Great Value Premium Dishwasher Pacs, Fresh Scent

A high-performance, phosphate-free dishwasher detergent pod featuring a dual-enzyme system and oxygen bleach for deep cleaning and stain removal.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formulation represents a high-performance detergent profile. It features a comprehensive dual-enzyme system (Protease and Amylase) to tackle both protein and starch-based soils effectively. The inclusion of Sodium Carbonate Peroxide paired with TAED creates a potent oxygen bleach system that works even at lower temperatures to remove tough stains like tea and coffee. Furthermore, the presence of Zinc Sulfate acts as a glass corrosion inhibitor to prevent clouding, while sophisticated polymers (Acrylic Acid/Sulfonate Copolymer) assist in preventing spotting and filming.

Safety Rating: 3.0

While the formula is phosphate-free, utilizing biodegradable chelators like Sodium Citrate and Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate, it contains ingredients with notable safety concerns. Sodium Metasilicate is highly alkaline and can be corrosive to skin and eyes if the pod ruptures. Zinc Sulfate and certain surfactants can be toxic to aquatic life. Additionally, the inclusion of unspecified Fragrances and Colorants introduces unnecessary potential allergens and synthetic chemicals not required for cleaning.

Final Rating: 4.1

This is a robust, commercial-grade formulation designed for maximum cleaning efficacy. It strikes an excellent balance for consumers prioritizing sparkling dishes and stain removal, thanks to the combination of enzymes, bleaching agents, and glass protectants. However, it loses points on the environmental and safety scale due to the use of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and harsh alkalinity builders compared to more eco-conscious alternatives.

Verdict

This dishwasher detergent pod offers a chemically robust formulation designed to deliver industrial-strength cleaning in a residential setting. The backbone of this product is its oxygen-based bleaching system, utilizing Sodium Carbonate Peroxide activated by TAED. This combination is critical because it allows the bleach to function effectively at lower wash temperatures, ensuring that oxidizable stains like tea, coffee, and wine are removed without requiring a sanitize cycle. This makes the product energy-efficient while remaining lethal to stubborn stains. The cleaning power is further amplified by a comprehensive dual-enzyme architecture. The inclusion of Protease specifically targets peptide bonds in proteins, breaking down stubborn residues like baked-on egg or meat juices. Simultaneously, Amylase handles the hydrolysis of starches, liquefying dried rice, pasta, and potato remnants. This enzymatic approach is superior to simple alkalinity, as it essentially “digests” food soils rather than just scrubbing them off. To facilitate this, Fatty Alcohol Alkoxylate acts as a surfactant to lower surface tension, allowing water to penetrate soils and emulsify grease effectively. Water hardness is addressed through Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (MGDA) and Sodium Citrate. MGDA is a high-performance, eco-friendlier alternative to phosphates, binding calcium and magnesium ions to prevent them from interfering with the cleaning agents. This ensures the pod remains effective even in hard water areas. Furthermore, the formula includes Acrylic Acid/Sulfonate Copolymers and Sodium Polyacrylate. These synthetic polymers are dispersants that prevent the redeposition of soil onto dishes, effectively stopping the “filming” often seen with cheaper detergents. Attention has also been paid to the protection of the dishwasher and dishware. Sodium Metasilicate acts as a corrosion inhibitor for machine parts, while Zinc Sulfate is explicitly added to protect glassware from etching and permanent cloudiness. However, this is not a “green” product in the strictest sense. The pod relies on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble plastic, for its casing. Additionally, the presence of undefined Fragrances, Colorants, and PEG-9 Cocoglycerides introduces potential irritants and unnecessary synthetics. While safe for the average user, it is a highly processed chemical blend prioritized for performance over natural ingredients. It is an excellent choice for maximum cleaning efficacy, but less suitable for those prioritizing minimal chemical exposure.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Builders and Water Softeners / 助洗剂和软水剂

🧪 SODIUM CARBONATE / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Provides alkalinity to clean grease and softens water.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin in pure form.

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 SODIUM CITRATE / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Chelating agent that binds minerals in hard water to improve cleaning.

Concerns: Generally considered safe and non-toxic.

Notes: Derived from citric acid.

🧪 TRISODIUM DICARBOXYMETHYL ALANINATE / 甲基甘氨酸二乙酸三钠

Purpose: Strong biodegradable chelating agent (MGDA) that prevents scale and boosts cleaning.

Concerns: Low toxicity; considered an eco-friendly alternative to phosphates.

Notes: highly effective in short cycles.

📁 Bleaching System / 漂白系统

🧪 SODIUM CARBONATE PEROXIDE / 过碳酸钠

Purpose: Releases oxygen to remove tough stains like tea and coffee.

Concerns: Oxidizing agent; can be an eye irritant.

Notes: Also known as Oxygen Bleach.

🧪 TAED / 四乙酰乙二胺

Purpose: Bleach activator that allows the peroxide to work at lower temperatures.

Concerns: Generally safe for use in detergents.

Notes: Tetraacetylethylenediamine.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 FATTY ALCOHOL ALKOXYLATE / 脂肪醇烷氧基化物

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that removes grease and aids in rinsing.

Concerns: Aquatic toxicity varies by specific chain length; generally low concern in finished product.

Notes: Low-foaming agent suitable for dishwashers.

🧪 PEG-9 COCOGLYCERIDES / PEG-9 椰油甘油酯

Purpose: Emulsifier and surfactant derived from coconut oil.

Concerns: May contain trace impurities depending on manufacturing process.

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 PROTEASE ENZYME / 蛋白酶

Purpose: Biological catalyst that breaks down protein-based stains (egg, meat).

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer if inhaled in powder form; potential skin irritant.

Notes: Essential for food residue removal.

🧪 AMYLASE ENZYME / 淀粉酶

Purpose: Biological catalyst that breaks down starch-based stains (rice, pasta, potato).

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer if inhaled in powder form.

Notes: Works in synergy with protease.

📁 Polymers and Anti-Redeposition Agents / 聚合物和抗再沉积剂

🧪 ACRYLIC ACID/SULFONATE COPOLYMER/TERPOLYMER / 丙烯酸/磺酸盐共聚物/三元共聚物

Purpose: Dispersant that prevents soil from resettling on dishes and inhibits filming.

Concerns: Generally low toxicity; environmental biodegradability varies.

Notes: Critical for shiny glasses.

🧪 SODIUM POLYACRYLATE / 聚丙烯酸钠

Purpose: Thickener and anti-spotting agent.

Concerns: Generally recognized as safe in consumer products.

Notes: Helps suspend particles in water.

📁 Glass Protection and Corrosion Inhibitors / 玻璃保护和缓蚀剂

🧪 SODIUM METASILICATE / 偏硅酸钠

Purpose: Protects metal parts and glaze; provides alkalinity.

Concerns: Corrosive in concentrated form; high pH.

Notes: Traditional dishwasher ingredient.

🧪 DISODIUM DISILICATE / 二硅酸二钠

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor for machine parts and silverware.

Concerns: Irritating to eyes and skin.

Notes: Provides structural support to the formula.

🧪 ZINC SULFATE / 硫酸锌

Purpose: Glass corrosion inhibitor.

Concerns: Toxic to aquatic life in large quantities.

Notes: Prevents cloudiness (etching) on glassware over time.

📁 Solvents, Fillers, and Processing Aids / 溶剂、填充剂和加工助剂

🧪 SODIUM SULFATE / 硫酸钠

Purpose: Filler and processing aid to standardize density.

Concerns: Non-toxic and safe.

Notes: Often a byproduct of manufacturing other ingredients.

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent and binder.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Base liquid.

🧪 DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL / 二丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent used to stabilize the liquid components.

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: Helps maintain the texture of the gel/liquid part.

🧪 SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE / 二甲基甲硅烷基化硅石

Purpose: Anti-caking agent and viscosity controller.

Concerns: Safe for intended use.

Notes: Modified silica.

🧪 HYDRATED SILICA / 水合硅石

Purpose: Absorbent and flow aid.

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Helps keep powder dry.

📁 Pod Structure and Aesthetics / 凝珠结构和美学成分

🧪 POLYVINYL ALCOHOL / 聚乙烯醇

Purpose: Water-soluble film that encapsulates the detergent.

Concerns: Biodegradable, but requires specific conditions to fully break down rapidly.

Notes: Dissolves in water to release ingredients.

🧪 FRAGRANCES / 香精

Purpose: Adds a pleasant scent to the washed dishes and machine.

Concerns: Common cause of allergic contact dermatitis; specific ingredients often undisclosed.

Notes: Purely aesthetic.

🧪 COLORANTS / 着色剂

Purpose: Dyes used to color the liquid or powder for visual appeal.

Concerns: Some dyes can be potential allergens.

Notes: Used for product differentiation.