Green Review: Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets
July 2, 2008 by Peggy
I’m four loads shy of having used a whole box (25 count) of Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets. In addition to easy measuring, using tablets has the benefit of helping you keep up with how many loads of dishes you’re doing in a given time period. I don’t know if that’s important or not, but I do like the easy measuring.
However, with conveniences comes some extra packaging. Each tablet is individually wrapped in plastic. It’s a #5 recyclable, but some recycling centers don’t accept #5. The cardboard box is a plus though — very easy to recycle. And it’s already made of 95% recycled cardboard.
I paid around $6 at Wild Oats for my box of 25 tablets.
I like Ecover tablets better than the Seventh Generation powder I tried. Ecover got my dishes cleaner, with far fewer food bits left on and no film at all. The packaging says the tablets leave “your dishes sparkling.” And, actually, they do sparkle!
Why I’ll probably buy Ecover dishwasher detergent again:
• Of the 21 loads, I only found food on two dishes. One was dried up pizza dough on a bowl which I probably should have scrubbed better. I also found sauce on a spoon. This isn’t bad considering that happens on occasion even with the heavy-duty phosphate detergents.
• I didn’t notice any harsh smell like you might with a detergent that contains chlorine bleach (like Palmolive Eco).
• Ecover tablets are phosphate and chlorine free. They aren’t afraid to give you a full ingredient list. Ecover features an oxygen-based bleaching agent, plus plant- and mineral-based ingredients.
• Biodegrades quickly and completely. There’s also no animal testing and minimal impact on aquatic life.
Things I’d like to see change:
• I can only find it locally at Wild Oats, which is a 20-minute drive for me. Sure, I can buy it online, but I’d prefer to just pick it up at the store. So, I guess I’m saying — spread the love and sell in more stores.
• Consider dropping the individual wrappings around the tablets. I’m not a scientist, but it seems that there should be a way to avoid the packaging without the tablets sticking together.
Ecover also offers automatic dishwasher powder in a box and liquid (for sink washing) in a polyethylene bottle. I’ll probably try the powder next time. Again, the tablets are convenient, but I don’t like the extra packaging.
Have you tried any Ecover automatic dishwasher products?
Image via stock.xchng
I really want to try these, but wonder if any of my local stores will have them. I still like the biokleen but not the packaging, have decided I don’t adore 7th gen, and am wondering what to try next. Too bad about that plastic cover.
Jennifer, I can’t remember if Whole Foods/Wild Oats had the plain powder (not tablets in plastic). But you should look there. I think you’ll like it.
Hmm. How strange that each one is wrapped in plastic. That’d be my main turnoff.
I plan to try the Biokleen soon, I think I’ll compare it to this one. I’m still loving the Biokleen liquid laundry soap.
I use 7th Generation gel dishwasher detergent and have for about a year now…my biggest complaint is that it is such a small bottle…seems like they could save a little plastic by making the bottle larger…you know, less lids and handles and such…also, I have noticed that if I don’t pre-wash my glasses (especially those that contained milk) there is a terrible film. I have started using straight vinegar in my rinse aid compartment and that helps a little. Thanks for putting this info out there…I was considering changing to Palmolive Eco, but then I read that it has chlorine…guess I’ll stick with 7th Generation…maybe I’ll look online for Ecover.
Diane, I’m glad you found the post helpful. I still haven’t tried the 7G gel, but Ecover is my favorite so far. I haven’t had any film issues with it.