Are you looking for a dishwasher detergent in Australia that is the most friendly to the planet and your health as can be?
Quick answer: For most Australian households, Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is one of the most eco-friendly dishwasher detergents available. It is highly concentrated, biodegradable, grey water and septic safe, palm oil free, made locally in Queensland and formulated to clean brilliantly. The main compromise is that the bag contains a thin plastic moisture barrier that is not recyclable.
You'll be wanting a natural dishwasher powder or dishwasher detergent that is made without the use of toxic ingredients, leaves no harmful residue, is free from palm oil, is highly concentrated (so less weight to cart around the planet), biodegradable, as well as grey water and septic safe. Your options include dishwasher powder, dishwasher liquid, tablets, pods or sheets. Finding one of those options that ticks all the planet-friendly boxes and without any plastic packaging is not easy.
Article updated in June 2026 with the latest information.
Quick summary
Best overall eco dishwasher powder: Kin Kin Naturals
Best plastic-free packaging: Lil' Bit Dishwasher Powder
Best value: Kin Kin Naturals
Best for grey water and septic systems: Kin Kin Naturals
Best alternative to dishwasher tablets and sheets: Dishwasher powder
At Biome, we have two dishwasher powder options
Kin Kin - more economical, receives the best reviews for performance, but does have some thin plastic in the lining of the bag that can not be recycled. No more filling up the dispenser - this powder requires only three teaspoons (just under 1 tablespoon)!
Lil' Bit - packaged in a plastic free, home compostable bag. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.
Why Kin Kin cleans better than most eco detergents
Formulating a detergent is an art, and the head of Kin Kin Naturals is skilled in this art like no other eco brand due to their past experience formulating OMO detergents, and their intricate knowledge of natural ingredients.
Dad, Felix, is a PhD-qualified formulator, who used to work for OMO. His skills are unique in the world of eco products, and you will notice the difference when using Kin Kin Naturals Dishwashing Powder.
Customer evidence: Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder has more than 150 verified customer reviews, with customers consistently praising it for sparkling dishes without pre-rinsing, excellent cleaning performance, no residual taste and outstanding value.
How the best dishwasher powder is formulated
Kin Kin Naturals eco dishwasher powder is:
- Free from toxic ingredients, including alcohol ethoxylate, a very harmful substance to soil and aquatic organisms, and one that is often found in detergents, even 'eco' ones.
- Safe for gardens, grey water and septics, as it is plant (coconut) and mineral based, contains at least 95% less sodium than regular detergents (salt being highly damaging to soil and plants), and completely and readily biodegradable (free from the petrochemical surfactant linear alkylbenzene sulphonate or LAS).
- Free from palm oil
- Skin friendly, as the formulation is based on the latest dermatologic literature, so you will not find SLS or any other toxic or skin-sensitising ingredients.
- Made locally, so the carbon emissions involved in transporting the product are minimal compared to products formulated overseas.
Natural dishwasher powder, tablets, pods or detergent sheets. Which is better?
Unlike dishwasher tablets and dishwasher sheets, Kin Kin Naturals eco dishwasher powder does not contain plastic in the formulation of the product. However, please be aware that there is plastic in the packaging - the bag is made from kraft paper lined with a thin plastic foil and is not recyclable.
Dishwasher tablets and dishwasher sheets contain PVA, a petroleum derived plastic. They claim that this plastic 'dissolves into nothing'; however, the plastic used in these products still requires fossil fuels to be extracted, refined and shipped around the world to make the sheet. And then it's used in one load. So they are actually single use plastic! We break it all down here.
| Feature | Kin Kin dishwasher powder | Dishwasher tablets | Dishwasher pods | Dishwasher sheets | Dishwasher liquid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic in product | No (but some in the packaging) | Often PVA film | Usually PVA film | Made from PVA | Usually packaged in plastic bottles |
| Palm oil free | Yes | Rarely | Rarely | Rarely | Rarely |
| Grey water and septic safe | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Australian made | Yes | Often imported | Made in China | Made in China | Varies |
| Concentrated | Very concentrated | Fixed dose | Fixed dose | Fixed dose | Usually less concentrated |
Where to get the best dishwasher powder Australia
Purchase Kin Kin Naturals eco dishwasher powder in a 2.5kg bag or 1.1kg bag online at Biome.
The 2.5kg bag is enough for 160 washes, working out to be $0.19 per load.
While the 1.1kg bag is enough for 70 washes, which equates to $0.24 per load.
Compared to the top Finish dishwasher tablets, which are approximately $1.50 per load, Kin Kin Naturals eco dishwasher powder is clearly the more economical choice.
How to use Kin Kin Naturals eco dishwasher powder
Kin Kin Naturals eco dishwasher powder is ultra-concentrated - only needing three teaspoons per load. This saves packaging materials and avoids needless shipping around water and fillers. Please be aware of this concentration and only use the recommended dose.
How to use:
Add 15ml (3 teaspoons) of eco dishwasher powder to your dishwasher and run the cycle as normal.
What is the best totally plastic free dishwasher powder?
Dishwasher powder can activate if exposed to moisture and humidity. Kin Kin Naturals uses a thin moisture barrier inside the paper bag to preserve the quality and performance of the powder.
If plastic-free packaging is your highest priority, consider Lil' Bit Dishwasher Powder, which comes in a home compostable bag.
For an even better way to reduce plastic waste, here's a recipe to make your own dishwasher tablets
Summary
Many people searching for a natural dishwasher cleaner are trying to decide between natural dishwasher tablets, dishwasher pods, dishwasher detergent sheets and dishwasher powder. For most households wanting an eco-friendly option that is economical, highly concentrated and avoids unnecessary plastic, dishwasher powder is usually the better choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most eco-friendly dishwasher powder in Australia?
For most households, Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is one of the most eco-friendly options because it is highly concentrated, biodegradable, grey water safe, septic safe, palm oil free and made locally in Australia.
Are dishwasher sheets plastic free?
No. Dishwasher sheets are made from PVA, a petroleum-derived plastic. Even though PVA is described as dissolvable, it still requires fossil fuels to be extracted, refined and shipped to make a single-use product.
Is dishwasher powder better than tablets?
Many households prefer dishwasher powder because you can adjust the amount used, it is often more economical and it avoids the PVA films used in many dishwasher tablets and sheets.
Is Kin Kin safe for septic systems?
Yes. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is formulated to be grey water and septic safe.
Is Kin Kin palm oil free?
Yes. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is palm oil free.
How much dishwasher powder should I use?
Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is ultra-concentrated and only requires 15ml or three teaspoons per load.
What is the best dishwasher detergent for gut health?
If you are concerned about gut health, choose a dishwasher detergent that rinses cleanly and leaves no fragrance or chemical taste on plates, cups and bottles. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is a good choice for people who want a low residue, naturally scented dishwasher powder without strong artificial fragrance.
What is the best dishwasher detergent for health?
The best dishwasher detergent for health is one that cleans effectively without leaving harmful residues, strong artificial fragrances or unnecessary harsh ingredients. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is made without alcohol ethoxylate, SLS, phosphorus or palm oil, and is designed to leave dishes sparkling clean.
What is the best dishwasher detergent for soft water?
For soft water, an ultra-concentrated powder can be useful because you can adjust the dose rather than being locked into a full tablet or pod. Start with the recommended 15ml of Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder and reduce slightly if your dishwasher and water conditions allow.
What is the best natural dishwasher detergent for hard water?
Hard water can make dishwasher results more difficult, especially on glasses. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is a strong natural dishwasher detergent option because it is ultra-concentrated and designed for excellent cleaning performance. For very hard water, you may also need to keep your dishwasher filter clean and ensure your machine's salt or rinse settings are suitable for your area.
What is the best dishwasher detergent for septic systems?
The best dishwasher detergent for septic systems is biodegradable, low in problematic residues and clearly formulated for septic safety. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is plant and mineral based, biodegradable and septic safe.
What is the best dishwasher detergent for baby bottles?
For baby bottles, many families prefer a dishwasher detergent that cleans well and leaves no residual fragrance or taste. Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is a useful option because customers often mention that it leaves bottles, cups and glasses clean without detergent aftertaste.
What is the best natural dishwasher cleaner?
The best natural dishwasher cleaner is one that cleans effectively while avoiding unnecessary harsh ingredients and minimising environmental impact. Many households choose Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder because it is highly concentrated, biodegradable, palm oil free and safe for grey water and septic systems.
Are dishwasher pods or dishwasher powder better?
Dishwasher powder is often the more economical and environmentally preferable option because you can adjust the amount used and avoid the fixed doses and PVA films commonly found in many dishwasher pods.
Ready to switch to a better dishwasher powder?
Kin Kin Naturals Dishwasher Powder is concentrated, economical, palm oil free, biodegradable, grey water and septic safe, and made locally in Queensland.
