of phosphorus. Meanwhile, 16 states have enacted laws cutting phosphorus content to 0.5 percent, from 8.7 percent, as of July 2010. Anticipating that more states may follow, major manufacturers have already reformulated their products for all 50 states.

Earlier efforts by individual states to reduce phosphates or eliminate them entirely prompted some residents to cross state lines and smuggle higher-phosphate ... Read more

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