The present invention provides a firm, mild, good performing, low-smear semi-solid or solid dishwashing product. The rheology of the dishwashing product is such that structural elements have been separated from functional elements to obtain best structure properties and in-use properties. By using an interlocking mesh of carboxylic acid and/or neutralized carboxylic acid fibers and/or platelets to provide a support structure, the semi-solid or solid dishwashing product can be loaded with superior performing dishcare materials (e.g., mild surfactants) and appearance enhancers without dependence on surfactant-water phase behavior to provide the support structure. As a result, the present dishwashing product is milder than semi-solid dishwashing products currently on the market. The support structure of the present product, and preferably the use of hygroscopic surfactants, provide a product with lower smear than current gel dishwashing products.