Personal preference will always dictate what type of dishwasher detergent you believe to be the best, and it’s possible you may not agree with our assessment. However, powdered and granular type detergents tend to work much better than liquid or gels. Our list of the best dishwasher detergents will give you the best results as they have improved formulas with strong cleaning power that remove grease, residue, and prevent water spots, even for homes using hard water. Powder detergents will usually clean better than the best gel, simply because most powder detergents contain either rinse aid, degreaser, bleach or a combination of these. Many of the pods or tablets you will find on the list include powdered detergent within. You can also run a cycle with plain vinegar to eliminate some of the stains and scale that hard water tends to leave behind.