Eco dishwasher tablets + A sustainable solution for cleaner dishes
Are you tired of compromising between cleanliness and environmental responsibility when it comes to dishwashing? Look no further! In this blog post, we`ll introduce you to the world of eco dishwasher tablets and unveil the top five brands that are making a positive impact on both your dishes and the planet. Get ready to make a greener choice without sacrificing cleanliness in your kitchen.
Table of contents:
1- Dropps
2- Smol
3- Homethings
4- Blueland
5- Grove Collaborative
What are dishwasher tablets used for?
Dishwasher tablets are specifically designed for use in automatic dishwashers to clean and sanitize dishes, cutlery, glassware, and other kitchenware. They serve as an all-in-one solution, combining detergent, rinse aid, and sometimes even a water softener in a convenient tablet form.
When placed in the dishwasher's detergent dispenser or directly into the machine, the tablet dissolves during the wash cycle, releasing its cleaning agents and additives. Using dish soap tablets simplifies the dishwashing process and helps achieve consistent and efficient cleaning results. Just like eco friendly water bottles, eco dishwasher tablets are a big step to a sustainable world.
Are dishwasher tablets eco friendly?
Dishwasher tablets can be eco-friendly, depending on the brand and formulation. Many manufacturers are now producing dish tablets that are specifically designed to be environmentally friendly.
These eco-friendly dish soap tablets often contain biodegradable ingredients, use sustainable packaging, and are free from harmful chemicals such as phosphates or chlorine bleach. It's essential to read the product labels and choose brands that prioritize sustainability to make a greener choice for your dishwashing routine.
Ingredients to look for in dishwasher tablets
When selecting dishwasher tablets, there are several key ingredients to look for that can indicate a more eco-friendly and effective product:
Enzymes: Look for enzymes, such as protease, amylase, and lipase. Enzymes help to break down and remove tough food stains and residues from dishes effectively.
Citric Acid: Citric acid is a natural ingredient derived from citrus fruits. It helps to remove mineral deposits and hard water stains, leaving dishes free from spots and streaks.
Sodium Carbonate: Also known as washing soda or soda ash, sodium carbonate enhances the cleaning power of dishwasher tablets. It helps to break down grease and stubborn stains on dishes.
Oxygen Bleach: Oxygen bleach, like sodium percarbonate, is a safer alternative to chlorine bleach. It helps to remove stains, disinfect, and brighten dishes without releasing harmful chemicals.
Biodegradable Surfactants: Surfactants help to dissolve grease and food particles, ensuring thorough cleaning. They break down more easily in the environment, reducing the impact on ecosystems.
Plant-Based Ingredients: Plant-based ingredients, such as natural oils or extracts, are renewable and have a lower environmental impact.
Ingredients to avoid in dishwasher tablets
When selecting dish soap tablets, it's important to be aware of certain ingredients that you may want to avoid due to their potential environmental or health concerns. Here are some ingredients commonly found in dishwasher tablets that you may want to steer clear of:
Phosphates: Phosphates can contribute to water pollution and harmful algal blooms when released into aquatic ecosystems.
Chlorine Bleach: Chlorine can be harmful to aquatic life and may contribute to water pollution. Consider opting for dish tablets that use oxygen bleach or alternative disinfecting agents.
Synthetic Fragrances: Synthetic can contain a mixture of potentially harmful chemicals and may trigger allergies or sensitivities. Choosing naturally scented dishwasher tablets can be a safer option.
Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals, such as phosphoric acid or sodium hydroxide, can be corrosive and harmful to the environment.
Artificial Dyes: Artificial dyes are added to enhance the visual appeal of dish soap tablets. However, they serve no functional purpose and can be derived from petrochemicals.
Tips to choose the best eco friendly dishwasher tablets
If you want to buy eco dish tablets that align with your sustainability goals and still deliver effective cleaning results, you should consider some tips. The following tips can help you to make an informed decision.
1. Look for eco-certifications
Look for dishwasher tablets that have recognized eco-certifications or labels such as EcoLabel, EcoCert, or similar credentials. These certifications indicate that the product meets specific environmental standards and has undergone testing for sustainability.
2. Sustainable packaging
Consider dishwasher tablets that come in sustainable packaging. Look for brands that use recyclable materials or have made efforts to minimize packaging waste. Choosing products with eco-friendly packaging helps reduce overall environmental impact.
3. Customer reviews and ratings
Read customer reviews and ratings to gain insights into the effectiveness and eco-friendliness of different dishwasher tablet brands. Look for feedback on cleaning performance, environmental impact, and overall customer satisfaction.
4. Avoid harsh chemicals
Stay away from dishwasher tablets that contain harsh chemicals such as phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, or chlorine bleach. These chemicals can be harmful to the environment and potentially leave residues on dishes. Look for products that prioritize gentler, safer alternatives.
5. Water and energy efficiency
Look for dish soap tablets that are designed to work effectively with shorter and energy-efficient dishwasher cycles. These tablets can help reduce water and energy consumption, contributing to overall sustainability.
6. Transparent ingredient disclosure
Choose brands that provide detailed information about their ingredients. Transparent companies openly disclose their ingredient list, allowing you to make an informed decision and avoid hidden harmful substances.
7. Local and sustainable sourcing
If supporting local businesses and sustainable sourcing practices are important to you, look for dishwasher tablets from local or regional brands that prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing processes and sourcing of ingredients.
5 top eco friendly dishwasher tablet brands
You should be familiar with eco-friendly dishwasher tablet brands as they help consumers identify trusted and reliable options that prioritize sustainability. These brands are committed to using environmentally friendly ingredients, minimizing packaging waste, and reducing their overall ecological footprint. By choosing from these top 5 brands that we`ll identify, you can make a positive impact on the environment.
1- Dropps
| Price range | Pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| $19 | 1. Chlorine-free
2. phosphate-free 3. phthalate-free formula 4. effective cleaning with oxygen-based bleach and enzymes 5. recyclable and compostable packaging 6. transparent ingredient disclosures 7. carbon-neutral shipping | 1. Limited fragrance options
2. Not be easily accessible in all regions or countries 3. Higher price for the number of tablets included |
Dropps uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dissolvable membranes for their pods and packages them in recyclable and compostable packaging. They are known for their transparency, providing full ingredient disclosures and safety data sheets on their website. Dropps also offers carbon-neutral shipping.
2- Smol
| Price range | Pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| £6 | 1. Super-concentrated formula
2. Vegan and cruelty-free 3. 100% plastic-free cardboard packaging 4. Commitment to reducing carbon footprint 5. Donations to charitable organizations | 1. Uncertainty about the presence of a PVOH film in each tablet
2. potential limited availability or accessibility in certain regions 3. Smaller tablets 4. Not chemical free, but reducing chemicals 5. monthly subscription charge |
Smol is an eco dish tablets brand that offers super-concentrated, vegan, and cruelty-free products. They aim to reduce chemical inputs and have fewer chemicals compared to leading brands.
Smol is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and conducts life cycle analyses to assess carbon emissions throughout production. By using concentrated formulas, minimal packaging, and donating products to those in need, Smol has saved 1,400 tons of plastic since 2018.
3- Homethings
| Price range | Pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| £9.99 for 40 tablets | 1. Plant-based formulation
2. Vegan and cruelty-free 3. Zero-waste and plastic-free 4. Includes rinse aid and dishwasher salts 5. subscription service for convenience and cost savings 6. no phosphate, chlorine, or palm oil-derived ingredients | 1. leaves a smell on the dishwasher
2. does not remove tea stains well |
Homethings is an eco dishwasher tablets brand that offers plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free products. The tablets contain rinse aid and dishwasher salts, eliminating the need for additional products.
Homethings offers the option of a subscription service, delivering the tablets directly to your doorstep at a frequency that suits you. The tablets are made in the EU and do not contain phosphate, chlorine, palm oil, or any palm oil-derived ingredients. Using these tablets and biodegradable garbage bags, helps you to have an eco-friendly kitchen!
4- Blueland
| Price range | Pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| $21–$45 | 1. Free of harmful chemicals and plastic
2. Vegan and cruelty-free 3. Effective cleaning with residue-free results 4. Offers both starter sets and refill packs 5. Zero waste packaging 6. multiple eco-certifications and commitments 7. Significant plastic bottle replacement 8. Certified B Corp | 1. Sometimes 2 tablets needed for clean washing |
Blueland dishwasher tablets are vegan, cruelty-free, and are found to be effective in leaving dishes residue-free. Blueland provides a Dishwasher Starter Set that includes a tin for tablet storage, or customers can opt for compostable paper refill packs if they already have a suitable glass jar. The tablets are zero waste as they are not contained in a PVA/PVOH wrap.
5- Grove Collaborative
| Price range | Pros | cons |
|---|---|---|
| $10–$12 | 1. Plant-based and natural formulation
2. Free from harsh chemicals 3. Scented with natural essential oils and plant extracts 4. Certified B Corp 5. USDA BioPreferred brand 6. Use of RSPO-certified palm oil 7. Plastic-neutral and carbon-neutral shipping | 1. Higher price range for the number of tablets included
2. Comes in plastic bag |
Grove Collaborative offers an eco dishwasher tablets brand that harnesses the power of plants to provide an environmentally friendly cleaning solution. Their dishwasher tablets are free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, phosphates, formaldehyde, dyes, and chlorine bleach.
They offer two types of 91% plant-based and natural dishwasher tablets: Total Clean and Pure Power. The Pure Power tablets provide extra-strength cleaning power, capable of removing 48-hour baked-on food.
Tips for Maximizing Dishwashing Tablet Performance
To maximize the performance of your dishwasher tablets and achieve optimal cleaning results, consider the following tips:
Load the dishwasher properly: Properly load your dishwasher, ensuring that dishes are not overcrowded or blocking the spray arms. This allows the water and detergent from the tablet to reach all surfaces effectively.
Scrape off excess food: Before placing dishes in the dishwasher, scrape off large food particles to prevent them from clogging the dishwasher filter and interfering with the tablet's effectiveness.
Select the appropriate wash cycle: Heavily soiled dishes may require a longer or more intensive cycle, while lighter loads can benefit from shorter cycles.
Use the recommended dosage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Using more tablets than necessary does not necessarily lead to better cleaning results and can be wasteful.
Check water hardness levels: If you live in an area with hard water, consider using a water softener or adding a separate water softening agent to your dishwasher. Hard water can reduce the effectiveness of dishwasher tablets.
Maintain dishwasher cleanliness: Regularly clean your dishwasher by running an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar. It ensures optimal performance of the dishwasher tablets.
Use a rinse aid: Rinse aids help to prevent water spots and enhance drying performance, resulting in spotless and streak-free dishes.
Avoid pre-rinsing: Pre-rinsing can remove some of the enzymes and detergents from the dishwasher tablet, reducing its effectiveness. Simply scrape off excess food and load the dishwasher as is.
Conclusion
Making the switch to eco-friendly dishwasher tablets is a fantastic way to clean your dishes effectively while minimizing your environmental impact. By opting for brands that prioritize sustainability, you can contribute to a greener future without compromising on cleanliness.
FAQs
1. Are Dishwasher Tablets More Eco Friendly Than Pods?
Dishwasher tablets and pods generally have similar eco-friendliness, but it depends on the specific brand and formulation.
2. Can you put dishwasher tablets straight in the dishwasher?
Yes, dishwasher tablets are designed to be placed directly in the dishwasher.
3. Is it better to use dishwasher tablets or powder?
Both dishwasher tablets and powder can be effective, but tablets are more convenient and pre-measured.
