Member’s Mark Platinum Clean Automatic Dishwasher Pacs, Fresh Clean

A dual-enzyme dishwasher pod featuring oxygen-based bleach and modern chelating agents, encased in a water-soluble PVA film but containing added fragrance and colorants.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula represents a premium tier dishwasher detergent. The inclusion of dual enzymes (Protease and Amylase) ensures effective breakdown of both protein-based (egg, meat) and starch-based (pasta, rice) soils. The combination of Sodium Carbonate Peroxide (oxygen bleach) and Tetrasodium Etidronate provides strong stain removal (tea, coffee) and bleaching action. Furthermore, the use of Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (MGDA) and Sodium Citrate creates a robust chelating system that handles hard water effectively, preventing limescale and spotting, aided by Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer for anti-redeposition and shine.

Safety Rating: 3.4

While effective, this product relies on standard synthetic chemistry that presents some environmental and health concerns. It contains Sodium Silicate and Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, which are irritating to skin and eyes. The inclusion of generic Fragrance and Colorants adds potential allergens and unnecessary chemicals without contributing to cleaning. Tetrasodium Etidronate is a phosphonate, which, while effective, is not as biodegradable as citrate-based alternatives. The presence of PEG/PPG ethers and various synthetic polymers reduces the product’s eco-friendliness compared to bio-based competitors.

Final Rating: 4.2

This is a high-performance heavy hitter designed for maximum cleaning power rather than eco-minimalism. If your primary goal is spotless dishes, removing stuck-on food, and eliminating film in hard water, this formula is excellent. However, users seeking ‘green’ or hypoallergenic options may wish to avoid the fragrances, dyes, and synthetic polymers present in this formulation.

Verdict

This formulation represents a modern, high-performance dishwasher detergent that prioritizes cleaning efficacy and convenience. At its core, the inclusion of Sodium carbonate peroxide provides a robust oxygen-based bleaching action. This component is highly effective at lifting tough, colored stains like tea, coffee, and tomato sauce without relying on the harshness of chlorine bleach. This chemical cleaning power is significantly boosted by a dual-enzyme system consisting of Protease and Amylase. These biological catalysts specifically digest protein-based residues (like egg or meat) and starch-based soils (like pasta or potatoes), ensuring that even dried-on food is broken down efficiently during the wash cycle.

The detergent manages water hardness through a combination of Sodium citrate and Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate. The latter is a notable inclusion; it is a strong, biodegradable chelating agent that serves as a superior, eco-friendlier alternative to phosphates or EDTA. This ensures that minerals in hard water are sequestered, preventing limescale spots on glassware and allowing the surfactants to work freely. The addition of Sodium silicate is also beneficial, providing corrosion protection to help preserve the shine of metal cutlery and the internal components of the dishwasher itself.

However, the product occupies a middle ground regarding environmental safety. It relies on Polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA) for the pod casing. While PVA is water-soluble, there is an ongoing debate regarding its complete biodegradability in real-world wastewater treatment conditions versus its potential contribution to dissolved plastic pollution. Furthermore, the formula contains synthetic liquid polymers—specifically Sodium acrylic acid/MA copolymer and Acrylic/acrylate ester copolymer—which act as anti-redeposition agents to keep dirt suspended in the water. While effective, these are generally not considered readily biodegradable.

From a health and purity perspective, the inclusion of generic Fragrance and Colorants acts as a deterrent for the health-conscious consumer. These ingredients add no functional cleaning value and introduce potential allergens or irritants that can linger on silicone or plasticware. Additionally, the surfactant used, PEG/PPG Propylheptyl ether, is effective for cutting grease but is an ethoxylated ingredient, which some consumers avoid due to manufacturing concerns.

In summary, this pod is a heavy-duty cleaner designed for consumers facing tough food soils and hard water challenges who prefer the convenience of a pre-measured dose. It offers excellent stain removal and glass protection but falls short of being a truly “green” product due to the presence of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and non-biodegradable polymers.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Builders, pH Adjusters & Corrosion Inhibitors / 助洗剂、pH调节剂及腐蚀抑制剂

🧪 Sodium carbonate / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Provides alkalinity to assist in cleaning and softens water.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin.

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 Citric acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: Adjusts pH and helps remove mineral deposits (limescale).

Concerns: Mild irritant.

Notes: Derived from citrus fruits or fermentation.

🧪 Sodium citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds minerals in hard water to allow detergents to work effectively.

Concerns: Generally considered safe.

Notes: The sodium salt of citric acid.

🧪 Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate / 甲基甘氨酸二乙酸三钠

Purpose: Strong, biodegradable chelating agent (MGDA) that replaces phosphates for water softening.

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: More eco-friendly alternative to EDTA.

🧪 Sodium silicate / 硅酸钠

Purpose: Protects glassware and dishwasher metal parts from corrosion; also provides alkalinity.

Concerns: Corrosive in high concentrations; irritating to skin and eyes.

Notes: Often called water glass.

🧪 Tetrasodium etidronate / 依替膦酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating agent used to stabilize the formula and prevent mineral precipitation.

Concerns: Low concern in rinse-off products.

Notes: A phosphonate compound.

📁 Bleaching Agents / 漂白剂

🧪 Sodium carbonate peroxide / 过碳酸钠

Purpose: Releases hydrogen peroxide to bleach stains (like tea or coffee) and sanitize.

Concerns: Strong oxidizer; irritating to eyes and skin.

Notes: An oxygen-based bleach, safer than chlorine bleach.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 PEG/PPG Propylheptyl ether / PEG/PPG 丙基庚基醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that helps wet surfaces, emulsify grease, and acts as a rinse aid.

Concerns: Ethoxylated compound; manufacturing can produce trace 1,4-dioxane (carcinogen), though usually purified.

Notes: Low foaming surfactant ideal for dishwashers.

📁 Polymers & Film / 聚合物及薄膜

🧪 Polyvinyl alcohol polymer / 聚乙烯醇聚合物

Purpose: The water-soluble film that encases the liquid/powder ingredients.

Concerns: Debate exists regarding its complete biodegradability in all water treatment conditions.

Notes: Dissolves upon contact with water.

🧪 Sodium acrylic acid/MA copolymer / 丙烯酸/马来酸共聚物钠

Purpose: Dispersant that prevents soil from redepositing on dishes and prevents spotting.

Concerns: Generally low toxicity but poor biodegradability.

Notes: Helps maintain shine.

🧪 Acrylic/acrylate ester copolymer / 丙烯酸/丙烯酸酯共聚物

Purpose: Anti-spotting agent and dispersant.

Concerns: Environmental persistence due to synthetic polymer nature.

Notes: Enhances cleaning performance.

📁 Solvents & Stabilizers / 溶剂及稳定剂

🧪 Dipropylene glycol / 二丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent used to carry other ingredients and maintain pod stability.

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: Helps control viscosity.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Solvent and humectant that keeps the pod film flexible.

Concerns: Safe, non-toxic.

Notes: Byproduct of soap/biodiesel production.

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent/diluent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Usually present in small amounts in concentrated pods.

🧪 Propylene glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and enzyme stabilizer.

Concerns: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

Notes: Prevents enzymes from denaturing.

📁 Enzymes / 酶

🧪 Protease Enzyme / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Breaks down protein-based food stains (egg, meat, dairy).

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization/allergies if inhaled (dust form), but low risk in pod form.

Notes: Essential for scrubbing without pre-rinsing.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Breaks down starch-based food stains (pasta, rice, potato).

Concerns: Can cause respiratory sensitization/allergies if inhaled.

Notes: Works in synergy with protease.

📁 Aesthetics / 感官添加剂

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Provides a pleasant scent to the detergent and dishwasher.

Concerns: Common cause of contact dermatitis; formulation often proprietary (hidden ingredients).

Notes: Adds no cleaning value.

🧪 Colorants / 着色剂

Purpose: Dyes the liquid or powder for visual appeal.

Concerns: Some synthetic dyes are linked to hypersensitivity.

Notes: Used for branding and differentiation.