Dishwasher detergents come in various forms, including cleaning tablets, pods, liquid, and powder detergents. Dishwasher cleaning tablets are a popular option due to their ease of use. Unlike liquid or powder detergent, there’s no measuring involved, and you don’t need to worry about spills to clean up. They literally take seconds to pop into the designated compartment. But are these tablets actually getting the dishes clean?

We asked an expert to weigh in on the topic, and the answer may surprise you: It’s not necessarily the format of the dishwasher cleaning agent that determines its effectiveness; instead, it’s the ingredients that matter. Here, an expert shares the key ingredients that make a successful dishwasher detergent formula, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using cleaning tablets.

Tanu Grewal is a marketing and brand-building expert for Lemi Shine.

Effectiveness of Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets

“It may be surprising to hear, but the format your dishwasher detergent comes in—powder, liquid, tablet, or pouch—doesn’t make much of a difference,” says Tanu Grewal, a marketing and brand-building expert for Lemi Shine. Grewal explains that the key to a deep clean is not the type of dishwasher detergent, but the ingredients it contains. “There are usually three main components to a good dishwasher detergent: a degreaser to cut through oil and gunk, enzymes to break down food residue, and a bleaching agent to remove stains and disinfect,” she shares.

There’s one final ingredient that Grewal says is a sign of a great detergent: citric acid. She explains that this ingredient is a natural cleaning agent derived from lemons and has been proven to cut through hard water. “Citric acid is what is going to get rid of any cloudiness on your glassware, remove pesky water spots, and leave your dishes sparkling clean,” Grewal says.

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Benefits of Using Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets

When it comes to the benefits of using dishwasher cleaning tablets, Grewal says the main advantage is that they typically combine the benefits of both liquid and powder detergents in one compact package.

“Tablets are the best of both worlds and often have the best combination of ingredients—degreasers, enzymes, bleaching agent, and citric acid,” Grewal explains. Additionally, there’s the convenience aspect of using tablets. They come pre-measured, so there’s no need to worry about using too much or too little detergent. There’s no mess to clean up, and it literally takes only seconds to pop a cleaning tablet or pod into the dishwasher slot. Grewal adds that some dishwasher tablets also contain a rinse aid, providing a true all-in-one solution.

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Disadvantages of Using Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets

Grewal says there’s nothing wrong with preferring liquid or powder detergent. “Oftentimes, liquid or powder detergent is the most eco-friendly choice, and it can also be really cost-effective,” she says. However, to ensure that your dishes are thoroughly cleaned, she recommends adding your own rinse aid and citric acid booster.

“One other thing to keep in mind with powder detergents in particular is that if the water temperature isn’t right or you use a quick wash cycle, the powder may not fully dissolve, leading to clogged pipes, build-up around your dishwasher, and an ineffective clean,” Grewal shares. Regardless of the dishwasher detergent you choose, she emphasizes the importance of cleaning your dishwasher at least once a month to keep it running smoothly and extend the appliance’s lifespan.

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Why You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher Routinely

We expect our appliances to thoroughly clean dishes, yet we often overlook cleaning them. Routinely cleaning your dishwasher is essential for maintaining its condition and ensuring it is cleaning dishes as it should. Dishwasher doors and handles are usually wiped down regularly, but the interiors of appliances are often neglected. It’s important to clean the inside of the dishwasher because food particles, detergent residue, grease, grime, and hard water stains can accumulate over time. This can result in unpleasant odors, stains, and even mold and mildew growth. You can purchase dishwasher cleaning agents to clean your appliance, or use homemade cleaning solutions made with inexpensive household items, such as distilled white vinegar or dish soap.