The same number of dishes is washed per load. Each detergent is tested not just once, but three times.
The worst performer left a lot of food. But overall, the new generation of green cleaners did much better than in the past.
In the end, Consumer Reports named Finish Powerball Tabs a Best Buy. It did an excellent job cleaning dishes and pots at a great price.
Consumer Reports also tested Martha Stewart Clean liquid dishwasher detergent. It was the poorest performer in the group, but the company says a revised formulation will be on shelves this fall.