dishwasher detergent

pinklamb

I am new to this green cleaning and I am wondering what kind of dishwashing detergent to get?  My cousin suggested Bio Kleen but it was not at Target.  I picked up some Palmolive Eco and wondered if anybody has tried that and really likes it?  I have a countertop dishwasher if that makes a difference - I just learned that I can wash all my sippy cups, bowls and plates w/o them warping which is very exciting for me haha!

 I just started using the Seventh Generation cleaners which I really like and the Method products too. 

Any input is greatly appreciated -- thanks!!

Ms.MKBT

I really like method's smarty dish tabs, but we have also used the seventh gen. ones as well and they are fine too.

Tambcat

I recently started using Ecover dishwasher tablets, and I prefer them to anything else I've tried (Palmolive Eco, Seventh Gen powder, and Seventh Gen liquid). For handwashing, we use Seventh Gen liquid, but I might try the Ecover brand of this too when we run out.

barbnsteve

We currently use the Palmolive Eco as everything else I tried DH resisted.  I would prefer to use something a little more EF but it's a compromise for now.  I'm hoping to find a recipe to make a liquid detergent but I haven't come across one yet.

smurfette2682

our new dishwasher doesn't seem to like the little tablets (which sucks because i had a bunch of them leftover that our old washer used well)  so now we're using seventh generation liquid which works very well for us.  i'm going to try using the tablets inbetween a few loads of liquid and see if that works. 

jennyk213

We use Ecover tablets and I like them lots.  Someone on here suggested using half of a tablet per load which works just fine.  We've also tried Seventh Generation which didn't work for us at all but then we have a pretty crappy dishwasher so that could have been the problem.

sporky

jennyk213:

We use Ecover tablets and I like them lots.  Someone on here suggested using half of a tablet per load which works just fine.  We've also tried Seventh Generation which didn't work for us at all but then we have a pretty crappy dishwasher so that could have been the problem.

the seventh gen. dishdetergent didn't really work for us either. it left too many stains on our dishes, glasses, and silverware. and it's definitely not the dishwasher since other brands always work.

derky17

Oh, this is always so interesting to read!  We didn't like the ecover dishwasher detergent at all, but can tolerate the 7th gen.  It's kind of hit or miss it seems with any Earth friendlier automatic detergent.  Sometimes everything comes out perfectly clean, other times, we have food remnants all over the place, other times (like last night) MOST of the stuff gets perfectly clearn, but then like all the bowls have caked-on messes left over.  It's frustrating, but for us, its not the end of the world either since we do have a handful of things we have to hand wash anyway.

Artist4life925

*de-lurks*

Hi All! I had this same question! I've tried the Palmolive Eco, it works ok, but not the best eco friendly detergent. I found this article, and decided to switch over to Ecover and see how that works.

 Oh and if you're having problems with tablets not dissolving, leave the container area you put it in uncovered. Still doesn't work? Add 1/2 C of white vinegar, that also helps keep everything rinsing cleanly.

 Let me know if it works!

pinklamb

Thanks ladies!  And a big thanks to the last poster for the Palmolive Eco article - I'm taking mine back and getting the Seventh Generation to try out.  If that doesnt work, I'm going to use some of the other ones suggested.  Thanks so so so much!!   Like I said, I'm new to this whole "green living" and my #1 concern is the cleaning products - no more harsh chemicals for me!

daisygirl17

the only luck i've had with EF dishwasher detergent is the powdered detergent from trader joe's I LOVE it!!!