Affiliate links are included. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Today I’m going to share my thoughts with you on The Honest Company’s Auto Dishwasher Gel. You can find more information about the product here, and you can also click here to find a list my product reviews where I have reviews for almost every Honest Company product. If you are new to Honest.com, don’t miss out on the 3 free trials you can get at once.
I wanted to love Honest Auto Dishwasher Gel. I REALLY wanted to, friends. And I gave it 4 different tries before reaching the conclusion that for me, this product just doesn’t work. 🙁
My dishes looked like this every time after I use this product:
Now, I’ll be the first to tell you that different dishwashers work differently, but I don’t normally have dishes that look like this. I’ll also be the first to tell you that I’m not the type of person who washes her dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Yes, I’ll scrape off big chunks of food, but I fully expect my dishwasher to earn its keep around here by ACTUALLY WASHING THE DISHES. If you are a pre-washer, then this product may do just fine. And there are certainly reasons to try it, if you tend to pre-clean your dishes. The Honest Company’s Auto Dish Gel has the following perks (all from the company’s website):
- Contains NO bleach or bleaching agents guaranteed not to etch metal / silver
- 100% Natural / Non-toxic / Biodegradable / pH Neutral
- Septic tank & gray-water system safe
But alas, for me, it was yet another disappointing attempt to find an eco-friendly dishwashing detergent that got the job done. In my opinion, this is a product to pass over when making your bundle selection, or when shopping a la carte from the website.
Have you tried this product? Same experience as me, or did you like it?
Anonymous says
I washed with Honest and am now trying to hand wash everything due to the HUGE white film on everything. I put vinegar in as the rinse aid, I re-washed on light without any detergent and the film is still there!!! I don’t know how to get it off without using the sctubby side of the sponge!!! I will def NOT buy HOnest dishwasher gel again.
Melissa says
I was super disappointed in the dishwashing gel. I even accused my husband of not starting the wash. I’ve had much better luck with the pods than most here but think your reviews are right in line with my opinions. My typical bundle: the conditioner, I alternate shampoo and bubble bath, belly balm, laundry pods and dishwasher pods. My add ons are usually the floor cleaner, the multi surface cleaner and alternate bathroom cleaner/toilet cleaner/dish soap. I also use the diapers and wipes and toothpaste, which takes a bit to get used to the flavor but it does a good job.
I love Moon Valley Organics and encourage you to check out their bar and hand soap, and lotion bars. Cheers!
Tiffany Merritt says
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ll check them out!
Dan says
We used the Honest Dishwasher Pods and it ruined our brand new dishwasher we just spent $1000 on 2 months ago. It left residue on all the dishes, and white residue that’s almost impossible to wash off the stainless steel inside. I googled it to see if others had this problem and it looks like some do.
Anonymous says
Honest dishwasher pods ruined my dishwasher as well! The residue ruined a component in the washer and caused a leak in the floor. It subsequently damaged our laminate due to water leakage. I am so upset. I was just trying to use non-Toxic chemicals for my kids!
Tiffany Merritt says
I’m so sorry to hear that folks are having a bad experience with the pods. I wonder what the issue might be? I’ve been using the pods exclusively for over a year now and have only had good results.
Brittany says
I’m currently using the dishwasher pods because I want to make sure there’s no harmful chemicals cleaning my baby bottles. It has not been a good experience at all. It’s made all my dishes, especially bottles, super cloudy with a film that seems impossible to scrub off. I feel like my bottles are ruined 🙁 maybe I can salvage them by soaking them in vinegar or something.. I dunno. I was gonna order the rinse aid to see if that helps at all. I’m gonna get one more bundle from this company, then I think I’ll cancel my subscription. So far I’ve only loved the multi surface cleaner.
Tiffany Merritt says
Oh that’s such a bummer to hear! I am having really good success with their diswasher pods. I have a friend who hates the pods and loves the gel, though. But I think they are discontinuing the gel, perhaps? You might want to check to see if they still have it, because maybe it will work better for your dishwasher and your water.
sarah says
I tried this and the rinse aid and hated them. They left behind so much residue even if I used more then the directions said. I have hard water so maybe that was the problem for me. I also didn’t like the healing balm and the body wash/shampoo. So far I have only liked the conditioner.
tiffany says
I’m currently testing the rinse aid out now, but I’m using it in conjunction with their dishwasher pods (which, surprisingly, I loved!). I haven’t tried the balm, the shampoo or the conditioner yet, either. I’ll move conditioner up on my list of products to try!
Palma says
I am a huge fan of Honest Company. There are definitely products I do not like. The dish washing rinse aid, the laundry detergent pods left marks all over the clothes, the dryer sheets, the spray and wash. Again, I tried to love them, but they just don’t work for me! I love the foaming hand soap, lotion, body wash, and conditioner for my daughter. I am also a huge fan of the multipurpose cleaner and floor cleaner. The bathroom and toilet cleaner…just alright!! I’ve tried a few of their products!!
Tiffany Merritt says
Thank you for sharing your opinions. I definitely think you can love a company and not love every single thing they make! You’ve tried several things I haven’t yet, so thank you again for sharing! I’m going to get the floor cleaner and multipurpose cleaner the next time I order, based on your suggestion. 🙂
brandy says
I do NOT prewash my dishes and I use the dishwasher gel. I do not scrape, rinse, or otherwise treat my dishes. I don’t wash dishes. I really don’t. I wash the pots because they aren’t allowed in the dishwasher. Anyways, it works great for me! I never have any issues with it!
Tiffany Merritt says
I figure that it has to work great for somebody, since they are still selling it! Glad to hear it’s a winner for you! Wish I could say the same! 🙂
Ellen says
Hi Tiffany, I’m with you! The dishwasher is there to clean and disinfect the dishes, I hate when I need to rinse dishes off after unloading. I recently found and switched to Melaleucas Diamond Brite and I LOVE it! It has no phosphates or chlorine bleach (totally safe). I don’t have to use any jet dry anymore ether, and the dishes come out shiny and clean (and the inside of my dishwasher is all nice and clean). I should send you one of the little packets to try.
Pearl says
I, too, can attest to the Melaleuca products, specifically the Diamond Brite – both the gel (which I think may be phasing out) and the pods. I do a quick rinse on my dishes (husband claims it makes the dishwasher more efficient, but I’m of the same opinion as you guys – earn your keep, machine!). I use a plethora of other Melaleuca products that are fantastic and I feel good about them being around my youngins. I’ve checked out Honest online but don’t know anyone personally who is using the products, so thank you, Tiffany, for being the guinea pig and providing reviews!