Routinely refresh your machine’s interior for optimal performance. You wouldn’t skip cleaning your oven, so why neglect your dishwasher? Over time, food bits and grease build up, leading to funky smells and less-than-sparkling results. A good dishwasher cleaner tackles that hidden grime, ensuring every cycle runs efficiently.
Think of it as essential maintenance, not an extra chore. We tested several top products to cut through the confusion. Our review will help you find the best solution to restore your machine’s power and get those dishes gleaming again, no scrubbing required on your part.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Dishwasher Cleaner
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria,…
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9.7 |
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Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria,…
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9.5 |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease &…
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9.3 |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease &…
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9.0 |
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Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease &…
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8.8 |
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Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets – 24 Pack Deep…
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8.6 |
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Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets – 24 Tablets (1-Year Supply) Lemon-Scented,…
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8.4 |
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Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Hard Water Citric…
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8.1 |
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Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free &…
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7.9 |
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Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets 24 Pack – 1…
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7.7 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Dishwasher Cleaner
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria, Limescale, Mineral Deposits & Grime Inside Pump, Tub & Hoses, 6 Tablets, 6 Month Supply
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is a simple tablet designed to do one important job: clean the machine that cleans your dishes. Over time, even the best dishwasher can develop hidden grime, limescale, and mineral deposits inside its tub, pump, and hoses. This build-up isn’t just about looks; it can lead to lingering odors and even effect your dishwasher’s performance over the long run. Regular dish detergent is formulated for your plates and glasses, not for the machine’s internal components.
That’s where a dedicated cleaner like Affresh comes in.
Each box contains six tablets, providing a six-month supply when used monthly. The process is straightforward. You simply place one tablet in the empty dishwasher’s main tub, run a normal cycle without any dishes or detergent, and let the cleaner do its work. It cleans your machine while your detergent cleans your dishes, as they say.
This proactive maintenance helps power away the odor-causing bacteria and grime that regular washes leave behind. It’s a small step that can make a significant difference in your kitchen routine.
A key feature of this cleaner is its compatibility. It cleans inside all machine models, from older units to the latest high-efficiency dishwashers. Whether you have a stainless steel interior or a plastic tub, the formula is designed to be safe and effective without causing damage.
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria, Limescale, Mineral Deposits & Grime Inside Pump, Tub & Hoses, 6 Tablets, 6 Month Supply
The Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner is a specialized tablet designed to maintain your dishwasher’s performance and hygeine. Over time, even the most reliable dishwasher can develop hidden issues. Food particles, grease, and mineral-rich water can leave behind a buildup of grime, limescale, and odor-causing bacteria deep inside the machine’s internal components. This affects not just how your dishwasher smells, but also how it functions and, ultimately, how clean your dishes really get.
Affresh targets these problems directly, offering a thorough clean for the parts you can’t easily reach.
This cleaner is the number one recommended brand by major appliance manufacturers like Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid. That’s a strong endorsement from the companies who build the machines themselves. The effervescent tablet works by powering away the sources of unpleasant smells and residue. It cleans the pump, filter, tub, drain, spray arms, and recirculation hoses.
By removing this buildup, it helps your dishwasher run more efficiently and can prevent future problems. A clean machine is simply a better performing one.
One of the key conveniences of Affresh is its flexibility. Unlike some other cleaners, you can use an Affresh tablet with or without a load of dishes in the machine. This means you can run a maintenance cycle on an empty dishwasher, or you can add a tablet to a regular wash cycle to clean while you clean.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Limescale, Fights Odors & Maintains Performance, 3 Month Supply, 8.45oz, 1 Bottle
The Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid is a specialized maintenance product designed for your dishwasher. It’s not for your dishes, but for the machine itself. Over time, dishwashers accumulate hidden grease, food residue, and hard water minerals like limescale. This buildup happens in places you don’t see, like the spray arms, filters, and internal pipes. This can effect performance and lead to unpleasant odors.
This cleaner adresses those issues directly.
Its primary function is to deep clean the inner parts of your dishwasher. The liquid formula targets that hidden grease and limescale, breaking it down to help restore your machine’s hygiene. By removing this buildup, it works to improves your dishwasher’s overall cleaning performance. When the spray arms and filters are clear, water and detergent can flow properly, which helps your dishes come out cleaner.
It also fights odors at their source, neutralizing lingering smells to keep the appliance itself fresh after each cycle.
For maintenance, its recommended to use this cleaner every three months. This regular use helps maintain your dishwasher’s health and can support its long-term performance. The formula is concentrated, with Finish stating it offers 5X more cleaning performance than their own dishwasher cleaner tablets. One 8.45oz bottle is a complete 3-month supply.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Grime, Fights Odors, No Extra Wash Cycle, Helps Maintain Dishwasher, 4 Month Supply, 4 Count
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are a monthly maintenance product designed to keep your dishwasher running at its best. Over time, dishwashers accumulate hidden grease, food particles, and hard water minerals in places you can’t see, like the spray arms, filter, and internal pipes. This buildup can effect performance and lead to unpleasant odors.
These tablets are formulated to tackle that hidden grime directly, helping to maintain your machine’s efficiency and hygiene.
The core benefit is the deep clean it provides. The formula targets that hidden grease and grime with 100% more degreasing power compared to using just your regular dishwasher detergent. This means it works to break down stubborn residues that normal washes might miss.
By cleaning these inner components, it helps ensure water flows freely and dishes get fully cleaned during every cycle. A clean machine simply works better.
Convenience is a major highlight. You don’t need to run a separate, empty cycle. Just place one Finish cleaner tablet in the bottom of your dishwasher once a month and run your normal cycle with dishes inside. It works alongside your regular detergent, saving you time, water, and energy. There’s no need to rearrange your routine.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid, Deep Cleans Hidden Grease & Limescale, Fights Odors & helps maintain Performance, 1 Year Supply, 8.45oz, 4 Bottle
The Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid is a specialized maintenance product designed for your dishwasher. It’s not for your dishes, but for the machine itself. Over time, hidden grease, food particles, and limescale from hard water build up inside your appliance. This residue collects in places you can’t easily see or reach, like the spray arms, filters, and internal pipes.
That buildup doesn’t just sit there; it can start to create unpleasant odors and, more importantly, it can slowly reduce your dishwasher’s cleaning performance. Your dishes might not come out as spotless as they once did. This cleaner adresses that exact problem.
Its a concentrated liquid formula that works by deep cleaning those inner parts. It targets the hidden grease and hardwater limescale that regular dishwasher detergents leave behind.
By removing this buildup, it helps restore water flow and pressure from the spray arms. This is how it contributes to improving your dishwasher’s overall performance. A cleaner machine simply cleans your dishware better. It also actively fights odors at their source, neutralizing lingering smells to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh after each cycle. Think of it like a thorough internal shower for your appliance.
Using it is very straightforward.
Dishwasher Cleaner And Deodorizer Tablets – 24 Pack Deep Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer Machine, Heavy Duty, Septic Safe, Natural Limescale Remover, Calcium, Odor, Smell – 12 Month Supply
The ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets are a simple monthly maintenance solution for your appliance. This 24-pack kit is designed to deep clean and freshen your dishwasher, helping it run better and last longer. It’s a straightforward product with a clear purpose: to remove the buildup you can’t see during regular washes.
Over time, dishwashers accumulate limescale, calcium deposits, grease, and food grime. This happens in the jets, filters, and tubes.
That buildup can lead to odd smells, less effective cleaning, and even clogs. These tablets tackle that hidden gunk. Their deep descaling formula uses a powerful citric acid agent to break down hard water stains, grease, and scale. This helps clear out the internal components, which can improve water flow and washing performance. A cleaner machine simply works more efficiently.
If you’ve noticed a lingering odor in your dishwasher, these tablets adress that too.
They act as a fresh odor eliminator with a natural lemon-citrus scent. The goal isn’t to just mask smells but to clean the source, leaving your appliance smelling neutral and clean. It’s a dual-action approach: clean and deodorize in one step.
Compatibility is broad. These tablets are suitable for most residential and commercial automatic dishwashing units. They work with major brands like GE, Bosch, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and many more.
Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets – 24 Tablets (1-Year Supply) Lemon-Scented, Heavy Duty Cleaning Descaler Pods for Dish Washer, Deep Cleans & Maintains Your Dishwashing Machine for Optimal Performance
The Bastion Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are a simple, year-long solution for maintaining your machine. This 24-count pack provides a full 12-month supply of heavy-duty cleaning pods, designed to deep clean and descale your dishwasher with minimal effort from you. Over time, dishwashers accumulate grease, food residue, and hard water minerals that regular washes don’t touch.
These tablets are formulated to tackle that hidden buildup, helping to ensure your appliance runs as it should.
Using them is straightforward. You just place one lemon-scented tablet in the main detergent dispenser of your empty dishwasher and run a normal, hot wash cycle. There’s no messy powders or liquids to handle. It’s a set-and-forget process that integrates easily into your monthly kitchen maintence routine.
This regular cleaning helps prevent the grime that can lead to clogs in the spray arms or filters, which is a common cause of poor washing performance.
The deep cleaning action works on limescale, soap scum, and oily film. By removing this residue, the tablets help your dishwasher maintain its water flow and heating efficiency. This isn’t just about a cleaner machine; it’s about supporting its long-term function.
Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner – Hard Water Citric Acid Cleaning Powder – Lemon Scented Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Cleaner & Deodorizer – 14.08 oz (8 Pack)
The Lemi Shine Natural Dishwasher Cleaner is a specialized powder designed to tackle the hidden grime that regular washes leave behind. It focuses on maintaining your machine’s performance and hygiene, not just cleaning your dishes. Over time, dishwashers accumulate food particles, grease, and mineral deposits from hard water. This buildup can lead to unpleasant odors and reduce cleaning efficiency. This product adresses that core maintenance need directly.
Its primary function is to REMOVE ODOR CAUSING BUILDUP AND FIGHT HARD WATER STAINS. The cleaner works by circulating through the hidden parts of your machine—like the spray arms, filter, and pump—to break down and flush out the gunk that traps smells and causes spotting. This process helps ensure your dishwasher runs at its best, which can lead to cleaner dishes after every cycle. The goal is optimization, not just a one-time fix. The formula is SUPERCHARGED WITH CITRIC ACID.
Citric acid is a natural, powerful agent against limescale and mineral deposits, which are common culprits for hard water stains. It cuts through the tough residue without the need for harsh chemicals. This means you can achieve a deep clean without worrying about damaging your machine’s interior components or leaving behind chemical residues. It’s a practical balance of strength and safety.
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free & Clear Removes odor-causing residue Powered by oxy power
Seventh Generation Dishwasher Cleaning Packs 6 Count Free & Clear are designed for a specific, often overlooked household task: cleaning your dishwasher itself. Over time, dishwashers can accumulate greasy films and food residues that regular dishwashing cycles don’t remove. This buildup is what leads to those lingering, unpleasant odors. These packs adress that problem directly, helping to maintain your machine’s performance and freshness.
The core function is straightforward.
Each pack is powered by an oxygen-based cleaning action, commonly called oxy power. This formula actively targets and lifts away the sticky, odor-causing residues left behind by food soils. It’s not just about masking smells with fragrance; it’s about removing the source. The convenience is a major plus. You simply use one pre-measured, dissolvable pack per cleaning cycle. There’s no messy powder to spill or liquid to measure.
Just place it in the dispenser or at the bottom of an empty dishwasher and run a normal cycle. It’s recommended to use this treatment about once a month to keep your appliance consistently fresh and working well.
What really sets this product apart is its commitment to safer ingredients and sustainability. It carries the EPA Safer Choice Certification, which means it’s formulated with ingredients that are safer for your family, home, and the environment.
Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets 24 Pack – 1 Year Supply Deeply Removes Dirt With Odor Eliminating, Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets Naturally Removes Scale Andblockage From Pipes
The Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets 24 Pack is designed to be a simple, year-long solution for maintaining your appliance. Over time, dishwashers can accumulate hidden grime that regular washes don’t touch. This isn’t about cleaning your dishes—it’s about cleaning the machine itself to ensure it works properly and doesn’t develop unpleasant smells.
Its Power Cleaning formula tackles the buildup you don’t see.
It works to remove limescale, grease, and old food debris from the machine’s interior, spray arms, and filter. This helps restore water flow and washing performance, which can decline as residue builds up inside. A cleaner machine simply runs better and is less likely to have issues down the line.
A key benefit is how it Thoroughly Sanitizes the interior. Trapped food particles and moisture can lead to persistent, musty odors that transfer to your supposedly clean dishes.
These tablets eliminate odor-causing residue and disinfect the hidden parts of your dishwasher. This improves overall kitchen hygiene and ensures your dishes come out smelling genuinely fresh, not like the last meal you cooked.
Using it is incredibly Easy to use. You just place one tablet in the empty dishwasher, with no detergent or dishes, and run a normal hot cycle. The recommendation is to do this twice a month for consistent maintenance.
Dishwasher Cleaner Buying Guide
Pick a powerful cleaner to maintain your dishwasher. It’s not just about a shiny interior; a clean machine runs more efficiently, heats water properly, and actually gets your dishes clean. Think about it: if teh washer is dirty, how can it clean anything else? A good dishwasher cleaner tackles the hidden grime, grease, and mineral scale that regular cycles miss.
Cleaning Action and Formula
Look at what the product is designed to do. Is it a dual-action formula that breaks down grease and dissolves limescale? Some cleaners are enzymatic, using natural agents to eat away at organic gunk. Others are acidic to cut through hard water minerals. Consider your most common issue—is it cloudy film or chalky residue? Choose a cleaner that matches your main pain point.
Ease of Use and Safety
You want a simple routine, not a chemistry project. The best options are often single-use pods or liquids you just pour in and run on a hot cycle. Check if the product requires an empty dishwasher (most do) and if it’s safe for all machine finishes, including stainless steel. Avoid harsh fumes; a good cleaner should work hard without making your kitchen smell like a lab.
Prevention vs. Deep Cleaning
Are you looking for a monthly maintenance product or a heavy-duty solution for neglected machines? Some cleaners offer ongoing prevention, keeping odors and buildup at bay with regular use. Others are intensive treatments for a once-or-twice-a-year deep clean. For regular upkeep, a gentler, preventative formula is great. For a machine that’s seen better days, you’ll need a stronger, deep-cleaning agent to restore performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwasher Cleaner
Why do I need a separate cleaner for my dishwasher?
Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but it doesn’t clean itself. Over time, food bits, grease, and limescale build up inside. This can cause odors and leave spots on your glassware. A dedicated cleaner breaks down that hidden grime.
How often should I clean my dishwasher?
It’s a good idea to run a cleaning cycle about once a month. If you have hard water or use your dishwasher daily, you might want to do it every two weeks. It helps keep everything running smoothly.
What’s teh difference between tabs, liquids, and powders?
Tabs are pre-measured and super convenient. Liquids are often good for cutting through grease. Powders can be economical and sometimes have added brighteners. They all work, so it’s mostly about your preference.
Can I just use vinegar or baking soda instead?
While some folks use these home remedies, thay aren’t always as effective. Vinegar can damage rubber seals over time, and baking soda might not tackle tough limescale. A formulated cleaner is designed for the job and safer for your machine.
How do you use a dishwasher cleaner?
It’s very simple. You usually just remove any dishes, place the cleaner in the main detergent cup or on the bottom rack, and run a normal or hot cycle. Always check the product’s instructions first, as they can vary a bit.
Will it fix a smelly dishwasher?
Yes, that’s one of the main reasons to use it! The cleaner removes the gunk that causes bad smells. For a really strong odor, you might need to run two cycles. Also, remember to wipe the door seal and filter regularly.
Is dishwasher cleaner safe for my machine?
Absolutely. Products made for dishwashers are designed to be safe for all the internal parts. They won’t harm the pumps or hoses. Just avoid using regular household cleaners, as those can create too many suds and cause damage.
What should I look for on the label?
Look for ingredients that target limescale, grease, and odor-causing bacteria. If you have hard water, a descaler is key. Also, check if it’s compatible with your dishwasher type (like stainless steel tubs). A simple formula often works just fine.
Closing Thoughts
Refresh your appliance’s performance with a dedicated treatment. It’s a simple step that makes a real difference. You’ll notice cleaner dishes and a fresher kitchen. It’s a quick win for your routine.
Adding a monthly dishwasher cleaner to your schedule is smart maintenance. It helps your machine run smoothly for years. You’ll save time and effort on hand-washing or re-washing items. Give your dishwasher teh care it deserves, and it will return the favor every single day.