Compare Dishwasher Detergent
Dishwasher Tablets Fragrance-Free (38 ct) scores higher on safety - here's why.
R3 scored the Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Free & Clear (45 ct) 7.0/10 and the Dishwasher Tablets Fragrance-Free (38 ct) 10.0/10 on the same dishwasher detergent scoring system, weighing safety, efficacy, and usability. The Dishwasher Tablets Fragrance-Free (38 ct) comes out ahead, led by its safety score (10.0/10 vs 6.9/10).
The most important dimensions, side by side.
See which one actually scores higher — and why
Free account unlocks full safety scores, spec-by-spec breakdown, and the R3 verdict on Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Free & Clear (45 ct) vs Dishwasher Tablets Fragrance-Free (38 ct).
Unlock the full Dishwasher Detergent Packs, Free & Clear (45 ct) vs Dishwasher Tablets Fragrance-Free (38 ct) breakdown
Free account unlocks all safety scores, complete spec comparison, scoring rationale, and the R3 verdict on which one to buy.
Everything you need to make the call - who each one is for, and who should skip it.
Go for it if you...
You're making a first step away from conventional detergents and want mainstream availability at a familiar price.
You prioritize fragrance-free and dye-free over surfactant chemistry.
You're comfortable with EWG B-rated products (not Verified) and ethoxylated surfactants.
You want MADE SAFE + EWG VERIFIED dual certification — the strictest available combination.
You prefer a PVA-free tablet with a mineral-dominant, non-ethoxylated formula.
You have soft or medium water, or you already use a separate rinse aid.
The main thing to know
The opacity stress test is confirmed. Full ingredient disclosure via SmartLabel is a genuine positive, but ethoxylated surfactant + EWG B-rating + PVA pod film + hard-water limitation accumulate significant deductions. Families who trust Reviewed.com or CR eco-rankings should know R3's chemical-safety framework sees a materially different profile than 'Most Eco-friendly.'
The top dual-certified (MADE SAFE + EWG VERIFIED) tablet in the category. The only deduction is a missing explicit hard-water performance claim despite the water-softening ingredient in the formula. Performance is nearly identical to Blueland; choose based on surfactant preference (mineral-only vs APG) and whether you need built-in rinse action.
Skip this if you...
You've compared to Ecover Zero ($0.32/load, mineral-only + enzymes + better EWG profile) — Ecover is a better choice at nearly the same price.
You follow EPA, DTSC, or Mamavation guidance on 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylated surfactants.
You avoid PVA pod films.
You have hard water and don't want to buy a separate rinse aid.
You have hard water and need a product with an explicit hard-water performance claim.
You need the absolute lowest price per load ($0.39 vs $0.30 for Earthley).
Neither of these quite what you're looking for?
I've reviewed all Dishwasher Detergent options at every price pointEvery Dishwasher Detergent in our database is scored using R3's deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. For this comparison, we evaluated Seventh Generation and Branch Basics across 3 independent criteria: Safety (93%), Efficacy (5%), Usability (2%). No sponsored rankings. No paid placements.
Straight answers - no sponsored content, no filler.
I'd start with Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets Fragrance-Free (38 ct) - it scored 10.0/10 overall in our scoring system. Safety is our top-weighted scoring pillar, followed by efficacy, and usability. Check which pillar matters most to your family and compare those specific scores.
R3 uses a deterministic scoring system - the same inputs always produce the same score. We evaluate each Dishwasher Detergent across Safety, Efficacy, Usability using independently verified data. No sponsored rankings. No paid placements. Every score is fully reproducible.
Not necessarily. The overall score reflects how we weight those three pillars, but your priorities may differ. If you care most about safety, compare the safety scores directly. If budget drives your decision, the prices tell a clearer story. The "right" pick is the one that matches what matters most to your family.
Not the right match? Explore these alternatives in the same category.
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