Best Stain-Removing Dishwasher Detergents

Looking for the best stain-removing dishwasher detergents? We’ve tested and reviewed top brands to bring you a perfect guide to spotless, shiny dishes every time.

Sparkling dishes start with the right detergent. Stains and grease can ruin your kitchenware, but the best stain-removing dishwasher detergents make cleaning effortless. Whether it’s hard water spots, dried-on food, or tough grease, these products deliver spotless results.

We’ve tested and reviewed top brands to bring you the perfect guide. From eco-friendly options to powerful pods, find the one that fits your needs. Discover the secret to shiny, clean dishes every time.

List of Top 10 Stain-Removing Dishwasher Detergents

Image Title Best For Price
Lemi Shine Natural Dish Detergent Booster - Hard Water Stain Remover - Multi-Use Citric Acid Cleaner - 24 oz (2 Pack) Lemi Shine Natural Dish Detergent Booster – Hard Water Stain Remover – Multi-Use Citric Acid Cleaner – 24 oz (2 Pack)

This product is perfect for anyone who wants sparkling clean dishes without hard water stains. It’s safe, eco-friendly, and easy to use, making it ideal for families and busy households.

Cascade Complete Gel All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent - Citrus breeze - 75 oz Packaging May Vary Cascade Complete Gel All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent – Citrus breeze – 75 oz Packaging May Vary

This Cascade Complete Gel is perfect for busy people who want sparkling dishes without extra work. It’s great for anyone who loves a fresh citrus scent and hates scrubbing.

Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Septic Safe & Plastic-Free Dish Detergent, Orange Scent, 75oz Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Septic Safe & Plastic-Free Dish Detergent, Orange Scent, 75oz

This dishwasher detergent is perfect for anyone who wants sparkling clean dishes with less effort. It’s great for busy households or eco-conscious users since it’s plastic-free and septic safe.

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 82 Count Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 82 Count

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are perfect for busy people who want sparkling clean dishes without pre-rinsing. They’re great for saving time and water, making dishwashing effortless.

Dirty Labs | Dishwasher Detergent and Booster | Scent Free | 48 Loads (1 lb) | Ultra Clean, Spot Free, Quick Wash Optimized | Hyper Concentrated Dirty Labs | Dishwasher Detergent and Booster | Scent Free | 48 Loads (1 lb) | Ultra Clean, Spot Free, Quick Wash Optimized | Hyper Concentrated

This scent-free, ultra-clean dishwasher detergent is perfect for busy families and eco-conscious homes. It’s safe for kids and pets, kind to the planet, and works fast for spot-free dishes.

Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Plastic-Free & Septic Safe Dish Detergent, Lemon Scent, 75oz Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Plastic-Free & Septic Safe Dish Detergent, Lemon Scent, 75oz

This dishwasher detergent is perfect for anyone who wants sparkling clean dishes with less effort. It’s great for busy people who need a reliable, mess-free solution that cuts through tough stains and leaves a fresh, citrus scent.

Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder | Natural Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap | Plastic Free, Plant-Based, Clean, Heavy Duty Hard Water Stain & Grease Remover | Fragrance Free | 12.5 oz (Pack of 1) Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder | Natural Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap | Plastic Free, Plant-Based, Clean, Heavy Duty Hard Water Stain & Grease Remover | Fragrance Free | 12.5 oz (Pack of 1)

This dishwasher detergent is perfect for anyone who wants clean dishes without harsh chemicals. It’s safe for families and kind to the planet.

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 84 Count Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 84 Count

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are perfect for busy people who want sparkling clean dishes without extra work. They’re great for anyone who wants to save time and water while getting spotless results.

Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent, 75 oz, White Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent, 75 oz, White

Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent is perfect for people who want to tackle stuck-on food and baked-on messes without pre-washing. It’s safe for all dishwasher-safe dishes and powers away stains while being phosphate-free.

Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 70 Count Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 70 Count

Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods are perfect for busy people who want spotless dishes without pre-rinsing. They’re great for saving time and water, making cleaning effortless.

Detailed Reviews

Discover the top 10 stain-removing dishwasher detergents in our expert-reviewed guide. Each product is chosen for its powerful cleaning and spotless results, ensuring your dishes shine every time. Find the perfect match for your needs and say goodbye to tough stains for good.

1. Lemi Shine Natural Dish Detergent Booster – Hard Water Stain Remover – Multi-Use Citric Acid Cleaner – 24 oz (2 Pack)

Lemi Shine Natural Dish Detergent Booster - Hard Water Stain Remover - Multi-Use Citric Acid Cleaner - 24 oz (2 Pack)

Say goodbye to hard water stains with Lemi Shine Natural Dish Detergent Booster. This powerful cleaner removes spots and film from dishes, glassware, and coffee makers. It’s a must-have for sparkling results.

Made with citric acid, it’s plant-based and EPA Safer Choice Certified. No dyes, phosphates, or bleach—just a safe, effective clean.

Pair it with Lemi Shine Dish Detergent Pods for unstoppable cleaning. It’s eco-friendly, biodegradable, and perfect for your home.

Pros Cons
  • Eliminates hard water stains and mineral deposits instantly
  • Natural citric acid power tackles tough stains safely
  • Plant-based & eco-friendly formula is family-safe
  • Boosts dishwasher performance with detergent pods
  • Multi-use for kitchen appliances and surfaces
  • Not for hand-washing dishes, only dishwasher use.
  • May need extra rinsing for sensitive skin.
  • Citric acid scent might be too strong for some.

Perfect For:

This product is perfect for anyone who wants sparkling clean dishes without hard water stains. It’s safe, eco-friendly, and easy to use, making it ideal for families and busy households.

Ready to Purchase?

2. Cascade Complete Gel All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent – Citrus breeze – 75 oz Packaging May Vary

Cascade Complete Gel All-in-1 Dishwasher Detergent - Citrus breeze - 75 oz Packaging May Vary

Cascade Complete Gel is a powerful dishwasher detergent. It cuts through tough grease and stuck-on food with ease.

No pre-wash needed. Saves time and effort. Fresh citrus scent included.

The Pure Rinse Formula leaves dishes spotless. Also comes in powder and ActionPacs for convenience.

Pros Cons
  • No pre-wash needed—saves time and effort.
  • Dawn’s grease-fighting power tackles tough messes.
  • Pure Rinse Formula leaves dishes spotless and clean.
  • Citrus Breeze Scent keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
  • Strong scent may not suit everyone’s preference.
  • Gel form can be messy if not handled carefully.
  • Packaging varies, so design may differ from expectations.

Perfect For:

This Cascade Complete Gel is perfect for busy people who want sparkling dishes without extra work. It’s great for anyone who loves a fresh citrus scent and hates scrubbing.

Ready to Purchase?

3. Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Septic Safe & Plastic-Free Dish Detergent, Orange Scent, 75oz

Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Septic Safe & Plastic-Free Dish Detergent, Orange Scent, 75oz

Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent delivers advanced deep cleaning power for sparkling dishes. Its plastic-free formula is septic safe, making it a smart choice for any home.

Easy to pour, mess-free, and fights tough stains. Works fast on dried food and leaves a fresh orange scent.

Upgrade your clean with Jet-Dry Rinse Aid for shinier, drier dishes. Finish, the #1 global brand, offers a full range of dishwasher supplies for a complete clean.

Pros Cons
  • Deep cleaning power for sparkling clean dishes every time.
  • Plastic-free formula, safe for septic systems.
  • Fresh orange scent leaves dishes smelling clean and refreshing.
  • Easy to pour, mess-free gel for a better dishwashing experience.
  • Not for handwashing: Designed for dishwashers, not for handwashing dishes.
  • Limited scents: Only two citrus options, no variety for scent preferences.
  • Rinse aid needed: Requires extra product for shinier, drier dishes.

Perfect For:

This dishwasher detergent is perfect for anyone who wants sparkling clean dishes with less effort. It’s great for busy households or eco-conscious users since it’s plastic-free and septic safe.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 82 Count

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 82 Count

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods make cleaning dishes easy. They remove 24-hour dried-on stains and grease without pre-rinsing.

These powerful pods have three chambers that dissolve fast. They leave dishes with a spot-free shine, from glasses to pans.

Save time, save water, and get sparkling dishes with Finish Quantum.

Pros Cons
  • No pre-rinse needed, saving time and water.
  • Removes 24-hour stains and tough grease effortlessly.
  • Spot-free shine for all dishes, from glasses to pans.
  • Easy-to-use pods with no measuring required.
  • Price may be higher than other dishwasher detergents.
  • Pods can be less eco-friendly due to plastic packaging.
  • Not suitable for hand-washing dishes.

Perfect For:

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are perfect for busy people who want sparkling clean dishes without pre-rinsing. They’re great for saving time and water, making dishwashing effortless.

Ready to Purchase?

5. Dirty Labs | Dishwasher Detergent and Booster | Scent Free | 48 Loads (1 lb) | Ultra Clean, Spot Free, Quick Wash Optimized | Hyper Concentrated

Dirty Labs | Dishwasher Detergent and Booster | Scent Free | 48 Loads (1 lb) | Ultra Clean, Spot Free, Quick Wash Optimized | Hyper Concentrated

Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent and Booster is scent-free and ultra-concentrated. It cleans 48 loads with just 1 pound of powder. Perfect for quick wash cycles, it leaves dishes spot-free.

This formula uses advanced bioenzymes to tackle tough messes without harsh chemicals. It’s nontoxic, cruelty-free, and vegan. No petroleum-based or synthetic ingredients are used.

The eco-friendly packaging is recyclable, and the wooden scoop is responsibly sourced. It’s biodegradable and safe for your home. Visit the store for full ingredient details.

Pros Cons
  • Ultra-concentrated formula for spot-free dishes in quick wash cycles.
  • Nontoxic and petroleum-free, safe for your family and the planet.
  • Eco-friendly packaging with recyclable materials and sustainable sourcing.
  • Bioenzymes tackle tough messes without harsh chemicals.
  • Small package size may not suit large families or frequent dishwashing.
  • Wooden scoop could be less durable than plastic alternatives.
  • No fragrance option might disappoint those who prefer scented products.

Perfect For:

This scent-free, ultra-clean dishwasher detergent is perfect for busy families and eco-conscious homes. It’s safe for kids and pets, kind to the planet, and works fast for spot-free dishes.

Ready to Purchase?

6. Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Plastic-Free & Septic Safe Dish Detergent, Lemon Scent, 75oz

Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent, Advanced Deep Cleaning Power Dish Soap, Fights Tough Stains, Dishwasher Soap, Plastic-Free & Septic Safe Dish Detergent, Lemon Scent, 75oz

Finish Gel Liquid Dishwasher Detergent cleans dishes deeply with its powerful gel formula. It removes tough stains and dried-on food easily. Your dishes will sparkle after every wash.

This mess-free gel is easy to pour, making dishwashing simpler. It’s plastic-free and septic-safe, so it’s kind to your home.

Choose a fresh lemon scent for a clean, refreshing finish. Pair it with Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid for shinier, drier dishes. Start with Finish for spotless results every time.

Pros Cons
  • Deep cleaning power for sparkling clean dishes.
  • Easy to pour, mess-free gel for better washing.
  • Fresh lemon scent leaves dishes smelling great.
  • Septic safe and plastic-free for eco-friendly cleaning.
  • Not for handwashing dishes, only for dishwashers.
  • No eco-friendly packaging mentioned, despite being plastic-free.
  • Requires additional rinse aid for shinier results.

Perfect For:

This dishwasher detergent is perfect for anyone who wants sparkling clean dishes with less effort. It’s great for busy people who need a reliable, mess-free solution that cuts through tough stains and leaves a fresh, citrus scent.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder | Natural Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap | Plastic Free, Plant-Based, Clean, Heavy Duty Hard Water Stain & Grease Remover | Fragrance Free | 12.5 oz (Pack of 1)

Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder | Natural Dish Detergent, Dishwasher Soap | Plastic Free, Plant-Based, Clean, Heavy Duty Hard Water Stain & Grease Remover | Fragrance Free | 12.5 oz (Pack of 1)

Truly Free Dishwasher Detergent Powder is a powerful cleaner for your dishes. It cuts through grease and removes tough stains with ease. Your dishes will sparkle after every wash.

This natural detergent is safe for your family and the environment. It fights hard water stains and leaves no streaks or spots. The plant-based formula is free from harsh chemicals.

The powder comes with a scoop for easy measuring. Just add it to your dishwasher, and let it do the hard work. No mess, no fuss—just clean dishes.

Pros Cons
  • Powerful cleaning for sparkling dishes, every time.
  • Safe, natural formula, gentle on family and Earth.
  • Removes hard water stains and grease effortlessly.
  • Easy-to-use powder with no harsh chemicals.
  • Small pack size may not last long for heavy users.
  • Fragrance-free might not appeal to those who prefer scented options.
  • Powder form could be less convenient than tablet alternatives.

Perfect For:

This dishwasher detergent is perfect for anyone who wants clean dishes without harsh chemicals. It’s safe for families and kind to the planet.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 84 Count

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 84 Count

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are the #1 global brand for auto dishwashing. They remove 24-hour dried-on stains and grease, leaving dishes virtually spotless.

These pods have 3 fast-dissolving chambers for a deep clean. They save time and water by skipping the rinse step. Easy to use and no pre-measuring needed.

Pros Cons
  • No pre-rinse needed, saving time and water.
  • Removes 24-hour stains and tough grease effortlessly.
  • Virtually spot-free shine for all dishes and pans.
  • Easy-to-use pods with no measuring required.
  • Price may be higher than some other dishwasher detergents.
  • Not suitable for hand washing dishes, only for dishwashers.
  • Resealable packaging can be tricky to close properly.

Perfect For:

Finish Quantum Dishwasher Pods are perfect for busy people who want sparkling clean dishes without extra work. They’re great for anyone who wants to save time and water while getting spotless results.

Ready to Purchase?

9. Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent, 75 oz, White

Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent, 75 oz, White

Cascade Complete Powder is your go-to for sparkling clean dishes. It powers away tough messes like stuck-on food and tea stains.

No more scrubbing! It cleans baked-on food and 24-hour stuck-on messes with ease. No pre-washing needed—just load and go.

This phosphate-free formula is safe for all dishes. It leaves nothing but shine, making dishwashing simple and effective.

Pros Cons
  • Removes 24-hour stuck-on food effortlessly.
  • No pre-washing needed—saves time and effort.
  • Powers away tea stains and residues.
  • Safe for all dishwasher-safe dishes.
  • Not for hand-washing dishes, only for dishwashers.
  • May leave residue if dishwasher is overloaded.
  • Fresh scent might be too strong for sensitive noses.

Perfect For:

Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent is perfect for people who want to tackle stuck-on food and baked-on messes without pre-washing. It’s safe for all dishwasher-safe dishes and powers away stains while being phosphate-free.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 70 Count

Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods, No Pre-Rinse Dishwasher Detergent Soap Removes 24HR Dried-On Stain and Grease, Leaving a Virtually Spotless Shine, 70 Count

Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods are the #1 global brand for auto dishwashing. They remove 24-hour dried-on stains and tough grease with ease. Enjoy spot-free, shiny dishes every time.

These advanced pods have 3 fast-dissolving chambers for a deep clean. They save water by skipping the pre-rinse step. Perfect for glassware and stainless-steel pans.

Effortless to use, these resealable pods keep moisture out. They protect your glassware with Protector Shield technology. Start with Finish for a sparkling clean today.

Pros Cons
  • No pre-rinse needed, saving time and water.
  • Removes 24-hour stains and tough grease effortlessly.
  • Virtually spot-free shine for all dishes and glassware.
  • Protects glassware with advanced Protector Shield technology.
  • Pricey compared to some other dishwasher detergents.
  • Not eco-friendly packaging, uses plastic.
  • May leave residue if not used correctly.

Perfect For:

Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Pods are perfect for busy people who want spotless dishes without pre-rinsing. They’re great for saving time and water, making cleaning effortless.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Sparkling dishes start with the right detergent. We’ve tested top brands to bring you the best stain-removing dishwasher detergents.

Factors to Consider When Buying:
Cleaning Power: Look for detergents that cut through grease and remove tough stains like dried-on food or hard water spots.
Eco-Friendly Options: Choose plant-based, biodegradable, or EPA Safer Choice Certified products for a greener clean.
Scent: Pick a fresh scent like citrus, lemon, or orange for a pleasant finish, or go scent-free for sensitivity.
Convenience: Opt for pods, gels, or powders based on ease of use and mess-free application.
Special Features: Consider plastic-free, septic-safe, or quick wash optimized formulas for specific needs.
Packaging: Look for recyclable or responsibly sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.
Brand Reputation: Trust top brands like Finish or Cascade for reliable results.

Discover the secret to shiny, clean dishes every time with our guide.