Did you know that the very detergents meant to “clean” your dishes may actually be leaving behind toxic residues that can harm your health?
A 2022 University of Zurich study found that certain chemicals commonly used in dishwasher detergents and rinse aids – like alcohol ethoxylates – can damage the protective barrier of the gut, leading to issues such as inflammation, food sensitivities, and long-term digestive problems.
Other everyday ingredients you’ll often find include:
Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach): corrosive to the gut lining.
1,4-Dioxane: a contaminant linked to cancer and gastrointestinal damage.
SLS & SLES: harsh foaming agents that irritate the skin and digestive tract.
Phthalates & Formaldehyde: known endocrine disruptors.
Think about it: you’d never drink a glass of bleach or formaldehyde – but tiny amounts of these chemicals can still end up on your dishes, glasses, and utensils after every wash.
That’s why we tested dozens of non-toxic dishwasher detergents to find safer alternatives for families. Here are the 5 best options that actually get your dishes clean-without putting your gut and health at risk.
SPOILER ALERT:The #1 Pick is Truly Free Dishwashing Soap. It delivers powerful cleaning performance without the toxic trade-offs – free from alcohol ethoxylates, synthetic fragrances, and other harsh chemicals found in most detergents. Safe for families and tough on grease, Truly Free stands out as the clear choice for a healthier, non-toxic home.
Many families are discovering that Truly Free Dishwashing Soap is a safer, healthier alternative to conventional detergents – earning it a well-deserved 5-star rating ★★★★★. It cuts through grease and stubborn food residue with ease, all without relying on the harsh chemicals that can leave behind toxic residues linked to gut issues.
Truly Free uses only safe, plant-based ingredients – meaning no bleach, no 1,4-Dioxane, no alcohol ethoxylates, no SLS or SLES, no synthetic dyes, no artificial fragrances, no phthalates, and no parabens.
What makes it even better is the company’s commitment to sustainability. Truly Free’s refill system eliminates single-use plastic bottles, drastically reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions compared to traditional detergent brands. It’s good for your home, your family’s health, and the planet.
And to top it off, Truly Free products are proudly made in the USA, supporting an American-owned company while delivering sparkling clean dishes.
With a formula this safe and effective, it’s easy to see why Truly Free Dishwashing Soap is our #1 recommendation for a non-toxic home.
UPDATE: Truly Free is offering an unbelievable deal right now – Claim 50 FREE Dishwasher Loads, + Dishwasher Cleaner, + Dishwasher Booster & Rinse Aid plus FREE U.S. shipping.
Join the 500,000+ Families have already made the switch
Molly’s Suds earns the #2 spot on our list of safest dishwasher detergents. Like our top pick, it comes in convenient pod form and is completely free from harsh ingredients—making it another smart choice for protecting your family’s health and gut.
Molly’s Suds delivers excellent cleaning power, tackling grease and food residue without leaving behind a film or aftertaste. Their refreshing Citrus scent option adds a naturally fresh touch, without relying on synthetic fragrances.
With its strong performance and commitment to clean, non-toxic ingredients, Molly’s Suds secures the #2 position as a trusted pick for sparkling dishes and a healthier home.
Blueland takes the #3 spot on our list. These dishwasher tablets are made without harsh chemicals, making them a safer choice for families. However, they are currently only available in a fragrance-free option, which may not appeal to everyone.
In terms of performance, Blueland didn’t clean quite as effectively as our top two picks—some dishes showed leftover food particles and glasses occasionally had streaks after washing.
On the positive side, Blueland stands out with its completely plastic-free packaging, a win for eco-conscious households. That said, this sustainability focus comes with a higher price point, and when combined with the slightly lower cleaning power, it places Blueland solidly at #3 on our list.
Seventh Generation earns the #4 spot on our list. Widely recognized in the “clean living” community, this plant-based formula is free from harmful chemicals and does a solid job of cleaning dishes without leaving behind residue.
That said, its liquid format holds it back. Liquid detergents can be messy, sticky, and difficult to measure—often leading to using either too much or too little. Plus, the bulky plastic jugs aren’t as eco-friendly or convenient as modern pod or tablet options.
While many households remain loyal fans of Seventh Generation, the combination of liquid drawbacks and heavy plastic packaging lands it at #4 in our rankings.
Clean People earns the #5 spot. These pods deliver a clean kitchen without the harsh chemicals—no phosphates, chlorine, or synthetic fragrances—making them a family-friendly choice.
They’re pre-measured and mess-free, so there’s no guesswork—just pop one in and let it get to work. The clean, safe ingredients they use leave dishes sparkling, with zero residue.
On the downside, their plant-and-mineral-based formula doesn’t quite match the grease-cutting power of our top picks, and they come at a bit of a premium. That said, if ingredient transparency and chemical safety are your priorities, Clean People remains a solid and trustworthy choice.
And the winner is…
The winner is Truly Free Dishwashing Soap! With simple, plant-based ingredients that won’t harm your health, powerful grease-cutting performance, and an eco-friendly refill system that eliminates single-use plastics, Truly Free takes the top spot for families who want a cleaner home and a healthier life.
And the best part? Truly Free is running 2 exclusive offers right now: Scroll below to Claim an exclusive Deal + get FREE U.S. shipping.
It doesn’t get better than that for your home, your family, and the planet!
Dishwasher Soap
Editor’s Choice
Includes:
- 200 FREE Loads
- Non-Toxic Ingredients
- No Synthetic Fragrances
- Safe for Family & Environment
- Residue-Free Shine
- Safe for Family & Environment
- No Subscription Required
- 30-Day money back guarantee
- Free USA Shipping
Review Score
9.9
Excellent
500,240+ Families
Limited Time Deal: 50% Off
Buy 8 Get 8 FREE
1,534 people bought this week
Dishwasher Soap
Great Starter Kit
Includes:
- 50 FREE Loads
- 2 FREE Dish Detox
- 1 Free Dishwasher Cleaner
- 1 Free Dishwasher Booster & Rinse Aid
- Residue-Free Shine
- Safe for Family & Environment
- No Subscription Required
- 30-Day money back guarantee
- Free USA Shipping
Review Score
9.6
Excellent
500,240+ Families
Limited Time Deal: 66% Off
Buy 100 Loads Get 50 FREE
421 people bought this week
#1 Truly Free: Buy it here
#2 Molly Sud’s: Buy it here
#3 Blueland: buy it here
#4 Seventh Generation: buy it here
#5 Clean People: buy it here
