Best Commercial Dishwasher Detergents of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Commercial dishwasher detergents are specially formulated to effectively clean dishes and utensils in high volume commercial kitchens. These detergents are designed to remove tough stains and grease, leaving dishes sparkling clean and free of residue. They come in a variety of forms, including liquid, powder, and gel, and are specifically made for use in commercial dishwashers. Many commercial dishwasher detergents are also environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact. Whether you run a restaurant, catering service, or any other type of commercial kitchen, using a high-quality dishwasher detergent is essential for maintaining a clean and sanitary workspace.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Commercial Dishwasher Detergents
Active Element Commercial Dishwasher Detergent - Makes One 5 Gallon Pail
The Active Element commercial dishwasher detergent is a cost-effective concentrated powder that can make 5 gallons of powerful liquid detergent. It dissolves food soils and emulsifies fats in no time, and can be used in both high and low temperature commercial dishwasher machines. This dishwasher detergent is shipped factory direct and is not for household use. Remember to read the Safety Data Sheets before use, and avoid using it on aluminum kitchen ware.
Quality Chemical Heavy Duty Liquid Alkaline Commercial Dishwasher Detergent
Quality Chemical Dish Detergent is a heavy-duty liquid alkaline commercial dishwasher detergent that effortlessly cleans food residues from various surfaces. Its industrial-grade formula dissolves tough food stains, grease, grime, and residue, leaving your dishes sparkling clean without the need for pre-rinsing. This premium detergent is compatible with both low and high temp dishwashers, effectively tackling even the most stubborn deposits and stains. With a pH of 13.9, this alkaline-based detergent swiftly cuts through grease and grime while remaining gentle on surfaces, making it a reliable choice for commercial dishwashers.
Molly's Suds Natural Dishwasher Pods
Get sparkling clean dishes without harsh chemicals with Molly's Suds Natural Dishwasher Pods. These pods are powered by earth- and plant-derived ingredients, which naturally cut through grease and stuck-on food stains. Safe, simple, and effective, Molly's Suds products are free from ethoxylates and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. With the convenience of a single auto-release pod that works to clean 1 full load of dishes, you can easily clean glassware, porcelain, stainless steel, pots & pans, baby bottles, and more. These pods are 100% biodegradable and do not contribute to micro-plastic pollution, supporting a clean recycling stream. With a low sudsing, plant-powered formula that contains active enzymes to dissolve food, grease & grime without the need for harsh chemicals, these pods are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making them suitable for all stain types including dried-on food, coffee & tea stains, and even red wine spots! Tested effective with both hard and soft water.
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods
Molly's Suds Dishwasher Pods are powered by earth- and plant-derived ingredients, which cut through grease & stuck-on food stains to leave dishes sparkling with zero residue, streaks, or other mineral build-up. The low sudsing, plant-powered formula contains active enzymes to dissolve food, grease & grime without the need for harsh chemicals or any rinse aids. The 100% biodegradable pods are safe, simple, and effective, free from ethoxylates and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.
Active Element Commercial Dishwasher Detergent
The Active Element Dishwasher Detergent is a powerful cleaning solution designed for commercial use. It effectively removes tough grease, grime, and food stains, leaving your dishes spotless and fresh. This detergent works well in both high and low temperature dishwashers, making it versatile for different kitchen setups. You get a concentrated powder that you mix with water to create up to five gallons of liquid detergent, offering convenience and cost savings. Whether you use high or low temperature machines, this detergent supports your cleaning process by breaking down food soils quickly, helping you maintain a clean and efficient kitchen environment.
Quality Chemical Heavy Duty Dishwasher Detergent
The Quality Chemical Dishwasher Detergent is a powerful solution designed for commercial dishwashers. It effectively tackles food residues on various surfaces, including stainless steel and ceramic, ensuring your dishes come out sparkling clean without any pre-rinsing. This industrial-grade detergent excels in both low and high-temperature machines, making it versatile for different washing conditions. With a high pH of 13.9, it quickly cuts through stubborn grease and grime while still being gentle on your dishware, providing a thorough clean that meets the demands of a busy commercial kitchen.
Cascade Dishwasher Detergent with Dawn
Cascade Dishwasher Detergent is designed with your needs in mind. Its BioBased ingredients ensure a powerful clean without harmful chemicals like chlorine bleach or phosphates, making it a safer choice for your home. You can skip the pre-wash, which not only saves you time but also conserves up to 15 gallons of water per load. Plus, the easy-pour spout allows for mess-free dispensing, making your dishwashing experience smoother and more efficient. Enjoy cleaner dishes while being environmentally conscious with this effective detergent.
Quality Chemical Heavy Duty Liquid Alkaline Commercial Dishwasher Detergent
Quality Chemical Dishwasher Detergent is a heavy duty liquid alkaline detergent designed for commercial use. Its industrial-grade formula is highly effective in dissolving food stains, grease, grime, and residue, giving you sparkling clean dishes and like-new dining ware. With no pre-rinse required, this premium grade detergent works in both low and high temperature dishwash machines, tackling even the toughest baked-on deposits and stains. The pH 13.9 alkaline-based detergent cuts through grease and grime quickly, while being gentle on surfaces. Please note that this ready-to-use solution is not intended for home use.
Active Element Dish Chlorine Concentrate
The Active Element Chlorine Solution is designed for food service environments, allowing you to easily clean a variety of surfaces including dishware, utensils, and countertops. Its no-rinse formula is particularly beneficial, saving you time and ensuring that your surfaces are safe for food contact. You can use this versatile solution for general cleaning, in three-sink setups, or with commercial dishwashers. Additionally, it is an economical choice, as one bottle can yield up to 1,280 gallons of cleaning solution, making it a smart investment for any kitchen.
Commercial Industrial Dishwashing Kit
This complete dishwashing kit is ideal for restaurants and comes with everything you need to keep your dishes and silverware sparkling clean. It includes premium machine dishwash detergent for commercial low and high temperature dishwashers that can handle the toughest baked on deposits and stains. The kit provides great convenience, as it comes with 2 gallons of machine dishwash, 1 gallon of rinse all, and 1 gallon of low-temp sanitizer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What detergent to use in commercial dishwasher?
For commercial dishwashers, Dalcam's SC-500 is recommended. It is a high-quality, non-chlorinated, alkaline detergent that effectively cleans food residue and tough grease from dishware. It is available in a 20-litre drum or a 4-litre jug.
2. Can you use regular dishwasher detergent in a commercial dishwasher?
No, it is important to use a dedicated dishwasher detergent designed for commercial dishwashers. Regular dish soap should only be used for hand-washing dishes.
3. Do commercial dishwashers need soap?
Yes, commercial dishwashers require soap. Some models have built-in detergent and rinse aid dispensers, while others require manual addition of detergent and rinse aid.
4. Does it matter what dishwasher detergent you use?
Yes, the choice of dishwasher detergent matters. Detergent packs tend to perform better than gels as they contain a wider range of ingredients, such as enzymes, degreasers, bleach, and rinse aids. The combination of these substances can significantly improve cleaning performance.
5. What is the difference between commercial and residential dishwashers?
Commercial dishwashers are designed to operate at higher temperatures and work faster than residential models. They may consume more energy but compensate for it with their speed and larger capacity. Additionally, commercial models often have energy-efficient hot water feeds.
6. Is liquid or pods better for dishwasher?
In tests, dishwasher pods have shown better cleaning performance compared to liquid detergents. Pods are also less likely to leave a film on dishes. They come in premeasured units for convenience.
7. Is gel or powder detergent better for dishwasher?
Powder detergent is often the better choice, especially in areas with hard water that causes limescale deposits and streaks. Powder detergent is more effective at removing these stains.
8. Is it better to use liquid dishwasher detergent or pods?
If cleaning performance and convenience are priorities, dishwasher pods are the better choice. However, if you want to have a lower environmental impact or prefer measuring out the detergent yourself, both liquid and powder options are good alternatives.
During our commercial dishwasher detergent research, we found 24 commercial dishwasher detergent products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 116,791 customer reviews through our big data system to write the commercial dishwasher detergents list. We found that most customers choose commercial dishwasher detergents with an average price of $66.88.
The commercial dishwasher detergents are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of commercial dishwasher detergents, including Active Element, Quality Chemical, Molly's Suds, Cascade. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 50 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.
Commercial Dishwasher Detergents Comparison Table
|
#TOP1
|
#TOP2
|
#TOP3
|
#TOP4
|
#TOP5
|
#TOP6
|
#TOP7
|
#TOP8
|
#TOP9
|
#TOP10
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Active Element | Quality Chemical | Molly's Suds | Molly's Suds | Active Element | Quality Chemical | Cascade | Quality Chemical | Active Element | Quality Chemical |
| Item Form | Powder | Liquid | Pac | Capsule | Powder | Liquid | Gel | Liquid | Liquid | Liquid |
| Scent | Unscented | Citrus | Unscented | Unscented | Unscented | Citrus | Unscented | Citrus | Unscented | Lemon |
| Material Feature | Concentrated | Concentrated | Biobased | Biobased | Concentrated | Concentrated | Biobased | Premium Grade, Pre-Mixed and Super Concentrated | Rinse Free | Mineral Based |
| FTB Score |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Where to Buy |