Dishwasher Detergent : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentConsumer Reports evaluates three store-brand dishwasher detergents that were recently reformulated to eliminate phosphates. The detergents are assessed for how well they clean without streaking.

Our AssessmentHousekeeping guide Sarah Aguirre provides brief reviews of eight dishwasher detergents. Aguirre finds aspects to praise about each of the detergents, but she does not offer ratings or comparisons. Method Dish Cubes (discontinued, but replaced by Method Smarty Dish) and Ecover Dishwasher Tablets are the only dishwasher detergents that get longer reviews. In the longer reviews, Aguirre likes the convenience of the Ecover tablets and the fact that they are made with plant-based ingredients. She notes that these tablets should be used in conjunction with Ecover Rinse Aid for best results. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Our AssessmentBestcovery.com's grocery expert Patricia Yuen ranks Cascade ActionPacs Complete No. 1 one out of five dishwasher detergents for cleaning ability and convenience. Biokleen comes in second for cleaning and is praised for its ecologically sound ingredients and reduced packaging. Ecover tablets are said to be good at cleaning greasy dishes as well as being green.

Our AssessmentUsers on Amazon.com post reviews on almost every major brand of dishwasher detergent, plus some other lesser-known ones. The best-reviewed detergents include CitraDish Automatic Dishwashing Detergent and Cascade 2-in-1 Action Pacs Dishwasher Detergent. Six recent reviews of Cascade Complete All-in-1 packets give this product a 5-star rating.

Our AssessmentOn this environmental forum, a handful of user reviewers give Biokleen Automatic Dish Powder 4.5 out of 5 stars. People say that it cleans well and the 32-ounce container provides more than the 64 loads promised.

Our AssessmentAt ExpoTV.com, contributors post informal video reviews. There are more than 130 reviews of dishwasher detergents. Cascade 2-in-1 ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent with Dawn is reviewed by 75 people. Cascade Complete gel and powder formulations each receive similar high ratings in a handful of video reviews.

Our AssessmentCascade ActionPac products are consistently rated highly by users for their ease of use and cleaning ability. Method Smarty Dish also fares well, both for performance and its green credentials.

Our AssessmentIn response to a question about Walmart Great Value Dishwasher Detergent, several users at this website state that it works well for them.

Our AssessmentEditors say the Cascade Complete line is a consumer favorite, particularly the liquid gel. They mention that budget store brands such as Walmart's Great Value are less expensive, but they require some pre-rinsing of dishes to perform well. Eco-friendly Seventh Generation powder is said to perform quite well because of the addition of enzymes to the formula. It's difficult to gauge the legitimacy of this site as no information is provided about the site and its authors.

Our AssessmentBlissTree.com sponsors the Thrifty Mommy blog, written by Jennifer Chait and Karen Weideman. In this brief review of Walmart's Great Value dishwashing detergent, Weideman finds that the product works well, even on dishes that are not pre-rinsed. No other dishwasher detergents are reviewed.

Our AssessmentCascade sent this blogger a 20-count package of Cascade ActionPacs with Dawn to test and review. She states that she tries different brands of dishwasher detergent on occasion, but always comes back to the Cascade brand. She praises not only the convenience of the pre-measured packets but also the ability of the product to remove even cooked-on foods.

Our AssessmentThis reviewer says she has looked for a long time, trying to find a dishwasher detergent that is eco-friendly and can clean dishes without having to scrub them first. She is happy with Method Smarty Dish, calling it "hands down the best dishwasher detergent to date." But she still wonders what the ingredients are, because the manufacturer does not reveal them.