My Favourite UK Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent & Tablets
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Looking for zero-waste and plastic-free dishwasher detergent and tablets? Here are my favourite brands for 2026. This includes those made from vegan-friendly and plant-derived ingredients, the refill brands and more.
I make around 95% of my own cleaning products. This saves on so much plastic. The other 5%? Dishwasher detergent and washing-up liquid. Both have eluded me. Dishwasher detergent and tablets in particular.
After trying countless formulations and re-formulations to make my own plastic-free dishwasher tablets or detergent, nothing has cut the mustard.
Everything I tried either left a white film on all of our dishes or a greasy film. Sometimes, it even left the double whammy – a white, greasy film. The worst! The homemade dishwasher powder experimentation era in our house was a grim time indeed.
We now resolutely stick to shop-bought dishwasher tablets. Many tablets come wrapped in plastic, but thankfully, I’ve been able to find lots of brands that avoid this problematic packaging.
The Best Plastic-Free Dishwasher Tablets
Eco-friendly dishwasher detergents/tablets are one or two a penny. However, eco-friendly and plastic-free dishwasher detergent or tablets have proved to be a trickier thing to source. The good news is that I have tracked down some zero-waste and eco-friendly dishwasher tablets.
It is important to note that while many dishwasher tablets are marketed as plastic-free, some are coated in polyvinyl alcohol (often abbreviated to PVA, or sometimes called PVOH). This is a type of plastic, so technically these tablets aren’t entirely plastic-free.
That being said, current scientific consensus suggests that PVA is designed to completely break down during the wastewater treatment process rather than persist in the environment. If you’d like a closer look at how this works, I’ve explored the research and nuances of this in more detail over on my paid Substack.
With that disclaimer out of the way, here are my favourite UK brands:
Ecoleaf
- Wrapped in PVA/PVOH
Ecoleaf Dishwasher Tablets (available at Ethical Superstore for £14.15 for 70 – 20.2p per wash; or £5.69 for 25 – 22.8p per wash) are a great eco-friendly option that comes in a plastic-free box.
Made from plant-derived ingredients, the dishwasher tablets are free of phosphates, SLS, SLES, parabens, triclosan, and synthetic fragrances. They are also certified cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. The one downside is that they do contain palm oil.
The Ecoleaf dishwasher tablets are designed to leave your dishes sparkling clean. They have a built-in rinse-aid, degreasing agents, and powerful cleaning action. I’ve been using them in our soft water area, and I concur. I have found that they perform great on our dirty dishes and glassware. I’ve also had no issues with their cleaning ability.
Homethings
- Wrapped in PVA/PVOH
Homethings dishwasher tablets (£10 for 40 / 25p per wash) are made with a plant-based formulation that’s both vegan and cruelty-free.
These dishwasher tablets come in a plastic-free box, which is designed to be delivered through your letterbox. No more missed deliveries!
Packaging aside, Homething dishwasher tablets tackle dirty dishes with ease. The tablets include rinse aid and dishwasher salts, so you don’t need to buy additional products.
If you like Homethings, you can set up a subscription. Here you can have your dishwasher tablets delivered at a frequency that suits you. It works out cheaper this way too – as you get free delivery.
What’s also good to know is that the tablets are made in the EU and contain no phosphate or chlorine. Homethings also confirmed by email to me in January 2023 that its dishwasher tablets do not contain palm oil or any palm oil-derived ingredients.
Smol
- Wrapped in PVA/PVOH
Smol’s dishwasher tablets (£6.50 for 30 tablets / 22p per wash) are 100% vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, accredited by Leaping Bunny certification.
Smol’s dishwasher tablets come packaged in a plastic-free cardboard box that fits through your letterbox. As the pink and white tablets look like sweets, Smol has made its cardboard box childproof. This means that if your child gets to the post first, they can’t get into the box.
Beyond their cruelty-free status and plastic-free packaging, that’s where the eco-credentials end. Instead, I would say that Smol is more akin to conventional dishwashing brands, without the plastic packaging.
Smol says, “We have found a way to use lower levels of added chemicals per wash when compared to the other tablet brands“. So although Smol uses fewer harsh chemicals, this means its ingredients don’t have any particular sustainability credentials.
That being said, the tablets are pretty effective, and dishes don’t need a second wash – saving water.
Something I picked up on is that Smol’s dishwasher tablets contain an ingredient called acrylic copolymer. Whilst Beat The Bead – a campaign against microplastic, – says this is a microplastic, I have checked with Smol on this.
The good news is that Smol says, “Our dishwasher tablets DO NOT contain microplastic. Sometimes ‘acrylate copolymer’ is mistaken for a microplastic, because this is a generic name for a variety of chemicals. The acrylate copolymer we use is a water-soluble liquid and does not meet the definition of a microplastic. Additionally, our products, including dishwasher tabs, have been certified Microplastic free by Flustix“.
Want to try Smol? Enjoy a free trial using this link – just pay £1.99 to cover postage.
Oceansaver
- Wrapped in PVA/PVOH
Oceansaver dishwasher tablets (£8.99 for 30 tablets / 30p per wash) are another great eco-friendly choice. Made with ocean-life-friendly ingredients, the dishwasher tablets come in a plastic-free box and are 100% phosphate-free. As you would expect, they’re also vegan and animal cruelty-free.
What’s the catch? I haven’t been able to find one. There’s absolutely zero compromise on performance. I’ve been trying them out for a few months, and haven’t found anything they can’t take on – even on short washes.
On a short wash, on Oceansaver’s advice, I just put the tablet directly into the bottom of my dishwasher, rather than the dispenser. Everything comes out gleaming!
PVA-Free Brands To Know
If you are looking for PVA-free dishwasher detergent, then I’ve only come across one eco-friendly brand in the UK offering plastic-free packaging. That is Ecoliving Soapy Suds Dishwasher Powder (£8.50 for 750 g at Ethical Superstore).
You don’t get the convenience of the tablet format, but the powder does comes in a 100% home compostable, resealable pouch. It’s fully plastic-free, and zero-waste, made in the UK, free from palm oil, vegan-friendly and has not been tested on animals.
Ecoliving says one packet of dishwasher powder is the equivalent of 50 tablets, so it works out around 17p a load – definitely the cheapest option by far.
Plastic-Free Dishwasher Tablets That May Contain Microplastic
As I alluded to earlier, unfortunately, some of the ‘plastic-free’ brands may contain microplastic, in the form of plastic-based polymers. These go by rather complicated names that don’t roll off the tongue easily, but are important ones to look out for. These include:
- Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
- Acrylates copolymer
- Carbome
- Cyclohexasiloxane
- Cyclopentasiloxane
- Polyquaternium-7
- Sodium polyacrylate
You might be wondering why some brands use these types of polymers in their ingredients. Dishwasher brands use plastic-based polymers to keep your dishes clean and to increase the shine of your crockery.
Whilst your dishes may be shiny, it’s certainly hard to swallow that microplastics are turning up in the placentas of unborn babies and in pretty much all the food we eat.
Here are the brands to potentially watch out for:
Ecozone
Ecozone dishwasher tablets (£5.99 for 25 / 24p per load) at first sound good. They carry proof of Allergy UK certification. This ensures that these tablets won’t cause any adverse allergic reactions. What’s more, their tablets are cruelty-free, suitable for vegans and palm oil-free.
Unfortunately, Ecozone dishwasher tablets contain an ingredient called sodium polyacrylate. Beat The Bead says that sodium polyacrylate is a microplastic and should be avoided. I’d like to see Ecozone move away from the use of potentially plastic-based polymers in its ingredients.
Why Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Doesn’t Always Work
As I mentioned before, I’ve tried to make my own dishwasher detergent, with dismal results.
I sat down and did some extensive research to see where I was going wrong. What I discovered was that pretty much all commercial dishwasher tablets and powders, even eco-friendly brands, contain an ingredient called sodium silicate powder.
This sodium silicate powder rinses away food and soap deposits and is completely soluble in water. As a result, dishes always come out clean and streak-free.
Great, you’re thinking. Just add sodium silicate powder to the ingredients of your homemade plastic-free dishwasher powder or tablets. However, it’s not that simple, I’m afraid.
Sodium silicate powder is only available commercially. Its sale is very heavily restricted. In fact, one supplier of sodium silicate powder says, “This is a restricted product and can only be purchased by approved, registered companies when logged in. Poisonous items are also regulated and reportable under the Poisons Act 1972. Once purchased, we may have to undertake further checks on you and your company.”
Eco-friendlier shop-bought dishwasher detergent/tablets it is then. The pursuit of homemade dishwasher powder is not worth the very real threat of getting arrested!
Any Other Recommendations?
Have you found any other plastic-free dishwasher detergents? Or have you been able to make your own dishwasher detergent successfully, without the horrible white and/or greasy films? If so, you have my eternal respect! Let me know in the comments below!
How To Make Your Dishwashing Routine Even More Sustainable
And before you go, finding eco-friendly dishwasher detergent is just the first step. If you want to make your dishwashing routine even more sustainable, check out my guide on how to save energy with your dishwasher. You’ll be sure to pick up lots of clever tips that help save you money and the environment.
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Hi,
What do you think of the Bio-D dishwasher tablets?
They wash really well and I’m in a hard water area.
They seem like an eco friendly brand, but I’m not sure details of microplastics etc so would be grateful for guidance.
I always forget that Bio-D make dishwasher tablets! I’ve not used them before, but from what I know of this brand I think the ingredients are sustainable and free of microplastics.
Environmental Effects
Because sodium silicates have a high pH, they can be acutely toxic. Sodium silicates have exhibited moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms and slight toxicity to terrestrial organisms. The diluted material will decompose to become silica that is no different that natural dissolved silica.13 Feb 2013
I just googled sodium silicate as I saw that it is an ingredient in Ecozone ukltra all-in-one – what I found isn’t very encouraging, at least without a statement as to howe long decomposition takes. Has anyone any idea?
I found “the peace with the wild” ones, but have not tried yet, may be worth a shot as they seem to fit the specs!
Thanks Kris, will update here once I’ve tried them. I recently tried another natural brand and it was a bit of disappointment – they seem to have the same issues I had when I tried to make my own dishwasher powder. Hopefully Peace With The Wild work a bit better!
I agree with you about Smol packaging. I have had to rip it apart as well. Maybe they should just change the packaging to be less attractive to children. Other dishwasher tablet manufacturers don’t seem to worry about children eating the tablets.
So I had a go at making my own dishwasher powder but there must have been a bit of water left in the measuring cups from the washing up and they reacted together even when I put the salt in making a freezing mixture! I put the lid on and the next day it seemed that all the air was sucked out! What can I do with this now? citric acid powder with soda crystals and salt
Hi, I’ve just discovered Fill, they sell bulk refillable (washing up liquid, dishwasher powder, toilet cleaner etc.) You need to buy in bulk to make environmental sense, but price includes postage and they are just up the road from me. Dishwasher powder is very effective, although it does mean you need to use salt and rinse aid.
Just to update this as well as the Fill dish wash powder being plastic free, it’s saved me a fortune, I’m still using that first 10kg bag I bought in November 2019, I have the machine on pretty much everyday and I reckon I have about a months left before I need a new bag for £33. Their washing up liquid is still going strong too.🤗
Oh wow, that’s amazing!!
Have you tried SMOL? Delivered to the door in cardboard box, although then in a recyclable plastic container with dissolving wrapper. Works out at 15p per wash & can adjust frequency of delivery based on usage. Not all-in-one though which means I still need to go out to buy rinse aid so going to look at your recipe.
Hi, I use Splosh products and they have just brought out a dishwasher tablet which I am going to try. All other Splosh products I have tried have been good.
I have just ordered the Splosh dishwasher tables. Really like their model of refilling and being able to return the pouches back to them to re-use. Let’s hope the tables are good.
Very pricey for first box (together with delivery)…but if it works and keeps plastic OUT of my house – I’m happy!
Going plastic free, we are doing all we can. (Plastic free tea bags, milk in bottles, Splosh soaps, and shampoo bars) but like you we struggle wish dishwasher detergent. We are having to stick with mainstream products for now as we cant get an ‘eco’ product that does the job effectively and consistently.
Has anyone ever tried Claro dish washer tablets? Sold by amazon in the UK, but made in Austria. Seems to be plastic free (water soluble wrapper), sold in a recycled cardboard box, phosphate chlorine and palm oil free, and not tested on animals BONUS. Interested whether anyone has tried it out to see if its as good as its not so eco friendly competitors?
I’ve been looking for something palm and plastic free. Claro has great opinions on Amazon! 106 opinions and 82% 5-star reviews! But unfortunately, it’s not plastic free. Tablets come in a plastic bag within the box, which seems a bit weird to me, cause they are wrapped in water-soluble packaging, then in a plastic bag and then in a cardboard box…
Wilko mentioned above seems to contain palm oil, at least from their ‘palm oil policy 2017’ document .
I guess we’re left with “EcoZone offers a choice of individually-wrappped (PP) tabs in a cardboard box, or zero-plastic tabs in a plastic bag! Palm oil free, but not plastic free.”… meh.
ECOZONE ULTRA ALL IN ONE DISHWASHER TABLETS are plastic free and palm free.
Ecozone CLASSIC tablets are indeed wrapped individually in plastic in the cardboard box but Ecozone ALL-IN-ONE tablets are in the water-soluble wrap in the cardboard box. I have just received them.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecozone-Ultra-Dishwasher-Tablets-72-Count/dp/B07416T4TV/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1548716603&sr=8-3&keywords=ecozone+all+in+one+dishwasher
ECOZONE ULTRA ALL IN ONE DISHWASHER TABLETS are plastic free and palm free. Check the comment above! I attach link below.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecozone-Ultra-Dishwasher-Tablets-72-Count/dp/B07416T4TV/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1548716603&sr=8-3&keywords=ecozone+all+in+one+dishwasher
Thank you for this!!! I just received an XXL box of Claro tablets and was very disappointed that they are all individually wrapped in plastic (recyclable… in some locations), and those were all packaged in another bag, inside the recycled box.
Will be ordering the Ecozone Ultra All-In-Ones next time!!!
Wilkinsons in the UK are now doing Eco-friendly, plastic-free and vegan dishwasher tablets but they are a little pricey at £3.50 for 25 tablets.
https://ecozone.com/products/dishwasher-tablets-72tabs/
Have a look at these, palm oil free
In India dishwash bars are popular. I live in Oman and they are available here, Vim brand. While here in Oman they are packaged in a thin plastic wrapper, I have seen them in India packaged in individual small cardboard boxes. I am happy with the cleaning performance of the dishwash bars, I bought one & it has lasted for months and months, but I am not sure on the ingredients or how eco friendly they are. Does anyone know? Do none of the eco friendly companies in the West produce solid dishwash bars?
I read on amazon reviews that while ecover powder is in a cardboard box, the contents inside the box is in a plastic bag. Does anyone know if this is true?
EcoZone offers a choice of individually-wrappped (PP) tabs in a cardboard box, or zero-plastic tabs in a plastic bag! Palm oil free, but not plastic free.
If only the scientists could get together and combine Ecoleaf’s packaging with EcoZone’s palm oil free formulation (which are also brilliant at cleaning). Then you would have a truly eco product!
Sodasan makes a good, palm oil free powder; it comes in a thin (HDPE) plastic bag. Again, close but no cigar.
ECOZONE ULTRA ALL IN ONE DISHWASHER TABLETS are plastic free and palm free. Ecozone CLASSIC tablets are indeed wrapped individually in plastic in the cardboard box but Ecozone ALL-IN-ONE tablets are in the water-soluble wrap in the cardboard box. I have just received them.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ecozone-Ultra-Dishwasher-Tablets-72-Count/dp/B07416T4TV/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1548716603&sr=8-3&keywords=ecozone+all+in+one+dishwasher
Thank you for your suggestions. And for answering my concerns about the ecoleaf soluble cover.
One thing to alsoo note about ecover, they were bought out by SC Johnson, who aren’t yet cruelty free.
I have also emailed Ecover regarding the dishwasher powder, and asked if they can make a decent shampoo and conditioner as I’m struggling with bars of shampoo.
Wilko do own brand Eco friendly tablets. They cost about £3.50.
Just emailed Ecover – thanks for the info and hoping for a truly plastic-free product.
I really like your blog. I was experiencing the same grim homemade detergent situation. I have just ordered Ecoleaf tablets: hope they will give better results than my existing homemade powder.
Ecover unfortunately wraps their Tabs in plastic :(
Yes, this is noted in the article Lara! They do sell a dishwasher powder in America, that’s plastic-free, but due to low consumer demand, it’s not available in the UK.
Ecozone all do ‘plastic free’ all-in-one dishwasher tablets with a dissolvable coating and also seen French brand Ecodoo do as well (though never tried them)- both on Biggreensmile.com
Thanks Sarah, will take a look!
Wendy, I found a dishwasher powder recipe online and, whilst it doesn’t do quite as good a job as shop-bought powder, I can put up with having to re-wash the odd glass that doesn’t sparkle. I live in a chalky, hard water area and would suspect that, perversely, works in my favour! Hoping you’ll be blogging about rinse aid some time, would certainly appreciate your thoughts on the many eco varieties now available.
Aah, I’m in really soft water area so I think that’s working against me! Regarding rinse aid: I make my own. It’s actually my homemade fabric conditioner that handily doubles as a rinse aid. This is the ‘recipe’ if you can even call it that: http://moralfibres.co.uk/make-your-own-fabric-conditioner/ I use lemon essential oil. :)
Thank you and shall look forward to trying that out, been using your fabric conditioner recipe ever since it first appeared on your blog.
Just reading this and saw you have made your own rinse aid! Is it really as simple as that? Does the home-made one work? (to be honest, I don’t actually know what rinse aid does nor what it is usually made of!)
I just use white vinegar as rinse aid, works perfectly!
bit off topic but have you tried the Ecoegg? I’ve been using mine a few weeks now and finding it pretty good!
Not yet Esther, although I am intrigued! x
Yes!!!! This is an excellent find” Everyone always asks me about finding zero waste dishwasher tablets. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for this post – I have e-mailed Ecover too; people power!
Great work Jan!
Hi Wendy, thank you for another informative post. I have emailed Ecover as well so I hope they start to take notice! Stephanie
I have used ecoleaf but also found Ecozone do a plastic free tablet as long as it’s the ultra all in one not the classic.