Product Review: Sun & Earth Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
July 21, 2008 by Peggy
The more automatic dishwasher detergents I try and read about, the more I become convinced that not every product works for everyone. I like Ecover dishwasher detergent, but I’ve heard complaints about it too. Some people really love Seventh Generation dishwasher detergent, but it didn’t work so well for me.
A lot of the variance in results has to do with water hardness and dishwasher efficiency. So, maybe that’s part of the mystery. While there are undoubtedly people out there who love Sun & Earth automatic dishwasher detergent, I’m not one of them.
Why not?
I tried it several times, removing as much food from the dishes as possible before loading. On the first try, around five glasses had food bits stuck inside them. I tried it six more times, adding a rinse-only cycle with vinegar before I added detergent and ran the whole cycle. The pre-rinse step helped, but I still noticed some glasses, mugs, baking pans and utensils with food on them. The results weren’t consistent. Some loads had fewer dishes with food bits than others.
I had to rewash some dishes. The majority turned out clean, but I’m a picky sort. I don’t like any food bits at all on my dishes. I also noticed some tea stains.
My dishwasher is about seven years old, and it’s the cheap apartment variety. If you have a nicer model, this detergent may work better for you.
Here’s what I did like about Sun & Earth automatic dishwasher detergent:
• The packets dissolved completely, with no powder left in the dishwasher.
• I didn’t notice a film on dishes.
• There was no artificial smell wafting out of my dishwasher.
• It’s green — no phosphates or bleach.
• It’s pre-measured in a special wrapping that dissolves in the dishwasher. Note, you must have dry hands when touching the packets.
If you’ve tried Sun & Earth automatic dishwasher detergent, please let us know how it worked for you.
Image via stock.xchng