The 10 Best Dishwasher Cleaners

My dishwasher is probably the hardest-working appliance in our house. But after a few months of greasy pans and caked-on food, it starts to get a little… funky. That’s when I know it’s time to run a cleaner through it to get rid of the gunk and hard water buildup.

A good dishwasher cleaner doesn’t just make the inside look shiny. It actually cleans the filter, spray arms, and all the hidden parts you can’t see. This helps your machine run better and get your dishes cleaner in the long run.

Over the years, I’ve tried a bunch of them. Some are great for a quick refresh, while others are heavy-duty problem solvers for when things get really gross. These are the ones I keep coming back to in 2026 for keeping my dishwasher running like new.

 

 

My Top Dishwasher Cleaners for a Sparkling Clean

Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner

These pods cost about $6 for a 3-count pack. I use these for my regular monthly cleanings, and they’ve never let me down. You just pop one into the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle on high heat.

It gets rid of any weird smells and powers through the white, chalky film that builds up from our hard water. My stainless steel interior always looks brand new afterward. It’s so easy and works every time.

The Downside: You have to run the dishwasher completely empty on a hot cycle, so you have to plan for it.

 

 

affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets

A 6-pack of affresh tablets will run you about $9. The best part about these is that you can use them with a full load of dishes. I just toss a tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher before starting a normal cycle.

It’s incredibly convenient for those weeks when I just don’t have time to run an extra, empty cycle. It does a great job breaking down limescale and leaves behind a really clean, fresh scent without a ton of effort.

The Downside: If you have really heavy buildup, you might need to use these monthly to keep it under control.

 

 

Glisten Dishwasher Magic Machine Cleaner

This liquid cleaner is only about $5 a bottle. This is my go-to when I feel like the dishwasher needs a real deep-clean and disinfecting. It’s especially good for hard water areas because it just melts away limescale and rust stains.

You stick the bottle upside down in the silverware basket and run an empty, hot cycle. The lemon scent is really nice and not too overpowering, and it makes the whole machine look and feel sanitary.

The Downside: The little wax plug that holds the liquid in can sometimes fail to melt in dishwashers with lower water temperatures.

 

 

Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner

You can usually find this for around $5. This stuff is a beast on grease. After a week of heavy cooking with lots of pots and pans, I’ll run this through to clear out all the gunk.

Like the Glisten, you just flip it upside down in an empty machine and run it. You don’t even have to remove the cap, which is a neat little design. It tackles both grease and limescale at the same time.

The Downside: The scent is pretty strong right after the cycle finishes, but it fades quickly.

 

 

Lemi Shine Dishwasher Cleaner

A 4-count box of this powder is a great deal at about $4. I like using Lemi Shine because it’s made with citric acid, so it feels a little more natural than some of the others. It’s fantastic for getting rid of hard water spots and funk.

You just pour the powder packet into the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run a cycle. It has a great lemon smell and does a solid job for regular maintenance cleaning.

The Downside: For really heavy, caked-on grime, you might need something with a little more chemical power.

 

 

CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover

A big jug costs about $6, and you can use it for so many things. CLR is a classic for a reason. If you have serious rust stains or calcium buildup, this is what you need. I’ve used it to clean shower heads, faucets, and the dishwasher.

For the dishwasher, you pour about a half cup into the bottom of the empty machine and run a normal cycle. Then, you run another cycle with just water to rinse it all out. It’s a powerful descaler.

The Downside: It’s a bit of a process since you have to measure it out and then run two separate cycles.

 

 

Active Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer Tablets

A box of these tablets is about $10, but it comes with a lot, so it’s a great value. These are simple, no-fuss tablets that you can use in an empty cycle to get rid of residue and odors.

I find they work just as well as some of the bigger name brands for routine cleaning. If you want to buy in bulk and always have a cleaner on hand, this is a solid choice that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

The Downside: It’s not a brand you see in every store, so you might have to buy it online.

 

 

Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener and Cleaner

A pack costs around $8. These are fun to use because they fizz up and seem to scrub away the gunk. I use these mostly for deodorizing and a light clean, especially if the machine starts smelling a bit musty.

You can use it in your washing machine, too, which is handy. Just toss a tablet in and run a cycle. It’s a quick way to freshen things up without harsh chemicals.

The Downside: Sometimes I notice a tiny bit of powder residue left behind, requiring a quick wipe or an extra rinse.

 

 

Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner

This cleaner is a bit more at $12, but it’s for tough jobs. This is what I pull out if I suspect there’s mold or mildew hiding in the pipes. It uses bioactive enzymes to break down organic gunk that other cleaners might miss.

A little bit of this gel goes a long way, and one container can last for up to 24 cleaning cycles. It’s a deep-cleaning treatment that really scours the hidden parts of the machine.

The Downside: The first time you use it, it can release a weird smell as it cleans out all the old junk. It’s normal, but a little off-putting.

 

 

Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner

These pods are around $5 for a small pack. Like the affresh tablets, these are designed to be used with a full load of dishes, which I love for the convenience. You just toss a pod on the bottom of the dishwasher and run your cycle as usual.

The pod dissolves completely and helps break down grease and hard water film from both your dishes and the machine itself. It’s a great way to multitask your cleaning.

The Downside: The pods don’t always dissolve fully if you’re using a cooler or eco-friendly wash cycle.

 

 

What I Look For In a Dishwasher Cleaner

For me, it comes down to two things: convenience and the type of problem I’m trying to solve. For regular monthly maintenance, I prefer an in-wash tablet or pod like affresh or Finish so I don’t have to waste water on an empty cycle.

But every few months, especially when I notice hard water spots creeping back onto my glasses, I’ll use a dedicated liquid cleaner like Glisten or Finish in an empty, hot cycle. That seems to do the best job at a really deep descaling.

No matter which one you choose, cleaning your dishwasher regularly is one of the easiest ways to make sure it keeps working well. It protects your investment and, most importantly, gets your dishes truly clean.