Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets

Important note on dishwasher detergents

Dishwasher detergent is one of those daily-use products I pay close attention to because it touches the dishes, cups, and utensils you use all day long. A lot of conventional options rely on heavy additives to force shine and scent, and they can leave behind residue or a filmy feel on glassware.

What I avoid in dishwasher detergents

For this category, I avoid PVA/PVOH pod films, chlorine bleach, undisclosed or toxic fragrance blends, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), glycol ethers and other solvent-type ingredients, petroleum-based solvents, methylisothiazolinone (MIT), and dimethicone. These are common in mainstream detergents and pods, but they aren’t necessary for effective dishwashing and can contribute to residue, irritation, or that strong “detergent smell” that doesn’t belong on dishes.

Product description

Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets are fragrance-free tablets made without a plastic pod film. The formula uses mineral-based cleaning ingredients like sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate, plus rinse-supporting ingredients like citric acid, sodium citrate, and sodium gluconate. I like tablets like this when I want a consistent dose that still keeps the ingredient approach simple and low-residue.

Certifications

• EWG Verified

What I like

I like that these are fragrance free and PVA/PVOH-free, which is a big deal for me with dishwasher pods.

The ingredient approach is mineral-forward and rinse-focused, so dishes come out clean without that lingering detergent smell.

The tablets are easy to use and consistent, especially when you don’t want to measure powder.

Things to keep in mind

Water quality matters. If you have hard water, you may still need to adjust your rinse aid approach or run hotter cycles to prevent spotting.

If you regularly wash very baked-on food, a heavy cycle or a quick pre-rinse can help tablets perform better.

Store the bag sealed and dry so the tablets don’t soften or crumble.