In this report
Overview

Tests of 3 new detergents

Last reviewed: October 2009
October 2009 issue cover This article appeared in
October 2009 Consumer Reports Magazine.
Image of detergent testing
Painting plates
We test dishwasher detergents on glassware slathered with a baked-on blend of chocolate pudding, rice, and 15 other foods.
Photograph by Michael Smith

We used three new phosphate-free powders—Kirkland Signature (Costco), Great Value (Walmart), and Up & Up (Target)—in dishwashers loaded with plates and pots coated with a baked-on blend of 17 foods. Each product costs 7 or 8 cents per load. By this time next year, we expect most dishwasher detergents to be free of phosphates, which can boost algae growth in freshwater.

Bottom line

All left our test dishes somewhat dirty. Better choices include Cascade Complete All in 1 packets, 27 cents per load, and Cascade with Extra Bleach Action liquid, a CR Best Buy at 12 cents per load. Both have phosphates. For phosphate-free cleaning, try Method Smarty Dish tablets, which was rated very good and costs 25 cents per load.

See our full review and ratings of dishwasher detergents.