What’s Hiding in Your Dishwasher Tablets and Pods
Shaan LalwaniShare
And why your gut might not love it.
We use dishwashers to clean our plates — not to coat them in chemicals that mess with our health. But recent research is raising some red flags about one group of ingredients hiding in many dishwasher pods and rinse aids: alcohol ethoxylates.
You’ve probably never heard of them, but your gut just might be feeling them.
First, what are alcohol ethoxylates?
Alcohol ethoxylates (AEs for short) are a type of non-ionic surfactant. That just means they help break down grease and grime without creating foam. They’re found in all sorts of cleaning products — laundry detergent, floor cleaner, and yes, dishwasher rinse aids.
They're there to make your dishes sparkle. But here's the problem...
A new study found they can damage your gut.
A 2022 peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that residues from rinse aids can damage the cells that line your intestines — even in very low amounts.
In simple terms: these chemicals were tested on models that mimic the human gut, and the results were worrying.
💥 The rinse aids caused:
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Leaky gut (yes, the literal kind — the cells couldn’t hold a tight barrier anymore)
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Cell stress and even cell death
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Changes in the genes that control inflammation and metabolism
And here’s the kicker: the concentration of rinse aid needed to cause this damage was similar to what might be left behind on your plates after a regular dishwasher cycle.
So what's the culprit?
Out of all the ingredients tested, alcohol ethoxylates were the main ones responsible for the damage. They’re in many popular dishwasher rinse aids and pods, especially ones labeled as “spot-free” or “quick dry.”
They're not just rough on your gut either. Other studies have shown that alcohol ethoxylates are toxic to aquatic life and may interfere with hormone systems in animals. That’s bad news for the environment too.
How are we being exposed?
You might think: “But my dishes get rinsed, right?”
Sort of. Dishwashers often don't rinse thoroughly, especially if you’re using eco or quick cycles. That means small amounts of rinse aid or detergent can stick to your dishes, and those residues can end up in your food — and your body.
This is even more likely in restaurants and commercial kitchens that run super-fast cycles with minimal rinsing.
What can you do?
Here are some easy swaps and tips to protect your health:
✅ Switch to Coco Custo Dishwasher Powder — it’s plant-based, non-toxic, and designed to work beautifully withoutthe need for rinse aid. No synthetic surfactants. No weird aftertaste. Just clean, safe dishes.
✅ Avoid rinse aids altogether — especially ones with alcohol ethoxylates
✅ Use vinegar as a natural rinse aid if needed
✅ Rinse food-contact dishes manually after a dishwasher cycle if you’re concerned
✅ Look for products that are alcohol ethoxylate-free and list ingredients clearly
The bottom line
We shouldn’t have to choose between convenience and health. But it’s clear that some of the chemicals hiding in our everyday cleaning products — like alcohol ethoxylates — may not be as safe as they seem.
The good news? You can ditch the rinse aid altogether. Coco Custo’s dishwasher powder is made to work without it. That means fewer chemicals on your plate — and less worry in your day.
Let me know if you'd like a short version of this for Instagram or email, or citations for the study mentioned!