10 Best Dishwasher Cleaners for 2026
You’ve probably spent more time scrubbing your dishwasher than actually using it—or at least it feels that way. Here’s the thing: your dishwasher works hard, and without proper maintenance, it’ll stop delivering those sparkling clean dishes you expect. That’s where specialized cleaners come in. We’ve researched the top options available in 2026, comparing everything from tablet convenience to liquid effectiveness, so you can find exactly what your machine needs to perform at its best.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview
- Affresh and Finish dominate the market with tablets and liquids offering 6-month to 1-year supplies for convenient maintenance.
- Liquid formulas provide 5x more cleaning power than tablets, specifically targeting grease in spray arms, filters, and pipes.
- Tablet formulas deliver pre-measured convenience and 100% more degreasing power, working effectively with or without dishes inside.
- Heavy-duty options tackle limescale and hard water deposits, while lemon-scented formulas eliminate odors and provide freshness.
- EPA Safer Choice certified products ensure septic-safe, non-corrosive cleaning compatible with all major dishwasher brands.
| Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner 6 Tablets 6 Month Supply |  | Best Overall | Supply Duration: 6 months | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid (8.45oz 3 Months) |  | Premium Performance | Supply Duration: 3 months | Product Form: Liquid | Septic Safe: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets 24 Pack (12 Month Supply) |  | Best Value | Supply Duration: 12 months | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets 24-Pack Lemon-Scented Descaler |  | Budget-Friendly Pick | Supply Duration: 12 months | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid 1 Year Supply |  | Year-Long Supply | Supply Duration: 12 months (1 year) | Product Form: Liquid | Septic Safe: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner Lemon Scent (3-Pack) |  | Made in USA | Supply Duration: Not specified | Product Form: Liquid | Septic Safe: Yes (septic-friendly) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (6 Month Supply) |  | Brand Recommended | Supply Duration: 6 months | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (4 Count) |  | Most Convenient | Supply Duration: Not specified (4 count) | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner 12 Tablets (2 Pack) |  | Editor’s Choice | Supply Duration: Not specified (12 tablets) | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Yes (septic-tank safe) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Heavy Duty Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (12-Pack) |  | Heavy Duty | Supply Duration: 12 months (1 year) | Product Form: Tablets | Septic Safe: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner 6 Tablets 6 Month Supply
If you’re looking for a dishwasher cleaner that’s endorsed by major appliance manufacturers, Affresh delivers professional-grade performance in a convenient tablet form. It’s the number one recommended brand by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and JennAir, backed by over a century of appliance innovation.
These tablets power away odor-causing bacteria, limescale, mineral deposits, and grime throughout your dishwasher’s pump, tub, and hoses. You’ll use them with or without dishes in any dishwasher make or model. The EPA Safer Choice Certified formula is septic-safe, and each six-tablet pack provides a six-month supply for optimized appliance performance.
- Supply Duration:6 months
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Yes
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:All makes and models
- Additional Feature:No. 1 brand recommended
- Additional Feature:EPA Safer Choice Certified
- Additional Feature:Works with dishes inside
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid (8.45oz 3 Months)
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid delivers 5x more cleaning power than tablet alternatives, targeting hidden grease buildup in spray arms, filters, and pipes that regular detergents miss. The formula neutralizes lingering odors while battling stubborn limescale and hard water deposits, maintaining your dishwasher’s health for better dish-cleaning results.
Simply place the bottle upside down in your empty dishwasher’s bottom rack and run a hot cycle every three months. It’s compatible with standard, older, and compact models, ensuring ideal performance across all dishwasher types.
- Supply Duration:3 months
- Product Form:Liquid
- Septic Safe:Not specified
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:Standard, older, and small dishwashers
- Additional Feature:5x more cleaning power
- Additional Feature:Bottle placed upside down
- Additional Feature:Liquid formula available
Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets 24 Pack (12 Month Supply)
For homeowners seeking year-round dishwasher maintenance without frequent restocking trips, this 24-pack tablet system delivers thorough cleaning power that’ll last an entire year. You’ll tackle hard water deposits, limescale, grease, and grime while preventing clogs in jets, tubes, and filters. The heavy-duty descaling formula works with all major brands including Bosch, GE, Samsung, and Whirlpool, across both plastic and stainless steel interiors.
Simply run one or two tablets monthly during a regular cycle—the natural lemon-citrus scent eliminates odors while the septic-safe formula deep cleans. For stubborn buildup, you can perform two separate cleaning cycles with a single tablet.
- Supply Duration:12 months
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Yes
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Lemon-citrus
- Universal Compatibility:GE, Bosch, Frigidaire, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana
- Additional Feature:24 tablets included
- Additional Feature:Natural lemon-citrus scent
- Additional Feature:Prevents clogs effectively
Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets 24-Pack Lemon-Scented Descaler
Busy households seeking year-round dishwasher maintenance will find exceptional value in this 24-pack of lemon-scented cleaner tablets. You’ll receive a complete 12-month supply that tackles grease, grime, limescale, and stubborn buildup effectively. Simply place one tablet in your detergent compartment and run a normal wash cycle—it’s that straightforward.
The heavy-duty descaling formula keeps your machine operating at peak performance while preventing clogs and unpleasant odors. You’ll appreciate the fresh lemon scent and compatibility with all major dishwasher brands. Regular monthly use extends your appliance’s lifespan and guarantees consistently spotless cleaning results throughout the year.
- Supply Duration:12 months
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Not specified
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Lemon
- Universal Compatibility:All major brands
- Additional Feature:24 tablets (1-year supply)
- Additional Feature:Extends dishwasher lifespan
- Additional Feature:Place in detergent compartment
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid 1 Year Supply
When was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher itself? Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid tackles hidden grease, hard water buildup, and limescale in spray arms, filters, and pipes without disassembly. You’ll get 5x more cleaning power than tablets, making it compatible with standard, older, and small dishwashers alike.
Simply remove the sticker, place the bottle upside down in your empty bottom rack, and run a hot cycle. Use it every three months to maintain your machine’s health, fight odors, and keep it performing at its best.
- Supply Duration:12 months (1 year)
- Product Form:Liquid
- Septic Safe:Not specified
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:Standard, older, and small dishwashers
- Additional Feature:1 year supply included
- Additional Feature:No disassembly required
- Additional Feature:Trusted by manufacturers
Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner Lemon Scent (3-Pack)
The Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner earns its spot as the best EPA Safer Choice certified option because it delivers powerful cleaning without harsh chemicals that could harm your family or the environment. This lemon-scented formula tackles limescale, rust, grease, and odor-causing buildup while remaining safe for your dishwasher, plumbing, and septic system.
You’ll appreciate its straightforward application—simply place the bottle upside down in your silverware basket and run the hottest cycle. Use it monthly to maintain peak performance, or apply a second treatment for heavy mineral deposits. The three-pack provides excellent value, and it’s proudly made in the USA with a satisfaction guarantee.
- Supply Duration:Not specified
- Product Form:Liquid
- Septic Safe:Yes (septic-friendly)
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Lemon
- Universal Compatibility:Any dishwasher, including stainless steel
- Additional Feature:Made in USA
- Additional Feature:Satisfaction guarantee included
- Additional Feature:3-pack bottles
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (6 Month Supply)
If you own a Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, or JennAir dishwasher, Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets deserve your attention as the No. 1 brand recommended by these manufacturers. These EPA Safer Choice Certified tablets eliminate odor-causing bacteria, limescale, mineral deposits, and grime throughout your dishwasher’s pump, tub, and hoses.
You’ll receive six tablets for six months of cleaning power in convenient tablet form—no messy powders or liquids. They’re safe to use with or without dishes and work with all dishwasher makes and models. The cleaner’s septic-safe formula helps optimize your appliance’s performance while removing hidden food debris.
- Supply Duration:6 months
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Yes
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:All makes and models
- Additional Feature:100 years expertise backed
- Additional Feature:No messy liquids/powders
- Additional Feature:Optimizes appliance performance
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (4 Count)
For households battling stubborn grease and hard water deposits, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets deliver 100% more degreasing power than detergent alone. These tablets deep clean hidden components like spray arms, filters, and pipes while neutralizing odors to keep your dishwasher fresh. You’ll appreciate the convenience—simply place one tablet in the bottom during your normal dish cycle without emptying your dishwasher or running an extra wash.
The 4-count package works with standard, compact, and older models. For ideal results, pair with Finish Machine Cleaner Tablet, Jet Dry rinse aid, and Ultimate detergent pods.
- Supply Duration:Not specified (4 count)
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Not specified
- Removes Limescale:Not specified (removes grime)
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:Standard, compact, and older dishwashers
- Additional Feature:No extra cycle needed
- Additional Feature:100% more degreasing power
- Additional Feature:Works during dish cycle
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner 12 Tablets (2 Pack)
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner stands out as the best choice for homeowners who want a trusted, expert-recommended solution to eliminate odors and limescale buildup. It’s the #1 brand recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and JennAir, giving you confidence in its effectiveness. The tablets power away mineral deposits and odor-causing residues deep within your machine, leaving dishes sparkling clean.
You’ll appreciate the convenience of pre-measured tablets versus messy powders or liquids. They’re EPA Safer Choice Certified and septic-tank safe, and you can use them monthly with or without dishes in any dishwasher model to maintain peak performance.
- Supply Duration:Not specified (12 tablets)
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Yes (septic-tank safe)
- Removes Limescale:Yes
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:All makes and models
- Additional Feature:12 tablets (2-pack)
- Additional Feature:Leaves dishes sparkling
- Additional Feature:Safer ingredient formulation
Heavy Duty Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (12-Pack)
These heavy-duty tablets tackle the toughest buildup in your dishwasher with their oversized 20-gram formula—twice the cleaning power of standard tabs. You’ll eliminate stubborn odors, grease, limescale, and hard water stains as the time-release formula dissolves slowly for maximum effectiveness.
The effervescent, non-corrosive pods work safely with all major dishwasher brands, including Bosch, LG, Samsung, and Whirlpool, whether you’ve got stainless steel or plastic interiors. They’re septic-safe and environmentally friendly too. With 12 tablets providing a full year’s supply, you’ll maintain a fresh, clean dishwasher without breaking the bank.
- Supply Duration:12 months (1 year)
- Product Form:Tablets
- Septic Safe:Yes
- Removes Limescale:Yes (lime scale)
- Scent:Not specified
- Universal Compatibility:LG, Bosch, Frigidaire, Whirlpool, Samsung, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, GE
- Additional Feature:Large 20-gram tablets
- Additional Feature:Cleans 2x more
- Additional Feature:Time-release formula
Factors to Consider When Choosing Dishwasher Cleaners
When selecting a dishwasher cleaner, you’ll need to evaluate the cleaning formula type—whether liquid, powder, or tablet—based on your specific maintenance needs. Consider how often you’ll use the product, its ability to eliminate stubborn odors, and whether it’s compatible with your dishwasher model. You should also check for environmental safety certifications if you’re concerned about eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Cleaning Formula Type
Understanding which cleaning formula type works best for your dishwasher directly impacts how effectively you’ll tackle buildup, odors, and residue. Powder formulas excel at removing stubborn deposits but can leave residue if not fully dissolved. Liquids penetrate deep into machine components, reaching areas other formulas miss. Tablet or pod formulas provide convenient, pre-measured doses that dissolve gradually throughout the wash cycle for thorough cleaning.
Each formula contains specific active ingredients—enzymes break down food particles, acids eliminate limescale, and surfactants lift grease and grime. Consider your machine’s specific needs: hard water requires stronger descaling agents, while odor problems benefit from enzyme-rich formulas targeting bacteria-causing residues.
Frequency of Use
Your dishwasher’s cleaning schedule depends on usage patterns and water conditions. Most manufacturers recommend monthly cleanings for light to moderate use, which effectively prevents buildup and eliminates odors. However, hard water, frequent use, and heavily soiled dishes accelerate residue accumulation, requiring more frequent cleaning—potentially every two weeks. Monitor your machine for signs like lingering odors, cloudy dishes, or visible residue to determine if adjustments are needed.
Using cleaner more often than necessary won’t improve results and wastes money. Assess your water hardness and usage patterns to establish a suitable cleaning routine that maintains peak performance without overdoing it. This tailored approach ensures optimal dishwasher function while avoiding unnecessary expense.
Odor Elimination Capabilities
A dishwasher that smells fresh signals proper maintenance, while persistent odors indicate trapped food particles, bacterial growth, or hard water deposits lurking in hidden areas. You’ll want a cleaner with odor-eliminating formulas that tackle these issues at their source. Effective odor removal prevents unpleasant smells from transferring onto your clean dishes, glasses, and silverware.
Look for products that neutralize odors rather than simply masking them with fragrance. While lemon-scented or fresh fragrances provide a pleasant aroma, they shouldn’t be the primary odor-fighting mechanism. Regular use of quality odor-eliminating cleaners maintains a consistently fresh-smelling dishwasher over time, preventing bacterial buildup and eliminating existing odor sources throughout the appliance’s interior.
Dishwasher Compatibility
Before purchasing a dishwasher cleaner, verify it’s compatible with your specific appliance type and materials. Check whether your dishwasher features plastic or stainless steel components, as different cleaners work better with each material. Most quality cleaners accommodate both modern and older models, including standard, compact, and small dishwashers. If you own a residential or commercial dishwashing machine, guarantee the cleaner explicitly states compatibility with your setup.
Some products are specifically designed for and endorsed by major appliance brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and KitchenAid, offering optimized performance for these manufacturers. Always review the product’s compatibility claims before purchasing. This simple step prevents potential damage to your dishwasher while guaranteeing the cleaner effectively removes buildup and residue from your specific model.
Environmental Safety Certifications
When selecting a dishwasher cleaner, prioritize products with EPA Safer Choice certification to guarantee you’re using a solution that meets stringent safety and environmental standards. This certification provides third-party verification that the cleaner effectively tackles grime while minimizing health and environmental impacts. If you have a septic system, choose septic-safe formulas to prevent tank damage.
Avoid cleaners containing harsh chemicals like chlorine and phosphates, which harm aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Look for biodegradable formulas with plant-based ingredients—these demonstrate a manufacturer’s commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental footprint. By selecting certified eco-friendly cleaners, you’ll maintain your dishwasher’s performance while protecting your household, septic system, and the planet from unnecessary chemical exposure.
Liquid Vs Tablet Format
Choosing between liquid and tablet dishwasher cleaners depends on your specific maintenance needs and preferences. Liquid cleaners excel at tackling heavier buildup, targeting hidden grease, hard water deposits, and limescale that accumulate inside your machine. They’re ideal when you’re dealing with significant grime or haven’t cleaned your dishwasher in months. Tablet cleaners offer a mess-free, convenient alternative for regular monthly maintenance—simply drop them into the detergent compartment without measuring or pouring.
Both formats effectively clean and deodorize your dishwasher when used as directed. Liquid formats typically provide a 3-month supply, while tablet packs usually last 6-12 months, making them economical for consistent upkeep. Consider liquid for intensive deep-cleaning sessions and tablets for hassle-free routine maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Use Dishwasher Cleaner for Optimal Performance?
Think of dishwasher cleaner as your appliance’s monthly spa day. You’ll want to use it once every month for ideal performance. This routine prevents buildup, eliminates odors, and keeps your machine running efficiently, ensuring sparkling clean dishes every time.
Can Dishwasher Cleaners Remove Hard Water Stains and Limescale Buildup?
Yes, dishwasher cleaners can effectively remove hard water stains and limescale buildup. You’ll find they contain acids like citric acid that dissolve mineral deposits, restoring your dishwasher’s performance and preventing future accumulation when used regularly.
Are Dishwasher Cleaners Safe for Septic Systems and the Environment?
Most dishwasher cleaners are septic-safe soldiers in your cleaning arsenal, but you’ll want to check labels carefully. Look for phosphate-free, biodegradable formulas that won’t harm beneficial bacteria or pollute waterways, protecting both your system and nature.
Will Dishwasher Cleaner Damage My Dishes if They’re Inside During Cleaning?
No, your dishes won’t be damaged if they’re inside during cleaning. Most dishwasher cleaners are formulated to be dish-safe, but you’ll want to check the product’s instructions since some manufacturers recommend running them in an empty dishwasher.
Can I Use Dishwasher Cleaner in Older or Commercial Dishwasher Models?
You’ll want to check your manual first—some older models have special coating concerns. However, most dishwasher cleaners work perfectly fine in commercial and vintage machines. Just verify compatibility before you pour it in and run the cycle.
