When a new law went into effect in 16 states limiting the amount of phosphorus allowed in dishwasher detergents, most major manufacturers changed their formulas nationwide.
Unfortunately, many consumers feel that low- and no-phosphate detergents don't perform very well, as highlighted in the recent discussion about When The Eco Alternatives Just Don't Work.
Well, in 2010 Consumer Reports put several detergents to the test, and here's what they found…
As reported in the September 2010 issue, Consumer Reports tested 24 low- or no-phosphate dishwasher detergents. Although none of these equaled the product that topped CR's detergent ratings in 2009, there was "good news for the traditionally low-scoring eco-friendly products." In the new test, seven products earned a rating of Very Good and four were Recommended. According to CR:
Finish Quantum (30 cents per load) topped the Ratings, followed by CR Best Buy, Finish Powerball Tabs (22 cents per load), which scored Excellent for dishes and pots, and bested some detergents that cost more. Cascade Complete All In 1 (28 cents per load) and Cascade with Dawn ActionPacs (23 cents per load) earned a score of Very Good in CR's tests, but all Cascades, like all Finish products, aren't equal. Other Cascade and Finish products were scattered throughout the Ratings.
CR also found that enzymes may help, while bleach made little difference. In addition, tablets and pacs tended to score high, while gels scored low.
We must admit we were disappointed that none of the "green" brands like Seventh Generation or Ecover made it to the top four, but if you're committed to using those brands, check out The Best Green Dishwasher Detergent from Grist or Re-Nest's Product Review: 3 Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Detergents.
• Read more: Low Phosphorous Dishwasher Detergents (Consumer Reports)
Related Post: Greening Our Habits: Making the Dishwasher Eco-Friendlier
(Image: Flickr member avrene licensed under Creative Commons. Originally published 2010-10-21)
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Method's dishwasher tablets are my favorite, they work just as well as other brands and they come in a really awesome grapefruit scent.
Method tabs are what I use too. Love 'em!
I love Ecover's dishwashing tablets. The Seventh Generation gel always left a film, but these are pretty fantastic. They're individually wrapped, which is annoying, but probably they have to be.
We love Ecover tablets.
So, I just have to ask: do you pronounce it eek-over or ee-cover? It doesn't say on their website and I've always wondered.
Method - hands down the best.
I thought Ecover was pronounced echo-vehr, kind of French, like "vert" as in green?
I love Method tablets, too. I recommend them all the time.
I've been using the Seventh Generation power, and it works really well. I avoided the tablets because of the high price and packaging. And a cup of vinegar makes everything shine!
I must have missed the report...why is phosphate bad? Does someone have an article link?
Thanks!
Kimberlydeane.etsy.com
Finish tabs work best in my water. But they are all inadequate, in my opinion. I have begun using the extended wash cycle to get things clean. Sigh.
We like Ecover tabs.We either buy them in bulk when Whole Foods puts them on sale or when there is a $1 coupon in their flyer or otherwise order a case and take the case discount.
We recently moved and had to figure, again, the best way to load the washing machine. We also occasionally use vinegar as well.
@Njartteacher - Phosphate spurs algae growth in water, which has an impact on eco systems. The algae starves water of oxygen and it kills plant and animal life.
finish tablets (whatevers on sale) or seventh generation tablets (looks like basically powder wrapped in some film- scored on sale plus a $2 coupon) works in hard water northeast Ohio here...but I also almost always use the pots and pans cycle which i think blasts the crud really good :)
I used to use the Finish tablets, but just recently started using a more diy method and it works great! I use a 50/50 mix of borax and baking soda that I keep in a jar under the sink, and then use vinegar as a rinsing agent. The dishes have been coming out sparkling!