Seventh Generation Power+ Dishwasher Detergent Packs - Fresh Citrus

A plant-based, enzyme-powered dishwasher pod scented with essential oils that offers a safer, effective alternative to harsh chemical detergents.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation features a comprehensive cleaning profile. It includes a dual-enzyme blend (Protease and Amylase) to break down proteins and starches, which is the gold standard for dishwasher efficacy. Sodium Percarbonate provides oxygen-based bleaching power to tackle stains (like coffee or tea), while Sodium Citrate and Sodium Polyaspartate act as effective, biodegradable chelating agents to manage hard water and prevent filming. Sodium Silicate is included to protect machine parts and glassware from corrosion.

Safety Rating: 4.2

The product scores well for safety by excluding phosphates, chlorine bleach, and harsh synthetic dyes. Most ingredients are mineral-based or biodegradable. However, the surfactant (C12-16 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated) is synthetically processed, and the scent relies on essential oils and Citral, which are natural but are known contact allergens and sensitizers for some individuals. The Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film is generally considered safe but is a subject of ongoing environmental debate regarding biodegradability in certain conditions.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a high-quality eco-friendly detergent that does not compromise on cleaning power. It successfully replaces harmful builders and bleaches with safe, effective alternatives like citrates and oxygen bleach. It is highly recommended for those seeking a greener option that still works on tough food residue, provided the user is not sensitive to citrus-based fragrances.

Verdict

This dishwasher detergent pod represents a strong contender in the eco-friendly cleaning market, effectively bridging the gap between non-toxic ingredients and actual cleaning performance. At its core, the formula relies on a dual-enzyme system consisting of protease and amylase. These biological catalysts are crucial for breaking down stubborn food residues like dried egg and starchy pasta sauces, ensuring that dishes come out clean without requiring a pre-rinse. The inclusion of sodium percarbonate provides a powerful oxygen-based bleach action that tackles stains and sanitizes without the harshness or fumes associated with traditional chlorine bleach. Coupled with sodium carbonate and sodium citrate, the formula effectively manages water hardness, preventing mineral deposits and spots on glassware. This is particularly important for households with hard water, as the sodium polyaspartate acts as an anti-redeposition agent to keep dirt suspended in the water until it is rinsed away. One of the standout features of this product is its fragrance profile. Rather than relying on opaque “parfum” or synthetic fragrances which can trigger allergies, it utilizes a blend of essential oils, including bergamot, orange, grapefruit, and lavender. This provides a fresh, citrusy scent derived directly from nature. However, potential users should note the presence of citral and specific fruit oils, which can be sensitizers for individuals with highly reactive skin, although direct skin contact with a dishwasher pod is generally minimal. The structural integrity of the pod relies on polyvinyl alcohol, a water-soluble film. While widely used and generally considered biodegradable, it remains a point of contention for strict plastic-free advocates. Nevertheless, for the average consumer seeking a phosphate-free and chlorine-free option, this product offers a balanced chemical profile. It avoids unnecessary fillers and dyes, focusing instead on active cleaning agents that are safer for aquatic ecosystems. Ultimately, this detergent is an excellent choice for families looking to reduce their chemical footprint without sacrificing the convenience of a modern dishwasher pod.

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Ingredient Evaluation

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

🧪 Sodium Carbonate / 碳酸钠

Purpose: Alkalinity builder and water softener.

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

Notes: Commonly known as washing soda.

🧪 Sodium Citrate / 柠檬酸钠

Purpose: Chelating agent that softens water to improve cleaning performance.

Concerns: Generally safe; low toxicity.

Notes: Plant-derived biodegradable builder.

🧪 Sodium Sulfate / 硫酸钠

Purpose: Processing aid and filler to ensure powder flow.

Concerns: Generally considered safe; low toxicity.

Notes: Helps prevent caking in the detergent.

🧪 Sodium Percarbonate / 过碳酸钠

Purpose: Oxygen-based bleaching agent.

Concerns: Strong oxidizer; can irritate skin and eyes.

Notes: Releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water to remove stains.

🧪 Sodium Polyaspartate / 聚天冬氨酸钠

Purpose: Anti-redeposition agent and scale inhibitor.

Concerns: Generally safe; biodegradable.

Notes: Prevents food particles from resettling on dishes.

🧪 Sodium Silicate / 硅酸钠

Purpose: Corrosion inhibitor and alkalinity source.

Concerns: Highly alkaline; irritating to skin and eyes.

Notes: Protects the metal parts of the dishwasher.

📁 Surfactants / 表面活性剂

🧪 C12-16 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated / C12-16 醇聚氧乙烯聚氧丙烯醚

Purpose: Non-ionic surfactant for grease cutting and rinsing.

Concerns: Some ethoxylated compounds may contain trace contaminants (1,4-dioxane), though usually controlled. Aquatic toxicity varies.

Notes: Low-foaming cleaning agent essential for machine dishwashing.

📁 Enzymes / 酶制剂

🧪 Protease Enzyme Blend / 蛋白酶混合物

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

Concerns: Can be a respiratory sensitizer if inhaled in dust form.

Notes: Biologically active proteins.

🧪 Amylase Enzyme Blend / 淀粉酶混合物

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

Concerns: Can be a respiratory sensitizer if inhaled in dust form.

Notes: Works in conjunction with protease for broad spectrum cleaning.

📁 Encapsulation Material / 封装材料

🧪 Polyvinyl Alcohol / 聚乙烯醇 (PVA/PVOH)

Purpose: Water-soluble film that encases the detergent pod.

Concerns: Biodegradability debate (requires specific conditions to degrade fully), but generally non-toxic.

Notes: Dissolves upon contact with water.

📁 Fragrance & Essential Oils / 香精与精油

🧪 Citral / 柠檬醛

Purpose: Fragrance component (citrus scent).

Concerns: Known skin allergen and irritant.

Notes: Naturally occurring in citrus oils.

🧪 Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil / 香柠檬果油

Purpose: Natural essential oil for fragrance.

Concerns: Contains potential allergens like limonene and linalool.

Notes: Provides a fresh, citrusy scent.

🧪 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil / 甜橙果皮油

Purpose: Natural essential oil for fragrance and grease cutting solvent properties.

Concerns: Contains limonene (allergen); toxic to aquatic life in concentrated forms.

Notes: Extracted from orange rinds.

🧪 Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil / 柚果皮油

Purpose: Natural essential oil for fragrance.

Concerns: Contains potential allergens; phototoxicity (less relevant in wash-off products).

Notes: Provides a tart citrus scent.

🧪 Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil / 薰衣草油

Purpose: Natural essential oil for fragrance.

Concerns: Contains linalool (potential allergen).

Notes: Provides a floral, herbal scent.