Walmart Great Value Dishwasher Detergent Powder Review: Fresh Scent

by Taylor

I've been using Walmart's Great Value dishwasher detergent powder, in the fresh scent, for several years now, ever since Consumer Reports stated they were, in fact, a good value since it worked well for the price.

I haven't seen the most recent Consumer Reports ratings, and perhaps they've rated the Great Value brand different than before, since there has been a great shakeup in what dishwasher detergents work best, in general, since the phosphates ban went into effect and forced all the major brands to reformulate.

I will say that I noticed a formulation difference for this brand too, but it still works well, in my opinion, and it is now phosphate free which is a good thing.

Therefore, through all the changes I've continued to use this store brand, and been really happy with it.

Its main claim to fame is that it clean dishes pretty well, and doesn't cost very much at all, at least as compared to the liquid or gel versions, or dishwasher pacs, or even other powdered detergent versions of name brands like Cascade (which is what I used to use).

I don't have any trouble with it not dissolving in the detergent tray, which seems to be a problem with many of the pacs.

Further, it does not clump in the box much, and a good shake breaks up most clumps allowing me to use all of the detergent in the box.

Further, I do pre-rinse my dishes, but not thoroughly. Instead, I do it well enough that my dishwasher doesn't get clogged with food scraps since I think this is a real problem if you don't pre-rinse enough, regardless of which type of detergent you choose to use.

I tend to use this detergent, along with the Great

Value Rinse Agent (click the link to read my reviews), and am quite pleased with how my dishes turn out.

The one thing I would say about this brand is that you don't want to buy the biggest box available, but instead get the medium size box, which is the 75 oz. one instead.

I speak from experience because one time I bought the even bigger size since it was cheaper per unit than the 75 oz. box. However, it was so heavy it was difficult to pick up with one hand and pour into the dishwasher until much of the box was used, and this was a pain in the butt and I regretted my couple cents of savings each night as I ran the dishwasher.

Since making that mistake I've instead bought the medium size box, not the large one, and been quite happy with the detergent each evening as I run my dishwasher. (Yes, I run my dishwasher daily -- except in the summer when all the kids are here all day I sometimes run it twice a day instead.)



Walmart's Great Value brand dishwasher detergent is available not only in powdered version, but also as a liquid gel and as detergent pacs. I'd love to hear from others who've used any of these varieties, telling me what you think about them, especially in comparison to national brands.

In addition, I'd love to hear what your favorite brand (or store brand) of detergent for your dishwasher is. You can share your dishwasher detergents reviews here, or read other reviews that have already been submitted for multiple brands and scents.

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