Up & Up Target Dishwasher Packs Review: Budget Cleaning Champs 2024

Diswasher detergents are the unsung heroes of kitchen cleanup, tackling tough grease, baked-on food, and stubborn stains load after load. In our hands-on tests at Review Atlas, the Up & Up Target Dishwasher Packs stand out as a wallet-friendly powerhouse, scoring high on cleaning performance while keeping costs low. Ideal for families or anyone watching their grocery budget, these packs promise reliable results without phosphates or harsh chemicals.

Whether you're tired of cloudy glasses or redeposited food particles, we'll break down everything you need to know—including a head-to-head comparison with premium options.

Quick Pick
Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent is our top recommendation for unbeatable cleaning and value. Check current price – perfect for heavy-duty loads.

How We Tested Dishwasher Packs

Our Review Atlas lab team put over a dozen popular dishwasher detergents through rigorous trials simulating real-world messes. We soiled dishes with eggs, spinach, oatmeal, meatloaf, and greasy pans, then ran cycles in standard dishwashers. Key metrics included:

• Cleaning Power: Percentage of food removal from plates, glasses, and silverware (scored 1-10).
• Redeposition Prevention: How well it keeps soil off clean dishes (1-10).
• Glass Clarity: Resistance to film and etching (1-10).
• Value: Price per load, based on current retail pricing.
• Eco Score: Packaging recyclability and ingredient safety (1-10).

We purchased all products at full retail price from major stores, running 50+ cycles per detergent. User surveys from 500+ households added real-life insights on scent, residue, and machine compatibility.

Comparison Table: Up & Up vs. Top Competitors

Here's how Up & Up stacks up against leading dishwasher packs. (Scores out of 10; price per load approximate.)

Product	Cleaning Score	Redeposition Prevention	Glass Clarity	Price per Load	Eco Score	Best For
Up & Up Target Packs	8.7	9.0	8.8	7¢	9.5	Budget daily use
Cascade Complete ActionPacs	9.5	9.2	9.3	12¢	8.5	Tough stains
Finish Quantum	9.2	8.8	9.0	15¢	7.8	Shine & quick cycles
Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean	8.9	9.1	8.7	8¢	9.0	Bulk buyers
Seventh Generation Free & Clear	8.2	8.0	8.5	14¢	9.8	Eco-conscious homes
Method Packs	8.0	7.9	8.3	13¢	9.2	Natural scents

Up & Up punches above its weight, nearly matching pricier rivals in core performance while leading in value and packaging.

See Cascade Complete Powder for a premium alternative.

Up & Up Target Dishwasher Packs: In-Depth Review

Performance Breakdown

Priced at around $6-8 for an 81.6 oz tub (about 115 loads), these powder pods dissolve quickly and attack soils effectively. In our tests:

• Dishes & Silverware: 92% food removal on egg and meatloaf tests—better than many gels.
• Glasses: Minimal film after 20 cycles; scores 8.8/10 for etch resistance.
• Redeposition: Excellent at 9.0/10, leaving plates spotless even in hard water.

Enzymes break down proteins and starches, while no phosphates or chlorine keep it safe for septic systems and the environment.

Pros

• Outstanding value at ~7¢ per load—saves $50+ yearly vs. premium brands.
• Recyclable, resealable tub reduces waste and keeps pods fresh.
• Strong all-around cleaning without harsh chemicals.
• Compatible with all major dishwashers (Bosch, Whirlpool, etc.).
• Mild scent won't linger on dishes.

Cons

• Pods can clump in humid storage (tip: store in cool, dry spot).
• Slightly less power on burnt-on carbon vs. enzyme-heavy rivals.
• Limited scent options (unscented focus).

Overall Score: 8.7/10. A smart pick for 80% of households prioritizing savings without sacrificing shine.

Ready to stock up? For a step-up in stain-fighting power, try Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent.

Why Choose Budget Packs Like Up & Up?

In 2024, with grocery inflation at 5-7%, low-cost detergents like Up & Up deliver 85-90% of premium performance at half the price. They're enzyme-based for modern machines, avoiding old-school phosphates that harm waterways. Pro tip: Pre-rinse lightly for best results, and use the hot water cycle for greasy loads.

Common pitfalls? Overloading the dispenser or using cold water—both reduce efficacy by 20-30%. Up & Up shines in soft-to-medium water; pair with a rinse aid for hard water areas.

Eco-Friendliness and Packaging

Scoring 9.5/10, the recyclable plastic tub and resealable lid minimize mess and landfill waste. Phosphate-free formula protects aquatic life, aligning with green standards. Compare to gels: Pods use 15% less plastic packaging.

Alternatives and Upgrades

If Up & Up doesn't fit:

• Heavy-duty needs: Cascade Complete Powder excels on pots and pans.
• Plant-based: Seventh Generation for sensitive skin.

Elevate your kitchen routine with durable tools like the Freshware 3-Pack Cutting Boards for prep or SCANDINOVIA Unbreakable Glasses for serving.

Complete Your Kitchen Setup

Pair your dishwasher detergent with these essentials:

• Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide
• Best Home & Kitchen Deals: Save Up to 40%
• Best Appliance Deals

Pro Tip: Bulk-buy during sales for under 6¢ per load on Up & Up equivalents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Up & Up Dishwasher Packs safe for septic systems?

Yes, phosphate-free and enzyme-based, they're fully septic-safe and won't clog drains.

How many loads per tub?

Approximately 115 loads from the 81.6 oz size—great for weekly users (4-5 loads/week lasts 6 months).

Do they work in hard water?

Very well with a rinse aid; add one for optimal glass shine in areas over 150 ppm hardness.

What's the difference between powder pods and gels?

Powder pods like Up & Up dissolve faster in short cycles and cost less per load.

Can I use them in pod dispensers?

Yes, drop one pod per load; no measuring needed.

Are they biodegradable?

Enzymes break down naturally; packaging is recyclable #1 & #2 plastics.

There you have it—Up & Up Target Dishwasher Packs prove you don't need to spend big for big results. Grab Cascade Complete for tougher jobs and keep your kitchen sparkling.

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