Dishwasher detergents

The Ecover Zero is part of the dishwasher detergent test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, dishwasher detergent models like the Zero are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Type:

Liquids and powders generally pour easily; gels have a thicker consistency than liquids. Tablets are a dry, solid premeasured amount of detergent. Pacs have a dissolvable outer package containing a premeasured amount of liquid, gel, or powder. A dispenser product uses a cartridge that automatically dispenses a charge of detergent for 12 loads of dishes.

Size:

Indicates either the net contents in ounces or the number of wash cycles you get from a tablet, pac, or dispenser product.

Cleans dishes:

Gauges how well a detergent removed a caked-on puree of foods from glass dishes.