Best Dishwasher Detergents From Consumer Reports’ Tests
Packs and tablets lead the field, but price doesn’t predict performance
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You dont need a pricey dishwasher detergent to get clean dishes. The best formulas from popular brands like Finish and Cascade do a fantastic job removing food and resisting residue in Consumer Reports tough lab tests. But so do plenty of store-brand detergents, which cost much less per dose.
We tested 23 dishwasher detergents from eight brands, including premeasured packs as well as gels. The performance ranges widely between the best and worst of the bunch, and theres a huge span of prices, tooanywhere from 5 to 43 cents per load.
How Consumer Reports Tests Dishwasher DetergentsCRs test engineers smear eight dinner plates with a carefully measured portion of starchy goop , then bake each plate until the goop gets crusty. “Its really tough to get off,” Handel says. After running the plates through a normal wash cycle, we use imaging analysis to determine precisely how clean each dish is, and whether any water spots are present.
The best dishwasher detergents we test are able to get the dirtiest dishes spotless, and do so while resisting water spots and white film. The worst dishwasher detergents, mainly gels, are barely better than water for removing baked-on messes.
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Detergent Gel With Dawn Fresh Scent
Dishwasher Detergent, Fresh Scent
No. 1 brand. Dawn. Grease fighting power. Powers away 24 hr stuck on food. Recommended in North America . Toughness Comparison: Original Gel: Tougher than greasy messes powers away residue. Complete Gel: Tougher than greasy messes powers away residue powers away 24 hr stuck on food brilliant shine. Complete Oxi Gel: Tougher than greasy messes powers away residue powers away 24 hr stuck on food brilliant shine powers away tea stains. Platinum ActionPac: Tougher than greasy messes powers away residue powers away 24 hr stuck on food brilliant shine powers away tea stains tougher than burnt on messes. Safe for septic tanks. Phosphate free. www.cascadeclean.com. how2recycle.info. Question? 1-800-765-5516.
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Kosher
Contains: Contains enzymes. Do not mix with bleach containing products due to incompatibility. Avoid Accidents: Keep out of reach of children. Do not let young children use bottle or touch product in dishwasher. Close protective cap tightly after use. Not for hand dishwashing. Do not reuse bottle. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse with water. If swallowed or gets in mouth, drink a glassful of water to dilute and call a Poison Control Center or physician.
For Best Results: Fill both the pre-wash and main wash cups completely.Store in a cool, dry place.