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Keeping your dishes sparkling clean is a top priority for any kitchen. The right dishwasher detergent can make a significant difference, tackling tough grease and food residues effectively while also protecting your dishwasher. Choosing a quality detergent ensures optimal performance and longevity for your appliance.
1. GREASE FIGHTING POWER: Cascade dishwasher pods dissolve fast to release the grease fighting power of Dawn
2. SPOTFREE CLEAN DISHES: Get virtually spotfree sparkling clean dishes from even the toughest messes with these dishwasher detergent pods, a must-have among your cleaning supplies
3. WATER SAVING: Running the dishwasher daily saves water*. *ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use less than 4 gallons per cycle. Running the tap for 11 minutes while handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water
4. 1 RECOMMENDED BRAND: More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade based on co-marketing agreements vs. other automatic dishwasher detergent brands
5. CONVENIENT AND RESPONSIBLE: Convenient, premeasured ActionPac with no finicky plastic wrapping. Phosphate free, making it a responsible choice among household essentials and cleaning products
Dissolves fast to release the grease-fighting power of Dawn, while food-seeking enzymes latch on and break down food into particles so small they can flow right down the drain
Dishwasher detergent pods clean burnt-on messes in just one wash, with no prewash needed
Our best dishwasher detergent for up to 100% Food Residue Removal
Only Cascade Platinum Plus contains 2X* the Dawn grease fighting power and 2X* the scrubbing power to power through dried on food *Cleaning ingredients vs Cascade Complete ActionPacs
Removes visible and invisible residues for virtually spotfree and shiny dishes
40% larger liquid top for even more* cleaning power that still fits in your dishwasher detergent dispenser *vs Cascade Platinum ActionPacs
Running the dishwasher daily saves water* Save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load *ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use 4 gallons per cycle. Running the tap for 11 minutes handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water.
#1 Recommended Brand in North America* *More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade based on co-marketing agreements vs. other automatic dishwasher detergent brands
Formulated to help prevent hard water spots and filming to keep your machine looking fresh and clean
Convenient, premeasured ActionPac. Phosphate free. Safe for plumbing, safe for machines.
FRESH SCENT DISHWASHER PACS: Leaves dishes clean and smelling fresh after every cycle.
2-IN-1 GREASE-FIGHTING FORMULA: Combines powerful dishwasher detergent with built-in rinse aid to help break down grease and food residue for sparkling clean dishes.
NO PRE-RINSE NEEDED: Designed to tackle tough food messes without pre-rinsing, saving time and water.
POWERFUL CLEAN IN EVERY LOAD: Pacs dissolve during the wash cycle to help remove grease, stuck-on food, and everyday messes.
EASY TO USE: No measuring and no mess. Simply place one pac into the dishwasher detergent dispenser and start the cycle.
CONVENIENT RESEALABLE TUB: Designed to keep pacs protected from moisture while making storage simple.
DISHWASHER PACS: Includes 78 pacs for 78 dishwasher loads.
Dishwasher detergent powers away 24-hour stuck-on food from dirty dishes
No Pre-Washing of dishes required
Cascade Complete is formulated with more tough food cleaning ingredients vs regular Cascade to fight through layers of dish residue leaving behind nothing but shine *vs regular Cascade gel
Formulated with biobased* and other thoughtfully selected ingredients. *45% biobased ingredients
More tough food-cleaning ingredients (vs. Cascade Original Gel)
No Chlorine Bleach. No Phosphates. No Heavy Perfumes.
Powers Away 24 Hr. Stuck on Food
Use with Cascade Power Dry Rinse Aid and Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner for our best clean
Running the dishwasher daily saves water* Save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load when you skip the pre-wash *ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use 4 gallons per cycle. Running the tap for 11 minutes handwashing uses up to 24 gallons of water.
#1 Recommended Brand in North America* *More dishwasher brands in North America recommend Cascade based on co-marketing agreements vs. other automatic dishwasher detergent brands
Last update on 2026-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Dishwasher Detergent
Environmental Impact and Scent
Many consumers prefer eco-friendly options. Look for detergents labeled as biodegradable, phosphate-free, or made with plant-derived ingredients. Scented detergents can leave a pleasant aroma, but fragrance-free options are ideal for those with sensitivities or allergies. Ensure the detergent is safe for your specific dishwasher model and doesn't contain harsh chemicals that could damage the interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular dish soap in my dishwasher?
No, you should never use regular dish soap in an automatic dishwasher. Regular dish soap creates excessive suds that can overflow the dishwasher and potentially damage the appliance. Dishwasher detergents are specifically formulated to be low-sudsing and safe for machine use.
How much detergent should I use?
The amount of detergent needed depends on the type of detergent and the load size. For powders and gels, follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage, often indicated on the packaging or inside the dishwasher's dispenser. Pods are pre-portioned, so one pod per cycle is typically sufficient.
What causes white spots on my dishes?
White spots are usually caused by hard water mineral deposits or inadequate rinsing. Using a detergent formulated for hard water, ensuring your dishwasher's rinse aid dispenser is full, and running a hot water cycle can help mitigate this issue.
Are pods more effective than powder or gel?
Pods often offer convenience and a potent cleaning combination, but their effectiveness can vary by brand and formulation. Powders and gels can be more economical and allow for dosage adjustment, which might be beneficial for lighter loads or specific cleaning needs.
How do I store dishwasher detergent?
Dishwasher detergent should be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent clumping and maintain effectiveness. Storing it out of reach of children and pets is also important for safety.
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