Washing dishes isn't always the most joyful activity. We can thank Josephine Cochrane for making this chore a little less nettlesome: she invented the first commercially viable dishwasher in 1886. Yes, well over 100 years ago! Dishwashers are just as useful as ever, but are only as successful as the cleaning agents you use in them. Trader Joe's Dishwasher Detergent Gel is ready and up to the toughest dish washing tasks. Our Dishwasher Detergent Gel is made with a premium plant-based formula that uses a powerful enzyme system to make short work of whatever's waiting in your dishwasher. The non-toxic formula has a pleasant lemon scent from essential oils and botanical extracts (with no harsh fumes), and it contains no phosphates or chlorine. As a USDA-certified biobased product, our Dishwasher Gel is composed of biological products and renewable materials. Whereas most dishwasher detergents are mainly petroleum based, this Detergent is made with 65% biobased products. To get those dishes squeaky-clean, simply load dishwasher-safe items in your dishwasher, fill the dispenser cup 1/2 to 2/3 full and pour into machine. (Pro-tip: Silver, aluminum, and stainless steel should be washed in separate loads to avoid discoloration.) Voila! Clean as a whistle.