Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs - Fresh Scent

A robust, high-performance dishwasher pod featuring dual enzymes, oxygen bleach, and corrosion inhibitors for tough stain removal, though it relies heavily on synthetic dyes and fragrances.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formulation represents a premium-tier detergent. It utilizes a powerful combination of dual enzymes (Subtilisin for proteins like egg/meat and Amylase for starches like pasta) and a bleach system boosted by a Transition Metal Catalyst, which allows the oxidizers to remove tough stains like tea and coffee even in shorter or cooler cycles. The use of Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (MGDA) is excellent; it is a strong, biodegradable chelate that handles hard water effectively. Furthermore, the inclusion of corrosion inhibitors (Tolyltriazole, Benzotriazole) and shine polymers ensures that glassware and silver are protected from etching and spotting.

Safety Rating: 2.8

While the product uses biodegradable chelates (MGDA) and is phosphate-free, it is a highly concentrated chemical product. Ingredients like Sodium Carbonate Peroxide and Sodium Carbonate are strong irritants to eyes and skin. The formula includes ethoxylated surfactants (Isotridecanol Ethoxylated), which can have manufacturing byproducts of concern, along with synthetic dyes and fragrances that offer no cleaning utility and may cause allergic reactions. As with all pods, there is an acute toxicity risk if swallowed, requiring careful storage away from children.

Final Rating: 4.0

This is a highly effective product that will likely handle the most difficult dishwasher loads without pre-rinsing. The synergy between the bleach catalyst, enzymes, and polymers suggests commercial-grade cleaning results. While it loses points on the safety scale due to the use of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and strong oxidizers, it is an excellent choice for consumers whose primary requirement is flawless dishes and stain removal.

Verdict

This dishwasher detergent pod formulation represents a modern, high-performance chemical profile designed to tackle difficult food residues and hard water challenges. The primary cleaning mechanism is driven by a dual-enzyme system consisting of Subtilisin (Protease) and Amylase. These biological catalysts specifically target protein-based stains like egg or meat and starchy residues like pasta or potatoes, ensuring they are broken down effectively during the wash cycle. To complement the enzymatic action, the inclusion of Sodium Carbonate Peroxide provides a source of oxygen bleach. When combined with the Transition Metal Catalyst, this creates a potent whitening and sanitizing effect that helps remove colored stains like tea, coffee, or tomato sauce. The formula also addresses water hardness—a common cause of cloudy glassware—through Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate and a Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids. These ingredients act as chelating agents and anti-scaling polymers, preventing mineral deposits from settling on dishes. One notable inclusion is the combination of Tolyltriazole and Benzotriazole. These are specific corrosion inhibitors added to protect metal cookware and silverware from pitting or tarnishing, a feature often missing in budget or purely “green” detergents. The presence of Isotridecanol Ethoxylated and PEG/PPG Propylheptyl Ether ensures that grease is emulsified and that the machine operates without excessive foaming, which is crucial for mechanical efficiency. However, the product is not without its downsides for the eco-conscious or sensitive consumer. The formula relies heavily on synthetic aesthetics, including generic Fragrances and a cocktail of four different artificial dyes (Acid Yellow 17, Acid Blue 182, Acid Blue 3, and Acid Red 33). These add no cleaning value and may be potential allergens or environmental pollutants. Furthermore, the pod is encased in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble plastic that, while convenient, is a point of contention regarding microplastic pollution and biodegradability in certain water treatment conditions. Overall, this is a heavy-duty cleaner prioritized for efficacy and convenience rather than natural purity.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Cleaning Agents and Builders / 清洁剂和助剂

🧪 Sodium Carbonate / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Provides alkalinity to clean and helps soften water.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin in high concentrations.

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate / 二羧甲基丙氨酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent used to soften water and boost cleaning performance.

Concerns: Generally considered a safer, biodegradable alternative to phosphates.

Notes: Also known as MGDA, it prevents mineral deposits.

📁 Bleaching Agents / 漂白剂

🧪 Sodium Carbonate Peroxide / 过碳酸钠

Purpose: Oxygen-based bleach that removes stains and kills bacteria.

Concerns: Strong oxidizer; can cause eye damage if splashed.

Notes: Releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water.

🧪 Transition Metal Catalyst / 过渡金属催化剂

Purpose: Boosts the effectiveness of the bleaching agent at lower temperatures.

Concerns: Specific composition often proprietary; environmental toxicity varies.

Notes: Ensures bleach works without needing extremely hot water.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 Isotridecanol Ethoxylated / 异十三醇聚氧乙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant that cuts through grease and aids in wetting surfaces.

Concerns: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Notes: Synthetic alcohol derivative.

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

Purpose: Low-foaming surfactant that helps rinse aid performance.

Concerns: Generally low concern, but ethoxylated compounds can contain trace contaminants.

Notes: Helps prevent streaking.

📁 Enzymes / 酶

🧪 Subtilisin / 枯草杆菌酶 (蛋白酶)

Purpose: Protease enzyme that breaks down protein-based stains (egg, meat).

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; can cause asthma-like symptoms if inhaled in powder form.

Notes: Essential for removing stuck-on food.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme / 淀粉酶

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

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer similar to other enzymes.

Notes: Works in conjunction with protease for broad cleaning.

📁 Polymers and Protectants / 聚合物和保护剂

🧪 Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids / 丙烯酸和磺酸共聚物

Purpose: Dispersant that prevents soil redeposition and spotting (filming).

Concerns: Low biodegradability.

Notes: Keeps glassware shiny.

🧪 Tolyltriazole / 甲基苯并三氮唑

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor specifically for protecting silver and yellow metals.

Concerns: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Notes: Prevents tarnishing of silverware.

🧪 Benzotriazole / 苯并三氮唑

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor for metal protection.

Concerns: Potential environmental toxin; persistent in water systems.

Notes: Works similarly to Tolyltriazole.

📁 Solvents and Processing Aids / 溶剂和加工助剂

🧪 Sodium Sulfate / 硫酸钠

Purpose: Filler and processing aid to ensure proper powder consistency.

Concerns: None significantly; generally harmless.

Notes: Often a byproduct of manufacturing other ingredients.

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent and binder for liquid components.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Base carrier.

🧪 Dipropylene Glycol / 二丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent and coupling agent to stabilize the formula.

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: Helps ingredients mix uniformly.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant and solvent; keeps the pod flexible.

Concerns: None; widely used in food and cosmetics.

Notes: Plant or synthetic derived.

📁 Aesthetics (Fragrance and Dyes) / 感官调节剂 (香精和染料)

🧪 Fragrances / 香精

Purpose: Adds a pleasant scent to the detergent.

Concerns: Common cause of allergic reactions or skin sensitivity.

Notes: Specific chemical composition is usually proprietary.

🧪 Acid Yellow 17 / 酸性黄 17

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Synthetic dye.

Notes: Used for visual appeal.

🧪 Acid Blue 182 / 酸性蓝 182

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Synthetic dye.

Notes: Used for visual appeal.

🧪 Acid Blue 3 / 酸性蓝 3

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Synthetic dye.

Notes: Used for visual appeal.

🧪 Acid Red 33 / 酸性红 33

Purpose: Colorant.

Concerns: Synthetic dye.

Notes: Used for visual appeal.

📁 Packaging / 包装

🧪 Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer / 聚乙烯醇聚合物

Purpose: Water-soluble film that encapsulates the detergent.

Concerns: Generally safe, but requires specific conditions to biodegrade fully.

Notes: This is the ‘plastic’ feel of the pod that dissolves in the wash.