Summary of "I was right about dishwasher pods, and now I can prove it"

Product Reviewed

A new loose powder dishwasher detergent formulation developed in partnership with Green Llama and Good Store, designed as an alternative to conventional pre-dosed dishwasher pods and powders.

Main Features of the Product

Loose powder format: Allows users to control detergent dosing based on load size and soil level, unlike fixed-dose pods.
Eco-friendly packaging: Comes in a resealable, compostable paper bag, avoiding plastic tubs and dissolvable plastic (PVA) films used in pods.
Performance: Independently tested via blinded ASTM lab tests, the powder meets or exceeds cleaning performance of premium dishwasher pods from a major brand in almost all categories.
Residue control: Testing showed no spotting and slightly better anti-filming performance compared to premium pods.
Formulation: Developed specifically to work well with the dishwasher’s pre-wash and main wash dosing system.
Charitable aspect: All profits from sales are donated to the Coral Reef Alliance.

Key Pros

Superior or equal cleaning power compared to high-end pods, confirmed by independent lab tests.
Flexibility in dosing: Users can adjust detergent amount, including splitting doses between pre-wash and main wash for better grease and fat removal.
Environmentally friendly: Avoids plastic waste and PVA films found in pods.
No unnecessary additives: No fragrances or gimmicks, focusing on effective cleaning chemistry.
Improved glass clarity and removal of build-up: Personal testing showed clearer glassware and removal of white hazing on dishes.
Supports pre-wash detergent use: Enhances removal of oily and fatty soils early in the cycle, reducing load on the main wash.

Key Cons / Considerations

Less convenient than pods: Pods offer convenience and pre-measured doses, which some users prefer.
Requires user knowledge: To get the best results, users need to understand dishwasher cycles and dosing strategies.
Not widely available yet: Product is new and sold through specific channels (Good Store), which might limit immediate accessibility.
Slightly less effective on tea stains: Lost only in one test category (tea stain removal) compared to the premium pod, but still ranked second.

User Experience

The reviewer found this powder to be the best dishwasher detergent they have personally used. Key observations include:

Handled tough, greasy, and dried-on food soils (e.g., cheese, bean dip, hazelnut spread) with ease.
The ability to split dosing between pre-wash and main wash improved grease removal dramatically.
Helped remove long-standing white hazing on glassware.
Independent lab testing backed up subjective positive impressions.

Comparisons Made

Compared against a major brand’s powder and premium pod in blind ASTM testing.
Confirmed that the premium pods outperform that brand’s powder, but this new powder matches or exceeds the pod’s cleaning ability.
Highlighted that the difference in performance is not due to the physical form (powder vs pod) but the formulation quality.
Discussed the limitations of pods: fixed dosing, plastic waste, and marketing-driven pricing.
Emphasized the importance of dishwasher design (pre-wash and main wash detergent dosing compartments) which pods often ignore.

Additional Insights from the Video

Importance of running the kitchen faucet until water is piping hot before starting the dishwasher to ensure optimal wash temperature and enzyme performance.
Explanation of dishwasher detergent dispenser design: separate pre-wash and main wash dosing to optimize cleaning.
Demonstrated with a peanut butter test how hot water and pre-wash detergent significantly improve cleaning effectiveness.
Showed that many dishwashers run heating elements for fixed times rather than temperature-controlled cycles unless high-temp or sanitize modes are selected.
Recommended experimenting with dishwasher cycles and options to improve cleaning and reduce residue.
Critiqued dishwasher pods as marketing gimmicks that benefit manufacturers more than consumers or the environment.

Different Speaker/Contributor Views

The main speaker is the video creator, who was slightly involved in developing the new powder formulation.
Matt Keasey developed the powder formulation.
Independent testing labs conducted ASTM blind testing.
Good Store and Green Llama are partners in selling the product and promoting eco-friendly cleaning.

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

This new loose powder dishwasher detergent offers a compelling alternative to conventional pods by combining excellent cleaning performance (proven by independent testing) with environmental benefits and user dosing control. It challenges the notion that pods are inherently superior and demonstrates that powders can be premium products without gimmicks or unnecessary additives.

Users willing to engage with their dishwasher’s dosing system and cycles will find this product highly effective, economical, and eco-friendly. The reviewer strongly recommends trying this powder, especially for those frustrated with pods or seeking more control over their dishwasher detergent use.