Product Reviews > Home & Garden > Detergent
5 Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Tablets That Actually Work
Sparkling dishes without the toxic chemicals—discover the safest, most effective dishwasher tablets for your home.
BY GABRIELA SMITH
UPDATED: 31 March 2025
TESTED BY SARAH DAVIS
PRODUCT TESTING MANAGER
HOME & HEALTH UK
Most people assume their dishwasher tablets are safe—after all, they get rinsed off, right?
Unfortunately, many popular brands are packed with harsh chemicals that don’t just disappear during the rinse cycle.
They can leave behind residues on your plates, bowls, cutlery—everything you eat off.
A recent study found that commercial dishwashers left behind measurable levels of alcohol ethoxylates, a chemical commonly found in both commercial and household dishwasher detergents.
If ingested, alcohol ethoxylates can contribute to leaky gut, a condition that may lead to:
Food sensitivities
Fatigue
Brain fog
Bloating
Weakened immune function
While the study focused on commercial settings and short-term exposure, there’s still so much we don’t know about the long-term impact of dishwasher tablet chemicals on our health.
So the question is—why take the risk?
What’s Really in Your Diswasher Tablets?
If you're using big-name dishwasher brands, you could be washing your plates, glasses, and cutlery in a chemical cocktail that includes:
🛑 Alcohol Ethoxylates – Linked to leaky gut, which can trigger bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and food sensitivities.
🛑 Hormone Disruptors (Phthalates) – Found in fragrance; released as vapour during cycles and linked to hormone imbalances and fertility issues.
🛑 Carcinogens (DEA & 1,4-Dioxane) – Classified carcinogens found in mainstream dishwasher detergents.
🛑 Artificial Preservatives – Methylisothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.
How These Chemicals Impact Your Health
Because dishwasher tablets touch everything you eat and drink from, you risk ingesting chemical residues with every bite.
And if you’ve ever opened the dishwasher and been hit by that chemical smell—that’s not a good sign.
Over time, this daily exposure can lead to:
Gut Barrier Damage – Ingredients like alcohol ethoxylates may weaken the gut lining, contributing to leaky gut and inflammation.
Respiratory Issues – Inhaling fumes from tablets can irritate lungs and worsen asthma or other breathing conditions.
Allergies & Sensitivities – Preservatives and dyes can trigger rashes, sneezing, headaches, and skin flare-ups.
Toxic Load Build-Up – These chemicals add to your body’s overall toxic burden, making natural detox harder.
Reproductive Issues – Hormone disruptors like phthalates have been linked to lower fertility and hormone imbalances.
Increased Cancer Risk – Carcinogens like 1,4-dioxane and DEA are still found in some mainstream dishwasher detergents.
What to Look for in a Truly Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent
With more consumers becoming health-conscious, the market for safer, chemical-free dishwasher tablets has grown.
But with so many options, how do you know what’s actually safe?
Here are the key things to look for when choosing a truly non-toxic dishwasher tablet:
✅ Plant-Derived or Low-Impact Ingredients
These ingredients break down naturally, making them safer for both your health and the environment.
✅ Alcohol Ethoxylates Free Formula
Choose a dishwasher tablets with no alcohol ethoxylates or other gut disrupting chemicals.
✅ Certifications & Ingredient Transparency
To avoid dodgy claims, look for third-party certifications that verify a dishwasher tablets safety.
Choosing effective “non-toxic” dishwasher tablets isn’t easy with so many out there—so how can you tell what’s worthwhile?
How We Tested
Our team of researchers and expert product testers put 15 of the most popular non-toxic dishwasher tablets through rigorous testing.
To ensure we only recommend the best non-toxic dishwasher tablets, we put each product through five key tests:
1️⃣ Cleaning Performance – Does It Actually Clean?
2️⃣ Health & Safety – Are the Ingredients Truly Non-Toxic?
3️⃣ Ease of Use – Does It Create a Hassle?
4️⃣ Eco-Friendliness – Is It Truly Sustainable?
5️⃣ Value for Money – Is It Worth the Price?
After meticulous research and real-world stain tests, we narrowed it down to the top 5 best-performing dishwasher tablets—the ones that are truly non-toxic and actually work:
The Top 5 Non-Toxic Dishwasher Tablets That Actually Work
Score: 95/100
After putting 15 non-toxic dishwasher tablets through rigorous testing, Dip came out on top as the best overall choice.
We tested it on some of the toughest kitchen messes—baked-on cheese, dried tomato sauce, tea and coffee stains...
And it consistently delivered the best cleaning power across the board.
Even on cloudy glassware and greasy pans, Dip left everything looking spotless.
And the scent? Fresh lemon.
Subtle, clean, and uplifting—without the heavy, artificial fragrance most tablets come with.
What truly sets Dip apart is that it’s trusted by leading health experts.
People like:
Liberty Mills (women’s health and hormone expert)
Tim Gray (the UK’s top biohacker),
Sophie Bertrand (nutritionist)
These professionals all recommend Dip for households looking to reduce toxic load without sacrificing performance.
On the sustainability front, Dip goes further than most.
While many other options are plastic-free, Dip’s packaging is home compostable, FSC-certified, and 100% recyclable.
Its formula is also certified biodegradable by the OECD, meaning it breaks down quickly and safely in our waterways—protecting both people and planet.
And because it’s up to 90% lighter than traditional dishwasher tablet formats, it requires significantly less CO2 to ship.
That means it’s not just cleaner for your home—it’s cleaner for the planet too.
Pros
No Alcohol Ethoxylates (Gut Disruptors)
No Hormone Disruptors (ECHA Compliant)
Only use plant-derived or lower impact ingredients
Best results at removing tough stains
2-in-1: Detergent and Pre-Soak
Totally transparent with ingredients
Delightful, Light Fragrance
Lightweight (Less Delivery Emissions)
Certified Biodegradable (OECD)
Plastic Free Packaging (FSC Certified)
Carbon-Neutral Delivery
Vegan & Cruelty free
No Carcinogens
100% Money Back Guarantee
Cons
Only available on their website.
A bit more expensive per wash (£0.02 more)
Need to keep your rinse aid and salts topped up for optimal performance
Shop #1 Pick
Why These Sheets Were Our Favourite
One of the biggest reasons Dip stood out above the rest was the fact that it’s a dishwasher sheet—something none of the other products we tested offered.
This innovative sheet format gave it several unique advantages, making it the most practical, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly option on our list.
First, Dip is the only dishwasher tablet with a true 2-in-1 formula—acting as both a detergent and a pre-soak.
This made it especially effective when handwashing dishes or soaking burnt-on trays.
To use in the dishwasher, simply fold the sheet into quarters and pop it in the tray.
No bulky pods, no powder mess.
Where Dip really impressed us was its health-first approach.
It’s been trusted by wellness experts like nutritionist and hormone expert—so you know it’s built on more than just marketing.
It’s also one of the cleanest formulations we tested:
No alcohol ethoxylates (linked to gut barrier damage)
No carcinogens like DEA or 1,4-dioxane
No hormone-disrupting fragrances
And full transparency around all ingredients—including the fragrance.
Dip is also one of the only brands with an OECD-certified biodegradable formula, meaning it breaks down safely in water and won’t pollute our rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Its FSC-certified cardboard packaging is not only 100% plastic-free—it’s also home compostable and recyclable.
And because the sheets are so light and compact, they use up to 90% less CO2 during delivery compared to traditional tablets or liquids.
In terms of overall sustainability, Dip set a new standard.
And while it’s slightly more premium than conventional tablets, Dip offers flexible subscription options that make it even more affordable per wash—plus the added convenience of never running out.
For all these reasons—performance, health, and sustainability—Dip was our clear #1 pick.
Key Specifications
Format
Sheets
Number of Washes
60
Price Per Wash
£0.28
All-In-One
No
Fragrance Options
Fresh Lemon
Subscription Options
Yes (20% OFF)
Reasons To Buy
2-in-1 formula, best cleaning performance, clean ingredients, most eco-friendly, trusted by experts
Score: 85/100
Bower Collective is a well-known name in the eco-cleaning space, so we were curious to see how their dishwasher tablets would perform in our tests.
The lemon scent was light and natural—pleasant without being overpowering, and a nice change from the overly perfumed options on the market.
In terms of cleaning power, these tablets did a solid job in soft water conditions, removing general food residue and light grease effectively.
However, in tougher conditions—like baked-on dishes or when testing in a hard water setting—we noticed a decline in performance.
One of the biggest selling points of Bower Collective is its eco-friendly ethos.
The tablets come in plastic-free packaging and are wrapped in a biodegradable film, which we really liked.
The bulk format is also a plus—it’s cost-effective and reduces unnecessary deliveries.
That said, the box itself is on the larger side, and storage could be an issue for smaller kitchens.
While the minimalist design looks great, we found it slightly awkward to open and reseal once in use.
Overall, these tablets are a great low-tox option, especially if you live in a soft water area or already use separate rinse aid and salt.
Pros
Light, pleasant lemon scent (not overpowering)
Plastic-free, biodegradable packaging
Biodegradable water-soluble tablet wrapping
Bulk format reduces delivery frequency and packaging waste
Works well in soft water conditions
Cons
Lacks built-in rinse aid and salt (not ideal for hard water areas)
Bulky packaging can be difficult to store in small kitchens
Key Specifications
Format
Tablets
Number of Washes
72
Price Per Wash
£0.29
All-In-One
No
Fragrance Options
Lemon
Subscription Options
Yes
Reasons To Buy
Plastic free packaging, pleasant scent and good cleaning power
Score: 80/100
Homethings has gained attention in the eco-friendly cleaning market, so we were eager to test their dishwasher tablets.
The slim, letterbox-friendly packaging is a thoughtful touch, especially for those who may not be home for deliveries.
In our London-based tests, where the water is moderately hard, the tablets effectively cleaned dishes, removing common food residues and leaving glassware clear.
However, during trials in Suffolk, an area known for very hard water, the tablets' performance declined, with some items requiring additional washing.
We appreciate that Homethings' tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phosphates and chlorine, aligning with their commitment to environmentally friendly products.
The packaging is plastic-free, reinforcing their eco-conscious approach.
Overall, Homethings' dishwasher tablets are a solid choice for those in areas with softer water.
However, in regions with very hard water, additional measures like using separate rinse aids or water softeners may be necessary to achieve optimal results.
Pros
Slim, letterbox-friendly packaging (great for easy delivery)
Plastic-free and eco-conscious design
Vegan, cruelty-free, and free from phosphates and chlorine
Effective in moderate to soft water areas
Cons
Struggles in very hard water areas without added rinse aid
Slightly less effective on heavily baked-on residues compared to top performers
Key Specifications
Format
Tablets
Number of Washes
40
Price Per Wash
£0.25
All-In-One
No
Fragrance Options
Eucalyptus
Subscription Options
Yes
Reasons To Buy
Letterbox-friendly packaging, eco-formula and decent cleaning power
Score: 75/100
OceanSaver is a well-known name in plastic-free cleaning, and their dishwasher tablets are one of the more affordable options we tested—especially when bought in bulk.
Cleaning performance was solid across the board.
The tablets handled grease, dried-on food, and even performed well in harder water areas.
There’s no strong scent, but dishes came out smelling fresh and free from chemical odours.
The tablets include built-in salt and rinse aid, which makes them super convenient.
However, it's worth noting that they’re the least low-toxic option on this list.
The formula includes some bleaching agents, which help boost cleaning power, but aren’t as gentle or health-conscious as the other products we tested.
Still, for those looking for a budget-friendly, plastic-free tablet that gets the job done, OceanSaver offers great value.
Just know it may not be the best fit for those with more sensitive health or ingredient concerns.
Pros
Very affordable (especially when bought in bulk)
Strong cleaning performance, even in hard water
Built-in salt and rinse aid for convenience
Plastic-free, compact packaging
Cons
Least low-toxic option on this list
Contains bleaching agents
Not ideal for those with sensitivities or seeking the cleanest ingredient profile
Key Specifications
Format
Tablets
Number of Washes
30
Price Per Wash
£0.28
All-In-One
Yes
Fragrance Options
Not stated but fragrance is listed as an ingredient
Subscription Options
Yes
Reasons To Buy
Great value, good cleaning performance and plastic free
Score: 70/100
Smol’s dishwasher tablets offer good cleaning performance, and their direct-to-door subscription model is a big part of their appeal.
We found them highly effective at tackling grease, baked-on food, and tough stains—delivering reliably clean results in both soft and hard water areas.
The tablets also come with a free trial, which is a great way to test them before committing.
That said, Smol is subscription-only, and while their system is easy to manage (you can pause, cancel, or reschedule with a few clicks), it does make the product less accessible for those who prefer to shop in stores or on their own terms.
This lack of flexibility is the main reason Smol didn’t place higher in our ranking.
Packaging is plastic-free and compact, aligning with their low-waste ethos, and the tablets are vegan and cruelty-free.
Ingredient transparency is decent, though not as comprehensive as some of the other brands we tested.
Overall, Smol is a solid choice if you're comfortable with a subscription-only setup.
But for those who prefer a more flexible purchase option, there are alternatives that offer the same performance without the restrictions.
Pros
Good cleaning performance on grease and tough stains
Plastic-free, compact packaging
Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
Contains Phosphonates (not great for the environment)
Only available on subscription—no one-off purchases
Ingredient transparency not as detailed as top picks
Key Specifications
Format
Tablets
Number of Washes
30
Price Per Wash
£0.22
All-In-One
Yes
Fragrance Options
Not stated but fragrance is listed as an ingredient
Subscription Options
Only Subsciption
Reasons To Buy
Good cleaning performance, plastic free and vegan and cruelty free
Why Our Team Choose Dip as The #1 Pick
After testing 15 of the most popular non-toxic dishwasher tablets, Dip stood out as the best overall. Here’s why:
1️⃣ Trusted by Experts
Dip isn’t just our top pick—it’s trusted by leading health and wellness professionals across the UK. Experts like Liberty Mills (women’s health expert) and Tim Gray (UK’s leading biohacker) recommend Dip for its clean, transparent formula and commitment to health. It’s a trusted option for anyone serious about reducing toxic load in the home.
2️⃣ Safe Plant-Derived Ingredients
While many so-called “eco” tablets still contain hidden toxins, Dip uses only plant-derived, lower-impact ingredients. It’s free from alcohol ethoxylates, 1,4-dioxane, DEA, hormone disruptors, parabens, and synthetic dyes—all while delivering powerful cleaning using natural saponins and safe enzymes.
3️⃣ Gut-Friendly Formula
Unlike some tablets that can leave behind residue containing gut-damaging chemicals, Dip is formulated with gut health in mind. It’s free from ingredients like alcohol ethoxylates and other surfactants shown to compromise the gut lining. That means a cleaner wash—and peace of mind at mealtime.
4️⃣ Super Effective + 2-in-1 Formula
Dip’s unique 2-in-1 formula works as both a detergent and a pre-soak, making it ideal for baking trays, handwashing, or heavy loads. It tackled baked-on cheese, coffee stains, and greasy dishes better than any other product we tested.
5️⃣ Eco-Friendly Packaging & Biodegradable Formula
Dip is the only brand in our test that’s OECD-certified biodegradable, FSC-certified, and home compostable. It’s also phosphonate-free, unlike other options on this list. And because the sheets are up to 90% lighter than traditional formats, they require less CO₂ to ship, making them one of the most sustainable choices available.
6️⃣ Positive Customer Feedback – Over 30,000 Happy Customers
Dip has earned the trust of thousands of people switching to non-toxic cleaning. Customers love the fresh scent, the results, and the peace of mind it brings. And with a 100% money-back guarantee, there’s no risk in trying it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after rigorous testing of 15 non-toxic dishwasher tablets, Dip came out on top as the best all-around choice for cleaning performance, ingredient safety, and sustainability.
It’s free from gut-damaging chemicals, tackles tough baked-on stains with ease, and is the only product we tested that’s biodegradable, home compostable, phosphonate-free, and trusted by experts.
If you’re looking for a truly non-toxic dishwasher tablet that actually works, Dip is the clear winner.
Shop The Number #1 Pick: Dip