Dishwasher Detergent

Ecostore makes it easy to be environmentally friendly

Dishwashers are wonderfully useful appliances, allowing us to clean a stack of dishes with just the push of a button. Not only this, more than two thirds of the New Zealanders we recently surveyed believe that using a dishwasher is faster and more effective than doing the dishes by hand. In fact, 12% can’t even remember the last time they hand-washed the dishes!

Dishwashers can save you money too. It is widely accepted that dishwashers are energy efficient, and some models even claim to use less water than a kitchen sink. A low utility bill is always an attractive prospect, so it’s unsurprising that 34% claim they will sporadically use their dishwasher to save on water and electricity.

A good dishwasher detergent is just as important as a good dishwasher, so we at Canstar Blue have endeavored to help Kiwis find the best detergent out there. We surveyed consumers from across New Zealand, tracking what they had to say about their brand of dishwashing detergent. The people have spoken and for 2015 we are pleased to announce that ecostore has received our award for Most Satisfied Customers – Dishwasher Detergents.

In a separate rating, ecostore also received our award for Most Satisfied Customers – Dishwashing Liquids.

Our research found that 59% of Kiwis care about the environment, but are not prepared to pay extra for environmentally friendly cleaning products, so it seems that ecostore has struck a nice balance between value for money and minimising our environmental impact.

What are we looking for in dishwasher detergent?

Whether you’re a dishwasher ‘addict’ or an occasional user, there are a number of things to look out for in a detergent. From our survey, the key drivers of dishwasher detergent satisfaction are as follows:

• Effectiveness 43%
• Value for money 21%
• Ease of use 18%
• Smell 9%
• Packaging 8%

No one wants to rerun their dishwasher cycle, let alone have to rewash their dishes by hand, so it’s unsurprising that effectiveness was considered most important by many Kiwis. In contrast, respondents showed little concern about the smell or the packaging of the detergent.

What is in dishwasher detergents?

Dishwasher detergents and dishwashing liquids (the ones you use for hand washing) are substantially different. Because you are usually not required to physically touch the dishwasher detergent for extended periods of time, they tend to include harsher chemicals than dishwashing liquids. Some substances found in dishwashing detergents include:

Surfactants (detergents)

Surfactant is the generic name given to a number of cleaning agents used in dishwashing detergents. These chemicals are responsible for removing grease and grime on dishes.

Oxidising agents

Oxidizing agents such as bleach can be found in many dishwasher detergents. These agents create oxidisation reactions, removing stains and discolouration. The volume of bleach is usually quote low, so you don’t need to worry about your red coffee mug losing its colour.

Enzymes:

Enzymes are a biological substance that breaks down starch, proteins and other substances, making it much easier for the surfactant to do its job.

Other

There are a number of different things that different brands of dishwasher detergents add to their product. This includes things like: Fragrance, micro beads (to create a scrubbing effect) and auxiliaries to assist tablets in disintegrating.

Brands we rated

ecostore

ecostore produces a range of plant-based, environmentally friendly cleaning products. It produces a tablet and a powder dishwasher detergent, available in a range of package sizes to suit your needs.

Morning fresh

Morning fresh dishwasher detergent comes in tablet, powder or gel form. The Morning fresh website claims that its grease cutting power and fresh scents give you guaranteed performance time and time again.

Palmolive

Palmolive produce a range of standard and eco-friendly dishwasher detergent liquids. These detergents come in a range of fragrances from apple to lavender.

Finish

Finish specialises in dishwashing detergent tablets, particularly its range of ‘powerball’ products. Finish detergent claims to both clean and protect your dishes, giving them the ‘ultimate shine’.

Earthwise

Earthwise produce environmentally-friendly dishwasher detergents in both powder and tablet form. All Earthwise products use plant-based ingredients, and some use enzyme technology.

Countdown Homebrand

Homebrand is the budget brand of Countdown. It produces a ‘3 in 1’ tablet dishwasher detergent, that acts as a water softener, dishwasher rinse and cleaner.