
If you're looking for a free and clear dishwasher detergent that's gentle on skin and the environment, you're not alone. Many popular brands offer fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options.
Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Free Clear is a highly rated choice that's designed to be gentle on skin and surfaces. It's also biodegradable and free of phosphates, making it an eco-friendly option.
Some users have reported that Seventh Generation Free Clear is a great alternative to traditional detergents, but it's worth noting that it may not produce the same level of cleaning power as other brands.
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Product Comparison
When shopping for free and clear dishwasher detergent, it's essential to consider the ingredients and their impact on the environment.
The Seventh Generation Dishwashing Liquid, for example, is free of phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia, making it a great option for those who prioritize eco-friendliness.
Seventh Generation also uses plant-based ingredients, which are biodegradable and non-toxic.
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Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Free Clear is another popular choice that is also free of phosphates and chlorine.
This detergent is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for households with sensitive skin.
Both Seventh Generation and Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Free Clear are highly effective at removing food residue and stains, leaving dishes sparkling clean.
Their unique formulas work to break down tough food particles, making them easier to rinse away.
Ultimately, the best free and clear dishwasher detergent for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Research and Reviews
We evaluated the detergents to find the best free and clear options for you. Our research involved a thorough testing process to determine which detergents meet the highest standards.
We considered several factors in our evaluation, including the effectiveness of the detergent, its safety for use, and its environmental impact. Our top pick, Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, stood out for its excellent cleaning power and eco-friendly design.
Here are some key features of our top pick:
- Chlorine bleach-free and phosphate-free
- Cleans with plant-based enzymes
- Septic safe
- USDA Certified Biobased Products 65%
Our runner-up, Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs, also impressed us with its performance and features, although it didn't quite meet the same eco-friendly standards as our top pick.
Ingredients & Scents

Water is the primary ingredient in many cleaning products, but this formula also includes sodium citrate, a plant-derived water softener that helps remove minerals that can leave spots on surfaces.
Sodium silicate is a mineral-based alkalinity builder that helps maintain the pH level of the product, ensuring it doesn't become too acidic or basic.
Citric acid, another plant-derived ingredient, acts as a pH adjuster to fine-tune the product's pH level.
The formula also includes xanthan gum, a plant-derived thickener that helps maintain the product's consistency.
Calcium chloride, a mineral-based enzyme stabilizer, helps keep the enzymes in the product from breaking down too quickly.
Sodium hydroxide, a mineral-based pH adjuster, is used in conjunction with citric acid to maintain the product's pH level.
The product contains a blend of protease and amylase, two plant-derived enzymes that help break down and remove organic matter from surfaces.
Benzisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone are synthetic preservatives that help extend the product's shelf life by preventing the growth of bacteria and mold.
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Benefits

The benefits of using a chlorine bleach-free and phosphate-free dishwashing detergent gel are numerous. This eco-friendly alternative is a game-changer for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
One of the standout features of this gel is that it's septic safe, making it a great option for households that rely on septic systems. This means you can use it without worrying about clogging your pipes or harming the environment.
This product is also certified by the USDA as a Biobased Product, with a 65% rating. This certification ensures that the product meets rigorous standards for biobased content.
In addition to its eco-friendly credentials, this dishwashing gel is also certified by the EPA as a Safer Choice. This means it's been rigorously tested and meets strict standards for safety and sustainability.
If you're concerned about animal testing, you'll be happy to know that this product is Leaping Bunny Certified. This certification ensures that no animal testing was involved in the product's development or testing.
The following certifications and ratings are a testament to this product's commitment to safety and sustainability:
Dirty Labs 2-in-1 Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent
Dirty Labs 2-in-1 Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent is a strong, dependable cleaner that's free of dyes and synthetic fragrances.
It's the best-performing "sustainable", minimal-ingredient powder detergent we've tested, cleaning the best by a noticeable margin compared to other boutique brands.
The proprietary Phytolase technology is responsible for its strong cleaning performance, making it a great option for messy soils like tomato sauce and oatmeal.
It comes in a lightweight container that weighs about a pound, which is less than half the weight of other powder detergents.
However, it can be a pain to open and close due to the metal seal on the cardboard container.
One scoop of Dirty Labs 2-in-1 Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent costs about 42ยข, which is more than eight times the price of our other powder detergent pick.
It's also less effective on greasy stains compared to similar brands, so you may need to use it in combination with other cleaning methods.
For your interest: Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent
The Research

We put a lot of effort into researching and testing various dishwasher detergents to find the best ones for you.
Our team consisted of experts who thoroughly evaluated each product based on its performance, effectiveness, and value for money.
We tested a range of detergents, including Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs and Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs, which were our top picks.
Our top pick, Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs, stood out for its excellent cleaning power and eco-friendliness.
We also looked at other options, including the Best powder detergent, Cascade Complete Powder, and the Best minimalist detergent, Dirty Labs 2-in-1 Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent + Booster.
Here are the top picks we found:
- Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs: Our top pick
- Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs: Runner-up
- Cascade Complete Powder: Best powder detergent
- Dirty Labs 2-in-1 Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent + Booster: Best minimalist detergent
We considered various factors when evaluating these detergents, including their effectiveness, price, and environmental impact.
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