# TLDR Review: Finish Dishwasher Detergent Gel

*Published: 2026-02-01 | Updated: 2026-02-01 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/finish-dishwasher-detergent-gel*

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## Product: Finish Dishwasher Detergent Gel
**Brand:** Finish

## Pros
- Cleans dishes effectively and thoroughly, consistently delivering good quality results.
- Works better than many powdered detergents, likely due to added citric acid helping with stubborn residues.
- Lemon scent version performs better than the orange-scented alternative.
- Contains bleach that deodorizes the dishwasher interior, adding a fresh cleaning boost.
- Outperforms many detergent pods in terms of cleaning power and lasting effectiveness.
- More cost-effective compared to using pods, stretching your cleaning budget.
- Does not cause smut oxidation on cookware, a common issue seen with some other detergents.

## Cons
- Sometimes glasses come out cloudy, often due to the quality of well water rather than the detergent itself.
- May require rinsing dishes before washing, yet cloudiness isn’t always prevented.
- Some users report greasy residue and food particles remaining, occasionally requiring a second wash cycle.
- Leaves white drip marks inside the dishwasher door after use.
- Priced higher per use compared to pods, which might be a factor if you’re budget-conscious.
- Suds formation during the wash cycle can occur, although this is typical with many gel detergents.
- Performance can be inconsistent, sometimes seen as inferior to top competitors like Cascade.
- Not ideal unless dishes are nearly pre-washed, limiting convenience for busy users.

## Bottom Line

If you're looking for a dishwasher gel that delivers strong cleaning power with a refreshing lemon scent and helps keep your dishwasher smelling fresh, the Finish Dishwasher Detergent Gel is a solid contender—especially if you prefer gel over pods. Just be mindful it might leave glassware a bit cloudy, particularly with hard or well water, and it might require some pre-rinsing to avoid residue. If you want a cleaner experience with less fuss on glass cloudiness and spot-free results, you might also consider Cascade detergents, which many reviewers find more consistent in those areas.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Cleans dishes effectively and thoroughly, consistently delivering good quality results. | Sometimes glasses come out cloudy, often due to the quality of well water rather than the detergent itself. |
| Works better than many powdered detergents, likely due to added citric acid helping with stubborn residues. | May require rinsing dishes before washing, yet cloudiness isn’t always prevented. |
| Lemon scent version performs better than the orange-scented alternative. | Some users report greasy residue and food particles remaining, occasionally requiring a second wash cycle. |
| Contains bleach that deodorizes the dishwasher interior, adding a fresh cleaning boost. | Leaves white drip marks inside the dishwasher door after use. |
| Outperforms many detergent pods in terms of cleaning power and lasting effectiveness. | Priced higher per use compared to pods, which might be a factor if you’re budget-conscious. |
| More cost-effective compared to using pods, stretching your cleaning budget. | Suds formation during the wash cycle can occur, although this is typical with many gel detergents. |
| Does not cause smut oxidation on cookware, a common issue seen with some other detergents. | Performance can be inconsistent, sometimes seen as inferior to top competitors like Cascade. |
|  | Not ideal unless dishes are nearly pre-washed, limiting convenience for busy users. |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Unlimited Cellular | $32.99  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*