The best dishwasher products in the UK 2023

Faced with the plethora of dishwasher products on offer, it is difficult to make the right choice! How do you find a product that preserves the dishwasher while cleaning without leaving a trace, especially on glassware? Should you turn to liquid or powder detergents, or opt for ready-to-use tablets? We tell you everything in this buying guide.

Finish Powerball All in 1 Max 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Finish Powerball All in 1 Max

Best dishwasher product of the month

Each all-in-one tablet that makes up this dishwasher product has a layer of cleaning agent and another layer of rinse agent and regenerating salt.

11,01 £ on Amazon

Users who have already used this dishwashing product are unanimous: just try Powerball Finish and you'll be hooked. These two-layer tablets, wrapped in a water-soluble film, have incredible degreasing and cleaning power. As soon as the cycle starts, the first layer releases cleaning agents that eliminate dirt and grease. Then, the second layer facilitates the rinsing, erases all white traces on the dishes while banishing limestone and scale.

In addition to its action on the dishes, users also report all the benefits of this dishwasher product on the appliance itself. Towards the end of the wash, a sweet lemon scent fills the machine and the dishes; a scent that stays for hours. In addition, after regular use of this product, the dishwasher no longer gives off a bad smell even when not in use and when left closed for a long time.

Sun Classic Dishwasher Powder 2
7/10

Best Cheap

Sun Classic Dishwasher Powder

Best cheap dishwasher product

Cheap dishwashing product made in the UK: we adopt it! Thanks to its concentrated formula, it cleans the dishes in depth and allows a personalized dosage.

6,64 £ on Amazon

This dishwashing product comes in the form of a powder to be dosed according to the level of dirt and the quantity of dishes. Users insist on respecting this dosage: it is better to use less than too much, because the product will be more effective. Moreover, this performance is often mentioned in customer comments: stubborn stains, dry residues and grease disappear with this cheap dishwasher product.

However, it is worth mentioning that, unlike all-in-one formulas, the Sun Classic must be combined with rinse aid, for dishwashing brilliance, and with regenerating salt, for anti-scale and anti-scalding action. Another important point: this dishwashing product is very economical as it is designed for 90 washes. And let's not forget that the Sun brand remains a reference in terms of ecological impact regulations!

Sun Classic dishwasher tablets 3
8/10

Best Premium

Sun Classic dishwasher tablets

Best high-end dishwasher product

With one purchase, you win dishwasher products for 3 months of washing. And that's with all-in-one shelves bearing the Climate Pledge Friendly label, which is a testament to a series of environmentally responsible actions.

26,49 £ on Amazon

This dishwashing product is not lacking in arguments to convince. The Climate Pledge Friendly label is proof of the brand's commitment to reducing the ecological impact of this phosphate-free product. Without dwelling on its recycled and recyclable packaging, it is also worth mentioning that the formula developed by Sun reduces the water consumption and energy expenditure of the dishwasher. This is due to the massive amount of Cleanboost agents present in each tablet.

This is a dishwashing product that is effective on a short cycle and even at low temperatures. Thanks to 30% natural ingredients and a highly concentrated formula, its performance has never been questioned. However, to maximize the result, the brand recommends the use of rinsing liquid. Also, preserve your dishwasher from lime and scale deposits by using regenerating salt.

Finish Power Gel Tout en un Max 4
8/10

Best Alternative

Finish Power Gel Tout en un Max

Best dishwasher gel

Shine and protection, these are the advantages put forward by Finish through this gel dishwashing product, designed according to an all-in-one formula.

6,64 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best dishwashing product

Any specific needs?

Best dishwasher product of the month

Best cheap dishwasher product

Best high-end dishwasher product

Best dishwasher gel

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best dishwasher products

BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Finish Powerball All in 1 Max 5
9/10
Sun Classic Dishwasher Powder 6
7/10
Sun Classic dishwasher tablets 7
8/10
Finish Power Gel Tout en un Max 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Finish Powerball All in 1 Max
Sun Classic Dishwasher Powder
Sun Classic dishwasher tablets
Finish Power Gel Tout en un Max
Each all-in-one tablet that makes up this dishwasher product has a layer of cleaning agent and another layer of rinse agent and regenerating salt.
Cheap dishwashing product made in the UK: we adopt it! Thanks to its concentrated formula, it cleans the dishes in depth and allows a personalized dosage.
With one purchase, you win dishwasher products for 3 months of washing. And that's with all-in-one shelves bearing the Climate Pledge Friendly label, which is a testament to a series of environmentally responsible actions.
Shine and protection, these are the advantages put forward by Finish through this gel dishwashing product, designed according to an all-in-one formula.
Type of dishwasher products
Pastille
Powder
Tablet
Gel
Rinse agent
Regenerating salt
Ease of use
Quantity
100 pastilles
2.85 kg (90 washes)
2.8 kg (280 washes)
1 liter (50 washes)

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - dishwashing product

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How to choose your dishwashing product

To choose a dishwasher product, here are some criteria you should consider.

#1 - The form of the dishwasher product

This is a crucial criterion as it determines the use of the dishwasher product. What form do you want it in?

  • On the one hand, there is the powder that is poured directly into the appliance in the correct dosage.
  • On the other hand, there is the liquefied texture where the dishwashing product is more like a gel or a slightly thick liquid.
  • And of course, there are the tablets, capsules and tablets; those ingenious inventions where you will just have to put an item in the dishwasher without worrying about the dosage.

#2 - With or without a rinse agent

Indispensable to the proper functioning of the appliance, the rinse agent, usually in liquid form, must be included in all-in-one dishwasher products. It is thanks to this element that glass cutlery will come out of the machine without a thin white film or traces of soapy water runoff. Dishes will also dry faster and look brighter thanks to the rinse agent in the dishwashing product.

However, if the product you choose doesn't contain any, you can buy it separately and pour the liquid into the dishwasher.

#3 - With or without the ecological label

The many tests we've done confirm it: 100% natural dishwashing products are often not very effective. This undoubtedly explains the success of items that do not carry any ecological or biodegradable certification.

Of course, we can only encourage the use of biodegradable dishwashing products with an acceptable environmental performance so as not to harm the ecology.

#4 - Ease of use

This criterion depends largely on the form of the dishwashing product you have chosen. If you have chosen liquid or powder detergent, you will have to be meticulous about the quantity of product used. Indeed, you must always respect the dosage to avoid damaging the dishwasher and the pipes.

On the other hand, some dishwasher products are easy to use. No dosing, no measuring: you put a tablet in the machine and turn it on.

#5 - Length of use

When buying any dishwasher product, always check the quantity: is it enough to last you at least three weeks, or even a month? Because it wouldn't be worth choosing a pack of tablets, a bottle of liquid detergent or a bag of powder that will be used up after a week! In addition, the quantity of the dishwasher product will also allow you to establish the quality-price ratio of the model you have chosen.

Dishwashing product: regenerating salt to maintain the appliance

Unless you choose an all-in-one dishwasher product, you need to use a rinse agent to avoid white spots on the plates, but also regenerating salt. What is the role of the latter?

What is the regenerating salt used for?

Already, you should know that every dishwasher already has a regenerating salt tank that you should fill once a week. If you use a powdered or liquid dishwasher product, you should also fill the tank for the rinse liquid at the same frequency.

As for the role of regenerating salt, it is primarily used to mitigate water hardness by removing the limescale and scale that forms when "hard" water (rich in magnesium and limestone) reaches 60°. In this way, you preserve your dishwasher by preventing deposits that, over time, may clog the pipes.

Is the regenerating salt in dishwasher products reliable?

Some dishwashing products already have regenerating salt in their formulas, in addition to the cleaning and rinsing agents. This is precisely the case with tablets, tablets and capsules, which seduce with an all-in-one design. Effectively, they exempt you from the purchase and use of regenerating salt; although during periodic maintenance of the dishwasher, you may need it.

The different types of dishwasher products

The form of dishwashing products allows us to distinguish three main types: liquid detergents, those that are powdered and those that are presented in the form of a tablet or tablet.

Liquid detergents

Easily recognizable by its presentation in a bottle and its liquid or liquefied gel texture, this type of dishwashing product seduces by its high concentration of cleaning agent. A small quantity is enough to wash a large quantity of dishes; moreover, the dosage is generally done thanks to the graduated cap of the bottle. It should be noted that an overdose can have a negative impact on the ecology, because some elements, such as phosphate, are not biodegradable.

That said, liquid detergents are very effective. In addition, this type of dishwashing product is known to be less irritating than its powder counterpart. Generally, it must be completed by a rinsing agent to accelerate the drying process and regenerating salt to fight against the formation of limestone and scale.

We like:

  • The effectiveness of this dishwasher product which is very concentrated.
  • The possibility to adjust the quantity of the product used.

We like less:

  • The ecological impact in case of overdosing.
  • The sometimes high price of gel dishwashing products.

Detergent powders

When looking for a cheap and economical dishwashing product, we turn to powdered detergents. Besides the price appeal, they are also effective, especially if you choose a concentrated formula to optimize the cleaning of your dishes. Easy to use, the powdered dishwashing product is poured into the product container; remember to respect the recommended dosage.

It is important to note that powdered detergents are one of the few dishwashing products that are suitable for a short cycle. Sometimes they contain oxygenated enzymes combined with anti-scale elements, so you don't need to use regenerating salt. However, in most cases, you will need to use a rinse agent to complement the powdered detergent.

We like:

  • The fact that it is a cheap dishwashing product,
  • The possibility of using it in a short cycle,
  • The possibility to adjust the quantity of the product.

We like less:

  • The storage is not very practical: you have to be careful that the powder does not spill out of its packaging.
  • The obligation to have dry hands when using it.

Capsules/tablets/dishwasher tablets

Dishwasher manufacturers now offer all-in-one formulas packaged in a single capsule, tablet or lozenge. In simple terms, each item contains a cleaning product, a rinsing agent and regenerating salt. You don't have to worry about dosing: just put a capsule, tablet or pad in the dishwasher and start the cycle.

The operation of this type of dishwasher products is easy to understand. All the elements necessary for the washing are gathered and wrapped in a water-soluble film. That's why you need to keep your hands dry when handling them so as not to release the regenerating salt, cleaning and rinsing agents before their time. It is also necessary to keep these dishwashing products in a dry container and away from humidity.

We like:

  • Ease of use: no need to dose.
  • Efficiency: these dishwashing products clean and rinse without leaving any trace.
  • Complete formula: no need to buy regenerating salt and rinse agent.

We like less:

  • The price is higher than the two previous dishwashing products.
  • The need to have dry hands when using it.

Natural or industrial dishwashing product ?

When it comes to dishwashing products, is the natural version better than a chemical formula? The relevance of this question lies in the fact that waste water will always end up in nature.

Natural dishwashing product

There is certainly no shortage of tips on how to concoct homemade dishwashing products on the internet. Far from the watered-down speeches and the often overrated images, these homemade and natural products often lack efficiency. Of course, they do most of the work, but for dry residues or very dirty dishes, you have to expect to have to rewash by hand.

On discussion forums, natural dishwashing products receive many positive reviews on the ecological issue. Indeed, they usually contain white vinegar and baking soda. However, users also report that the acidity of the vinegar causes some dishwasher seals to soften and become damaged.

Industrial dishwasher product

It is undeniable that the main argument of the chemical dishwasher product remains its efficiency. This is largely due to the massive presence of alkaline additives, commonly called "phosphate", whose role is to eliminate limescale and treat grease. In addition, phosphate helps to reinforce the action of the surfactants contained in dishwashing products for optimal cleaning.

The main disadvantage, however, is that this type of dishwasher product is not very environmentally friendly. Phosphate is not always filtered by water purification systems and accelerates the growth of oxygen-hungry algae in the water. The aquatic environment thus becomes less rich in oxygen and less viable for the animal species that live there.

Verdict

If we turn to a dishwasher product, it is to have an effective tool to clean our kitchen utensils and cutlery. The industrial version thus finds all its legitimacy. However, there is the ecological concern!

Today, the phosphate content is regulated to reduce environmental impacts. But beyond that, remember to respect the dosage for each cycle.

Why buy a good dishwasher product?

Clean, undamaged dishes with no white streaks: that's one good reason to buy a good dishwashing product, but there are many more!

For clean dishes

The main purpose of a dishwashing product is to clean your cutlery and kitchen utensils so that they come out clean, neat and shiny. Although we don't expect to have sparkling plates as advertised, we can demand that our dishes come out sparkling, without being dull, especially for glass items. This material tends to lose its shine if not properly cleaned.

To avoid damaging the dishes

In the kitchen, different materials are used: stainless steel, glass, plastic, etc. A good dishwashing product is able to clean these materials effectively without damaging them or even less deforming them. Of course, you should choose a multi-purpose product that guarantees the same impeccable result, regardless of the material of your dishes.

To make your job easier

Let's face it, dishwashing detergent makes the job a lot easier. Just pour enough into the designated area (if you're using liquid or powder detergent) and start the cycle. You won't have to dose anything if you opt for the ease of use of tablets or capsules; all-in-one products that dispense with the need to buy rinse agent and regenerating salt.

To increase the life of your dishwasher

If you use a good dishwashing product, your machine will be better off. Indeed, the formulas elaborated allow to soften the hardness of the water and avoid the deposits of limestone and scale thanks to the regenerating salt. The product will also increase the performance of the appliance thanks to a rinsing agent that accelerates drying. Thanks to these combinations, the dishwasher product preserves the seals and pipes of the appliance, thus prolonging its durability.

To save time

The only thing you need to do when using a good dishwashing product is to put the right amount of product in the product container or place a tablet, capsule and pad in the container and set the cycle. You can then go about your business while waiting for the dishes to be washed and dried. This is a considerable time saver, given the hectic pace of everyday life!

The best brands of dishwasher products

In our opinion, the best brands of dishwasher products in 2022 are :

Sun
Finish
Claro
L’arbre vert
Fairy

Created in the early 1960s, the Sun brand is a French brand specialized in the manufacture of dishwashing products. The singularity of the brand: the ecological concern that manifests itself through packaging anchored in a recycling chain and eco-responsible products.

Finish is one of the world's best known brands in dishwashing products. It offers everything from powdered and liquid detergent to all-in-one tablets and tablets.

Claro is an Austrian-based company, well known to the public through its eco-friendly dishwashing products. "Environmentally friendly, but rigorous" is the motto of this brand, which intends to rework the bad reputations around organic dishwashing products.

Green Tree is a brand that only dates back to 2003, yet its reputation is already well built. Suggesting hygiene and maintenance products used on a daily basis, the brand does not fail to offer particularly ecological dishwashing products.

Wishing to position itself in the same rank as Sun and Finish in the UK and Europe, Fairy is a subsidiary of the American giant Procter & Gamble (the multinational owner of the Ariel, Mr. Clean, etc. ranges).

What is the price for a dishwashing product

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 20 £
High-end
more than 20 £
Price range diagram

Tips

To design a homemade dishwashing product

With the success of DIY, many prefer to design a dishwashing product themselves. If this is your case, put 3 tablespoons of baking soda and soda crystals, 1 tablespoon of citric acid and coarse salt in a bowl.

Lightly moisten the mixture by spraying it with water, crumble and mix to a slightly fluffier consistency than a crumble. Put a tablespoon of this mixture in each compartment of an ice cube tray and use after a few hours.

To find out if you still need regenerating salt with an all-in-one dishwashing product

When you choose an all-in-one dishwashing product, i.e., one that has a washing agent, a rinsing agent and anti-scale salt, there is a common misconception that you will never have to use regenerating salt. This is not true!

If the water in your community is very high in limescale, and therefore said to be very hard, you need to add more to prevent limescale and scale deposits in the dishwasher.

To use the dishwashing product to maintain the appliance

For maintenance purposes, consider running a long cycle on empty while using an all-in-one dishwasher product. This is a way to thoroughly clean the appliance and remove various dirt that may have become embedded in it. You can do this once every 7-8 weeks.

To change the type of dishwashing products

If you want to change the type of dishwashing products, remember to remove all the residue from the old product or you risk creating too much suds, clogging the drains or even causing a flood in your kitchen. It's a matter of dosage: leftover cleaners combined with an all-in-one tablet can cause serious damage.

To avoid damaging the appliance with natural dishwashing products

If you decide to truncate industrial dishwashing products for a natural homemade version, consider using citric acid instead of white vinegar. In fact, many users have reported that the acidity of vinegar tends to work on seals, which soften and become damaged over time.

FAQ

How to make dishwasher detergent? How to change your dishwasher detergent? How to empty the dishwasher rinse agent? How to use dishwasher detergents?

The only alternative to a dishwasher product is to proceed by hand and use a cleaner designed for this purpose.

If you want to make your own dishwasher detergent, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and soda crystals with 1 tablespoon of citric acid and coarse salt. You work it into a sandy texture, spread the mixture into the compartments of an ice cube tray and you can use them after a few hours.

If you are not happy with your dishwashing product and want to replace it, just choose the type of products you want to use. However, remember to remove any residue from the first product before using another one to avoid overdosing. If you need to empty the rinse agent tray on your dishwasher, you should remove it if it is removable or siphon off the liquid if it is not. You can avoid this task by choosing an all-in-one dishwasher product. This saves you time; one of the many benefits of a good dishwashing product.

First of all, consider that there are different forms of products and their use differs. If you use tablets, place the product either in the tray or in the device provided by your machine. The dishwashing liquid will not liquefy completely if you put it directly inside the machine.

For liquid products, you must properly clean the product box before each use. Then, use the cap, as with the washing machine, for dosing.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to find the best dishwasher detergent, choice.com
  2. Best Dishwasher Detergent Buying Guide, consumerreports.org
  3. How To Choose Detergent | Finish, finishinfo.com
  4. Choosing the Right Dishwasher Detergent | Dish Soap, carterservices.com
  5. 7 Best Dishwasher Detergents - Reviews of Dishwashing Detergent, goodhousekeeping.com
  6. Tips For Choosing The Best Detergent For Your Dishwasher - Times Square Chronicles, t2conline.com
  7. Choosing the best detergent for your Bosch dishwasher, bosch-home.com
  8. The 9 Best Dishwasher Detergents of 2021, thespruce.com
  9. Liquid vs. Powder vs Pod Detergent: A Dishwasher Guide, heinsappliance.com
  10. Products to use for your dishwasher, maison-travaux.fr
  11. 8 Unusual tricks to do with your dishwasher - Grandma's recipe and remedy, grands-meres.net
  12. Effective homemade dishwasher detergent?, mesrecettesnaturelles.com
  13. Homemade dishwasher tablets really effective, mescourseenvrac.com
  14. Dishwasher : which products and dosage to use for ..., beko.fr
  15. The products to use for your dishwasher, maison-travaux.fr
  16. Dishwasher cleaning products : tablets ..., lelavevaisselle.fr
  17. Best Dishwasher tablets 2021 - Test and ..., futura-sciences.com
  18. Make your own dishwasher product our tips ...., clairdutemps.com
  19. Dishwasher tablets or powder: 2 recipes ..., mieux-vivre-autrement.com
  20. Dishwasher tablets - Buying guide - UFC-Que ..., quechoisir.org
  21. Homemade dishwasher product - Recipe and remedy of great ..., grands-meres.net
  22. Welcome to the Sun universe - My Life In Colors, mavieencouleurs.fr
  23. Homemade dishwasher product: 4 recipes to make it ..., marieclaire.fr
  24. Amazon.co.uk : dishwasher product, amazon.co.uk
  25. Buy Professional dishwasher product Rue de l'hygiène, ruedelhygiene.fr
  26. Dishwasher cleaners and descalers | Siemens ..., siemens-home.bsh-group.com
  27. Dishwasher - 24h Delivery Free* | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  28. Dishwasher cheap - Conforama, conforama.fr
  29. My home dishwasher product (DIY), cahierdegourmandises.fr
  30. Dishwasher product | Dishwasher products ..., notino.fr
  31. Dishwasher Products at the Best Price, materiel-horeca.com
  32. Professional Dishwasher Products - Voussert, voussert.fr
  33. Dishwasher Products - All Parts For Dishwashers, directrepair.fr
  34. How to Clean Your Dishwasher In 3 Quick Steps ..., comment-economiser.fr
  35. Dishwasher Detergents - Test Shopping, test-achats.be
  36. Dishwasher : Built-In Small | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  37. Dishwasher : Built-In Small | Castorama, castorama.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Finish Powerball All in 1 Max 9
Finish Powerball All in 1 Max
Sun Classic Dishwasher Powder 10
Sun Classic Dishwasher Powder
Sun Classic dishwasher tablets 11
Sun Classic dishwasher tablets
Finish Power Gel Tout en un Max 12
Finish Power Gel Tout en un Max

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