Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent Powder Review 2023 | Zero- waste Nontoxic Dishwasher Detergent
We used Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent for two weeks, and this is our review.
The Top Line:
MAYBE buy. Dirty Labs dishwasher detergent has all of the components we love: clean, concentrated ingredients, recyclable packaging, and fragrance free. We also like that there is no PVA since it’s a powder. The only challenge is that it’s pricier than other dishwasher powder options — and even some dishwasher pod options.
The Breakdown:
Cost & Products: $18 for a one-time purchase or 10% off with a subscription
How ‘Clean’ Is This? Pretty clean. Lots of long names, but none that stand out to us as harmful.
Packaging: Recyclable cardboard container and a wooden scoop. There is also metal insert to keep your powder safe and dry that should also be recyclable.
Purchasing & Shipping: The Dirty Labs website was straightforward and easy to navigate. Shipping is free after $30.
Good to know: According to the website, Dirty Labs is available at Whole Foods Market.
What’s Your Impact? Concentrated formula (fewer emissions) with fewer harmful ingredients (better for you and the environment). Paper/recyclable packaging (no plastic).
The Good:
✔ Clean ingredients; no dyes, no SLS, cruelty free
✔ Fragrance free option (though there is a Yuzu/Geranium scented one if you want some scent)
✔ Paper and metal recyclable packaging
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Concentrated powder
✔ No PVA (powder formula)
The Bad:
✗ Pricy option, especially for powder
The Experience
Context: We have been weaving from brand to brand, figuring out what will work for us and our dishwasher. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Powder was the OG mainstay until we decided to check out other sustainable brands. Before this, we tried Blueland’s dishwashing tablets, which didn’t dissolve all the way, as well as Seventh Generation’s tablets, which have caused phosphate stains on the dishes and dishwasher. Thrive and Ecover were two recent review that we loved.
Here is what we thought of Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent:
Cleans dishes well.
Does not leave phosphate stains.
We love that it is truly scent-free, so we can just smell our food and wine!
The Cost
We compared Dirty Labs Dishwashing Detergent to other zero-waste or greener options like Dropps, Blueland, Public Goods, Cleancult and Grove Collaborative as well as traditional grocery store brand, Cascade Complete and Cascade Pure. Pro/Con: Powdered dishwasher detergent will remain cheaper given less processing that needs to occur for its formulation, but pods/tablets are easier —less mess and measuring. Choose your own adventure.
Money Report: Not the cheapest powder around; Dirty Labs is a pricy option for powder dishwasher detergent. Even with the subscription, there are pod options that are cheaper than Dirty Labs.
Our Recommendation:
MAYBE buy. Dirty Labs dishwasher detergent has all of the components we love: clean, concentrated ingredients, recyclable packaging, and fragrance free. We also like that there is no PVA since it’s a powder. The only challenge is that it’s pricier than other powder options — and even some dishwasher pod options.
We're on a mission to reduce our personal carbon footprint with small, hopefully easy, changes in our home to fight against climate change. This means we're looking for products that may be all natural, ideally zero waste, reusable or compostable -- while still being affordable!
