Washing dishes can be annoying, and using liquid or powder detergent is equally inconvenient. Fortunately, there are dishwasher tablets that you can use instead. But are they the best option for the environment?
Some dishwasher tablets are eco-friendly. The ones that are don’t contain plastic and only use biodegradable materials. However, the best eco-friendly dishwasher tablets should still clean dishes well. Consider how to avoid compromising cleanliness for the environment or vice versa.
Good dishwasher tablets can make doing the dishes a lot easier. But before you splurge on the first pack you find, consider how that product will affect the environment. Read on to learn more about eco-friendly dishwasher tablets.
How Dishwasher Tablets Work
To understand if a dishwasher tablet is eco-friendly, you should know how it works. Dishwasher tablets work similarly to other forms of dish detergent. The product is a surfactant, which means it lowers the surface tension of water on the dishes.
So when the water hits the dishes, the water will be able to clean the plates and bowls easily. The technology works the same with any type of dishwasher tablet as well as liquid or powder detergent.
However, you may find dishwasher tablets with rinse aids. This helps get the small drops of water off of your dishes so that they can dry. That way, you’ll be able to put them back into your cabinets when the dishwasher is done.
Here is an excellent option for eco-friendly dishwasher tablets (Amazon paid link).
Why Use Dishwasher Tablets
Dishwasher tablets offer a few benefits compared to other dishwasher detergents. Consider some of the benefits:
- Convenient
- Reliable
- Cleans well
Unfortunately, tablets can be more expensive than gels and powders. However, they work better more of the time. They’re also easier because you don’t have to pour the right amount when you run the dishwasher.
That’s particularly useful for people who have trouble bending down. All you have to do is grab a tablet, put it in your dishwasher, and run a normal cycle.
Learn how to clean your dishwasher filter.
How Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Tablets Are Different
Eco-friendly dishwasher tablets use different materials from traditional products. The entire tablet and its packaging will be recyclable and/or biodegradable.
But they work the exact same way as regular dishwasher tablets. The pods provide the same convenience and reliability as regular ones. Plus, you can get a good clean from them.
Switching to eco-friendly dishwasher tablets is an easy change. Then, you can save the environment just a bit more.
What to Look For When Choosing Dishwasher Tablets
Selecting dishwasher tablets that are eco-friendly can seem difficult. But if you know what to look for, you can minimize the time you spend searching.
That way, you’ll be able to find a brand that you like and that can clean your dishes. So take a look at the following factors when choosing environmentally-friendly dishwasher tablets.
Biodegradable Wrapper
The biggest factor that separates eco-friendly dishwasher tablets is the fact that they have biodegradable wrappers. Some traditional tablets use plastic packaging. While that can be easy and convenient, you can’t recycle the material.
So be sure to look for a label that notes the product is biodegradable. Then, you can use the dishwasher tablets and dispose of the wrapper. But you won’t have to worry about it sitting in a landfill for decades.
Vegan and Cruelty-Free
Next, consider looking for a vegan and/or cruelty-free dishwasher tablet. Not only can these tablets have biodegradable wrappers, but they can also:
- Protect animals
- Keep species alive
- Help the overall ecosystem
You don’t have to eat a vegan diet to get vegan dishwasher pods. But the switch is easy for everyone, and you can do a little extra good for the animals in the environment.
Eco-friendly dishwasher tablets (Amazon paid link).
All-in-One Products
Another thing you may want to look for if you have soft water is an all-in-one tablet. These dishwasher tablets contain enough ingredients to clean and rinse your dishes.
They can also reduce the number of products you need to run the dishwasher. That way, you can save money and reduce your waste. Less waste means less harm to the environment.
Unfortunately, you may need to get a separate rinse aid if you have hard water. Then, you’ll be able to get rid of water stains and other issues.
Price
Some eco-friendly dishwasher tablets are more expensive than other detergents. Of course, the convenient design makes them more costly than gels and powders.
However, eco-friendly packaging may result in a higher price. So you may find that other dishwasher tablets are more affordable.
Still, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on eco-friendly dishwasher tablets. If you can’t afford to use them all of the time, use them when you can. The occasional switch is better than no switch at all.
Value
When comparing the prices of different detergents, consider the value. One product may seem much cheaper than another based on the list price. However, that cheaper item may contain fewer dishwasher tablets.
Investing a bit upfront may help you save money over the long term. So if possible, try to buy eco-friendly dishwasher tablets in bulk. Then, you can lower the cost of the individual pods.
Another Eco-Friendly Option
If you can’t afford to get a bunch of eco-friendly dishwasher tablets, think of other ways to wash your dishes while protecting the environment. Sure, you can use gels and powders, but you can also wash dishes by hand.
Not only does that not require the use of a tablet, but it can save water. So whenever you only have a few dishes to wash, consider using your hands. Then, you can use eco-friendly dish soap to help the environment even more.
Be sure to consider when you need to run a full load of dishes. If that’s rare, you may want to look for other methods to help the environment.
Final Thoughts
Everyone should do what they can to help save the environment. Sometimes, the smallest changes can make a world of difference, such as using dishwasher tablets. However, not all pods are eco-friendly. Be sure to look at the packaging and materials to determine if the product is environmentally friendly.
Next, you can learn if dishwasher cleaners are necessary, or how to clean your dishwasher filter.
I’m an expert wardrobe organizer and a bit of a clean freak. I created this website and its YouTube channel to share practical guides about laundry and organizing. My teachings have been featured in multiple large news publications, and I’ve self-published two wardrobe organizing books and an entire course on the subject.
