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Product review
Updated February 2022

Dishwasher detergents

Tablet or powder? See which type tops our test.

February 2022

Active

Ultimate Citrus Zest

Price
$10
Score
79
Recommended

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Test results

  • 79
    Cleaning performance

Cleaning performance scores

  • Egg yolk

    90

  • Rice starch

    74

  • Baked-on cheese

    92

  • Red wine

    71

  • Coffee

    60

  • Minced meat

    87

Other ratings

  • Packaging assessment

    Acceptable

  • Environmental assessment

    Poor

  • Safety

    Good

Product details

  • Type

    Tablet

  • Avg price

    $10

  • Cost per wash

    $0.33

  • Packaging type

    Plastic bottle

  • Washes per pack

    30

  • Pack size

    30 tablets

  • Fragrance

    Citrus zest

Specifications

  • pH

    9.8

  • Dissolvable wrapper
  • Origin

    Made in New Zealand

Packaging claims

  • Contain rinse aid claim
  • Cruelty free claim
  • Septic tank safe claim

    No, but states "Refer to septic tank manufacturer for suitability".

  • Grey water safe claim

More info

    Member reviews

    8 Member reviews

    Hopeless

    Pros

    Nothing

    Cons

    Noticed lots of dishes coming out of
    The dishwasher
    ( westinghouse) with baked on residue.
    Never had this issue with finish dishwasher tablets. Really regret buying 2 big bags of tablets

    Recommend it?

    No, this product has too many drawbacks.

    Michael S.

    Used 1 month or less

    Best value

    Pros

    Price and efficiency. I switched when the product was top of your list in previous report. Check when on special at supermarket and bulk buy.

    Cons

    Dissolvable wrapper deteriorates if exposed to damp or humid air.
    Nothing against product but check price per block when buying sometimes multiple small packs cheaper than larger packs.

    Recommend it?

    Yes, I recommend this product.

    Janet S.

    Used 6 months or more

    If in doubt, call the manufacturer

    Pros

    The clean is lovely

    Cons

    I was annoyed because it did not always pop out of the dispenser.
    I telephoned the company and the lovely person explained that my rack was probably too close to the door.
    I shifted the cutlery rack and now it works perfectly.

    Recommend it?

    Yes, I recommend this product.

    Helen

    Used 6 months or more

    Wish I'd switched from powder sooner!

    Pros

    Dishes are super clean with less pre-rinsing, and there's much less stuff caught in the filter too

    Cons

    None so far

    Recommend it?

    Yes, I recommend this product.

    Kaye C.

    Used 1 - 3 months

    Totally excellent

    Pros

    Fantastic clean on any cycle. Couldn't recommend more highly.

    Cons

    None at all

    Recommend it?

    Yes, I recommend this product.

    Maxim M.

    Used 3 - 6 months

    Fantastic

    Pros

    Hardly have to scrub anything before putting it in the dishwasher. Even caked on batter came off

    Cons

    None

    Recommend it?

    Yes, I recommend this product.

    Sarah B.

    Used 3 - 6 months

    Poor performance

    Pros

    Nothing

    Cons

    I have tried all types of active blocks and found them lacking. Even with 2 blocks per load, ineffective wash, with residue on multiple dishes.

    Recommend it?

    No, this product has too many drawbacks.

    Pip D.

    Used 1 month or less

    Best buy ever

    Pros

    Washes well on a range of cycles - including quick wash. Value for money. I find it washes tea & coffee cups really well - no staining.

    Cons

    Haven’t found any.

    Recommend it?

    Yes, I recommend this product.

    MAREE G.

    Used 6 months or more

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