Image: MomJunction Design Team
At some point, it has happened to all of us一 you load your dishwasher, run the wash cycle, and open the door to see that your dishes don’t look particularly clean. You repeat the process with the same result. There are water spots, white stains, and a cloudy film, especially on your glassware. All this is because of the hard water of your water supply which takes a toll on both your dishes and dishwasher.
Hard water contains a high quantity of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, that leaves a residue on appliances and dishes. Using a dishwasher detergent specifically formulated for hard water will soften the water, act as a powerful cleaner, and break down the residue and deposits, so that your dishes remain sparking clean. We hope our review of the best dishwasher detergents for hard water will go a long way in helping you choose the best one for your dishwasher.
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Types Of Dishwasher Detergent For Hard Water
Before diving into the list, let’s have a look at the different types of dishwasher detergents for hard water so that you can make an informed choice.
- Gel detergents: Similar to dishwashing soap, they dissolve quickly, are less abrasive, are ideal for delicate dishes, and are the most budget-friendly choice. Unfortunately, they have the least cleaning power because they don’t contain enzymes and bleaching agents as these ingredients don’t blend well in a liquid.
- Powder detergents: Powder detergents are yet another cost-effective option and clean well as they have a combination of enzymes and bleaching ingredients. They are often more effective than gels in cleaning dishes, and are ideal for homes with very hard water as it doesn’t come premeasured, so more detergent can be added if necessary. But using excess powder detergent can leave some residue. Also, powder absorbs moisture and may clump during storage. As the ingredients of powder detergents are activated by water, this would affect its cleaning performance.
- Single-load tablets or pods: Tablets are in the form of a concentrated dishwashing powder, while pods usually come in the form of gel packs. They are premeasured and are directly placed in the dishwasher, so there is no requirement of measuring, or chances of spilling. Their easy storage, concentrated and powerful formula, and deep-cleaning ingredients make them popular as they do an excellent job of cleaning dishes. However, as they are premeasured, they offer less flexible use than powders and gels. Also, you need to ensure that your hands are dry while handling them, or they can start dissolving.
11 Best Dishwasher Detergents For Hard Water
1. Best With Lemon Fragrance:Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods
Packed with power boosters, these are some of the best dishwasher pods for hard water. You are not required to pre-wash the dishes before running the dishwasher, even if it has food stuck on it for 24 hours, helping you save water. It’s formulated with dawn dish soap that is a powerful grease fighter and contains sodium carbonate, nonionic surfactants, and enzymes. These ingredients dissolve, lift, and rinse away food from your dishes even in the quick wash cycle. The ingredients of this hard water dishwasher detergent also prevent residue from building up, which is one of the key things that clogs the dishwasher and shortens its life. Additionally, it effectively cleans both the dishwasher and the dishes. Check out a tester’s experience in this YouTube review video of this product.
Pros
- Lemon fragrance
- Contains 70 pods
- No pre measuring required
- No mess
- Suitable for soft water too
Cons
- May irritate eyes or skin
Review: According to a reviewer, “Cascade Platinum Plus dishwasher pods are a true kitchen essential. I have tried different options, but none matched the performance of these pods. They tackle even the toughest messes, leaving my dishes spotless and saving me time.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 3,567 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Do remember2. Best Greasing:Dawn Ultra Platinum Dishwashing Liquid
With 4 times more grease cleaning power than the non-ultra Dawn dishwashing liquid, this dish detergent for hard water can even remove 48-hour old dry and crusted food from your dishware. It comes as a set of 3 bottles of 24 ounces each and includes 2 non-scratch scrubber sponges as well. It has a cleansing, refreshing rain scent that leaves your dishes and glasses smelling fresh and clean. This powerful dishwashing liquid detergent can help you clean many dishes with less detergent, making it economical. You can also check this video to explore a reviewer’s experience as they test the product.
Pros
- Septic tank-safe
- Can be used to clean greasy laundry stains
- Cleans greasy tools and wheels
- Safe for cleaning kitchen cabinets
Cons
- May leak if not stored properly
Review: A tester writes, “Dawn Ultra Platinum Dishwashing Liquid detergent is great at tackling tough stains and greasy dishes. Its thick and effective formula impressively removes even the most stubborn grime. While I prefer the clear version, the blue one has been a trusted one for regular dishwashing needs”.
Quick tip3. Best Ammonia-Free:Finish Gelpacs
Image: Finishdishwashing With a refreshing orange smell, these pre-measured and convenient-to-use dishwasher pacs remove the toughest stains from your dishes and gently scrub them sparkling clean. Each box contains 3 bags filled with 28 gel packs each, so there are 84 gelpacs which are good for 84 loads of dishes. The gelpac contains pre-soakers that start their action immediately, and removes tough, crusted, burnt, and greasy food residue from your dishes almost instantly. It doesn’t need to be unwrapped, and its quick dissolving cleaning powder has an orange fragrance that adds a burst of freshness to your dishes. This tried-and-tested hard water dishwasher detergent, known for its optimal performance, can be used in any types of dishwasher, including countertop ones. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- Economical formula
- Ammonia-free
- No residue
- 3 times more concentrated cleaning power than regular gel
Cons
- May stick together upon opening
Review: A reviewer writes, “Finish Dishwashing Detergent Booster has been a fantastic solution for our hard water issues. As we live in an area with underground water sources, stains are common on appliances. This powder has transformed our dishwashing process, delivering clean results consistently. Highly recommended for daily use!”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 2,653 good reviews on Amazon.
Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods Best With Lemon Fragrance | Dawn Ultra Platinum Dishwashing Liquid Best Greasing | Finish Gelpacs Best Ammonia-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 1 | - | 1 |
| Dimensions | 6.75 x 5.5 x 7.25 inches | 7.19 x 4.69 x 10.5 inches | 5.19 x 7.75 x 8.19 inches |
| Weight | 2.8 Pounds | 4.5 Pounds. | 3.06 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,567 | 3,315 | 2,653 |
| Price | $85 | $18.44 | $14.47 |
4. Best Cruelty-Free:Method Dishwasher Packs
The stain lifting power of these mineral and plant-based dishwasher packs is extremely powerful, and cuts through grease and leftover food in no time. Even 48-hour old encrusted food doesn’t stand a chance with these dishwasher packs, and your dishes are left sparkling clean. The effective solution is available as 45 individual dishwasher sachets that come packaged inside a resealable pouch. This dish detergent for hard water features a powerful rinse aid action that helps dishes and glasses retain their sparkle.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- No animal testing
- No dyes
- Free of phosphates
- Free of chlorine bleach
- No parabens
- No phthalates
Cons
- May leave a slight residue on dishes
Review: A user writes, “I decided to give these dishwasher packs a shot, moving away from my usual brand due to its cost. These detergent pods are free of harsh chemicals, ensuring clean dishes without compromising the safety of my children and pets.”
5. Best With Biodegradable Ingredients:OxiClean Triple Action Dishwashing Booster
With this bottle of 18.4 ounces triple action dishwashing booster, you never again have to worry about stuck food particles, cloudy glassware, streaks, and spots on your dishes ever again. If you have hard water or extra dirty dishes, just add it to your regular dish detergent, and it dissolves food and the cloudy film on your dishes like magic. This dishwasher detergent for hard water is an innovative combination of a dishwasher cleaner, cleaning booster, and rinse aid to fit all your dishwashing needs, and ensure that your dishes are crystal clear and clean. Your dishwasher too will look like new as it will break down the hard water and limescale buildup.
Pros
- Contains no phosphates
- Safe for septic tanks
- Biodegradable ingredients
- Safe for non-stick surfaces on pans
Cons
- Not recommended for use on crystal dishware and crystal glasses
Review: A reviewer says, “I love using this product to effortlessly remove stubborn stains from my glassware. While it enhances dishwasher performance, it is not great at eliminating glass clouding. Nonetheless, I would recommend it.”
Quick fact6. Best Paraben-Free:Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder
Image: Courtesy of Nellie’s
This 2.2 pound tin of dishwasher detergent for hard water has about 80 scoops in it, and is made of simple and natural plant-based ingredients which give you extremely clean dishes. It is formulated with ingredients like sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, citric acid, sodium sulfate, sodium percarbonate, sodium metasilicate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium silicate, and protease that are environmentally-friendly. As per reviews, it works like magic in hard water and can remove the toughest food stains by powering through them. It comes in a reusable tin that supports the environment and cuts through grease, leaving every dish spotless.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- No animal testing
- Non-toxic
- Hypoallergenic
- Chlorine-free
- Phosphate-free
- Paraben-free
- Ammonia-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Biodegradable
- Safe for septic tanks
Cons
- Comes packed in a plastic bag inside the tin
Review: A user writes, “I was thrilled with Nellie’s laundry product, so I tried their dishwasher powder. It cleans dishes effectively, is scent-free, and has no plastic residue. However, I had higher expectations for streak-free results. Overall, it’s a good option for non-toxic cleaning.”
7. Best Fragrance-Free:Amaze Premium All-In-One Dishwasher Tabs
With built-in rinse aid technology, these 32 detergent tablets can completely eliminate the need of added detergent boosters, rinse aid, machine cleaners, and dishwasher salts. This dishwasher detergent for hard water works extremely well for short wash cycles and in hard water conditions. There is no need to unwrap the tablet, as the covering film easily dissolves in the dishwasher. The enzymes in these powerful cleaners are tough on grease and stains, and prevent limescale buildup, ensuring your dishes are shiny and without spots or residue. They are lightweight compared to liquid detergent products and are cost effective and convenient to transport.
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Phosphate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Safe for septic tanks
Cons
- Some tablets may not dissolve completely.
Review: A user writes, “I struggled with hard water stains in Texas until I found Amaze dishwasher tabs. They truly live up to the name – my dishes are spotless and my dishwasher is sparkling too.”
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 186 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
8. Best Phosphate-Free:Lemi Shine Dish Detergent Booster
You can now naturally soften water and prevent hard water spots and cloudy films on dishes through the power of citric acid that balances the pH of hard water. Made with biodegradable surfactants and naturally derived enzymes, this 38-ounce package of dish detergent booster gets your dishes sparkling clean while causing minimal environmental impact. Stains, limescale, iron, calcium, and other mineral deposits don’t stand a chance with this product. This powerful dishwasher detergent for hard water also cleans and deodorizes your dishwasher and fights grime, germs, and hard water buildup, leaving your dishes and dishwasher with a lemony fresh scent.
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Phosphate-free
- Safe for septic tanks
- Free from bleach and ammonia
- Includes a dishwasher cleaner
Cons
- Not recommended for silver, painted glassware, and non-stick cookware
Review: According to a tester, “Lemi Shine Dish Detergent Booster is truly remarkable for hard water issues. It helps keep my dishwasher sparkly clean and my dishes free of bacteria. The detergent also tackles my stubborn toilet stains that resist all other attempts.”
9. Best Wrapper-Free:Finish Dishwashing Detergent Booster
Image: Finishdishwashing Finish Booster is a convenient solution to your hard water problems, and ensures that you have squeaky clean dishes and an equally clean dishwasher. You no longer have to worry about white spots, water marks, residue, and a cloudy film on your dishware. This affordable dishwasher detergent for hard water also removes odor from your dishes and dishwasher, thanks to its crisp, lemon fragrance. You can enhance your dishwasher’s performance with hard water with this booster when coupled with a dishwasher detergent. It completely removes bleachable stains, like tea and coffee stains, and leaves your dishes sparkling.
Pros
- Wrapper-free
- Tackles tough stains
- Fights mineral buildup
- Safe for septic tank systems
Cons
- Some feel the fragrance could be milder.
10. Best Economical:Bubble Bandit Dishwasher Detergent
This 60-ounce bag of automatic dishwasher detergent for hard water contains natural phosphates. It contains the maximum amount of phosphate permitted for food use, and most of the inert fillers are eliminated to avoid unnecessary volume and weight. Extremely powerful, it just requires 2 to 3 tablespoons of detergent in each wash cycle. This dishwasher detergent will not only clean your dishes of food stains, grease, white spots, and water marks, it will clean your dishwasher as well. You never have to worry about limescale buildup and a white film on your dishes again. Every bag of this detergent is good for up to 60 wash cycles, and you can be sure of spotless dishes.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- No dyes
- Very economical
- Safe for septic tank systems
Cons
- May clump in the soap dispenser
Review: A reviewer states, “Using Bubble Bandit Dishwasher Detergent has been a revelation for me. With hard water causing chalky build-up and filmy dishes, this product truly shines.”
11. Best Plant-Based: Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Powder
Grab Green Detergent Powder is a powerful and effective dishwashing detergent formulated to clean your dishes, leaving them spotless and smelling fresh. This effective solution is made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, making it safe for you and your family.
Pros
- Easy to store, as it comes with a zip-closure bag
- Safe to use in all types of dishwashers
- Fragrance-free formula
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May not be as effective on tough stains
- May leave a residue on dishes
Review: A tester writes, “Discovering Grab Green dishwashing detergent powder has been a blessing. Its eco-friendly ingredients are commendable, but I hope for more recyclable packaging options. Regardless, it is a stellar product for cleaning dishes.”
How To Choose The Right Hard Water Dishwasher Detergent?
Here are a few pointers you should bear in mind when choosing dishwasher detergents for hard water.
- Type:Hard water dishwasher detergents can be in the form of powders, gels, and single-load pods and tablets. Powders contain enzymatic and bleaching ingredients, and are very effective in cleaning dishes till they are sparkling. Gels are very budget-friendly, dissolve well in water, and are less abrasive, but not as effective in cleaning as they don’t contain bleach or enzymes. Single-load detergent pods or tablets are a more expensive option and have less flexibility than powders and gels, but they have deep cleaning additives, concentrated formula, and an easy-to-store design.
Paula Tarling, an experienced domestic cleaner and influencer, says, “Cleaning dishes in a hard water area can often mean you need a stronger product to keep your crockery and glassware looking their best. Quality dishwasher tablets are a great choice for powerful cleaning and keeping your dishwashing sparkly and stain-free.” - Ingredients: The best dishwasher-safe detergents for hard water would usually have citric acid, sodium-based ingredients, and several enzymes. Sodium citrate and sodium carbonate react with and replace magnesium and calcium ions which harden water and leave behind residue. Citric acid binds with the minerals in hard water to naturally soften it. Enzymes dissolve food particles and stains stuck on dishes by breaking down fats, proteins, cellulose, and starches, so that the water can easily wash them away. Together, these ingredients soften the water, break down residue, and remove hard water deposits so that your dishes are sparkling clean.
- Scent: Dishwasher detergents come in a range of scents which are either naturally or chemically derived. This is not a priority with many as the scent doesn’t linger on the dishes. Most dishwasher detergents have a fresh scent that is soothing. Some have essential oil fragrances instead of chemically derived scents. Unscented options are also available and are a sensible choice for those who are allergic to scents.
- Eco-friendly solution: If you are worried about yourself and the environment, eco-friendly dishwasher detergents cause less harm as they contain natural, biodegradable, and plant-derived ingredients. They not only clean your dishes well but also have less impact on the environment. Some dishwasher detergents don’t use phosphates which can damage ecosystems, and use enzymes instead. Dishwasher detergent pods and tablets require less storage space and also use less packaging. Buying products that come in recycled or recyclable cardboard packaging is also a good option.
- Cutting power: Your dishwasher detergent should be powerful enough to remove spots of grease oil and grease in detergent. Choose a detergent that has a higher molecular level than the molecular level of the hard water and one that acts as a water softener.
- No residue: No one wants white spots and residue on their freshly washed dishes which is caused by the density of hard water. Select effective dishwasher detergents that have a higher molecular density to that of your hard water supply.
How Does Hard Water Affect Dishwashers?
When water passes through soil and rocks, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium, which is what makes your water hard. It creates a limescale buildup in the connecting pipes and dishwasher. When these minerals get deposited in your dishwasher, they can leave a white coating, spots, or marks on dishes. Hard water contains metals like iron, copper, arsenic, and lead which react to air and cause corrosion.
This damages water valves, reduces water flow, and creates leaks in faucets. It forms rust in the dishwasher, a small amount of which gets transferred to the dishes. As rust increases, it starts falling which causes clogging and the dishwasher stops working. It creates interruptions in the water flow, increasing the likelihood of air being introduced in the plumbing system. Hence, you need to select one with superior corrosion resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is considering the type of dishwasher detergent crucial?
Yes, it is important. For instance, if you use a mild and regular dishwasher detergent with hard water, you may get a poor result. Likewise, if you use a harsh chemical on your delicate utensils, it will damage them.
2. What kind of detergent do I need to put in a dishwasher?
This would depend on the kind of water and the utensil you use.
3. Do all dishwasher models use the same detergent?
No, not all types of detergents may be dishwasher-friendly. Use detergents that are specifically formulated for use with dishwashers.
The Bottom Line
Hard water can make it difficult to clean clothes and dishes or take a shower and feel clean. Over time, it leaves behind a deposit too. Thus, investing in the best dishwasher detergents for hard water might help. These detergents prevent your dishes from having water stains and white deposits. You can look for bleaching and enzymatic agents in your detergent as they offer excellent cleaning by tackling hard water. Dishwasher detergents for hard water are available in many forms, such as gels, powders, single-use pods, and tablets. Our favorites include the Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods that help remove tough stains, the Dawn Ultra Platinum Dishwashing Liquid for its powerful formula, and the Finish Dishwashing Detergent Booster for being an affordable and effective solution. You may also choose a pleasant-smelling detergent that can effectively eliminate any food smell from your dishes.
Infographic: Best Dishwasher Detergent For Hard Water
Your top-notch dishwasher may break down if you don’t use a detergent compatible with the machine and the kind of water you have. The infographic below can help you find a residue-free solution for washing all your mucky dishes. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
