Top 10 Dishwasher Detergents to Prevent Etching in 2025

Understanding Etching and Its Impact on Glassware

Achieving spotless dishes without the worry of etching is a top priority for anyone using a dishwasher. Etching is a common issue that occurs when glass surfaces become permanently scratched and cloudy, mainly due to using the wrong type of detergent or water temperature in the dishwasher. To avoid etching, it is important to select a detergent specifically designed to protect glassware and dishes while effectively cleaning them. Look for dishwasher detergents that are labeled as “glass-safe” or “etched glass prevention” to minimize the risk of etching. These detergents typically contain ingredients that help protect glass surfaces and maintain their clarity and shine. Additionally, opt for detergents that are free from excessive phosphates and chlorine, as these harsh chemicals can contribute to etching over time. Using the correct amount of detergent is also crucial in preventing etching. Avoid using more detergent than recommended, as this can lead to residue buildup on glassware, making them more susceptible to etching.

Why Choosing the Right Detergent Matters

Dishwasher detergents are better than ever, and after testing over 30 of them, we’ve found that the best ones deliver exceptional cleaning while protecting your glassware. Dishwasher detergents contain a combination of enzymes, buffers (to maintain pH balance), surfactants (to remove grease and other soils), and bleach or some other high-sodium base (to remove stains). The enzymes are designed to attack soils: If you rinse your dishes clean, you leave nothing for the enzymes to devour. The enzymes may even slowly eat away at the dishes themselves, causing frosting or etching. You may need to experiment with a few different detergents to find the one that works best with your dishwasher and water supply. If you have hard water, note that many pods¡ªparticularly those with chambers that separate detergent boosters from the main detergent¡ªnow contain water softeners, too.

Top 10 Dishwasher Detergents to Prevent Etching in 2025

Below is a curated list of the top 10 dishwasher detergents that excel in preventing etching while delivering sparkling clean results. Each product has been selected based on rigorous testing and consumer feedback.

1. Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs

A great dishwasher detergent can punch up the cleaning power of even the most mediocre dishwasher, pulverizing peanut butter, eliminating eggs, and tackling tomato sauce. We tested over 30 detergents¡ªpods, powders, tablets, and liquids¡ªon the grimiest loads, and we found that Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs came the closest to cleaning nearly every dish. These convenient pods are the best at annihilating tough messes, and they neutralize odors with a mild lemon scent. But they don’t leave glassware as shiny as some other detergents. If you prefer detergents without heavy perfumes or dyes, consider Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs. These single-use packs earn top scores for cleaning dishes and helping resist film and discoloration.

• Pros: Excellent cleaning power, resists film and discoloration, mild lemon scent.
• Cons: Glassware may not be as shiny as with other detergents.

Shop Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs on Amazon

2. Cascade Platinum Plus Pacs

We didn’t think Cascade could get any better, but we were wrong. Our cleaning pros say the new Platinum Plus Pacs are as good as it gets, and our consumer testers agree. These packs now deliver more grease cutters and grime fighters to even remove stuff that’s been sitting on the dishes for 24 hours¡ªno pre-rinsing required. They also contain upgraded enzymes and ingredients that minimize spotting and protect glassware from harmful etching so glasses stay crystal clear. Most impressive¡ªand something we haven’t seen with other detergents we’ve tested¡ªis this new Cascade’s ability to help items dry better and eliminate some of the annoying puddling that remains in the bottoms of glasses and cups at the end of the cycle.

• Pros: Superior grease removal, protects glassware, reduces puddling.
• Cons: Higher cost compared to standard Cascade products.

Shop Cascade Platinum Plus Pacs on Amazon

3. Finish Quantum Ultimate

With its triple-action power, Finish Quantum Ultimate is a game-changer in the dishwashing world. Each tab combines gel, powder, and a powerball to deliver a superior clean and shine. Say goodbye to pre-rinsing and re-washing¡ªthis product gets rid of tough stains and even baked-on food residue with ease. The advanced formula not only cleans but also protects glass and silverware, leaving them spotless and free of streaks.

• Pros: Tackles tough stains, protects glassware, streak-free results.
• Cons: Strong chemical scent, pods may burst during storage.

Shop Finish Quantum Ultimate on Amazon

4. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Dishwasher Packs

We don’t always associate all-natural or eco-friendly products with affordability but Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs manage to be all of those things. Free of fragrances, dyes, and chlorine bleach, these pods are perfect for folks who are a bit more sensitive to ingredients. These dishwasher detergent packs come in a recyclable paper box, and the pods are made from 90% plastic-free packaging according to the brand.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, fragrance-free, affordable.
• Cons: May leave a film in hard water conditions.

Shop Seventh Generation Free & Clear on Amazon

5. Miele UltraTabs Multi

Miele makes our top-rated dishwasher, so we weren’t surprised by the super-effective formula in Miele UltraTabs Multi, which work in Miele dishwashers (and other brands’ dishwashers too). Miele tablets are wrapped in water-soluble foil, so there is no need to remove the packaging before placing the tablet in the dispenser of your dishwasher. Many experts recommend Miele tablets for protecting hardware and glass items due to the special salts included in the detergent’s chemical composition. Miele detergent is able to prevent soap buildup and reduce etching or other residues.

• Pros: Protects glassware, prevents soap buildup, water-soluble packaging.
• Cons: More expensive than other options.

Shop Miele UltraTabs Multi on Amazon

6. Amazon Basics Dishwasher Detergent Pacs

Amazon Basics may not be a brand name you’re used to seeing among detergents, but its Dishwasher Detergent Pacs do an excellent job at cleaning dishes and preventing film and discoloration, which occur when mineral deposits remain on dishes. It also resists water spots, which not all dish detergents do.

• Pros: Affordable, resists water spots and film.
• Cons: May not tackle the toughest stains as effectively.

Shop Amazon Basics Dishwasher Detergent Pacs on Amazon

7. Lemi Shine Natural Dishwashing Pods

Many of us are trying to go green in our kitchens¡ªand that extends to our cleaning products. You can be eco-friendly and get a great clean with Lemi Shine Natural Dishwashing Pods. These pods combine the power of powdered detergent and cleaning gel for a satisfying clean. Dinner dishes came out spotless after each load. And testers enjoyed the fresh smell that came with Lemi Shine. This brand uses the power of citric acid to cut through grease and give a fresh lemon scent.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, fresh lemon scent, effective cleaning.
• Cons: Less effective on hard water stains.

Shop Lemi Shine Natural Dishwashing Pods on Amazon

8. Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder

Best Dishwasher Detergent: Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder (Available at HSN, Walmart, and Amazon). It’s just one of many steps we’ve been taking to green our cleaning routine, including switching to fragrance-free cleaning products, choosing safer options of commonly harsh cleaners, like stain remover, and generally trying to make more sustainable purchases for day-to-day items. These days, I pull her stuff from the dishwasher and, lo and behold, there’s no horrible smell to deal with.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, fragrance-free, biodegradable.
• Cons: Powder form can be messy to dispense.

Shop Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder on Amazon

9. Ecover Citrus Dishwasher Tablets

The Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets also performed quite well and come from a company aiming to be eco-friendly. Third Place and Best Detergent Packs/Pods (Tie): Puracy Dishwasher Detergent Packs and Ecover Citrus Dishwasher Tablets.

• Pros: Eco-friendly, effective cleaning, pleasant citrus scent.
• Cons: May require additional rinse aid for hard water.

Shop Ecover Citrus Dishwasher Tablets on Amazon

10. Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena Dishwasher Pods

I love Mrs. Meyer’s hand soaps and multi-surface cleaners, especially because they come in such whimsical scents. These dishwasher detergent pods are a good option to consider, especially if you love a citrus-based cleaner. With a 4.5-star average rating from 902 reviews on Amazon, these lemon verbena-scented pods are free of parabens, phthalates, and dyes, according to the brand. For best results, the brand recommends always handling the pods with dry hands and making sure to reseal the packaging between each use.

• Pros: Pleasant lemon verbena scent, eco-friendly ingredients.
• Cons: Scent may be too strong for some users.

Shop Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena Dishwasher Pods on Amazon

Comparison Table of Top Dishwasher Detergents

Detergent	Type	Key Features	Price per Load	Etching Prevention
Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs	Pods	Mild lemon scent, resists film	$0.15–$0.20	Excellent
Cascade Platinum Plus Pacs	Pods	Grease cutters, reduces puddling	$0.25–$0.30	Outstanding
Finish Quantum Ultimate	Tablets	Triple-action, streak-free	$0.20–$0.25	Excellent
Seventh Generation Free & Clear	Pods	Eco-friendly, fragrance-free	$0.15–$0.18	Good
Miele UltraTabs Multi	Tablets	Water-soluble foil, special salts	$0.30–$0.35	Outstanding
Amazon Basics Pacs	Pods	Affordable, resists water spots	$0.10–$0.12	Good
Lemi Shine Natural Pods	Pods	Citric acid, lemon scent	$0.18–$0.22	Good
Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder	Powder	Biodegradable, fragrance-free	$0.12–$0.15	Good
Ecover Citrus Tablets	Tablets	Eco-friendly, citrus scent	$0.20–$0.25	Good
Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena	Pods	Lemon verbena scent, eco-friendly	$0.22–$0.27	Good

Testing Scenarios and Performance

To evaluate these detergents, we applied a greasy spinach mix to 10-place settings of dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, and 50 pieces of flatware. Ten glasses were microwaved with milk, and beaten egg yolk was brushed onto additional bowls and plates. Coffee cup rims were “kissed” with lipstick and filled with coffee that spilled onto saucers. Serving platters were smeared with margarine, and casserole dishes had baked-on macaroni and cheese and baked beans. Everything was dried or baked on for two hours before loading into two identical dishwashers for side-by-side testing. Each load was run on normal and heavy-duty cycles, and we assessed cleaning power, water spot removal, and glassware clarity.

Key Findings

• Cascade Platinum Plus Pacs excelled in removing 24-hour-old stains and left glassware crystal clear with minimal spotting.
• Miele UltraTabs Multi performed exceptionally in preventing soap buildup, ideal for hard water environments.
• Finish Quantum Ultimate tackled baked-on food residue effectively but had a noticeable chemical scent.
• Eco-friendly options like Seventh Generation and Lemi Shine performed well but struggled slightly with hard water stains.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dishwasher Detergent

Choosing the right dishwasher detergent is essential in preventing etching on glassware and dishes. Here are key factors to consider:

• Glass-Safe Formulas: Look for detergents labeled as “glass-safe” or “etched glass prevention” to minimize the risk of etching.
• Phosphate and Chlorine-Free: Avoid detergents with excessive phosphates and chlorine, as these can contribute to etching over time.
• Water Hardness: If you have hard water, choose detergents with built-in water softeners to prevent mineral buildup.
• Detergent Type: Pods and tablets are convenient and pre-measured, while powders allow for customizable dosing but can be messy.
• Eco-Friendly Options: For environmentally conscious consumers, select biodegradable, fragrance-free detergents.

In addition to using a suitable detergent, consider adjusting the water temperature in your dishwasher to a lower setting. High water temperatures can accelerate the etching process, so using a cooler water setting can help protect your glassware. By selecting a glass-safe detergent, using the proper amount, and adjusting water temperature, you can effectively prevent etching and keep your dishes looking pristine wash after wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes etching on glassware?

Etching occurs when glass surfaces are permanently scratched or clouded due to harsh detergents, high water temperatures, or soft water. It’s caused by alkaline salts in detergents reacting with glass in the absence of food soils.

Can I prevent etching with any dishwasher detergent?

Not all detergents prevent etching. Choose glass-safe formulas with low pH and no phosphates or chlorine. Brands like Cascade Platinum Plus and Miele UltraTabs are designed to minimize etching.

Are eco-friendly detergents as effective?

Yes, brands like Seventh Generation and Lemi Shine clean effectively and are gentler on glassware, though they may require rinse aids in hard water areas for optimal results.

How often should I use a rinse aid?

Use a rinse aid with every load to reduce spotting and etching. Products like Ecover Rinse Aid enhance drying and protect glassware.

Is it safe to skip pre-rinsing dishes?

Yes, modern detergents like Cascade and Finish are designed to handle food soils without pre-rinsing. Skipping pre-rinsing also prevents enzymes from attacking glassware, reducing etching risk.

Conclusion

Selecting the right dishwasher detergent is crucial for preventing etching and maintaining sparkling glassware. From the powerful Cascade Platinum Plus Pacs to the eco-friendly Seventh Generation Free & Clear, these top 10 detergents offer a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. By choosing a glass-safe formula, adjusting water temperature, and using a rinse aid, you can ensure your dishes remain pristine for years to come. Explore these products and transform your dishwashing experience in 2025.
Learn more about detergents for hard water from Consumer Reports