Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets Citrus 45 Ct
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This product contains several environmentally friendly and biodegradable ingredients such as sodium citrate, sodium carbonate peroxide, and enzymes like subtilisin and amylase, which enhance cleaning power without harmful effects. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, which can contain potentially harmful chemicals, slightly detracts from its overall safety and environmental impact. The product is processed, which also influences its rating.
Key ingredients 24
Sodium carbonate peroxideGood
Sodium carbonate peroxide is an oxygen-based bleaching agent. It releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved in water, which helps to remove stains and disinfect surfaces. It is considered environmentally friendly compared to chlorine-based bleaches.
Risks
Inhalation of dust or prolonged skin contact can cause irritation.
Benefits
It provides effective stain removal and disinfection without the harshness of chlorine bleach.
Sodium polyaspartateGood
Sodium polyaspartate is a biodegradable polymer used as a water softener and anti-scaling agent. It helps to prevent mineral deposits on dishes and in dishwashers. It is considered environmentally friendly and safe for use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium polyaspartate, primarily related to potential skin irritation.
Benefits
It effectively prevents scaling and mineral deposits, reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
SubtilisinGood
Subtilisin is an enzyme used to break down proteins and enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It helps to remove protein-based stains effectively. It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly.
Risks
Inhalation of enzyme dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It provides effective removal of protein-based stains, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents.
KaolinGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
AmylaseGood
Amylase is an enzyme used to break down starches and enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It helps to remove starch-based stains effectively. It is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly.
Risks
Inhalation of enzyme dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It provides effective removal of starch-based stains, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents.
Sodium citrateNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium citrate, primarily related to potential skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It effectively softens water, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents and reducing the need for harsh chemicals.
Sodium carbonateNeutral
Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda, is used to increase the alkalinity of the cleaning solution. It helps to remove grease and stains. It is generally safe but can cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.
Risks
Direct contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It enhances the cleaning power of detergents by softening water and breaking down grease.
TAEDNeutral
TAED (tetraacetylethylenediamine) is an activator used in conjunction with bleach to enhance its effectiveness at lower temperatures. It helps to improve stain removal and disinfection. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if inhaled or in contact with skin.
Risks
Inhalation or skin contact can cause irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It enhances the performance of bleach, allowing for effective cleaning at lower temperatures.
Sodium bicarbonateNeutral
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is used as a mild abrasive and deodorizer. It helps to neutralize odors and enhance cleaning power. It is safe and non-toxic, making it a popular choice in cleaning products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium bicarbonate, primarily related to potential skin irritation.
Benefits
It effectively neutralizes odors and provides gentle abrasive action for cleaning.
Modified fatty alcohol polyglycoletherNeutral
Modified fatty alcohol polyglycolether is a non-ionic surfactant used to enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It helps to break down grease and improve the wetting of surfaces. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if in contact with skin or eyes.
Risks
Direct contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It improves the cleaning efficiency of detergents by breaking down grease and enhancing wetting.
PEG-9 cocoglyceridesNeutral
PEG-9 cocoglycerides is a surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It helps to emulsify oils and improve the texture of formulations. It is generally considered safe but can be contaminated with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane.
Risks
Potential contamination with harmful substances like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane is a concern.
Benefits
It enhances the cleaning power of detergents by emulsifying oils and improving texture.
BentoniteNeutral
Bentonite is a natural clay used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of cleaning products. It helps to stabilize formulations and enhance their performance. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if inhaled.
Risks
Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
Sodium silicateNeutral
Sodium silicate is used as a corrosion inhibitor and to enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It helps to prevent metal corrosion and improve the effectiveness of cleaning agents. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if in contact with skin or eyes.
Risks
Direct contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It prevents metal corrosion and enhances the cleaning power of detergents.
Sodium chlorideNeutral
Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, is used as a thickening agent and to enhance the texture of cleaning products. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve their performance. It is safe and non-toxic, making it a common ingredient in cleaning products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium chloride, primarily related to potential skin irritation.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
QuartzNeutral
Quartz is a natural mineral used as an abrasive in cleaning products. It helps to provide scrubbing action and enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if inhaled.
Risks
Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It provides effective scrubbing action, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents.
CelluloseNeutral
Cellulose is a natural polymer used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of cleaning products. It helps to stabilize formulations and enhance their performance. It is safe and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with cellulose, primarily related to potential skin irritation.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
Magnesium sulfateNeutral
Magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is used as a thickening agent and to enhance the texture of cleaning products. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve their performance. It is safe and non-toxic, making it a common ingredient in cleaning products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with magnesium sulfate, primarily related to potential skin irritation.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
CI 77891Neutral
CI 77891, also known as titanium dioxide, is used as a whitening agent in cleaning products. It helps to improve the appearance of formulations and enhance their performance. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if inhaled.
Risks
Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It improves the appearance of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
CristobaliteNeutral
Cristobalite is a form of silica used as an abrasive in cleaning products. It helps to provide scrubbing action and enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if inhaled.
Risks
Inhalation of dust can cause respiratory irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It provides effective scrubbing action, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents.
Sodium thiosulfateNeutral
Sodium thiosulfate is used as a neutralizing agent in cleaning products. It helps to reduce the harshness of bleach and other oxidizing agents. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation if in contact with skin or eyes.
Risks
Direct contact with skin or eyes can cause irritation, so it should be handled with care.
Benefits
It neutralizes the harshness of bleach, making cleaning products gentler on surfaces.
DextrinNeutral
Dextrin is a carbohydrate used as a thickening agent and to improve the texture of cleaning products. It helps to stabilize formulations and enhance their performance. It is safe and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with dextrin, primarily related to potential skin irritation.
Benefits
It improves the texture and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
PEG-8Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential contamination with harmful substances like ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane is a concern.
Benefits
It improves the consistency and stability of cleaning products, enhancing their performance.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Limonene can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and may oxidize to form skin irritants.
Benefits
It provides a natural citrus scent, enhancing the user experience of cleaning products.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to cleaning products. However, synthetic fragrances can contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals. These can cause allergic reactions and are not environmentally friendly.
Risks
Synthetic fragrances can cause allergic reactions and may contain harmful chemicals like phthalates.
Benefits
It provides a pleasant scent to cleaning products, enhancing user experience.
Processing
Processed Foods
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