Washing up is a daily task that can’t really be removed from our daily lives, but dishwashers have thankfully made that chore more convenient. On top of that research has shown that dishwashers use far less water than hand-washing dishes.
Although dishwashers might be water and energy efficient, it’s important to be aware of the environmental impact of dishwasher tablets.
Are dishwasher tablets safe for the environment?
There are three ways we can evaluate how environmentally friendly dishwasher tablets are:
- Do they use non-biodegradable plastics?
- Is the packaging recyclable or compostable?
- Are any of the ingredients toxic to the environment?
Many dishwasher tablets commonly use ingredients that are toxic or hazardous to the environment, such as phosphates, sulphates and other nasties. On top of that, the tablets are wrapped in non-biodegradable plastic!
Many brands are now producing more sustainable tablet options using non-toxic natural ingredients, biodegradable wrappers, and recyclable packaging.
Here are some of our favorite eco-friendly dishwasher tablets on the market right now:
Smol
Smol is a subscription service that delivers dishwasher tablets directly to your home on a monthly basis. Their tablets are vegan and have been approved by Leaping Bunny.
The tablets come in a nicely designed recyclable cardboard box with a child-proof mechanism, and each tablet is individually wrapped in a soluble film that easily slots into your dishwasher.
In addition, they are an all-in-one tablets so you won’t need additional rinse-aid and salt.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 📦 Plastic-free Packaging |
| 💰 Costs 19p per wash | 🧼 30 tablets per pack |
| 🤟 Get a trial for just £1! | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
Bide
Bide’s dishwasher powder is vegan, biodegradable, and it’s packaging compostable or can be recycled.
You use the dishwasher powder like you would do with regular tablets, simply place two teaspoonfuls in the dishwasher detergent compartment.
If you live in an area with hard water, you’ll need to add an extra teaspoonful per load.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 📦 Plastic-free Packaging |
| 💰 Costs 14p per wash on Subscription | 🧼 25 washes per pack |
| 🤟 Get 30% off when choosing Subscribe & Save | 💚 Certified BCorp |
Homethings
Homethings dishwasher tablets, called Dishthings, are all-in-one dishwasher tablets, so no need for rinse-aid and salt!
These tablets are are made with 96% plant and mineral based ingredients.
These tablets are wrapped in PVOH (a supposedly biodegradable material) that will not contribute to microplastics.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 Plastic-free |
| 💰 Costs 21p per wash | 🧼 40 tablets per pack |
| ♻️ 100% Recyclable | 🐰 Cruelty Free |
Ecover
Ecover offers an All-In-One Dishwasher Tablet available in two scented options, and an unscented option. Ecover’s dishwashing range uses plant-based ingredients instead of petroleum-based ingredients.
The box is made of 100% recyclable cardboard, however, unfortunately the tablets come in a plastic wrapper that is not widely recycled.
Each tablet contains degreasers, salt, and rinse aid.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 3-in-1 tablet |
| 💰 Costs 18p per wash | 🧼 68 tablets per pack |
| 👌 Widely available | 🐰 Leaping Bunny Certified |
Ecoleaf
Ecoleaf’s eco-friendly dishwasher tablets made with a plant-based, cruelty free formula that is free of phosphates, SLS, and synthetic fragrances.
Each tablet is wrapped in a water-soluble wrapper, that dissolves as your dishwasher starts running and will not contribute to microplastics.
Each tablet contains degreasers, salt, and rinse aid.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 3-in-1 tablet |
| 💰 Costs 22p per wash | 🧼 25 tablets per pack |
| ♻️ Recyclable packaging | 🐰 Leaping Bunny Certified |
OceanSaver
OceanSaver offers an eco-friendly all-in-one dishwasher tabs that are plastic-free. These tablets include built-in salt and rinse aid, and they can be used without the need to remove the biodegradable wrapper.
They are compatible with hard water, low temperature, and quick wash settings. The ecotabs are also free from a variety of potentially harmful ingredients, and are not tested on animals.
Additionally, they are biodegradable and suitable for septic tanks, and suitable for vegans.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 3-in-1 tablet |
| 💰 Costs 25p per wash | 🧼 30 tablets per pack |
| ♻️ Recyclable packaging | 🐰 Ecocert Certified |
Ecozone
Ecozone’s dishwasher tabs are suitable for vegans and free from parabens, palm oil, phthalates, triclosan and animal testing.
They are made in the UK, unlike many of the other tabs on this list and it’s packaging is 100% recyclable.
One possible snag is that these tablets contain Sodium Polyacrylate: which is not biodegradable and listed as a microplastic.
| 🌱 Vegan-friendly | 🤟 3-in-1 tablet |
| 💰 Costs 16p per wash | 🧼 72 tablets per pack |
| ♻️ Recyclable packaging | 🌴 Palm Oil Free |
Got Recommendations?
Are there any other alternatives out there for those who prefer to steer clear of plastic-packaged dishwasher detergents? We’re currently busy writing up reviews for all of our recommendations, so keep an eye out for our top picks!
