What’s the Best Detergent for Your Dishwasher? (Powder, Tablet or Liquid)

With supermarket shelves stocked with powders, pods, tablets, gels, and even DIY mixes, it’s easy to feel unsure which one actually gets your dishes sparkling clean without wasting money or harming your dishwasher.

The truth is, each detergent type, powder, tablet, and liquid, has its strengths. The key is understanding how they work, when to use them, and how to get the best result for your machine, your cookware, and the environment.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option and how to use them correctly.

Powder Dishwasher Detergent

Dishwasher powder (or powdered dishwasher detergent) has been around since the first home dishwashers appeared, and for good reason. It’s simple, effective, and gives you full control over how much detergent you use.

The Advantages

• Customisable dosing – you can adjust the amount based on how dirty your load is, helping avoid waste.
• Budget-friendly – powders often cost less per wash than tablets or pods.
• Ideal for hard water – you can increase the dose slightly if your water has more minerals.

The Drawbacks

• Messy if over-poured – too much powder can leave residue or film on glassware.
• Sensitive to moisture – if your powder box isn’t sealed, it can clump.
• Requires measurement – not as convenient as dropping in a tablet.

How to Use Dishwasher Powder Properly

1. Scrape food debris off your dishes (no need to pre-wash).
2. Add the right dose – around 20–30 g for a full load, less for lightly soiled dishes.
3. Pour into the detergent dispenser, not the base of the machine.
4. Choose a normal or eco cycle – extreme heat isn’t necessary for a good clean.
5. Open the door slightly after washing to release steam and reduce water spots.

Pro tip: Less is more. Using too much powder can cause streaks or residue, especially on stainless steel or glass.

Dishwasher Tablets

Dishwasher tablets (also known as pods or capsules) are the go-to choice for most households today. They’re pre-measured, easy to use, and great for full loads, but they come with a few trade-offs.

The Advantages

• No measuring required – just pop one tablet into the dispenser.
• Consistent clean – perfect for large or heavily soiled loads.
• Compact storage – small, tidy boxes and refill packs are easy to handle.

The Drawbacks

• Higher cost per wash – convenience comes with a price.
• Less flexibility – you can’t reduce the amount for smaller loads.
• Occasional residue – pods may not dissolve fully on short or cool cycles.
• Extra packaging – individually wrapped tablets can increase waste.

When Tablets Work Best

If your dishwasher is newer, you run it on full cycles, and you value simplicity over flexibility, tablets are a reliable choice. Just make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping or partial dissolving.

Liquid & Gel Detergents: Gentle, Eco-Friendly, and Easy to Use

Liquid and gel dishwasher detergents are growing in popularity, especially among households looking for an eco-friendly alternative to single-use tablets.

They combine the flexibility of powder with the convenience of tablets, dissolving instantly in any water temperature and leaving behind no chalky residue.

One standout example is our Auto Dishwasher Power, a powerful, non-caustic liquid detergent designed to clean effectively while protecting both your cookware and the environment.

Why Choose Our Auto Dishwasher Power?

This liquid formula gives you the control of powder and the ease of tablets without the harsh chemicals. Here’s what makes it different:

• Powerful grease-cutting action – breaks down oils and food residue even on cooler cycles.
• No caustics or phosphates – safe for septic and grey-water systems, kinder to waterways.
• Low-residue formula – no streaks, no cloudy glassware.
• Fully biodegradable and cruelty-free – aligns with OzKleen’s “clean smarter, live better” ethos.
• Economical – one 1 L bottle lasts up to 40 washes, depending on load size.

How to Use Liquid Detergent (Step-by-Step)

If you’re used to tablets or powder, switching to a liquid detergent is surprisingly easy. Here’s how to get the best results:

1. Check your load. Scrape away food scraps (no need to rinse). Make sure items are spaced so water jets can reach everything.
2. Measure your dose. For a regular load, pour about 25 mL of Auto Dishwasher Power into your detergent dispenser. For heavy grease or baked-on food, increase slightly to 30 mL.
3. Add directly to the dispenser. Pour the gel-like detergent into the compartment where you’d normally place a tablet, then close the lid.
4. Select your cycle. Choose a normal or eco-friendly wash. The liquid formula dissolves completely, even on shorter cycles.
5. Let it finish and air dry. Once the cycle’s done, open the door slightly to release steam. This helps prevent spotting and ensures everything dries faster.
6. Optional boost. For very greasy pans, apply a small amount of Auto Dishwasher Power directly to the item before loading.

Powder vs Tablets vs Liquid: Quick Comparison

Considering the Most Eco-Friendly Option?

If sustainability matters to you, the best detergent choice is one that balances cleaning power with environmental care.

Here’s why liquid detergents like OzKleen’s are leading the way:

• They eliminate single-use plastic wrapping from tablets and pods.
• The biodegradable, non-caustic formula breaks down safely in septic and grey-water systems.
• You can dose precisely, so you use less overall and reduce chemical runoff.
• They’re made locally in Australia, reducing transport emissions and supporting local jobs.

Find OzKleen At Your Local Woolworths

Choosing the best detergent for your dishwasher ultimately depends on your household’s needs and habits. Powder offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness, allowing you to adjust the amount based on the load. Tablets provide simplicity and consistency, making them a convenient choice for busy families. Liquids and gels, however, deliver the best of both worlds.

If you’re looking for a detergent that combines cleaning strength with sustainability, OzKleen Auto Dishwasher Power is a standout choice. Its non-caustic, biodegradable formula removes grease and residue while protecting your dishwasher and the planet. It’s gentle on your cookware, safe for septic and grey-water systems, and tough on everyday grime.

Find us at your local Woolworths and try one of the most affordable, eco-friendly, and easy ways to wash your dishes today.