10 Best Dishwasher Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner is a liquid cleaner designed to tackle common dishwasher issues such as limescale, rust, grease, and general buildup. It also helps in deodorizing your appliance with a pleasant lemon scent. One of its strengths is the powerful cleaning formula that is EPA Safer Choice Approved, ensuring it's safe for your dishwasher, plumbing, and septic systems.

The cleaner is very easy to use: simply place the bottle upside down in the silverware basket and run a hot cycle. The recommended usage is monthly or as needed, which makes maintenance straightforward and not overly frequent. Additionally, the product comes with a performance guarantee, indicating confidence in its effectiveness.

However, being mineral-based and liquid, it may not be as suitable for those who prefer powder or tablet forms of cleaners. Furthermore, while it’s effective in cleaning and deodorizing, users with highly sensitive noses might find the lemon scent a bit strong. The packaging in a 3-pack is convenient for regular users but might be excessive for those who clean their dishwashers less frequently. Given its performance and ease of use, this product is well-suited for anyone looking to maintain a clean and odor-free dishwasher without a lot of effort.

The Affresh W10549851 Dishwasher Cleaner comes in tablet form and is specifically designed to clean the internal components of all dishwasher models. This includes the tub, racks, pump and valve, drain, and recirculation hoses. It is particularly effective at removing limescale and mineral buildup, which can improve the performance and lifespan of your machine.

A notable advantage is that it is recommended by well-known brands like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana, indicating trustworthiness and compatibility with major dishwasher brands. It is also septic safe and has a fresh citrus scent, which can leave your dishwasher smelling pleasant after use.

However, it's important to note that heavily soiled machines might require multiple cleaning cycles, which could be a bit cumbersome. Additionally, it needs to be used monthly or as needed, so it requires regular upkeep. While the tablets are easy to use and effective, people looking for a one-time solution might find the recurring use a bit inconvenient. This product is well-suited for anyone looking to maintain their dishwasher's health with a regular cleaning routine.

The Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid comes in a convenient 4-pack, with each bottle containing 8.45 ounces of cleaner, providing a year’s supply. This cleaner is designed to tackle hidden grease and limescale buildup in your dishwasher, which can help maintain its performance over time. It’s recommended to use once a month or when you notice build-up, which makes it relatively low maintenance.

One of the strong points of this cleaner is its dual action formula that not only cleans but also fights odors, leaving your dishwasher with a fresh scent. This is beneficial for maintaining a pleasant kitchen environment. It’s also a well-recognized product from a reputable brand, which adds to its credibility and reliability.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. Despite being described as having a fresh scent, it is actually unscented, which could be a letdown if you're specifically looking for a scented product. Additionally, while it’s effective at cleaning and removing limescale and grease, it might not be as potent for extremely neglected dishwashers that require a more intensive clean. If your dishwasher regularly faces heavy use and significant build-up, you might need to supplement it with additional cleanings or more powerful products. This product is ideal for those looking for a straightforward, once-a-month cleaner that maintains dishwasher hygiene and efficiency without much hassle.