Does your dishwasher sometimes smell a little… less than sparkling clean? You scrub your dishes until they shine, but what about the machine doing all the hard work? It’s easy to forget that dishwashers need a little TLC too. Over time, food bits, grease, and mineral buildup can make your trusty appliance less effective and even a bit stinky.
Choosing the right dishwasher cleaner can feel like a maze. There are so many brands and types! Do you need a tablet, a liquid, or a special pod? You want something that really works without damaging your machine. It’s tough to know which ones are the best for getting rid of tough grime and leaving everything fresh.
This post dives deep into the top-rated dishwasher cleaners available. We break down what makes each one effective so you can stop guessing and start cleaning smarter. You will learn exactly which cleaners tackle hard water stains, banish odors, and keep your dishwasher running like new.
Ready to give your dishwasher the deep clean it deserves? Let’s explore the best options on the market to make your next load of dishes truly spotless.
Top Rated Dishwasher Cleaner Recommendations
- DID YOU KNOW? Odor causing bacteria can transfer onto dishes, glasses and silverware. Affresh dishwasher cleaner deep cleans even where you can't see to remove rotten food debris.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, foggy limescale and mineral deposits hiding deep inside the dishwasher’s pump, filter, tub, valve, drain, washer arms and recirculation hoses to help optimize appliance performance.
- USE WITH OR WITHOUT DISHES. Unlike other brands, affresh dishwasher cleaner is safe to use while running a full load.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- Wide Compatibility - ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaner is suitable for Most Residential or Commercial Automatic Dishwashing Units. Compatible with GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana models, all styles including plastic & stainless steel. To ensure proper cleaning, we recommend to monitor your dishwasher during cycle. If you see any foam or water leaking from the machine, stop dishwasher and allow foam and water to drain before continuing
- Deep Descaling Formula - Make your dish washing appliance shine. Removes hardwater, lime, scale, grime, grease, stain and more with a simple citric acid powder diswasher cleaning agent. Removes gunk spot and can help prevent clog and clear out foam in jet, tubes, and filter area.
- Fresh Odor Eliminator - Dual action freshener booster tablet for smelly dishwashers. ACTIVE Dishwasher cleaner's Natural Lemon-citrus Scent leaves your dishwaser smelling and looking good.
- Monthly Maintenance Solution - Keep your dishmachine cleaned with ACTIVE kitchen cleaning supplies. Use single or 2 treatment tabs per month. Place pod inside empty disheasher, run a self clean or regular dishwash to restore your machine. If extra cleaning is needed, always perform two separate cleaning cycles with a single tablet each, adding more cleaner can result in excess foam that effects function.
- Bulk 24 Count Kit - Contains 24 ACTIVE Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets - You're set for a year or more. That's our Best Value Promise - Compare to product with less tablet or single-use liquids.
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Liquid Dishwasher Cleaner targets hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and limescale in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
- IMPROVES DISHWASHER PERFORMANCE: Your dishwasher cleans dishware better with Finish dish washer machine cleaner.
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER HEALTH: Use every 3 months to help keep your dishwasher clean and performing at its best.
- 5X MORE CLEANING PERFORMANCE: Finish dishwasher cleaners have 5X more cleaning performance than dishwasher cleaner tablets.
- DEEP CLEANS INNER PARTS: Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets target hidden grease, hardwater buildups, and grime in spray arms, filter, and pipes for a hygienic clean.
- NO EXTRA WASH CYCLE: Finish Cleaner Tablets work during your normal dish cycle—just drop one in the bottom of dishwasher and clean your machine while washing your dishes.
- FIGHTS ODORS AT THE SOURCE: Neutralizes lingering smells and keeps your dishwasher fresh after each use.
- HELPS MAINTAIN DISHWASHER: Use once a month to help maintain your dishwasher health and keep your dishwasher clean.
- 100% MORE DEGREASING POWER: Powerful formula offers 100% more degreasing power vs. detergent alone.*
- 12-Month Supply for Continuous Cleaning: Get a full year of heavy-duty cleaning with 24 powerful tablets, perfect for keeping your dishwasher running smoothly month after month.
- Lemon Fresh Scent: Experience a burst of freshness with every cycle! Bastion Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets are infused with a delightful lemon scent, leaving your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh.
- Deep Cleaning Action for a Spotless Dishwasher: Effectively removes grease, grime, limescale, and buildup, ensuring your dishwasher operates at peak performance and stays sparkling clean.
- Easy to use: Just place one tablet in the dishwasher's detergent compartment and run a normal wash cycle. No mess, no hassle – just an incredibly clean dishwasher ready for your next load.
- Protects and Extends Dishwasher Lifespan: Regular use helps prevent clogs, buildup, and unpleasant odors, extending the lifespan of your dishwasher and ensuring it continues to function optimally. Ideal for all major dishwasher brands.
- Powerful Disinfectant: Deep clean, freshen, and help maintain your dishwasher with our powerful cleaner. The quick, easy-to-use dishwasher cleaner helps break up dirty residue and buildup for a fresh appliance every day.
- Clean and Freshen: This liquid cleaning solution works to remove odor-causing buildup and residue from your dishwasher and other hidden areas. This formula is dishwasher, plumbing, and septic-friendly.
- EPA Safer Choice Approved*: Dishwashing machines can have lingering smells from trapped odor-causing food particles and buildup. It powerfully removes limescale, rust, grease, and buildup caused by hard water, detergent, and food residues.
- Easy To Use: Place bottle upside down in silverware basket and run machine on the hottest cycle. Use monthly or as needed to keep your dishwasher clean, deodorized, and performing like new. Please refer to the package for detailed instructions.
- Performance Guarantee: Our cleaning products come with a satisfaction guarantee. We will meet or exceed your expectations with our specially-formulated cleaners, proudly made in the USA
- Works On All Types of Machines: Use respective tablets on household dishwashers and laundry machines. Both compatible with Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, Maytag models, Standard, High Efficiency, and more..
- Odor Eliminator: ACTIVE tablets combat smells and all sorts of normal buildup in your washing machine and your dishwasher. New 48 Pack Bundle includes cleaners for both types of machine.
- Deep Descaling Formula: Make your appliances shine. Removes hardwater, lime, scale, grime, grease, stain and more with a simple cleaning agent. Removes gunk spot and can help clean out basket, filter, and more
- Monthly Maintenance Solution: Keep your dishwasher and washer cleaned with ACTIVE cleaning supplies. Use single or 2 treatment tabs per month. Place pod inside empty machine, run a self clean or regular cycle to restore your machine.
- Bulk 48 Count Kit: You're set for a year or more. That's our Best Value Promise - Compare to product with less tablet.
- Large 20 gram cleaning tablets; Cleans up to 2 times as much as smaller tabs; No need to use multiple tablets. We don't stuff a bunch of tiny tabs in a box to make it look like you are getting more
- Powerful Odor Eliminator - Freshens your smelly dish washer, breaks down the built-up dirt, grime, grease and odor-causing residue in your dishwashing machine
- Heavy Duty - Time-release dishwasher tabs dissolve slowly for maximum efficiency, removing grimy mineral build-up, lime scale, hard water, calcium, stains and odor-causing residue, which helps enhance your dishwasher’s performance and lifespan
- Non Corrosive - Effervescent foaming formula will deep clean, degrease, descale and refresh your dish washer machine while being safe for the environment and septic safe.
- Works On All Dish Washer Machine Brands - LG, Bosch, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, Kitchenaid, Kenmore, GE, Whirlpool stainless steel or plastic interior
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Rated Dishwasher Cleaners
Your dishwasher works hard to clean your dishes. Over time, food bits, grease, and mineral buildup can make your machine less effective. A good dishwasher cleaner keeps your appliance running smoothly and smelling fresh. This guide helps you choose the best cleaner for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a rated dishwasher cleaner, check for these important features:
- Deep Cleaning Power: The cleaner must break down tough grease and limescale deep inside the machine. Look for formulas that specifically mention tackling hard water stains.
- Odor Elimination: A great cleaner doesn’t just remove dirt; it also removes bad smells. Good products leave a neutral or lightly fresh scent behind.
- Material Safety: The cleaner should be safe for all parts of your dishwasher, including stainless steel tubs, plastic components, and rubber seals.
- Ease of Use: Most top-rated cleaners are simple to use. They often come in single-use packets or easy-pour bottles.
Important Materials in Dishwasher Cleaners
The ingredients matter a lot. Most effective cleaners use a mix of safe chemicals designed to dissolve grime without harming your appliance.
What to Look For:
- Citric Acid: This natural acid is excellent at dissolving mineral deposits left by hard water (limescale). It is a common, safe ingredient.
- Surfactants: These are cleaning agents that help lift grease and oil off surfaces so they can be rinsed away.
- Enzymes: Some advanced cleaners use enzymes that “eat” food residue and protein buildup.
Avoid cleaners that use harsh, strong acids unless your manual specifically recommends them for extreme buildup. Gentler, balanced formulas usually work best for regular maintenance.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a dishwasher cleaner depends on how well it performs over time and what it avoids.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often require less product to get the job done.
- Dual-Action Formulas: The best cleaners often fight both grease and mineral buildup simultaneously.
- Trusted Ratings: Products with high user ratings usually deliver consistent results.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Residue Left Behind: A poor-quality cleaner might leave a cloudy film or a chemical smell inside your clean dishwasher. This means the product did not fully rinse away.
- Weak Packaging: If the packaging leaks or the cleaner dissolves too quickly before the cycle finishes, the cleaning power is reduced.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner affects your overall experience. Most cleaners require you to run an empty dishwasher cycle.
Common Use Cases:
- Monthly Maintenance: For dishwashers used daily, running a cleaner once a month keeps things fresh and prevents major clogs.
- Post-Heavy Use: If you frequently run large holiday meals or use your dishwasher heavily for a week, a quick clean afterward is helpful.
- Addressing Smells: If you notice a musty or sour smell, use a cleaner immediately to remove the source of the odor.
When using the product, always follow the package directions. Usually, you place the cleaner in the detergent dispenser or hang the packet inside the machine. Then, run the dishwasher on the hottest, longest cycle possible. This allows the cleaner enough time and heat to dissolve tough grime.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rated Dishwasher Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my dishwasher?
A: Most experts suggest cleaning your dishwasher once a month for regular use. If you have very hard water, you might clean it every three weeks.
Q: Can I use regular dish soap instead of a special cleaner?
A: No. Regular dish soap creates too many suds, which can damage your dishwasher pump. Special cleaners are designed to work without excessive foaming.
Q: Will a dishwasher cleaner hurt the rubber seals?
A: High-quality, rated cleaners are formulated to be safe for rubber and plastic parts. Always check the label to ensure material safety.
Q: Should I put dishes in the dishwasher when I use the cleaner?
A: No. Dishwasher cleaners are powerful and meant to clean the machine itself. Run the cycle completely empty.
Q: What is limescale, and why does it build up?
A: Limescale is a hard, chalky white deposit made of minerals like calcium and magnesium found in hard water. It builds up inside the machine over time.
Q: Do these cleaners remove hard water spots from my glasses?
A: Yes, by removing the scale and buildup inside the machine, the cleaner helps your dishwasher rinse more effectively, leading to clearer glasses.
Q: What is the best cycle to use with the cleaner?
A: Always use the hottest, longest cycle available, usually labeled “Heavy Duty” or “Pots and Pans.” Heat helps the cleaning agents dissolve grease better.
Q: Are bottle cleaners better than single-use packs?
A: It depends on preference. Packs offer perfect dosing, but bottles let you control the amount used, which can be cheaper for light maintenance.
Q: Can I use vinegar instead of a store-bought cleaner?
A: White vinegar works well for very light maintenance and odor control because of its mild acidity. However, commercial cleaners offer stronger degreasing power needed for heavy buildup.
Q: How long does a dishwasher cleaning cycle usually take?
A: A typical heavy-duty cycle with a cleaner runs between 90 minutes and three hours, depending on your dishwasher model.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!