Clean up your dishwashing routine with the best nontoxic dishwasher detergents, according to experts

You eat. You wash the dishes. You repeat. Daily dishwashing is a simple, routine task you likely complete without giving your detergents or soaps much thought. Soap is soap, right? As long as you wash down all those suds, there’s certainly no reason to think the dishwasher detergents you use could be harboring potentially dangerous chemicals. Unfortunately, the simple assumptions most of us make about the safety of everyday cleaning supplies aren't always true. Dishwashing supplies frequently contain chemicals linked to allergies and hormone imbalances, and they may also contain potentially harmful microplastics too.

"Many dishwashing detergents contain surfactants, antimicrobial agents and preservatives that may have unintended health effects," says Don Thushara Galbadage, PhD, MPH and associate professor of public health at Texas Christian University. "Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are common surfactants found in many products, but they can cause skin irritation and disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier," he says. These chemicals help the soap foam but can also make the skin more sensitive, leading to dryness or rashes.

Galbadage also highlights concerns about triclosan, an antimicrobial agent in some antibacterial dish soaps. While the FDA banned the use of triclosan in antibacterial hand soaps in 2016, it's still included in a variety of consumer products, including dishwashing liquids and detergents. "Triclosan has been linked to hormone disruption and raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance," he says. If dishes aren't rinsed thoroughly, small amounts of triclosan may be ingested over time, potentially affecting the gut microbiome. These effects could lead to a range of digestive issues, reduced glucose tolerance, weakened immunity and increased vulnerability to infections. That said, to date, the majority of the research has been done on animals, which makes it difficult to draw strong conclusions about the potential risk to humans.

Additionally, preservatives like methylisothiazolinone can trigger allergic reactions, such as itching or rashes. While typically considered safe at low doses in cosmetics, they're surprisingly prevalent in dishwashing soap and other cleaning supplies.

Then, there's the issue of microplastics and the environment. "Surfactants and synthetic chemicals, when not biodegradable, can persist in water systems, negatively impacting marine ecosystems," says Galbadage. Furthermore, he adds, "Some detergents contain microplastics or polymer-based stabilizers, which contribute to plastic pollution and accumulate in aquatic environments." These contaminants can enter the food chain, raising concerns about their long-term health effects. While the direct health ramifications of microplastics from dish soaps are still being studied, broader research suggests that microplastic ingestion can lead to endocrine disruption, metabolic disorders and fertility issues due to hormone-disrupting chemicals. Of course, microplastics are practically everywhere, so reducing your exposure may seem like an exercise in futility, but making small changes to your daily habits and reducing plastic usage where you reasonably can is a good step to take.

If you find yourself rethinking your dishwashing routine, but you don't want to ditch your favorite detergents without knowing you'll still enjoy squeaky-clean dishes ('cause let’s be real, no one wants to eat off a dirty plate!), you can rest easy. There are high-quality, nontoxic dishwasher detergents and soaps on the market that are every bit as effective as they are safe. Using my own master's degree in public health as a kickoff point, I reached out to a range of experts, including toxicologists and professors of public health and exposure science, to get feedback on the best ingredients to avoid and those that get a thumbs-up. Here we've selected the nine best options for a healthier, more sustainable dishwashing routine.

The best nontoxic dishwashing products

When choosing nontoxic dishwashing detergents, it's essential to find products that ensure safety and cleaning power, whether washing by hand or using a machine. Our top-rated picks deliver on both fronts, so you can trust that your dishes are spotless and safe.

How to choose a nontoxic dishwasher detergent or soap

To check if your dishwasher detergent is free of potentially harmful chemicals, it's important to review the ingredients used in the product. According to Alex LeBeau, PhD, a toxicologist, certified industrial hygienist and owner of Exposure Assessment Consulting, "There are public databases that allow consumers to identify the ingredients in a specific dishwashing detergent product."

One such resource is the What's In Products database, which allows you to enter a product name and evaluate its ingredients. The database covers many commonly used consumer products, providing valuable information on potential hazards, toxins and environmental impact.

When choosing nontoxic dishwasher detergents, opt for the following ingredients

Look for ingredients that are effective but gentle on your health and the earth. Here's a quick overview:

• Plant-based surfactants: Surfactants help break down grease and food particles, allowing for cleaner dishes. Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate and lauryl glucoside are derived from plant sugars. They're more gentle on the skin and less environmentally harmful than petrochemical-derived surfactants, although some people may still experience contact allergies, particularly to CAPB.

• Plant-based enzymes: Enzymes such as protease or amylase break down food stains like proteins and starches.

• Citric acid: Derived from citrus fruits, citric acid acts as a natural water softener, stain remover and grease cutter. It's nontoxic, biodegradable and safe for aquatic life.

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Known for its deodorizing and cleaning properties, baking soda is a safe, nontoxic and biodegradable option that can help remove grease and odors.

• Sodium citrate: This natural chelating agent binds with hard water minerals, making the detergent more effective.

• Castile soap: Made from vegetable oils, castile soap is gentle on the skin, biodegradable and nontoxic, making it a great alternative to harsher chemical detergents.

• Ethanol (ethyl alcohol): A naturally derived solvent that helps in degreasing, ethanol is biodegradable and typically made from renewable crops like corn or sugarcane.

• Essential oils: Lavender, lemon and eucalyptus oils offer refreshing natural fragrances that are biodegradable, safe and free from the harmful chemicals often found in synthetic fragrances.

Beyond personal health, consider the environment

While eco-friendly dishwasher detergents are designed to minimize environmental harm, not all products live up to their claims. According to Galbadage, "Not all products labeled as natural or biodegradable are truly sustainable. Some still contain synthetic surfactants, artificial fragrances or nonbiodegradable stabilizers."

To ensure a product is genuinely eco-friendly, look for third-party certifications like the EPA Safer Choice, EWG Verified or EU Ecolabel, which validate environmental claims. Brands such as Seventh Generation, Ecover and Biokleen have established more substantial environmental track records, making them more reliable choices for those concerned about sustainability.

Are dishwasher detergents really a cause for concern?

While the health risks of dishwashing detergents are generally low, it's still important to be cautious, especially as more research is done in this area and we continue to learn more about the chemicals involved.

"Generally speaking, surfactants and assisting chemicals are not linked to major chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, or liver and kidney damage," says Li Li, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Nevada who specializes in exposure science. In general, the everyday use of dishwashing detergents is safe. However, some ingredients can cause skin irritation. "Some people are dermally allergic to them. If you have ever noticed your hands feeling dry, itchy or irritated after washing dishes, that is probably why," he says.

The concerns around antibacterial agents, especially quaternary ammonium compounds (quats or QACs), are more nuanced. "More and more dishwashing detergents now contain antibacterial or antiviral agents — probably because of the influence of the COVID pandemic." While some research suggests these chemicals might affect growth, reproduction and the immune system in animal studies, Li clarifies that these effects were observed with much higher doses than what we are typically exposed to from regular detergent use. "A recent study by Korean scientists found that the residual traces of 'quats' left on dishes after rinsing are likely hundreds of times lower than levels that could pose health risks to humans." Therefore, Li concludes that for everyday dishwashing, "the risk is extremely low." However, he notes, there could be potential concerns of inhalation, particularly when spraying large amounts of detergent onto dishes while handwashing.

Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day at Earthday.org, adds that automatic dishwasher detergents are unsafe to ingest, and residues left on dishes after washing could be harmful. "None of them are good to inadvertently ingest through detergent residue left on your cutlery and plates after they have been through a cycle," he says. The final rinse, which many dishwashers use, helps to remove detergent, but there is rarely a pure water cycle afterward to ensure all chemicals are washed away.

Therefore, while the health risks are not significant, it may still be wise to err on the side of caution. Making changes to your dishwashing routine is simple, doesn't cost much money beyond what you're already spending and won't drastically affect your day-to-day habits. The potential for skin irritation and exposure to harmful chemicals, however low the risk, can be avoided by choosing natural, less chemically intense alternatives. Making the switch also contributes to an overall healthier environment.

FAQs

What are the most common chemicals in dishwashing detergents, and how do they affect health?

Common chemicals in dishwashing detergents include surfactants, enzymes, preservatives and fragrance agents. The surfactants, such as alcohol ethoxylates, help decrease surface tension, allowing food debris to wash off more easily. However, as Charron points out, "Some of the chemicals associated with this group, primarily 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, have been found to be associated with developmental issues." Additionally, nonylphenol ethoxylates, another surfactant used to loosen food, have been banned in many countries due to their toxicity to aquatic life. However, they are still used in the U.S.

Fragrance chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds, give dishwashing detergents their pleasant scent. However, these chemicals can trigger asthma and have been linked to neurotoxicity, weight gain and hormone disruption.

Preservatives like phthalates are also commonly found in dishwashing detergents to prolong shelf life, but these chemicals can contribute to endocrine issues and hormonal imbalances. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health effects, including skin irritation and disruption of the gut microbiota. Charron warns, "Long-term exposure to these chemicals can create human health issues, and the public needs to be aware that their cutlery and plates might be 'clean,' but there are still a range of potential chemical residues on them."

Ultimately you have to consider your own level of comfort with exposure to these chemicals. While health risks are generally considered low, if you're looking for ways to switch to more natural, non-toxic solutions, there are reasons you may want to overhaul your dishwashing routine.

How do chemicals in dishwasher detergents affect gut microbiota?

The gut microbiota is a community of bacteria and other microbes living in your digestive system. It plays a critical role in digestion, immune function and overall health. When chemicals from dishwasher detergents remain on dishes after washing and are then ingested, they may affect the balance of these helpful microbes over time.

Galbadage points out that ingredients like triclosan pose risks to gut health.

Triclosan kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria, helping to keep dishes free from germs and bacteria that might remain after the washing cycle. This chemical was initially added to detergents to provide a disinfecting effect, especially in products marketed as antibacterial or "germ-killing." However, its use has become controversial. Studies have raised alarms about hormone disruption, antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects on health and ecosystems, leading to its ban in many products.

How do dishwashing detergents affect the environment?

Dishwashing detergents can impact the environment in several ways, particularly through water pollution. LeBeau explains that while municipal water systems are equipped to treat wastewater, certain detergent ingredients, like phosphates, have been shown to affect water quality and aquatic ecosystems negatively.

Phosphates can promote algae growth in water bodies, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic life. To mitigate this issue, several states have banned phosphates in dishwashing detergents.

Galbadage says, "Surfactants in detergents can reduce the surface tension of water, making it harder for aquatic organisms like fish and amphibians to absorb oxygen properly. This can lead to respiratory distress and, in severe cases, population declines in affected ecosystems." Additionally, "Microplastics from dish soap can be ingested by fish and other aquatic species, potentially transferring harmful chemicals up the food chain to humans."

Meet our experts

• Alex LeBeau, PhD, MPH, CIH, toxicologist, certified industrial hygienist, owner of Exposure Assessment Consulting in Orlando

• Li Li, PhD, associate professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in environmental chemistry, industrial ecology and exposure and health sciences

• Don Thushara Galbadage, PhD, MPH, associate professor of public health at Texas Christian University

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.