12 Cruelty-Free Dishwasher Detergents Worth Switching To

Switching to cruelty-free products isn’t just about skincare or makeup. The cleaners we use in our homes matter too, and that includes what goes into the dishwasher. Many big brands still test on animals or rely on harsh ingredients that aren’t great for your health or the planet.

The good news is that there are plenty of ethical options that work just as well, if not better. This list of twelve cruelty-free dishwasher detergents includes reliable choices that are safe, effective, and easy to find. Whether you want fewer chemicals, less plastic, or just cleaner dishes, these brands make the switch simple.

In a hurry? Here are our top picks!

If you just want the short list, these are a few reliable cruelty-free dishwasher detergents that clean well without animal testing or harsh ingredients:

• ATTITUDE Dishwasher Pods – Plant-based, fragrance-free, and tough on grease.
• Cleancult Ultra Power Dishwasher Detergent Pods – Plastic-free packaging with a light, fresh scent.
• Puracy Dishwasher Pods – Gentle, biodegradable, and no pre-rinse needed.
• Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Pods – Family-safe formula that’s simple and effective.

Cruelty-Free Dishwasher Soap

If you’re ready to swap out your current detergent for something more ethical, this list is a good place to start.  All of the brands are certified cruelty-free by either Leaping Bunny or PETA and some are vegan.

Brands marked with an asterisk (*) are owned by a parent company that isn’t fully cruelty-free, but the products themselves are certified.

1. AspenClean Dishwasher Pods

AspenClean makes a dependable, low-waste option that fits easily into a gentler home routine. The pods use plant- and mineral-based ingredients that clean dishes well without leaving a film or scent. They come in fully compostable packaging, which makes them an easy win if you’re trying to cut down on plastic.

2. ATTITUDE Dishwasher Pods

ATTITUDE’s dishwasher pods are a simple, plant-based option that works well for everyday loads. They tackle greasy dishes and dried-on food without leaving streaks or residue behind. The formula is biodegradable, fragrance-free, and gentle on skin, making it a good match for sensitive households.

3. Citra Solv HomeSolv Auto Dishwasher Pacs

Citra Solv’s dishwasher pacs are a straightforward choice for anyone who prefers a scent-free clean. The formula skips dyes and perfumes but still cuts through grease and food residue easily. It’s biodegradable, safe for septic systems, and a nice fit for low-tox homes or anyone with sensitivities.

4. Cleancult Ultra Power Dishwasher Pods

Cleancult’s pods are a great pick if you want strong cleaning power without all the plastic. Each pod is wrapped in a water-soluble film that dissolves completely, leaving no mess or waste. They have a light lemon verbena scent and come in 100% recyclable paper packaging, so they feel fresh and eco-conscious at the same time.

5. Dropps UltraWash Dishwasher Pods

Dropps makes it easy to keep dishes spotless without extra steps or harsh chemicals. The pods use enzymes and oxygen-based cleaners to break down stuck-on food and grease, no pre-rinse needed. They’re vegan, low-waste, and come in simple cardboard packaging that fits right into a greener routine.

6. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Soap Tablets*

Ecover’s dishwasher tablets are a reliable pick if you want cleaner dishes and a lighter impact on the environment. The plant-based formula cuts through food and grease without leaving residue or a harsh scent behind. The packaging is mostly cardboard, and the tablets are biodegradable, though the brand is owned by a parent company that isn’t cruelty-free.

7. Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods

Grab Green offers a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin or scent-free households. The pods are made with plant- and mineral-based ingredients that clean thoroughly without harsh chemicals. The resealable pouch is easy to use and skips the single-use plastic that most detergents rely on.

8. Molly’s Suds Dishwasher Pods

Molly’s Suds is a family-friendly choice that’s gentle on skin but tough on grime. The pods are free from synthetic fragrance, dyes, and harsh additives, yet they still leave dishes spotless. They’re vegan, low-sudsing, and work well even without a rinse aid, which makes them a great pick for busy households.

9. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder

Nellie’s keeps things simple with a scoopable powder instead of pre-measured pods. It’s biodegradable, phosphate-free, and comes in a reusable tin that helps cut down on waste. The powder cleans just as well as conventional brands and gives you more control over how much you use each time.

10. Planet Free & Clear Dishwasher Pacs

Planet keeps it simple with fragrance-free dishwasher pacs made for sensitive skin and low-tox homes. The enzyme-based formula breaks down grease and food residue without dyes, chlorine, or preservatives. It’s vegan, gentle on waterways, and an easy swap if you want something straightforward and effective.

11. Puracy Dishwasher Pods

Puracy’s pods are a solid pick for anyone who wants clean dishes without harsh chemicals or extra scrubbing. The plant-based enzymes handle tough food stains and grease, leaving dishes spotless without residue. They’re vegan, biodegradable, and ideal for households that prefer a low-maintenance, safer clean.

12. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs*

Seventh Generation’s pods are an easy-to-find option that balance performance with plant-based ingredients. The formula cuts through grease and stuck-on food without chlorine bleach or synthetic fragrance. It’s a dependable everyday choice, though the brand is owned by a parent company that isn’t fully cruelty-free.

Dishwasher Detergent Brands to Avoid

Some popular dishwasher detergents still rely on animal testing or harsh ingredients that aren’t great for your home or the environment. If you’re trying to clean more consciously, these are a few brands you may want to skip:

• Cascade (Procter & Gamble)
• Finish (Reckitt Benckiser)
• Sunlight (Henkel)
• Palmolive Eco+ (Colgate-Palmolive)
  

These brands are easy to find but don’t meet cruelty-free standards. The options listed above offer the same cleaning power without the animal testing or unnecessary chemicals.

Final Thoughts on Cruelty-Free Dishwasher Detergents

Switching to a cruelty-free dishwasher detergent is one of those small changes that adds up over time. You’ll still get clean, streak-free dishes, but you’ll also support brands that care about better ingredients and ethical testing practices.

Whether you choose pods, powder, or tablets, every swap helps reduce your impact and brings a little more intention into your routine. Start with one brand that fits your budget and values, see how it performs, and go from there. Clean dishes, clear conscience.

Have you tried any of the cruelty-free dishwasher detergents before? Feel free to leave your thoughts in our comment section below!

Looking for more cleaners? Check out our cruelty-free cleaning series:

• Cruelty-Free Dish Soaps
• Cruelty-Free Laundry Detergent Brands
• Cruelty-Free Bleach & Whiteners
• Cruelty-Free Fabric Softener 
• Cruelty-Free Dryer Sheets & Balls
• Cruelty-Free Stain & Odor Removers