To prevent spots and streaks on dishes in a portable dishwasher, there are a few steps you can take. First, make sure you are using the proper amount of dishwasher detergent for the size of the load and hardness of your water. Using too much detergent can leave behind a residue that causes spots.
Next, check the water temperature of your dishwasher. Hotter water can help to dissolve the detergent more effectively and prevent spots. If your water is not hot enough, you may need to adjust the temperature setting on your dishwasher or use a rinse aid to help with spot prevention.
It's also important to regularly clean and maintain your dishwasher. Remove any food particles or debris from the dishwasher filters and spray arms to ensure they are working properly. Additionally, periodically run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to help remove any built-up residue.
Lastly, make sure to load your dishes properly in the dishwasher. Avoid overcrowding dishes or blocking the water spray arms, as this can prevent proper cleaning and lead to spots and streaks on your dishes.
Best Portable Dishwashers of September 2025
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
BLACK+DECKER Portable Dishwasher, 18 inches Wide, 8 Place Setting, Black
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IMPRESSIVE CAPACITY: This 18” portable dishwasher thoroughly cleans up to 8 place settings in each wash cycle. Your dinner plates, cups, saucers, bowls and utensils will stay dirt-free and sparkling thanks to this durable stainless steel (16.3” x 20.5” x 26.15”) tub. Silverware basket included so your forks, knives and spoons remain immaculate. This portable dishwasher on wheels does the scrubbing for you with an adjustable top rack to accommodate taller dishes.
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EASY SETUP: No need for direct plumbing or permanent installation with this portable dishwashing machine. The Quick Connect assembly links right to your faucet with a 59” hose. Interior spray arms located in the upper and lower part of small dishwasher with a hot water temperature of 140° Fahrenheit. Child lock guarantees optimal safety when dishwasher machine is on.
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MULTIPLE WASH CYCLES: This BLACK+DECKER portable dish washer comes with 6 superior wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, 90-min & Rapid. An easy-to-read LED display with trouble-free push button allows you to begin cleaning in no time. Fully equipped with detergent dispenser and low rise aid indicator. Delay Start function allows you to wash plates, utensils, bowls and cups with the touch of your fingertips and on your own schedule.
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WORKTOP VERSATILITY: When your dish washer isn’t scrubbing your favorite dishes, it can double as a trendy kitchen island and worktop counter. When not in use, make the most of this stainless steel dishwasher by utilizing it to store kitchen appliances or even as a culinary work station.
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IDEAL FOR SMALL KITCHENS: Just because you live in an apartment, RV, or dorm doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy clean cutlery and plateware. The storage and ease of this 18” RV dishwasher allows you the luxury of thoroughly washed dishes regardless of your kitchen size. Made for compact spaces, this portable dishwasher is ideal for apartment residencies and occupants of modest dwellings.
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
RCA RDW1809 Portable Dishwasher, 18in Wide, 8 Place Settings Capacity, White
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Portable Dishwasher on Wheels - Holds up to 8 Standard Place Settings
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Low Water Consumption
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Easy to Connect to any Kitchen Tap
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Resistant Stainless Steel Interior
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Fits under most kitchen cabinets
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
SPT SD-9263W 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub – White
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SD-9263W: 18″ Energy Star Portable Dishwasher - WHITE
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Capacity: 8 place setting
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6 Wash programs: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Min, Rapid
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Stainless Steel Interior
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Rinse Aid Warning Indicator: refill reminder on rinse aid
4
Rating is 4.7 out of 5
NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments
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【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
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【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them
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【SPEED WASH】When you are in a hurry and want your dishes ready faster, select Speed mode, which cleans dishes in just 29 minutes; the automatic air circulation helps to dry dishes so that you can use immediately
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【FRUIT MODE】A fruit basket is included so fruit and vegetables can be cleaned easily, ready to serve directly from the dishwasher
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black
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【6 Place Setting】- A perfect size(H438×W550×D500mm) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware, and a plate size of up to 10 inches diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
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【Simple Installation】- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
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【Speed Program】- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
SPT SD-2224DS ENERGY STAR Compact Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start - Portable Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Interior and 6 Place Settings Rack Silverware Basket, Silver
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7 wash cycles: Heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse, speed and soak
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Delay start for added convenience : Two, four, six or eight hours
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Universal faucet adapter and Quick Connect: For quick and easy connection to most kitchen faucets
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Electronic controls with LED display : LED displays remaining time or current running state
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Water supply warning indicator and rinse aid warning indicator
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energy guide capacity: 203
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installation type: Counter Top
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material type: Iron
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form factor: Stand Alone
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controls type: Full Panel
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
SPT SD-6513SS 24″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 10 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub
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Time Delay Feature
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Error Alarm
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Rinse Aid Warning Indicator
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Stainless Steel Interior
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Quiet Operations: at 52dBA
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Capacity: Up to 10 standard plate settings
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6 wash Programs: Heavy, Normal, Rapid, Eco, Glass, and 90 Min
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2 Racks
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Automatic Dispensers
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Energy Star
8
Rating is 4.3 out of 5
SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star
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【Slimline Design with Large Capacity】The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
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【8 Place Settings Dishwasher】With dimensions of 24.41"D x 17.72"W x 33.27"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
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【6 programs+3 functions】The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
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【Heated Dry】Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
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【HI TEMP】The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.
10
Rating is 4.1 out of 5
BLACK+DECKER Portable Dishwasher, 18 inches Wide, 8 Place Setting, White
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IMPRESSIVE CAPACITY: This 18” portable dishwasher thoroughly cleans up to 8 place settings in each wash cycle. Your dinner plates, cups, saucers, bowls and utensils will stay dirt-free and sparkling thanks to this durable stainless steel (16.3” x 20.5” x 26.15”) tub. Silverware basket included so your forks, knives and spoons remain immaculate. This portable dishwasher on wheels does the scrubbing for you with an adjustable top rack to accommodate taller dishes.
-
EASY SETUP: No need for direct plumbing or permanent installation with this portable dishwashing machine. The Quick Connect assembly links right to your faucet with a 59” hose. Interior spray arms located in the upper and lower part of small dishwasher with a hot water temperature of 140° Fahrenheit. Child lock guarantees optimal safety when dishwasher machine is on.
-
MULTIPLE WASH CYCLES: This BLACK+DECKER portable dish washer comes with 6 superior wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, 90-min & Rapid. An easy-to-read LED display with trouble-free push button allows you to begin cleaning in no time. Fully equipped with detergent dispenser and low rise aid indicator. Delay Start function allows you to wash plates, utensils, bowls and cups with the touch of your fingertips and on your own schedule.
-
WORKTOP VERSATILITY: When your dish washer isn’t scrubbing your favorite dishes, it can double as a trendy kitchen island and worktop counter. When not in use, make the most of this stainless steel dishwasher by utilizing it to store kitchen appliances or even as a culinary work station.
-
WORKTOP VERSATILITY: When your dish washer isn’t scrubbing your favorite dishes, it can double as a trendy kitchen island and worktop counter. When not in use, make the most of this stainless steel dishwasher by utilizing it to store kitchen appliances or even as a culinary work station.
What is the difference between rinse aid and dishwasher detergent?
Rinse aid and dishwasher detergent are two different products used in the dishwasher for cleaning dishes.
Dishwasher detergent is the primary cleaning agent used to remove food particles, grease, and grime from dishes during the washing cycle. It typically comes in the form of powder, gel, liquid, or pods and contains ingredients such as surfactants, enzymes, and bleach to help break down and remove food residues.
Rinse aid, on the other hand, is a separate product that is added to the rinse aid compartment of the dishwasher. Its main function is to prevent water spots and film from forming on dishes during the drying cycle. Rinse aid works by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to drain off dishes more easily and leaving them sparkling clean.
In summary, dishwasher detergent is used to clean dishes, while rinse aid is used to improve the drying process and prevent water spots. Both products work together to ensure dishes come out of the dishwasher clean and spot-free.
How to properly load dishes in a portable dishwasher?
- Start by scraping off any excess food particles from the dishes.
- Pre-rinse heavily soiled dishes if necessary.
- Load larger and dirtier items on the bottom rack, such as pots, pans, and larger bowls. Make sure to place them facing down so that water can more easily reach and clean them.
- Place plates, bowls, and smaller items on the top rack. Make sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded to allow for proper water circulation.
- Load utensils in the utensil basket with handles facing up to ensure they are properly cleaned.
- Ensure that glasses and cups are securely placed and not touching each other to prevent breakage during the wash cycle.
- Make sure that rotating spray arms are not obstructed by the dishes so that water can reach all surfaces.
- Double-check that all items are securely placed in the dishwasher before starting the wash cycle.
- Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher as this can prevent proper water circulation and cleaning.
- Once the dishwasher is loaded, double-check that the detergent dispenser is filled, and choose the appropriate wash cycle for the load.
How to remove hard water stains from dishes in a portable dishwasher?
- Start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl.
- Remove the dishes from the portable dishwasher and place them in the sink.
- Soak a clean cloth or sponge in the vinegar solution and rub it on the hard water stains on the dishes. Let the solution sit on the stains for a few minutes to help break them down.
- Use a scrub brush or sponge to scrub away the hard water stains, focusing on areas where the stains are particularly stubborn.
- Rinse the dishes with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar solution and residue.
- If the hard water stains are still present, you can try using a commercial dishwasher detergent that is specifically designed to remove hard water stains. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the detergent.
- Once the hard water stains have been removed, dry the dishes thoroughly before placing them back in the portable dishwasher.
- To prevent future hard water stains, consider adding a rinse aid to the dishwasher before running a cycle. Rinse aids help to minimize mineral deposits and prevent water spots on dishes.
What is causing spots and streaks on dishes in a portable dishwasher?
There are several possible reasons for spots and streaks on dishes in a portable dishwasher:
- Hard water: Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can leave spots and streaks on dishes. Using a water softener or adding a rinse aid can help prevent this issue.
- Incorrect detergent: Using too much or too little detergent, or using the wrong type of detergent, can lead to spotting and streaking on dishes. Make sure to use a high-quality dishwasher detergent specifically designed for your dishwasher.
- Not using rinse aid: Rinse aid helps to prevent spots and streaks by improving the drying process in the dishwasher. Make sure to fill the rinse aid dispenser regularly and adjust the settings as needed.
- Overloading the dishwasher: Overloading the dishwasher can prevent water and detergent from reaching all the dishes properly, leading to spots and streaks. Make sure to load the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's guidelines for optimal cleaning results.
- Dirty dishwasher: A dirty dishwasher with built-up grime, food particles, and mineral deposits can cause spots and streaks on dishes. Regularly cleaning the dishwasher, including the spray arms, filters, and door gasket, can help prevent this issue.
- Low water temperature: Washing dishes in low water temperature can result in incomplete rinsing and drying, leading to spots and streaks. Make sure to set the water temperature according to the manufacturer's recommendations for best cleaning results.
By addressing these potential causes and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can help prevent spots and streaks on dishes in your portable dishwasher.
