Finding eco-friendly dishwasher tablets that actually work can be a challenge. Some promise a sparkling clean but leave streaks, while others perform well but come in wasteful packaging. We’ve put a range of eco dishwasher tablets UK brands to the test to see which deliver on cleaning power while being kinder to the planet.
Eco options are made without phosphates, chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals, using biodegradable, plant-based ingredients instead. Many also come in plastic-free or refillable packaging, making them a good choice for families looking to cut waste and reduce exposure to irritants. The right tablets or powders will remove everyday grease and food without leaving chemical residues behind, so you can feel confident about what’s touching your plates and glasses.
Whether you want the best non-toxic dishwasher tablets the UK has to offer or are simply curious if green products can match mainstream brands, we can help you make the switch.
Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets at a glance
- Best all-round eco dishwasher tablet: Ecover POWER all-in-one dishwasher tablets, £8.50
- Best eco dishwasher tablets for a streak free finish: Purum 3-in-1 dishwasher tablets, £7.99
- Best eco dishwasher tablet for convenience: Smol dishwasher tablets, £6.50
- Best fragrance-free eco dishwasher tablets: Koh dishwasher tablets, £13.95
- Best certified eco dishwasher tablets: Bower Collective Classic eco dishwasher tablets, £20.61
- Best refillable eco dishwasher tablets: Splosh dishwasher tablets, £7.25
- Best gentle eco dishwasher tablets: BioD dishwasher tablets, £7.68
- Best organic eco dishwasher powder: Greenscents dishwasher powder, £8.50
- Best compact eco dishwasher tablets: Neat eco dishwasher tablets, £7.50
Jump to section:
- Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to buy 2025
- Do eco dishwasher tablets work?
- What are the most environmentally-friendly dishwasher tablets?
- Are regular dishwasher tablets bad for the environment?
- How we tested eco dishwasher tablets
Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets to buy 2025
Ecover POWER all-in-one dishwasher tablets
Available from Ecover (£8.50), Big Green Smile (£22 - pack of 72)
Pros
- Excellent cleaning results
- No plastic wrappers or excess packaging
- Pleasant scent
- Strong eco credentials
Cons
- Slightly more expensive per wash
- No bulk or subscription discounts
Best all-round eco dishwasher tablets
Star rating: 4.5/5
Price per wash: around 35p
These Ecover POWER all-in-one tablets tick many boxes for eco-minded shoppers after a mainstream option. The compact cardboard box, made with at least 60 per cent post-consumer recycled material, is easy to store and completely plastic-free. The tablets have an invisible coating so there’s no fiddly unwrapping, making them both convenient and waste-free.
The instructions are clear with helpful graphics and the tablets slot neatly into the compartment. Their cleaning performance is impressive, with dishes, glassware and cutlery emerging spotless and streak-free. Greasy and baked-on food was tackled well and there was no residue left behind. The subtle mandarin and lemongrass scent is pleasant without being overpowering.
Ecover's eco credentials are strong, with a biodegradable formula, cruelty-free and vegan status and no palm oil or parabens. The inclusion of rinse aid and salt further boosts convenience. While the cost per wash is slightly higher than supermarket brands, the quality and environmental benefits justify the price for those prioritising sustainability.
Available from:
Purum 3-in-1 dishwasher tablets
Available from Re:gn (£7.99), Tesco (£7.99), Purum (£8.99)
Pros
- Excellent cleaning on most loads
- Plastic-free, biodegradable packaging
- Pleasant, subtle citrus scent
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Subscription available
Cons
- Slightly large for some dispenser slots
- No third-party eco certification
Best eco dishwasher tablets for a streak-free finish
Star rating: 4.5/5
Price per wash: around 14p
Delivering a solid performance on tough, greasy dishes and baked-on food, these Purum eco dishwasher tablets left most items sparkling clean, with only the occasional bit of residue on cutlery. The light citrus scent is fresh but not overpowering, making the wash smell pleasant without leaving a lingering fragrance. The tablets dissolve fully and contain built-in rinse aid, ensuring glassware and crockery are left streak-free.
The packaging is a real highlight: plastic-free, biodegradable and compact enough for easy storage, although we found the tablets are a touch large for some dispenser slots. The ingredients are largely plant-based and biodegradable, with a clear vegan and cruelty-free commitment, though third-party eco certifications are not specified. Value-wise, they’re competitively priced at around 14p per wash, with a subscription option available for added convenience. Overall, they’re a strong choice for eco-conscious households seeking reliable cleaning power without unnecessary plastic.
Available from:
Smol dishwasher tablet
Available from Smol (£6.50)
Pros
- 100% plastic-free, compostable packaging
- Good cleaning performance
- Built-in rinse aid, no unwrapping needed
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free trial available
Cons
- Packaging is difficult to open
- Instructions could be clearer
Best eco dishwasher tablets for convenience
Star rating: 4.5/5
Price per wash: around 22p
With these Smol dishwasher tablets, the compact, plastic-free packaging is a definite highlight – fully recyclable, FSC-certified and home-compostable, with no unnecessary plastic film. The tablets themselves are easy to use; they don’t need unwrapping and fit neatly into the dishwasher compartment. The cleaning performance is impressive, handling greasy dishes, glassware and cutlery with relative ease and leaving no residue or overpowering scent. The built-in rinse aid means there’s no need for extra products, though the lack of clear usage instructions and the fiddly child-safe packaging can make the first use a little frustrating. The subscription service is convenient and the cost per wash is only slightly higher than many supermarket brands, making it an achievable swap for eco-minded households. With strong eco credentials, including vegan and cruelty-free certifications, these tablets are a solid choice for greener cleaning.
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Koh dishwasher tablets
Available from Koh (£13.95)
Pros:
- Plastic-free, fully recyclable packaging
- Effective on tough stains and grease
- Vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable formula
- Fragrance-free
- Bulk pack of 50 tablets
Cons:
- Higher cost per wash than standard brands
- No built-in rinse or drying aid
Best fragrance-free eco dishwasher tablets
Star rating: 4.5/5
Price per wash: around 28p
A minimalist approach and strong eco credentials set these dishwasher tablets apart from many on the market. Packaged in a compact, fully recyclable cardboard box with no unnecessary plastic, they offer a straightforward, fragrance-free option for those keen to reduce their environmental footprint. The tablets dissolve well and leave no residue, delivering impressive results on stubborn, baked-on food and greasy dishes. Glassware and cutlery also emerged spotless, making them a reliable choice for most loads.
With certifications like GECA and Sensitive Choice (Australian certifications), the formula is vegan, cruelty-free and contains no phosphates or chlorine bleach. The ingredients are biodegradable and the absence of microbeads or strong fumes is a welcome touch for sensitive households. However, there is no built-in rinse aid or refill system, and the price per wash is higher than most supermarket brands. While ideal for eco-minded families, those seeking maximum convenience or a lower price point may wish to look elsewhere.
Available from:
Bower Collective classic eco dishwasher tablets
Available from Bower Collective (£20.61)
Pros:
- Excellent eco credentials and plastic-free packaging
- Effective on most dishes and glassware
- Vegan and B Corp certified
Cons:
- More expensive than conventional options
- Occasional issues with heavily soiled items if not pre-rinsed
- No noticeable fragrance
Best certified eco dishwasher tablets
Star rating: 4/5
Price per wash: around 28p
Nicely presented with clear eco-friendly branding, these dishwasher tablets are a strong choice for those who value minimal packaging and naturally derived ingredients. The recyclable cardboard box and water-soluble biodegradable wrapper make it a genuinely plastic-free option, with 87 per cent of the ingredients naturally derived and the business B Corp certified. Cleaning performance was generally impressive, particularly on baked-on food and cutlery, although a couple of items that hadn't been rinsed as directed were left less than spotless, so make sure you're thorough. There is no detectable fragrance, despite a lemon scent being advertised, which may appeal to those sensitive to scents. The tablets dissolve well without leaving residue and the bulk box is easy to store, though it’s on the larger side. A separate rinse aid is recommended for best results. The cost per wash is higher than supermarket alternatives, but subscription discounts are available, making it more accessible for committed eco households.
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Splosh dishwasher tablets
Available from Splosh (£7.25)
Pros
- Plastic-free, refillable packaging
- Effective on grease and baked-on food
- Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Cons
- Can leave residue on glassware and cutlery
- Slightly more expensive than budget brands
Best refillable eco dishwasher tablets
Star rating: 4/5
Price per wash: around 26p
Designed with eco-conscious households in mind, Splosh's dishwasher tablets offer a plastic-free and zero-waste approach. The refill system is simple and efficient, with tablets arriving in letterbox-friendly, plastic-free boxes and a reusable tin for storage. Each tablet is individually wrapped in water-soluble film, eliminating unnecessary packaging. The formula is all-in-one, including rinse aid and glass protection and works well on greasy pans and baked-on food, dissolving rapidly even on short cycles. While the cleaning performance is strong on tough stains, glassware and cutlery lacked shine and was left with some residue. The tablets are vegan, cruelty-free and septic tank safe with transparent ingredient disclosure, though there is no formal eco-certification. The cost per wash is slightly higher than supermarket brands, but subscription options help reduce the price. Overall, these Splosh dishwasher tablets are a solid choice for those prioritising sustainability, though those seeking a flawless finish on glassware may be left wanting.
Available from:
BioD dishwasher tablets
Available from BioD (£7.68), Ocado (£7.70)
Pros:
- Fully plastic-free, recyclable packaging
- Naturally derived, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients
- Dissolves well and leaves no residue
- Subtle, pleasant scent
Cons:
- Not all-in-one; requires separate rinse aid and salt
- Slightly less effective on heavy, baked-on stains
- More expensive than standard brands
Best gentle eco dishwasher tablets
Star rating: 4/5
Price per wash: around 25p
Compact and easy to store, these eco dishwasher tablets are a strong choice for eco-minded families and those with sensitive skin. The packaging is entirely plastic-free, using a 100 per cent recycled cardboard box and a biodegradable water-soluble wrapper, which is a definite plus for anyone looking to reduce plastic waste. Ingredients are naturally derived and free from phosphates and other potentially harmful chemicals, with clear vegan and cruelty-free credentials. The cleaning performance was generally good, particularly for everyday loads, but struggled a little with heavily soiled or greasy items after big meals. There is no strong artificial fragrance, leaving dishes with a subtle, clean scent. However, these tablets are not all-in-one, so you’ll need to add your own rinse aid and salt for hard water areas. They are a little pricier than mainstream supermarket brands and are only available online, which may limit convenience for some households.
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Greenscents dishwasher powder
Available from Greenscents (£8.50)
Pros
- Certified organic and vegan
- Compostable packaging
- Free from harsh chemicals
Cons
- Messy and fiddly to use
- No fragrance
- Requires separate rinse aid
Best organic eco dishwasher powder
Star rating: 3.5/5
Price per wash: around 28p
Offering a truly organic, non-toxic approach to dishwashing, this Greenscents powder stands out for its impressive eco credentials. Certified organic by the Soil Association and both vegan and cruelty-free, it is free from petrochemicals, palm oil and microplastics. The compostable paper pouch and minimal plastic seal make the packaging notably sustainable and easy to store. The cleaning performance is decent, tackling greasy dishes and baked-on food well, though results were more average on glassware and cutlery. The powder dissolves fully but requires measuring out with a teaspoon, which can be prone to spillage and fiddly for those with mobility issues. There's no added fragrance, which some may find leaves dishes feeling less fresh, plus a separate rinse aid is needed. While the formula is gentle and ingredient transparency is excellent, the lack of convenience compared to tablets and the slightly higher price may put off some users. Its ideal for eco-conscious households prioritising organic, UK-made products.
Available from:
Neat eco dishwasher tablets
Available from Neat (from £7.50)
Pros:
- Plastic-free, recyclable packaging
- Plant-based and biodegradable ingredients
- Certified B Corp, vegan and cruelty-free
- Compact, space-saving box
Cons:
- Residue and smears on glassware
- Inconsistent cleaning performance on grease
- Slightly higher cost per wash than mainstream brands
- Box design allows tablets to spill out easily
Best compact eco dishwasher tablets
Star rating: 3/5
Price per wash: around 25p
Designed for eco-minded households, these all-in-one dishwasher tablets stand out for their plastic-free, recyclable packaging and plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. The compact box fits neatly in kitchen cupboards and the tablets are individually wrapped in dissolvable film, eliminating unnecessary plastic. Certified B Corp and vegan, they are free from phosphates, parabens, dyes, ammonia, chlorine, sulphates and phthalates, making them a strong choice for those seeking a greener clean.
However, cleaning performance was mixed. While dishes generally came out looking clean, our testers reported greasy residue and noticeable smears on glassware, with some items even needing a rewash. The tablets are formulated to dissolve on short or eco cycles and include built-in rinse aid, though additional salt may be needed in hard water areas. At 25p per wash, they are pricier than conventional supermarket brands, but subscription discounts are available. For those prioritising sustainability over spotless glassware, they are a decent option.
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Do eco dishwasher tablets work?
Modern eco tablets generally clean just as well as conventional ones, particularly on everyday food messes. Many eco-friendly dishwasher tablets use natural enzymes (like protease and amylase) to break down fats and proteins, much like regular detergents. In practice, this means they lift dried food, grease and stains effectively when used under the right conditions. To get the best results, run full wash cycles at moderate to high temperatures and avoid overloading the machine. In our tests, many of the eco dishwasher tablets and powder removed tea and coffee, stains and grease just as well as mainstream tablets, though really burnt-on or baked-on food might need a pre-soak or a second run. A tip: check if your dishwasher has a dedicated eco cycle – these settings can help non-toxic dishwasher tablets formulas perform their best. Overall, you don’t have to sacrifice cleaning power to go green. By choosing the right product and wash program, eco tablets will give you clean dishes without the harsh chemicals.
What are the most environmentally friendly dishwasher tablets?
Truly green tablets share a few key features. The most sustainable dishwasher tablets are biodegradable and plant-based – that means no phosphates, chlorine bleaches or petrochemicals. Look for products that use non-corrosive enzymes and naturally derived surfactants (often from coconut or sugarcane) that break down safely in water. They should also avoid palm oil and be free from artificial fragrances or dyes.
Packaging is another big factor: many top eco brands package tablets in cardboard boxes or offer refill pouches to cut plastic waste. Certifications can help you to identify green products – for example, the EU Ecolabel logo or a Cruelty-Free International stamp indicates stricter environmental standards.
Key green features to look for:
- Biodegradable formula: plant-based surfactants and enzymes that decompose quickly in nature.
- No phosphates or chlorine: prevents nutrient pollution (algae blooms) and avoids toxic byproducts.
- Minimal, recyclable packaging: cardboard boxes or refill schemes to eliminate plastic tubs and bags.
- Gentle on the planet: free from palm oil and with any perfume or dye kept to a minimum.
The most eco-friendly tablets combine effective cleaning with a low-impact recipe and plastic-free packaging
Are regular dishwasher tablets bad for the environment?
Traditional dishwasher tablets can contain ingredients that can harm waterways and wildlife. For years, they commonly included phosphates (though banned now in UK detergents) and strong synthetic surfactants that persist in the environment. When these chemicals wash down the drain, they can contribute to nutrient pollution in rivers and oceans, harming fish and plant life. Many regular tablets also use chlorine-based bleaches or artificial fragrances – these can form irritating or toxic compounds when they break down.
Another concern is packaging: mainstream brands usually come in thick plastic tubs or single-use plastic film, adding to landfill or microplastic pollution. Even if you use a dishwasher (which saves water compared to washing by hand), using a non-toxic dishwasher detergent means far fewer harsh residues end up in the ecosystem after each cycle.
How we tested eco dishwasher tablets
The only real way to test the performance of a dishwasher tablet or powder is to use it in a real-world setting: think busy families and multiple loads a week. So, we sent members of the Good Food team off with a pack of dishwasher tablets to use at home with their own dishwashers. After a week of daily testing, the testers gave their feedback.
We then looked at the ingredients list, packaging, eco-credentials, value for money and compared the brands claimed performance to the actual performance. We scored each eco dishwasher tablet on the following core areas out of five:
- Sustainability and eco-credentials: a key category for this test. We scrutinised the ingredients list, looked for environmental certifications, looked for disclosure about sourcing, asked where the eco dishwasher tablets were made and kept a watchful eye out for any greenwashing.
- Packaging: recyclable, compostable and plastic-free packaging is a must. We also looked at how easy the eco dishwasher tablets were to store.
- Cleaning performance: we asked our testers questions about the tablet’s performance on different crockery and glassware, as well as the amount of residue left (if any), the scent, the ease of use and design of the packaging, and more.
- Value and availability: we calculated the cost per tablet and questioned how this compared to readily available supermarket tablets, we also made not of any subscription options that would bring down the cost of the tablets. We also looked at where the tablets could be purchased.
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source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-eco-dishwasher-tablets
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