A robust, enzyme-powered dishwasher pod formula utilizing oxygen bleach and modern chelating agents to tackle tough food residue, though it relies on synthetic fragrances and dyes for sensory appeal.
This formulation represents a high-performance detergent profile. It includes the critical ‘holy trinity’ of dishwasher cleaning: Enzymes (Subtilisin for proteins and Amylase for starches), a strong Oxygen Bleach (Sodium Percarbonate) to tackle stains like tea and coffee, and Surfactants (Alcohol Alkoxylate) for grease removal. Additionally, the use of Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate and Sodium Citrate indicates a modern, effective approach to water softening (chelating) that works well even in hard water conditions.
While the product avoids phosphates and chlorine bleach, it contains several ingredients of concern for sensitive individuals and the environment. Fragrance and Subtilisin are potential respiratory and skin sensitizers. Sodium Silicate and Sodium Carbonate are highly alkaline, making the pod contents corrosive to eyes and skin. Furthermore, the inclusion of Acid Blue 182 (dye) and Titanium Dioxide adds unnecessary synthetic load without improving cleaning safety.
This is a commercial-grade formulation designed for maximum cleaning efficacy. It is likely to perform significantly better than ‘eco-only’ brands due to the specific combination of enzymes and oxygen bleach. However, the presence of synthetic dyes, fragrances, and polycarboxylates prevents it from achieving a top tier eco/safety score. It is an excellent choice for tough, stuck-on food but less ideal for households prioritizing hypoallergenic or strictly green chemistry.
This dishwasher detergent formulation represents a highly effective, modern approach to automatic dishwashing that balances chemical might with enzymatic precision. At the core of its cleaning power is the combination of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Percarbonate. The former adjusts the pH to an optimal alkalinity for cleaning, while the latter releases oxygen bleach upon contact with water, making this product particularly adept at removing tannic stains like tea, coffee, and wine without the harshness of chlorine.
The inclusion of a dual-enzyme system is a significant strength of this formula. Subtilisin, a protease, targets protein-based soils such as egg and meat, while Amylase breaks down starchy residues like pasta and oatmeal. This biological action allows the detergent to function effectively even at lower temperatures or shorter cycles, reducing the need for extensive pre-rinsing. Furthermore, the presence of Sodium Citrate and Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate indicates a thoughtful design for hard water management. These ingredients sequester calcium and magnesium ions, preventing the formation of scale and ensuring the surfactants, like Alcohol Alkoxylate, can emulsify grease without interference.
However, the ingredient list reveals that this is not a strictly “natural” or hypoallergenic product. The inclusion of Fragrance and Acid Blue 182 serves purely aesthetic purposes—making the pod look pretty and the machine smell fresh—but offers no cleaning utility. These additives can be problematic for households with individuals sensitive to synthetic scents or chemicals. Additionally, the pod is encased in Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer (PVA), a plastic film that dissolves in water. While convenient and standard for the industry, PVA is currently a subject of debate regarding its biodegradability and contribution to microplastic pollution in waterways.
Finally, the addition of Sodium Silicate is a welcome inclusion for glassware protection, serving as a corrosion inhibitor to keep glass and metal shiny over repeated washes. Overall, this is a heavy-duty detergent designed for performance. It is well-suited for households dealing with dried-on food and hard water, provided they do not have specific sensitivities to perfumes or synthetic dyes.
🧪 Sodium Carbonate / 碳酸钠
Purpose: Alkaline builder that increases pH to improve cleaning efficiency and helps remove grease.
Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin; respiratory irritant if inhaled.
Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.
🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠
Purpose: Water softener that binds minerals to prevent scale deposits; boosts detergent performance.
Concerns: Generally recognized as safe; low toxicity.
Notes: A plant-derived, biodegradable alternative to phosphates.
🧪 Sodium Percarbonate / 过碳酸钠
Purpose: Oxygen-based bleaching agent that removes tough stains like tea and coffee.
Concerns: Strong oxidizer; can cause severe eye damage and skin irritation.
Notes: Breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and soda ash.
🧪 Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate / 二羧甲基丙氨酸三钠
Purpose: Strong chelating agent that helps soften water and boosts cleaning performance.
Concerns: Generally low concern, but concentrated forms can be irritating.
Notes: Often referred to as MGDA; a biodegradable, eco-friendly alternative to phosphates and EDTA.
🧪 Sodium Silicate / 硅酸钠
Purpose: Provides alkalinity and protects washing machine metal parts from corrosion.
Concerns: Highly alkaline; can be corrosive to skin and eyes.
Notes: Forms a protective layer on metals.
🧪 Sodium Polycarboxylate / 聚羧酸钠
Purpose: Anti-redeposition agent; prevents dirt particles from settling back onto dishes.
Concerns: Generally low toxicity; environmental persistence varies.
Notes: A polymer that disperses soil.
🧪 Tetrasodium Etidronate / 依替膦酸四钠
Purpose: Chelating agent and stabilizer that prevents bleach decomposition and manages metal ions.
Concerns: Low toxicity, but phosphorus content can contribute to eutrophication if not treated.
Notes: Also acts as a scale inhibitor.
🧪 Alcohol Alkoxylate / 醇烷氧基化物
Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that cuts grease and aids in rinsing to prevent spots.
Concerns: Some variants can be toxic to aquatic life; skin irritant.
Notes: Primary grease-cutting agent.
🧪 Polyethylene-polypropylene glycol / 聚乙二醇-聚丙二醇
Purpose: Surfactant and defoaming agent; ensures the detergent doesn’t create excess suds.
Concerns: Low concern; generally considered safe for use in cleaning products.
Notes: A block copolymer.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent and processing aid used to bind ingredients or dissolve the pod film.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Present in small amounts.
🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌蛋白酶
Purpose: Protease enzyme that breaks down protein-based stains (egg, meat, dairy).
Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; can cause asthma or allergies if dust is inhaled.
Notes: Essential for food removal.
🧪 Amylase / 淀粉酶
Purpose: Enzyme that breaks down starch-based stains (pasta, potatoes, rice).
Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; potential allergen.
Notes: Works specifically on carbohydrates.
🧪 Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer / 聚乙烯醇聚合物
Purpose: Water-soluble film that encases the detergent ingredients.
Concerns: Generally safe; debate exists regarding complete biodegradability in all wastewater conditions.
Notes: Dissolves upon contact with water.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Adds a pleasant scent to the detergent and the dishwasher.
Concerns: Common cause of skin allergies and respiratory irritation; often contains undisclosed chemicals.
Notes: Generic term for scent compounds.
🧪 Acid Blue 182 / 酸性蓝 182
Purpose: Synthetic dye used to color the detergent liquid or powder.
Concerns: Generally safe in consumer quantities; mostly aesthetic.
Notes: Provides the blue color.
🧪 Titanium Dioxide / 二氧化钛
Purpose: Opacifier and whitener used to make the powder or film look opaque/white.
Concerns: Inhalation of dust is a potential carcinogen concern, though risk is minimal in wet/pod form.
Notes: Used for visual appeal.