Toxins in Dishwasher Detergent & Rinse Aids
- Alayne
- Jul 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Dish It Out
Toxic residues from conventional dishwasher detergents remain on dishes, silverware, drinkware, cookware, etc. even after the rinse cycle and may then be ingested. Rinse aids can help remove these residues, but they, themselves, also leave behind their own toxins.
In This Post:
Dishwasher Detergent Toxins
Alcohol Ethoxylates
Synthetic chemicals created by reacting alcohols with ethylene oxide. Highly toxic, ethylene oxide is a classified human carcinogen. The ethoxylation process can also produce 1,4-dioxane, another carcinogenic byproduct. Used as nonionic surfactants in detergents, cleaners, and cosmetic/personal care products. Damage the epithelial barrier of the gut, even if ingested in small amounts... problematic since residue on dishes, glassware, and silverware is ingested. Found in rinse aids.
Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)
A synthetic preservative used in household and personal care products as an antimicrobial. Same family as Methylisothiazolinone (MI), a highly toxic compound with which it may also be cross-reactive. Holds an EWG hazard score of 6 out of 10. A known skin/eye/respiratory irritant. Identified as a contact allergen and sensitizer. Acute toxicity to aquatic life.
Benzotriazole (Azimidobenzene)
A synthetic compound used in industrial applications as a powerful corrosion inhibitor and an antifreeze additive. Used in dishwasher detergents to also act as a corrosion inhibitor, more specifically on silver and stainless steel (silverware/utensils/cookware/etc.) A suspected endocrine disruptor interfering with hormones that regulate development, metabolism, and reproduction. Bioaccumulation concerns.
Dyes
Petroleum and coal tar derived carcinogens which can be contaminated with arsenic and lead. Blues, Yellows, Reds, Greens, and all of the corresponding numbers… Red 40, Yellow 17, Yellow 23, Green 81/84, and Ultramarine Blue are the more prevalent dyes used in dishwashing detergents. Dyes are used to make dishwasher detergent, especially pods, appear more effective but they serve no purpose or function in cleaning dishes. They may contain heavy metals and are linked to allergic reactions. Also linked to endocrine disruption. Harmful to aquatic life.
Ethoxylated Ingredients (e.g., Alcohol Ethoxylates, SLES, Laureth-7, Ceteareth, C12-14 Pareth-11)
The ethoxylation process creates 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known human carcinogens. Ethoxylated ingredients can contain trace amounts of these harmful byproducts (emphasizing alcohol ethoxylates as discussed above).
Formaldehyde
Pungent colorless gas. Industrial uses include resins for particleboard, plywood, and foam and preservatives in embalming fluid. Surprisingly, it is also used in household products. Eyes/nose/throat/skin irritant. A classified carcinogen.
Fragrance
A general umbrella term which could include toxins like phthalates (known endocrine disruptors), parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents, aldehydes, styrene (classified carcinogen), linalool, acetone, and more. Companies are not required to disclose what lies beneath the cloak of this overarching term.
PEGs (polyethylene glycols; PEG-4, PEG-6, PEG-7)
Synthetic petroleum-derived compounds. Can become contaminated, during manufacturing, with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, known carcinogens. Enhance skin penetration which can increase absorption of these contaminants and other chemicals.
Sodium Hypochlorite
The highly caustic active ingredient used in bleach. Residue left behind on dishes, silverware, cookware, and drinkware from this chemical compound can contaminate food and drinks. Ingested residue, even in small amounts, can cause damage to tissues. Highly toxic to aquatic life. Forms persistent chlorinated byproducts when it reacts with organic matter in wastewater.
Additional Bad Actors in Dishwasher Detergents
Phthalates, 1,4-dioxane (see ethoxylated ingredients above), quaternium-15, bronopol, DEA, MEA, TEA, and diazolidinyl urea. This list is not fully inclusive. It does, however, demonstrate that you may be ingesting more than intended.
The Trouble with Pods
Pods are not beneficial for your plumbing and worse yet, they are harmful to the environment. The PVA film is intended to dissolve in water, but rather than biodegrading, studies have shown it breaks down into microplastics. Aside from not being environmentally friendly, conventional dishwasher pods also contain a majority of the toxins listed above and then some.
It's understandable if you'd rather not trade in the convenience of dishwasher pods for powdery scoops of non-toxic detergent. Loose powders may feel like something of the past and may also leave behind a little residue in the tray, depending on your dishwashing machine, but taking a damp paper towel or cloth to the tray after each load is a tiny detail in the grand scheme of things when you consider the harmful nature of the other possibilities that are left behind by toxic detergents, gels, and pods. Yes, those pods are eye-catchingly vivid, have that cute little swirl, and are so easy to toss in and go, but when you have an understanding of what lies beneath that adorable squishy exterior, they aren't so cute anymore.
Non-Toxic Alternative
Dirty Labs Dishwasher Detergent
Free from the toxins and chemical compounds listed above
Dirty Labs Is USDA Bio-Based Certified
Awarded the 2021 EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year
Free shipping over $40
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* Dirty Labs allergen-free fragrances include natural and synthetic ingredients selected from the IFRA Transparency List. It's a bit of a letdown that any one of the ingredients used to create their fragrances is synthetic, but synthetic doesn't translate to toxic, and overall, Dirty Labs is significantly cleaner than conventional dishwasher detergents which are 'loaded' (you got the dishwasher pun) with toxins. They also offer a fragrance-free option is this is a concern for you.
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