method Smarty Dish 20-Count Dishwasher Detergent
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This dishwasher detergent contains several beneficial ingredients such as sodium percarbonate, sodium citrate, protease, and amylase, which are environmentally friendly and enhance cleaning efficiency. However, the presence of synthetic fragrance, which can cause allergic reactions and is not environmentally friendly, detracts from its overall safety and environmental impact. The product is processed, which limits its score potential despite the inclusion of biodegradable and effective cleaning agents.
Key ingredients 16
Sodium PercarbonateGood
Sodium percarbonate is an oxygen-based bleaching agent that breaks down into water, oxygen, and soda ash. It is considered environmentally friendly and effective in stain removal. It is less harsh than chlorine bleach.
Risks
Can cause irritation to skin and eyes upon contact.
Benefits
Provides effective stain removal and is environmentally friendly.
ProteaseGood
Protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, enhancing the cleaning power of detergents. It is derived from natural sources and is considered safe and effective. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Enhances cleaning power by breaking down protein-based stains.
AmylaseGood
Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starches, improving the cleaning efficiency of detergents. It is derived from natural sources and is considered safe and biodegradable. It is effective in removing starchy stains.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Improves cleaning efficiency by breaking down starch-based stains.
Sodium CarbonateNeutral
Sodium carbonate is a common cleaning agent used to soften water and enhance the effectiveness of detergents. It is generally considered safe for use in cleaning products. However, it can be irritating to the skin and eyes in concentrated forms.
Risks
Potential skin and eye irritation if not handled properly.
Benefits
Helps to soften water, improving the cleaning efficiency of detergents.
Organic Acid SaltsNeutral
Organic acid salts are used as water softeners and to enhance cleaning performance. They are generally considered safe and effective in cleaning formulations. However, specific details about the type of organic acid salts used are not provided.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation depending on the specific acid salts used.
Benefits
Enhances cleaning performance by softening water.
Sodium MetasilicateNeutral
Sodium metasilicate is used as a builder in detergents to enhance cleaning efficiency. It is effective in removing grease and stains. However, it can be corrosive and irritating to skin and eyes.
Risks
Corrosive and can cause irritation to skin and eyes.
Benefits
Enhances cleaning efficiency by breaking down grease and stains.
Sodium DisilicateNeutral
Sodium disilicate is used as a builder in detergents to improve cleaning performance. It helps to prevent mineral deposits on surfaces. It is generally considered safe but can be irritating in concentrated forms.
Risks
Potential skin and eye irritation if not handled properly.
Benefits
Prevents mineral deposits and enhances cleaning performance.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Biodegradable and enhances detergent effectiveness by softening water.
Tetrasodium IminodisuccinateNeutral
Tetrasodium iminodisuccinate is a chelating agent used to bind metal ions and improve cleaning performance. It is considered safe and biodegradable. However, it can cause mild irritation if not handled properly.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation upon contact.
Benefits
Improves cleaning performance by binding metal ions.
Sodium PolyaspartateNeutral
Sodium polyaspartate is used as a biodegradable dispersant in cleaning products. It helps to prevent the redeposition of dirt on surfaces. It is considered safe and environmentally friendly.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Biodegradable and prevents redeposition of dirt.
Poloxamer 181Neutral
Poloxamer 181 is a non-ionic surfactant used to enhance the cleaning power of detergents. It is generally considered safe for use in cleaning products. However, specific details about its environmental impact are limited.
Risks
Limited information on environmental impact.
Benefits
Enhances cleaning power of detergents.
Organic AcidsNeutral
Organic acids are used to adjust pH and enhance cleaning performance. They are generally considered safe and effective in cleaning formulations. However, specific details about the types of organic acids used are not provided.
Risks
Potential for mild irritation depending on the specific acids used.
Benefits
Enhances cleaning performance and adjusts pH.
Alginic AcidNeutral
Alginic acid is used as a thickening agent in cleaning products. It is derived from seaweed and is considered safe and biodegradable. It helps to stabilize formulations.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Biodegradable and stabilizes formulations.
TetraacetylethylenediamineNeutral
Tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) is used as a bleach activator in detergents. It enhances the effectiveness of oxygen-based bleaches. It is considered safe for use in cleaning products.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Enhances the effectiveness of oxygen-based bleaches.
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cleaning products. It is derived from cellulose and is considered safe and biodegradable. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risks.
Benefits
Biodegradable and improves texture and stability of formulations.
FragranceVery Bad
Fragrance in cleaning products often contains synthetic compounds that can cause allergic reactions and sensitivities. It is considered a potential irritant and is not environmentally friendly. The specific composition of the fragrance is not disclosed.
Risks
Potential irritant and allergen; environmental concerns.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant scent to the product.
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