Blueland Dishwasher Tablets Review: Is It Worth It?

We have all been there—standing in the grocery store aisle, staring at the wall of brightly colored plastic tubs and flashy “powerball” pods, wondering if we really need to encase our cleaning products in yet another layer of plastic. You want clean dishes, obviously, but you also have that nagging feeling that there has to be a better, less wasteful way to get the job done. That is likely where you stumbled upon Blueland Dishwasher Tablets, the eco-friendly darlings of the internet that promise to scrub your plates without scrubbing the planet. But in a world of greenwashing and over-hyped “natural” solutions that often fail to perform, it is only fair to ask if these naked little tablets can actually handle last night’s lasagna.

In this comprehensive review, I am going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Blueland Dishwasher Tablets—from their surprisingly simple ingredients to how they actually hold up against the greasiest, grimiest loads. I will break down the true cost of switching, the reality of living plastic-free, and whether the performance matches the promise. Whether you are an eco-warrior looking to zero-out your waste or just someone tired of bulky plastic jugs under the sink, this guide is designed to help you decide if Blueland is the right upgrade for your kitchen routine.

My Experience With Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

I decided to make the switch to Blueland after a particularly frustrating week where I realized just how much single-use plastic I was tossing into the recycling bin—most of which, I knew, probably wasn’t even getting recycled. My old routine involved those neon-colored pods that come in a thick plastic tub, and honestly, I never really questioned them until I saw an ad for Blueland’s “naked” tablets. The idea of a product that didn’t leave behind a slimy film of dissolved plastic (PVA) on my dishes or in the waterways was compelling enough to make me click “buy.”

When the starter set arrived, the first thing I noticed was the packaging.

It was refreshing to see a simple cardboard box and a sturdy, reusable tin instead of the usual plastic fortress.

The tin itself is sleek and minimal, looking much better on my countertop than the cluttered branding of my previous detergent.

The tablets were small, unassuming, and completely free of that squishy plastic wrapper I was used to handling.

They felt dry and chalky, reminiscent of old-school powdered detergent compressed into a puck.

My first test was a load of mixed dishes—breakfast bowls with dried oatmeal, coffee mugs with stubborn rings, and dinner plates from a pasta night. I tossed a tablet into the dispenser, closed the hatch, and ran my standard “Normal” cycle. I admit, I was nervous. Without the “powerball” liquid center or the triple-action promises of my old brand, I worried I would open the door to a mess of half-clean dishes.

To my pleasant surprise, the results were solid. The plates were squeaky clean, and the oatmeal bowls—which are usually my dishwasher’s nemesis—were spotless. There was no overwhelming artificial lemon scent, just a neutral, clean smell, which I actually preferred. However, I did notice a slight difference with my clear glassware. While they were clean, they lacked that hyper-glossy sheen that chemical-heavy rinse aids often provide. They weren’t dirty, just… honest.

Over the next few weeks, I pushed the limits a bit more. I tried a load with a greasy casserole dish that I had only lightly scraped. This is where I found the limit. While the tablet got most of the grime off, there were a few stubborn baked-on spots that required a quick hand scrub afterwards. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it taught me that without the harsh industrial chemicals, I couldn’t be quite as lazy with my pre-loading routine. I had to scrape my plates a bit more thoroughly than before.

One specific observation was the tablet’s behavior in shorter cycles. On a quick 30-minute wash, I found a bit of undissolved grit in the detergent cup once or twice. It seems these tablets really need the heat and duration of a full cycle to break down completely, especially since they don’t have a liquid component to jump-start the process.

Overall, my experience has been largely positive. The mental shift of using a dry, plastic-free tablet took a moment, but the performance is reliable for daily use. It feels good to know I’m not washing my dishes in dissolved microplastics, even if it means I have to be a tiny bit more mindful about scraping my plates. For me, the trade-off is absolutely worth it for the peace of mind and the reduction in household waste.

Read More: Comparison Of Xtra Laundry Detergent And Tide

Pros Of Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

When evaluating a switch to eco-friendly cleaning, you often worry about what you are giving up. However, with Blueland, there are several distinct advantages that go beyond just “saving the planet.” Here is a detailed look at where this product truly shines.

• Zero-Waste and Plastic-Free Design: The most obvious and impactful benefit is the complete elimination of single-use plastic. Unlike traditional pods that are wrapped in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)—a plastic film that dissolves in water but doesn’t fully biodegrade in many water treatment environments—Blueland tablets are “naked.” This means you are not sending microplastics down the drain with every wash. The packaging is entirely compostable paper, and the “Forever Tin” is designed to be bought once and refilled indefinitely. For anyone trying to reduce their household carbon footprint, this is a massive win that requires zero effort after the initial purchase.
• Clean and Transparent Ingredient List: If you have ever tried to read the back of a conventional detergent box, you know it is a soup of unpronounceable chemicals. Blueland uses a straightforward, mineral-based formula primarily composed of sodium carbonate (washing soda), citric acid, and plant-based enzymes. There are no artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, phosphates, or chlorine bleach. This is particularly reassuring for families with young children or anyone who eats directly off their plates (which is everyone). You are not coating your eating surfaces in potential endocrine disruptors or harsh residues that could be ingested.
• Space-Saving and Aesthetic Storage: The “Forever Tin” is surprisingly compact compared to the bulky plastic tubs sold by big-box brands. It holds a significant number of tablets while taking up a fraction of the cabinet space. For those living in apartments or with limited under-sink storage, this efficiency is a practical “pro.” Additionally, the tin is neutral and attractive enough to sit out on a counter, which frees up cabinet space entirely. It turns a mundane utility item into something that looks intentional and organized.
• Effective Enzyme-Based Cleaning: Despite lacking harsh chemicals, the inclusion of enzymes (protease and amylase) provides genuine cleaning power. These enzymes specifically target proteins and starches—like egg yolk and pasta residue—breaking them down at a molecular level. This means the tablet isn’t just relying on hot water and abrasion; it is biologically digesting the food stuck to your plates. In my testing, this proved effective against the vast majority of daily food stains without needing the “nuclear option” chemicals found in conventional pods.

Cons Of Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

No product is perfect, and eco-friendly swaps often come with learning curves or performance trade-offs. It is important to be realistic about what Blueland can and cannot do compared to the industrial-strength detergents you might be used to.

• Struggles with Quick Wash Cycles: Because these are compressed powder tablets without a liquid bursting agent, they take longer to dissolve than liquid-gel pods. If you frequently use your dishwasher’s “Express,” “Quick,” or “30-Minute” setting, you might find that the tablet hasn’t fully broken down by the time the rinse cycle starts. This can leave gritty white residue on your glasses or undissolved chunks in the dispenser cup. You are essentially forced to run standard or heavy cycles to ensure the tablet works effectively, which might be inconvenient if you are in a rush to turn over a load of dishes during a dinner party.
• Less Forgiving on Heavy Grease: Conventional detergents often contain phosphates (or phosphate replacements) and heavy surfactants that can strip grease off a pan that hasn’t even been scraped. Blueland is gentler, which is good for the environment but bad for the lazy dishwasher loader. If you leave a casserole dish with thick, baked-on cheese or a pot with burnt sauce, this tablet might not get it 100% clean on the first try. You definitely need to scrape your plates thoroughly and perhaps give heavy pots a quick soak, whereas a chemical-heavy pod might have blasted it clean regardless.
• Lack of Rinse Aid Shine: Many all-in-one pods include a built-in rinse aid that coats your glasses to make them water-repellent and shiny. Blueland tablets are just detergent. While they clean the glass, they don’t provide that artificial “sparkle” or sheeting action. If you have hard water, this can lead to spotting or a slight cloudy film on clear glassware unless you add a separate rinse aid or vinegar to your machine. You might miss that “brand new” look on your wine glasses if you are used to the premium chemical pods.
• Higher Price Per Load: When you break down the cost, Blueland is generally more expensive than buying a bulk tub of generic dishwasher powder or pods at a warehouse club. While the subscription brings the cost down, you are paying a premium for the eco-friendly formulation, the plastic-free packaging, and the ethical sourcing. For budget-conscious households, the idea of paying 30 to 40 cents per load (depending on the bundle) might feel steep compared to the 15 to 20 cents possible with conventional bulk brands. It is an investment in sustainability, not a way to save money on groceries.

Maintenance Tips For Blueland Dishwasher Tablets

To get the best performance out of these tablets, you need to treat them a little differently than standard pods. A few small adjustments to your routine can prevent the common issues of residue and undissolved tablets.

• Keep Them Bone Dry: Moisture is the enemy of these naked tablets. Because they don’t have a plastic wrapper, they are highly susceptible to humidity in the air. If you store the tin under the sink, make sure the lid is pressed on tight every single time. Do not handle the tablets with wet hands; water from your fingers can start the dissolving process early, causing them to stick together in the tin or crumble before you even get them into the machine. If you live in a very humid climate, consider keeping the refill packet sealed until you are ready to top up the tin, rather than dumping them all in at once.
• Clear the Dispenser Cup: Since the tablet relies on water access to dissolve, your dispenser cup needs to be clean and dry before you put the tablet in. If the cup is wet from the previous cycle, the tablet can stick to the plastic walls. When the door pops open during the wash, a stuck tablet might not fall out onto the floor of the dishwasher, meaning it won’t dissolve properly. A quick wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel inside the dispenser before loading the tablet ensures it releases perfectly every time.
• Load for Water Flow: These tablets need good water agitation to break down fully. Be careful not to block the dispenser door with a large cutting board or tall plate. If the water spray can’t hit the tablet directly once it drops, it will sit there as a slow-dissolving lump. Ensure your spray arms are spinning freely and that the path from the spray arm to the bottom of the machine (where the tablet usually falls) is relatively clear. This mechanical action is crucial for turning the solid puck into a cleaning foam.
• Utilize Vinegar for Hard Water: If you notice white spots or a film on your glassware, it is likely due to hard water minerals, not the tablet failing to clean. Since Blueland doesn’t have heavy chelating agents to soften water, you might need a booster. Placing a small bowl of white distilled vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher can act as a natural rinse aid. The vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and prevents them from drying on your glass, giving you that streak-free shine without the chemicals. Alternatively, you can fill your machine’s rinse aid compartment with a standard eco-friendly liquid rinse aid.

Comparison with Other Brands

The market for eco-friendly dishwashing is growing, and Blueland isn’t the only player. It is helpful to see how it stacks up against the titans of the industry and other green challengers.

• Cascade Platinum Plus: This is the heavyweight champion of conventional detergents, known for its “cleaning power.” Comparison: Cascade wins hands-down on raw strength; it can strip paint off a car if you let it. It uses a complex slurry of surfactants, bleaches, and liquid agents encased in PVA plastic. If your priority is never scraping a plate and getting blindingly shiny glasses, Cascade is the better performer. However, you are paying for that performance with plastic waste and harsh chemical residues. Blueland is the ethical opposite: it cleans well enough for conscious users but requires more mechanical help (scraping) and lacks the “nuclear” cleaning strength. Choose Cascade for convenience; choose Blueland for health and the environment.
• Seventh Generation Dishwasher Packs: A veteran in the “green” cleaning space, widely available in grocery stores. Comparison: Seventh Generation is a middle ground. It uses plant-based ingredients but still wraps its pods in PVA plastic (polyvinyl alcohol), which Blueland strictly avoids. Performance-wise, they are very similar to Blueland, struggling occasionally with hard water and heavy grease. The main difference is the packaging; Seventh Generation usually comes in a plastic pouch or box, whereas Blueland is completely plastic-free. If you want the convenience of buying at the supermarket, Seventh Generation is easier to find, but Blueland is the “purer” zero-waste option.
• Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods: Another direct-to-consumer brand that focuses on sustainability and shipping efficiency. Comparison: Dropps and Blueland are often mentioned in the same breath, but Dropps uses a liquid-powder hybrid pod wrapped in PVA. This makes Dropps dissolve faster and often perform better in quick cycles or hard water because of the liquid component. However, the PVA wrapper is a sticking point for purists who want absolutely zero plastic. Dropps offers more scent variety and a similar subscription model. If you find Blueland tablets too chalky or hard to dissolve, Dropps is a good eco-alternative that bridges the gap, though it still relies on that controversial dissolvable film.

Also Read: Comparison Of Purex And Arm and Hammer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Blueland Dishwasher Tablets represent a significant step forward for anyone trying to detoxify their home and reduce their environmental impact. They successfully prove that you don’t need neon-colored chemicals or plastic-wrapped pods to get clean dishes. While they may not possess the aggressive, strip-everything power of the leading chemical brands, their performance is more than adequate for the daily needs of a typical household.

If you are willing to scrape your plates and perhaps add a splash of vinegar for shine, the switch is painless and deeply rewarding. The reduction in plastic waste is tangible, and the peace of mind regarding ingredients is priceless. For those ready to align their cleaning habits with their values, Blueland is not just a “worth it” purchase; it is a necessary evolution in how we care for our homes.