Best Dishwasher Detergent in Australia for Commercial Kitchens

Ever feel like choosing a dishwasher detergent is harder than it should be? With so many options on the market — from liquids to tablets, plant-based to heavy-duty — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And when you’re running a commercial kitchen, you can’t afford to waste time or money on products that don’t deliver.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best dishwasher detergents in Australia — featuring top picks from StellarChem. These products aren’t just tested for performance — they’re designed to help you get spotless results without overpaying for the most expensive detergent on the shelf.

Whether you’re dealing with tough grease or delicate glassware or need a septic tank-friendly option, there’s a solution here for every kitchen. Let’s help you find the right product that works — so you can get back to doing what matters most.

Not sure what makes a good dishwasher detergent in the first place? Check out our complete guide on how dishwasher detergent works and what ingredients actually matter in commercial kitchens.

Overview of the Best Commercial Dishwasher Detergent Australia in 2025

• Best All-Rounder: Clear Machine Cleaner
• Best Powder Option: Lustre Dish Powder
• Best for Glassware: Clear Glass Wash

1. Clear Machine Cleaner - Commercial Dishwasher Detergent

Clear Machine Cleaner is a concentrated alkaline detergent designed for commercial dishwashing machines. It delivers superior cleaning performance, lifting stubborn stains like egg yolk, baked-on cheese, and food particles from dishes, glasses, and cutlery. This powerful detergent is also formulated with built-in scale inhibitors, ensuring your dishwasher stays free of residue and functions smoothly, even in areas with hard water.

Available in both 20L and 5L sizes, Clear Machine Cleaner is ideal for high-volume kitchens that need reliable, everyday dishwashing solutions. Its concentrated formula is water-soluble, making it an efficient option for reducing waste while still providing excellent cleaning. Plus, it helps save money by using a smaller amount compared to other dishwasher detergents without compromising on performance.

Pros

• Powerful cleaning
• Built-in scale inhibitors
• Works with hard water

Cons

• Requires correct dosage

Rating Criteria

• Cleaning Power: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Efficiency: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Safety & Environmental Impact: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Versatility: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Streak-Free Finish: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Packaging & Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)

2. Lustre Dish Powder - Dishwasher Detergent Powder

Lustre Dish Powder is a powerful chlorinated dishwasher detergent designed for commercial dishwashing machines, delivering the best cleaning performance for even the toughest jobs. This concentrated formula easily breaks down food stains, greasy dishes, and other residues, leaving your plastic items, cutlery, and dinner plates spotless. It's perfect for high-volume kitchens where fast, effective cleaning is a priority, offering great value for your money.

Due to its chlorine content, Lustre Dish Powder is best used in well-ventilated areas or outdoors. It works well in both hard water and standard water conditions. It is also more eco-friendly than other commercial dishwashing detergents and ensures your dishes come out clean and streak-free when used with a rinse aid.

Pros

• Concentrated, chlorinated formula
• Versatile
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Must be used only in outdoors or well-ventilated areas
• Manual oading needed for a dishwasher without a powder cup

Rating Criteria

• Cleaning Power: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Efficiency: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Safety & Environmental Impact: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Versatility: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Streak-Free Finish: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Packaging & Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)

3. Clear Glass Wash - Premium Commercial Glasswasher Detergent

Clear Glass Wash is a premium glasswasher detergent specially formulated to clean glassware in high-demand commercial kitchens, bars, and restaurants. Its concentrated formula removes grease, food stains, and fingerprints from glasses, ensuring a streak-free finish with every wash. Even without the use of rinse aid, it delivers an unbeatable shine, making it an essential product for businesses looking to keep their dishes clean and sparkling.

This detergent is designed to work effectively in hard water areas where water softeners may be needed. With built-in scale inhibitors, Clear Glass Wash helps prevent limescale build-up, prolonging the life of your glassware and reducing the need for frequent replacements. The 5L size provides great value, making it perfect for businesses that want great value without compromising on cleaning performance.

Pros

• Provides superior gloss or mirror-like finish
• Economical concentrated formula
• Excellent scale protection

Cons

• May not work well in an average dishwasher

Rating Criteria

• Cleaning Power: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Efficiency: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Safety & Environmental Impact: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Versatility: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Streak-Free Finish: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Packaging & Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Of course, not everything goes in the dishwasher — some items still need a little hands-on care. Here’s our roundup of the best dishwashing liquids for handwashing dishes without damaging delicate surfaces.

What to Look for in a Commercial Dishwasher Detergent

When choosing the best detergent for your commercial dishwasher, several key factors can help you find the right fit.

Here’s what you should consider when selecting a dishwasher detergent for your business:

• Cleaning Power
  The best dishwasher detergent should effectively clean dirty dishes, including stubborn food stains and greasy dishes. Whether you're washing dinner plates or delicate glassware, go for excellent cleaning products that remove grease, grime, and residue with every wash. Always ensure that it provides consistent cleaning performance, making your dishes clean and ready for use in no time.
• Type of Detergent
  There are different forms of commercial detergent: liquids, powders, and tablets. Dishwashing machine liquid is easy to use and dissolves quickly, while dishwashing liquids are often convenient and versatile for all types of dishwashers. Powdered detergents, such as Lustre Dish Powder, may require a dispenser but are great for heavy-duty washing. Consider your machine’s setup when choosing between these options.
• Efficiency and Cost
  Efficiency is key in a busy commercial kitchen, and your detergent should work well with hard water or soft water. Highly concentrated detergents offer better value because they clean more dishes per dose, allowing you to save on cost over time. Be mindful of the recommended dose to ensure you’re using the right amount, as using too much or too little can affect performance and waste detergent.
• Eco-Friendliness
  If sustainability is a priority for your business, choose a detergent that is non-toxic and biodegradable, helping to minimise your environmental impact. Look for options that are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes. Some detergents come with water-soluble wrapping, making them a more eco-friendly option by reducing plastic waste.
• Shine and Finish
  For glassware, look for a detergent that provides a streak-free shine without needing a separate rinse aid. Products like Clear Glass Wash offer unbeatable shine and cleaning without leaving any residue. It’s ideal for cleaning delicate items like glass or plastic plates and glasses, ensuring they stay clear and spot-free after every wash.
• Safety and Skin Sensitivity
  Safety is important for both your staff and your customers. Choose a detergent that is gentle on sensitive skin, and avoid products that may cause allergic reactions. A non-toxic option with fewer chemicals will help ensure that your team is safe while handling detergent daily.

No detergent will save you if your dishwashing process isn’t right from the start. Learn the 7 essential steps in washing dishes to keep your cleaning routine fast, safe, and hygienic.

Dishwasher Detergent vs. Glasswasher Detergent: What’s the Difference?

Dishwasher detergent is designed for cleaning a wide range of kitchenware, including plates, cutlery, and plastics. It breaks down tough stains, grease, and food residue, making it great for everyday dishwashing tasks. Dishwasher detergents can tackle stains like red wine on plates and other general kitchen items.

Glasswasher detergent, on the other hand, is specifically formulated for cleaning glassware like wine glasses and stemware. It helps ensure a streak-free finish while protecting delicate glass surfaces from damage. Glasswasher detergent is gentle enough to clean glass without causing etching or clouding, leaving your glasses sparkling clean.

The key difference between the two lies in their purpose. Dishwasher detergents work well on a variety of kitchenware and general dishwashing, thanks to ingredients like washing soda and surfactants. Glasswasher detergents, however, are better suited for cleaning glassware, offering the best results in protecting delicate glass surfaces and ensuring a spotless shine.

Final Thoughts

When selecting the right detergent for your commercial dishwasher, it's important to focus on effectiveness, cost, and cleaning power. While some of the most expensive detergents may promise superior results, StellarChem’s products, like the Clear Machine Cleaner and Lustre Dish Powder, provide excellent cleaning performance without the high price tag. Designed to tackle stubborn grease and food stains, StellarChem detergents offer reliable, powerful cleaning at a great value, ensuring your kitchen equipment stays in top shape while delivering outstanding results.

FAQs

What is the best detergent to use in a dishwasher?

The best detergent often depends on your needs. For household dishwashers, a plant-based, cruelty-free detergent may be a great choice if you’re concerned about harsh chemicals. For commercial use, a tested detergent that can handle greasy dishes and provide the same results every time is essential, and sometimes spending a little more is worth it for efficiency and performance.

Is it better to use liquid or pods in dishwasher?

Both liquid detergents and pods have their pros. Liquid detergents can be more flexible and allow you to control the amount based on your needs, especially for larger or smaller loads. Pods, on the other hand, are convenient, mess-free, and pre-measured, making them an easy choice for a consistent clean and a faster wash compared to liquids, though they may be slightly more expensive per load.

What is the best dishwasher cleaner in Australia?

When looking for the best dishwasher cleaner in Australia, opt for one that’s tested to handle harsh chemicals or build-up from dirty dishes. Products like Clear Machine Cleaner are a reliable choice, offering excellent performance without the need for plastic-free packaging. It’s important to find a cleaner that can maintain your dishwasher’s performance, ensuring your dishes stay sparkling and fresh.

Is it better to use dishwasher tablets or powder?

Dishwasher tablets are pre-measured and convenient, making them great for quick wash cycles. However, powder detergents offer flexibility, and they often dissolve more thoroughly, providing a more efficient clean, especially in hard water areas. Both offer great value, but powder might be more practical for businesses where a plant-based detergent or tailored amounts are preferred.

How much detergent should I use in a commercial dishwasher?

The amount of detergent you use in a commercial dishwasher depends on the load size and type of detergent. Typically, about 10–15 grams of dishwasher detergent per cycle is sufficient, but some brands may offer more concentrated formulas. Using the recommended dose ensures you don’t waste detergent while getting the best results.

Are commercial dishwasher detergents eco-friendly?

Many commercial dishwasher detergents are now formulated with the environment in mind, offering biodegradable options with fewer harsh chemicals. Look for detergents that are cruelty-free, plant-based, and tested for effectiveness. Eco-friendly detergents can still provide excellent performance without harming the environment, reducing your kitchen’s impact on the planet.

How to prevent streaks on glassware?

To prevent streaks on glassware, consider using a glasswasher detergent formulated to provide an unbeatable shine, even without a rinse aid. Ensure the water temperature is high enough for proper drying, and always use the recommended dose of detergent for a streak-free finish. Avoid overcrowding to ensure each piece gets a thorough wash compared to others.

Can I use regular dishwasher tablets in a commercial dishwasher?

It’s not advisable to use regular household dishwasher tablets in a commercial dishwasher. They are often formulated for smaller machines and may not effectively handle large-scale, greasy loads. Commercial detergents are tested to provide the right balance of cleaning power and efficiency, ensuring your dishes are thoroughly cleaned without wasting detergent.

How long does commercial dishwasher detergent last?

Commercial dishwasher detergent typically has a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored properly. Keep the detergent in a cool, dry area, away from moisture, to ensure it remains effective. If using detergent pods with water-soluble film, it’s important to use them within their shelf life, as the film can break down over time.

Can I use vinegar or natural alternatives in a commercial dishwasher?

While vinegar and other natural products that contain essential oils are sometimes used as an alternative, it’s not the most effective option for a commercial dishwasher. Commercial detergents are formulated to handle large loads of dirty dishes, often offering a stronger clean than natural alternatives. For the best results, stick with a tested detergent that’s designed for septic tank compatibility and can break down stubborn grease.