365 by Whole Foods Market Unscented Dish Pacs

A fragrance-free and phosphate-free dishwasher pod utilizing a powerful combination of dual enzymes and oxygen bleach for effective stain removal.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formulation represents a premium cleaning profile. The combination of Protease and Amylase enzymes ensures the breakdown of both protein (meat, egg) and starch (pasta, rice) residues. Crucially, the inclusion of Sodium Carbonate Peroxide paired with TAED (Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine) creates a highly effective oxygen bleach system that activates even at lower wash temperatures, guaranteeing stain removal (coffee, tea). Sodium Citrate acts as a strong chelating agent to prevent hard water spots without the use of phosphates.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The product scores well for excluding chlorine bleach and phosphates, utilizing oxygen-based bleaching and citrate-based water softening instead. However, it contains Alcohol Alkoxylate and Laureth-6 (ethoxylated surfactants), which can carry contamination concerns (1,4-dioxane) and are often toxic to aquatic life. Sodium Silicate is effective for machine protection but is highly alkaline and corrosive to skin/eyes in raw form. The PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) casing is technically biodegradable but remains a point of debate regarding its behavior in real-world wastewater treatment facilities.

Final Rating: 4.4

This is a high-efficacy detergent pod that rivals top commercial brands. It successfully bridges the gap between ‘green’ chemistry (using citrates and oxygen bleach) and industrial performance (using polymers and bleach activators). While it is not purely ‘natural’ due to the synthetic surfactants and polymers, it is a scientifically robust choice that eliminates the need for pre-rinsing, ultimately saving water and energy.

Verdict

Based on the ingredient list provided, this dishwasher detergent pod represents a modern, enzyme-driven formulation designed to balance powerful cleaning efficacy with a safer environmental and health profile. Unlike older generation detergents that relied heavily on phosphates and chlorine bleach to strip food from dishes, this formula utilizes a combination of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Citrate to soften water and provide the necessary alkalinity for cleaning. This approach minimizes the risk of etching glassware over time while ensuring that the detergent works effectively, even in hard water conditions where mineral deposits can be a nuisance. The inclusion of a dual-enzyme system consisting of Protease and Amylase is a significant positive indicator of quality. Protease targets protein-based residues like egg, cheese, and meat, while Amylase breaks down starchy soils found in pasta, rice, and potatoes. The presence of these enzymes typically eliminates the need for aggressive pre-rinsing, allowing the dishwasher to do the heavy lifting. Furthermore, the cleaning power is amplified by Sodium Carbonate Peroxide combined with Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine (TAED). This combination creates an effective oxygen bleach system. TAED is particularly important as a bleach activator; it allows the peroxide to release active oxygen at lower wash temperatures (around 40°C), making the product energy-efficient and highly effective at removing tough, bleachable stains like coffee or tea without the harsh fumes associated with chlorine. From a safety perspective, the absence of added fragrances or dyes in the provided list suggests a focus on hypoallergenic properties, making it a suitable choice for households with sensitive skin or those trying to reduce VOC exposure in the home. The surfactants used, such as Alcohol Alkoxylate and Laureth-6, are non-ionic agents known for their ability to cut grease and aid in the rinsing process to prevent water spots. Finally, Sodium Silicate acts as a corrosion inhibitor, protecting the metal components of your machine. Overall, this is a solid, eco-conscious formulation. It covers all the essential bases: grease removal, starch and protein digestion, and bleaching action, all wrapped in a standard Polyvinyl Alcohol film.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Cleaning Agents & Builders / 清洁剂与助洗剂

🧪 SODIUM CARBONATE / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Alkalinity builder that aids in cleaning and water softening.

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and skin.

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 SODIUM CITRATE / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Chelating agent that softens water by binding minerals.

Concerns: Generally safe; low concern.

Notes: Helps prevent limescale buildup.

🧪 SODIUM SILICATE / 硅酸钠

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor for metal protection and alkalinity source.

Concerns: Corrosive to skin and eyes in concentrated forms.

Notes: Protects dishwasher parts and silverware.

📁 Bleaching Agents / 漂白剂

🧪 SODIUM CARBONATE PEROXIDE / 过碳酸钠

Purpose: Oxygen-based bleach that removes stains and sanitizes.

Concerns: Strong oxidizer; skin and eye irritant.

Notes: Breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash.

🧪 TETRA ACETYL ETHYLENE DIAMINE (TAED) / 四乙酰乙二胺

Purpose: Bleach activator enabling oxygen bleach to work at lower temperatures.

Concerns: Low toxicity.

Notes: Essential for energy-efficient cycles.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 ALCOHOL ALKOXYLATE (CAS 69227-22-1) / 醇烷氧基化物

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for grease removal and sheeting (rinse aid).

Concerns: Some alkoxylates have aquatic toxicity concerns.

Notes: Low-foaming agent suitable for dishwashers.

🧪 LAURETH-6 / 月桂醇聚醚-6

Purpose: Emulsifier and cleaning agent.

Concerns: Potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.

Notes: Helps remove oily residues.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 PROTEASE ENZYME BLEND / 蛋白酶混合物

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

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; potential allergen.

Notes: Biological stain remover.

🧪 AMYLASE ENZYME BLEND / 淀粉酶混合物

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

Concerns: Respiratory sensitizer; potential allergen.

Notes: Biological stain remover.

📁 Polymers & Films / 聚合物与薄膜

🧪 POLYVINYL ALCOHOL / 聚乙烯醇 (PVA)

Purpose: Water-soluble film encasing the detergent pod.

Concerns: Biodegradability in specific anaerobic conditions is debated.

Notes: Dissolves completely in the wash.

🧪 SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/ITACONATE COPOLYMER / 丙烯酰基二甲基牛磺酸钠/衣康酸共聚物

Purpose: Dispersant polymer to prevent spotting and filming.

Concerns: Synthetic polymer persistence.

Notes: Helps keep suspended soil from redepositing on dishes.

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Processing aid and solvent.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Used to bind ingredients or present in liquid sections.