Thread Number: 42036
Your Dishwasher Detergent Preference
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Post# 619111   8/22/2012 at 04:02 (4,237 days old) by washer111 ()        

We seem to be on the topic of this sort of stuff lately, so here goes!

We use Finish Concentrate Powder in the 1.5KG plastic box. They switched from the big cardboard box of the stuff recently, and the cleaning power has improved quite a bit. We also use Finish Blue Rinse-Aid.

Why Finish? It's expensive, (especially since they moved it to the Express Store here...), but because we don't want to be using Cheap "Eco Friendly" detergents that we don't know the cleaning power of, because powder is better than Tabs, and because we can't use Liquid/Gel.

Also, does anyone have any idea how the Morning Fresh Tablets/Gel perform along with Fairy? Thing is, I'm trying to treat a good friend of ours to detergent so she'll stop washing dishes in dirty water, or washing them before they go in the dishwasher (Trying to prove a point, lol).





Post# 619115 , Reply# 1   8/22/2012 at 05:12 (4,237 days old) by zanussi_lover (Nottingham, UK)        
Aldi Dishwasher Detergent

zanussi_lover's profile picture
I was using Magnum all in one tablets, then I bought some Magnum 3in1 tablets, they are alot cheaper than the premium brand, but I dont see the difference in cleaning. the dishes still come up clean.



Post# 619120 , Reply# 2   8/22/2012 at 06:06 (4,237 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Food Service CASCADE with phosphates. It cleans well and keeps the DW clean, just like in the good old days.

Post# 619122 , Reply# 3   8/22/2012 at 06:21 (4,237 days old) by MikeS ()        
Whatever Is On Sale

I use either Finish gelpacks or Cascade Complete in my Bosch dishwasher. Although Bosch "recommends" Finish, I found Cascade does a very good job as well. The winner depends on which brand is on sale that week or which one has the best coupons in the Sunday paper--or both.
I've steered away from the low-cost brands, per "Consumer Reports." In this case, you get what you pay for.


Post# 619124 , Reply# 4   8/22/2012 at 06:44 (4,237 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

polkanut's profile picture

I've been using Cascade powder that I've found at estate sales that still has over 7% phosphates.  I have several boxes so I'm good for awhile yet.  Also found a half full 1st generation container of Electrasol tabs (7.8% phosphate) which although as hard as bricks, dissolve and work very nicely in our Whirlpool Gold dw.  Also have some lemon Aldi Reeva gel, and chlorinated Hytron powder from Mills Fleet Farm in the stash.


Post# 619136 , Reply# 5   8/22/2012 at 08:20 (4,237 days old) by mattywashboy (Perth, Western Australia)        

mattywashboy's profile picture
Hey

I use the green Morning Fresh Gel in my dishwasher since I picked up 3 bottles when it was last on sale. I must say it performs really really well with the addition of Finish Lemon Rinse Aid. It has a strong citrus smell that emanates from the dishwasher when its hot. Dishes are clean and shiny and glassware and cutlery spot free!

I couldn't fault it at all, you can use even a small amount and it washes well.


Post# 619137 , Reply# 6   8/22/2012 at 08:21 (4,237 days old) by franksdad (Greenville, South Carolina)        

franksdad's profile picture
Cascade Complete gel packs. They seem to do a good job in my Whirlpool.

Post# 619144 , Reply# 7   8/22/2012 at 08:53 (4,236 days old) by jakeseacrest (Massachusetts)        

jakeseacrest's profile picture
Electrasol Powerball Tabs

Post# 619145 , Reply# 8   8/22/2012 at 09:00 (4,236 days old) by spookiness (Alexandria VA)        
Sun

I use cheap Sun powder. It works just fine in my Ultrawash. I tried some detergents that cost far more, but many left my dishes filmy.

Post# 619147 , Reply# 9   8/22/2012 at 09:12 (4,236 days old) by dustin92 (Jackson, MI)        

Finish Powerball tabs or Gelpacs. I think the tabs perform somewhat better than the gelpacs though.

Post# 619159 , Reply# 10   8/22/2012 at 10:36 (4,236 days old) by jakeseacrest (Massachusetts)        

jakeseacrest's profile picture
Why do I keep saying Electrasol? Finish Powerball Tabs.

Post# 619169 , Reply# 11   8/22/2012 at 11:11 (4,236 days old) by labboy (SD, CA)        
Cascade Complete

labboy's profile picture
I'm still using the Cascade Complete with phosphates that I stocked up on before it became unavailable. I'm not sure what I'll switch to once its gone. I don't like tablets as I like to be able to control the dosage.

Post# 619179 , Reply# 12   8/22/2012 at 11:36 (4,236 days old) by akronman (Akron/Cleveland Ohio)        
Cascade restaurant

akronman's profile picture

I have a buddy in the restaurant biz, I buy 1/2 a carton his phosphate Cascade powder about once a year, has always worked well. I ran out once and tried electrasol, sucked. Another time Finish, sucked. Frankly when I buy grocery store Cascade occasionally, I can't tell the difference.


Post# 619193 , Reply# 13   8/22/2012 at 12:19 (4,236 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
Anything with phosphate!

I have a stash of European Finish, and some Somat9, and some phosphated Cascade pacs.
Will be sad when all are gone.


I HAVE had the food service Cascade, bought at Gordon Food Service, not too far from here.... Good stuff, that.


I've even had some STPP, which I added to new Cascade (which made it perform like old Cascade!!!)


I have comparatively little loyalty to dishwasher detergent, as opposed to my loyalty to Sears Ultra Orange box.


I would not be surprised if there are others like us, when it comes to dishwasher detergent, and object to what has been done to it.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 619196 , Reply# 14   8/22/2012 at 12:31 (4,236 days old) by dj-gabriele ()        
Amost whatever is on sale!

Tablets most of the time, sometimes gelpacks.

Finish are my favourite, then comes Fairy. But as I said I buy anything that is on offer unless there is Pril and Svelto, the worst ever, can't even clean glasses. The new no-phospates formula is even worse than it was before!



Post# 619200 , Reply# 15   8/22/2012 at 12:37 (4,236 days old) by nmassman44 (Brooksville Florida)        

nmassman44's profile picture
I have been using the Finish Powerballs with good results. I did buy two boxes of Somat 3 in 1 powerballs tabbys and they clean up a storm! Plus they are loaded with phosphates..up to 30% at that too. For a powder detergent I swear by Wegmans Fresh scented detergent. Our roomie brought me a bottle of Shaws Homelife gel that was loaded with chlorine bleach. I have been using it on discolored cutting boards and it works quite well. I like the fact that my Miele changes the parameters of a cycle based on what I am using for a detergent..of course I have to tell it what I am going to use by changing the detergent type..powder, liquid, 2 in 1 and 3 in 1 tabs.

Post# 619203 , Reply# 16   8/22/2012 at 12:43 (4,236 days old) by DirectDriveDave ()        

Cascade Complete powder.


It has never let me down.


Post# 619204 , Reply# 17   8/22/2012 at 12:48 (4,236 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)        

If we have a light load of dishes we use Cascade Complete with Dawn gel packs.

If the load is really dirty we go into our stash and use Walmart's Great Value with 8% phosphates. A few months ago a local dollar store had a bunch of it for $1 per box, so we recharged our phosphated DW detergent supply.


Post# 619209 , Reply# 18   8/22/2012 at 13:14 (4,236 days old) by JoeEkaitis (Rialto, California, USA)        

joeekaitis's profile picture



Finish All-In-One tabs plus an added phosphate. Gets the dishes and pots and pans squeaky-clean without hazing up plastics like Lemi-Shine did. When they're gone, I'm going to look into Bubble Bandit.




CLICK HERE TO GO TO JoeEkaitis's LINK


Post# 619210 , Reply# 19   8/22/2012 at 13:22 (4,236 days old) by rpms (ontario canada)        

rpms's profile picture
Where can you buy food service Cascade?

Post# 619211 , Reply# 20   8/22/2012 at 13:28 (4,236 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
Just opened a bag of Cascade Action Packs w/scent of Gain yesterday. Had to try one. WOW - it does smell like Gain, and it smells up even a large room!

Otherwise I am using phosphated original Cascade powder, and an old bottle of Sunlight gel.



Post# 619222 , Reply# 21   8/22/2012 at 14:08 (4,236 days old) by norgeway (mocksville n c )        
Store Brand!

My dishes come out clean everytime, I can't tell the difference between the expensive stuff and any of the cheaper brands, usually I buy Wal Mart stuff.

Post# 619226 , Reply# 22   8/22/2012 at 14:17 (4,236 days old) by ozzie908 (Lincoln UK)        
Aldi Magnum powder.

ozzie908's profile picture
I started using it when I ran out of finish and I really cannot see any difference, I have to use powder because tablets won't go in the dispenser on my Dishdrawer.
Went into buy another bag and found it was reduced to £1.99 that was £2 off so bought 3 bags which will last me some time :)

"Aldi spend a little Live a lot"

Austin


Post# 619245 , Reply# 23   8/22/2012 at 15:29 (4,236 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
rmps.....

Here in the States, Institutional/Food Service Cascade is at most restaurant supply stores that have chemicals. The nearest large town to you should have at least one restaurant supply store, and they might have Institutional Cascade.



Hans- you must be blessed with soft, soft water, either naturally or through a softener system. My water is somewhat hard at about 4 grains per gallon. When I tried nonphosphated dishwasher powder (Cascade,) it did not clean well.


Water hardness is a major consideration in any washing equation.



Lawrence/Maytagbear




Post# 619258 , Reply# 24   8/22/2012 at 17:10 (4,236 days old) by hoovermatic (UK)        

Aldi Magnum Tabs - the best EVER!

Post# 619263 , Reply# 25   8/22/2012 at 17:26 (4,236 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

I alternate each week between:  Finish Quantum tabs, Finish all in one Red ball tabs,   Finish Gel pacs, Miele Tabs(the older ones with phosphates), and I used to include Finish Powder with enzymes but can't find that on the shelves anymore.  I also have a stash of older Electrasol tabs that I include in the mix.  Good results with any of these.

 

I tried Cascade Action pacs , but the scent in them stayed in the Dw and plates at the end of the cycle....I don't want any scented dishes.


Post# 619279 , Reply# 26   8/22/2012 at 19:13 (4,236 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        

Finish powder. Using the powder allows me to have detergent in both the prewash and main wash. Has never failed me yet.

Post# 619308 , Reply# 27   8/22/2012 at 21:07 (4,236 days old) by Westie2 ()        

Use the finish power balls. Ozzie908 and Hoovermatic all we have at Aldi is the Tandil and not good at all. Wish we had wht you guys get as Aldi is always cheaper. Even their cothes detergent is Tandil and not a good cleaner either.

Post# 619324 , Reply# 28   8/22/2012 at 22:42 (4,236 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

Finish Quantum tab in each cup, laden with hefty 1/2 teaspoon of STPP in each cup of the KDS-19.


Post# 619389 , Reply# 29   8/23/2012 at 02:03 (4,236 days old) by vintagekitchen ()        

Store brand. I like the gel from the Dollar General Just a Dollar section, and am working my way through the last 2 boxes of Family Dollar brand tablets of a job lot of 15 boxes I bought 2 years ago when they went on half price because the store was no longer going to carry them.

Post# 619426 , Reply# 30   8/23/2012 at 07:44 (4,236 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

polkanut's profile picture

I had forgotten what a poor performer the Aldi Reeva gel was.  I made a batch of brownies for Bev to take to work for her b-day on Tuesday, and so I put all the dirty dishes and utensils in the dw with some of the gel and 1/4 cup borax.  When the cycle was complete there was still cocoa residue on the bowl and spatula, and other residues on various other items.  So needles to say it will be awhile before the Reeva gets used again.  The borax was used to help soften the water.


Post# 619437 , Reply# 31   8/23/2012 at 08:19 (4,236 days old) by spookiness (Alexandria VA)        
Reeva gel

Yes I've used that, and it's pretty bad. Their hand-wash detergent is ok but nothing special.

Post# 619532 , Reply# 32   8/23/2012 at 15:49 (4,235 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Qsd-dan

 

You use two full quantum tabs, plus STPP for each load?  I don't know how the cycles are on your Dw but my prewash(open cup) only lasts 13 minutes for a full load and 8 for small  loads, so I am not sure the first tab would even have time to dissolve completely. Sounds like a lot of detergent seeing as how they say to only use one tab for a complete wash.

Do you have any problems with glasses etching?  Of course maybe you have hard water.


Post# 619588 , Reply# 33   8/23/2012 at 19:55 (4,235 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
For me it's.

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
Institutional Cascade with phosphates all the time.
WK78


Post# 619591 , Reply# 34   8/23/2012 at 20:08 (4,235 days old) by Intuitive (Inner West, Sydney Australia. )        
Cascade Complete Gelpacks

BASE bargain shops have been selling bags of USA Cascade Complete gel packs. They they are brilliant in the F & P DishDrawer. I use the Quick Wash (49 mins no prewash), I just put the pack into the cutlery basket. If I use a programme with Pre Wash, I wait until teh prewash is drained and then put the gelpack in.

Fairy Platinum & regular Gelpack are shocking, they foam WAY too much.


Post# 619626 , Reply# 35   8/23/2012 at 21:36 (4,235 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
Phosphate-Free at Lidl

I have been using Tesco's Value tablets which actually clean fine. Also have a box of Lidl's value, Tesco's 5-in-1, Astonish 5-in-1, and Fairy Platinum.

NOTE: I spied in Lidl, that their All-in-One tablets are now "Phosphate Free". The boxes look similar, the graphics are the same, but the colours used are a little different. The old formula had the legend "40 Tablets" on the box; the new formula simply says "40x" and "Phosphate Free". Tested them in my mum's machine, they seem to clean well.


Post# 619708 , Reply# 36   8/24/2012 at 07:25 (4,235 days old) by washer111 ()        
@Intuitive

Sounds good! We use the Fast wash on occaision. The problem is, it doesn't heat the water up to the Regular temperature, and uses slightly less pressure than a Normal cycle. That means, you get poorer results than on the Delicates cycle (which we use) for these reasons:
• 3 Rinses after the Main-Wash
• ITS QUICK! (If you stop the machine at the Drying cycle, you've had a 58 Minute cycle)
• Sounds like it uses more water (longer fill)
• Same temperature as Normal
• Great for loose/everyday soils. Even 1 day old Protein is moved in this cycle.

By the way, if you ever use a DD without a Drain Filter, crank the Rinse-Aid setting, and only use the Normal/Heavy, Heavy Eco cycles. That way, any "garbage" on your plates is disposed of by the wash impeller. We've used one of our drawers like that for a while now. No difference in performance, apart from a spec of Coffee grounds on every 3rd/4th bit of crockery


Post# 619709 , Reply# 37   8/24/2012 at 07:31 (4,235 days old) by DishwasherRules (Italy)        
Mostly Finish, now

dishwasherrules's profile picture
I used German Somat 1 for about a year, but I went back to Finish Quantum, Finish All-in-One, Finish Gel: they seem to have improved the formulas together with changing the style of the labels.
Another very good product, which is available here in Italy, is Nuncas Dishwasher Tablets (they also have a powder detergent, but you have to be VERY careful indeed when dosing: it is too sudsy); it's a bit more expensive than Finish, but it cleans better. @dj-gabriele: if you can find Nuncas tabs, I think it's worth trying.
Ivan


Post# 619861 , Reply# 38   8/24/2012 at 18:55 (4,234 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        

not trying to change topic, but please tell me: If I use a tablet/gel pac, will my machine sacrifice performance by not having detergent in the pre-wash? I get splendid results using Finish powder in both cups and the Auto-Clean cycle in my Maytag (a real one...the last year before the Whirlpool redesign). Anxiously awaiting all opinions...... :)

Post# 619862 , Reply# 39   8/24/2012 at 19:04 (4,234 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
No Actually not.....always worked fine for mem to prewash without detergent, I use Finish powder and or for tabs I use the Lidl ones that actually lately are very similar to the finish ones even in the scent.....I prefer powders though...
It depends from person to person I guess, there's who feel the need to put it even in the prewash even if actually would get dishes clean anyway and no problems.. I think that what's matter is the washing cycle.....
I never had any need for trying to to add it during prewash also as everything comes out clean, if you use a good detergent no need to add it even in the prewash.....
If you want you can always break in half a tab and put it in the prewash.....


Post# 619864 , Reply# 40   8/24/2012 at 19:12 (4,234 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
P.S For non EU guys Lidl is a discount same thing of Aldi.....

Post# 619865 , Reply# 41   8/24/2012 at 19:23 (4,234 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
chalsted........

It depends. Depends on the amount of soil, depends on the hardness of the water, depends on the machine/cycle.


I find that my experience is the best indicator for me, and that what might work in one town/state/country might not be applicable worldwide. Some places have extremely hard water, some places have water that is much softer naturally....



Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 619875 , Reply# 42   8/24/2012 at 20:15 (4,234 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll stick with my powder. I get excellent results with it, and I NEVER pre-rinse. Our water here in Charleston is neither soft or hard....I guess it's considered normal, if there is such a thing. The source is a river. Thanks again for the responses and I'll still be watching for more......

Post# 619898 , Reply# 43   8/24/2012 at 21:52 (4,234 days old) by bingwsguy (Binghamton NY)        

Grocery Shelf- Finish Powder in the box. On Line order- Dishwasher All

Post# 619924 , Reply# 44   8/24/2012 at 23:22 (4,234 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
chalstead.....

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
I think powders are the best ones also so I cannot do else but be with you in your choiche, I just need to make some considerations..... DW tablets usually says on their packaging that 1 tabs is enough for all water hardness and for every dirt level....
As mentioned the amount of detergent should be related to the water hardness....even though as I said for me is necessary in the washing cycle only, BTW I never pre-rinse anything as well, but this is not the point, in USA I know most dishwasher are different from the europeans ones, I mean most of europeans ones have a built-in water softener using salt which you can select based on your water hardness to soft water less or more....in USA not.
Said this, it is true that now in Europe many dishwasher tablets or detergent are called 2 in 1, which means they have integrated the salt function(water softener function) and you actually could get rid of salt and water softener (even though some package says:" on average water hardness only"), I guess this new formula with which they make 2 in 1 europeans detergents now is similar but not identical to the formula with "integrated water softeners" with which in US they always made dishwasher detergents, both powders and tabs....
All this to say that I just do not know the reliability of these tabs about water softening in very hard waters, and also can't speak "internationally" on detergents brands being best or worse, formulas changes from country or better say continent to continent, using european/italian finish or 2 in 1 stuff as for the quantum or powerball I need to keep the selector of the DW water softenr pointed on the selection 3 as our water is quite hard, my model arrives to 8 which is the maximum water softening level you can get, if not so not only I would not get stuff as clean but also a little deposit of minerals on glassware that I recently realized after considerations and reasonings on another thread I opened here, (Arm&Hammer detergent), being due to the sodium carbonate contained in the detergent bonding with minerals and especially calcium, while when I used American DW detergent (I used Sun powder and also some electrasol tabs) I had my salt tank empty and they obviously worked wonderfully and of course no minearals on glassware....
This just to say that in US since you have not the use of the DW built-in water softener, when one haves very hard water and does not have a water softener for the whole house, a greater dosification of detergent in these cases is the only thing you could do or also adding fosphates or water softening agents as well, a greater use of detergent or addciction of TSP and water softeners is a thing that with a pre-sized DW tab is not absolutely required to have, this second the manufacturers, when it is obvious that actually you would have need to do in some cases...so maytagbear said something correct about the fact that everything changes from country to country....
Just wanted to be a little more clear....




This post was last edited 08/25/2012 at 03:55
Post# 619936 , Reply# 45   8/25/2012 at 00:40 (4,234 days old) by MatthewZA (Cape Town, South Africa)        
finish

We use finish powerball tablets simply because a friend of my dads can get a pack of 6 x 30 tablet boxes at a fraction of what the store price is. And I find tablets clean better than powder. Often our supermarket has bio crystal tablets on a buy 1 get 1 free special so we'll buy those also because they're cheap and work really well. Yesterday I saw bingo tablets for the 1st time in the shop. Half the price of finish and they have that dissolving wrapping so I'm keen to try them. Finish quantum's are fantastic. We have a box in the cupboard but don't ude them unless we've had to do lots of cooking (mainly over Christmas) as you can't use quantum's on the quick cycle. The quantum's are very good at cleaning out the washing machine though


Post# 619938 , Reply# 46   8/25/2012 at 00:46 (4,234 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

You use two full quantum tabs, plus STPP for each load?

 

Yup

 

I don't know how the cycles are on your Dw but my prewash(open cup) only lasts 13 minutes for a full load and 8 for small  loads

 

Heh, my main wash cycle is only 10 minutes :D Pre-wash is about 7 minutes.

 

so I am not sure the first tab would even have time to dissolve completely.

 

Water at the tap is 152F, plus the heater kicks in. Remember, these old dishwashers use gallons of water per fill instead of ounces ;>)

 

Do you have any problems with glasses etching?

 

Nope

 

Of course maybe you have hard water.

 

Crazy hard water! It can get as hard as 18 grains in the dead of summer.


Post# 619963 , Reply# 47   8/25/2012 at 03:31 (4,234 days old) by beekeyknee (Columbia, MO)        

beekeyknee's profile picture
Our water is so soft (0 grains) that we might be able to get away with not using any detergent at all. Haven't tried it yet. We always use the blazin' hot cycle. That combined with the soft water might clean them.

Post# 619974 , Reply# 48   8/25/2012 at 04:26 (4,234 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
My regular tab is Somat9, but my mother gave me a bag of Dreft Platinum gel packs. Looks like Dreft is the name here for Cascade.



Post# 619984 , Reply# 49   8/25/2012 at 06:23 (4,234 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
foraloysius

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
Yes and in italy for the Fairy.....

Post# 619991 , Reply# 50   8/25/2012 at 07:41 (4,234 days old) by mrboilwash (Munich,Germany)        

mrboilwash's profile picture
My regular tab is Somat 7, but lately I was in the mood to try a powder again.
The unusual thing about that one is it comes in a decent box instead of a cheap plastic bag and it is an "all in one", which is also not so common for powders in the EU. Have to admit that I always use a LITTLE of salt and rinseaid, despite those all in ones. Love it and will certainly buy again.

Louis, how does the Dreft compare to Somat ? Unfortunately we did not get anything made from P&G for the dishwasher in Germany for ages.


Post# 620043 , Reply# 51   8/25/2012 at 13:30 (4,233 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
I have used the Dreft only a few times so far. I like it, but much to my amazement it didn't clean a pot totally that I used for making macaroni and cheese.

I don't use a rinse agent, it looks like the Somat gives a somewhat better drying result, but I'm not sure yet.


Post# 620062 , Reply# 52   8/25/2012 at 14:00 (4,233 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Qsd_dan

 

Completely understand.  On the cycle I use most the main wash portion seems to  last between 28 and 65 minutes but the average is 50  even though the water( about 1.06 gallons) will be heated, but with your times and your really hard hard water I see why you would need to use two tabs.  My water can be a bit hard, but yours must be running across rocks or something.


Post# 620076 , Reply# 53   8/25/2012 at 14:36 (4,233 days old) by rudin1969 (Italy)        

Ivan and djgabriele,
I know Nuncas Dishwasher tablets - they're fantastic!
Indeed, all Nuncas products are excellent!


CLICK HERE TO GO TO rudin1969's LINK


Post# 620127 , Reply# 54   8/25/2012 at 17:37 (4,233 days old) by washer111 ()        
@qsd-dan

Mighty fine seeing you use TWO tabs in the KA to get results. And you say Mainwash is just 10minutes?

How long does the machine take in total on the cycle you use regularly?

But I'm gonna mention, we used our DishDrawer on 25Grain hard water this past October/November - Mid December while we were troublehshooting our Water-softner, and we used the Quantum Tablets, Ordinary tablets and some more MOL tablets (all Finish brand, of course). We didn't use any STPP, but used 1 tablet per wash and maximum rinse-aid setting.
No etching, no milky stains! (YAY!)


Post# 620169 , Reply# 55   8/25/2012 at 20:14 (4,233 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Older Formula Cascade

launderess's profile picture
"Pure Rinse" and "Complete" with STPP.

Once that stash runs out who knows what one will use. With my current store it wont be years until one has to purchase dw detergent so will see what there is then.


Post# 620178 , Reply# 56   8/25/2012 at 20:38 (4,233 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
My guess, dear Laundress-

is by that day, they will have figured out an effective substitute for phosphate which, in turn, will probably prove to be even worse for the environment than phosphate!


(This is from my backup Crystal Ball{!}, my good one is in the shop.)



Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 620202 , Reply# 57   8/25/2012 at 22:07 (4,233 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        
Cascade Complete

The Big Lot stores in my area have HUNDREDS of boxes of Cascade Complete (with phosphates) on the shelves. Nobody seems to be buying them......

Post# 620204 , Reply# 58   8/25/2012 at 22:13 (4,233 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Hmm? Really?

launderess's profile picture
Well a road trip out to WI isn't going to happen, but will check out BL stores around here and see what there is.

Thanks for the information.


Post# 620388 , Reply# 59   8/26/2012 at 14:53 (4,232 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        

West Virginia (WV), not Wisconsin (WI)....a tad bit closer to La Pomme Grande, but not much.....LOL

Post# 621181 , Reply# 60   8/29/2012 at 20:59 (4,229 days old) by qsd-dan (West)        

qsd-dan's profile picture

Has anybody done some Institutional  Cascade vs. Finish Quantum testing?

 

I'm curious of the results, especially from those who have hard water.

 

Thanks


Post# 621227 , Reply# 61   8/30/2012 at 00:28 (4,229 days old) by whirlykenmore78 (Prior Lake MN (GMT-0500 CDT.))        
If I can't get Institutional Cascade

whirlykenmore78's profile picture
I will use Institutional Cascade as long as I can. If this runs out I am looking at a source of Institutional Finish from Ecolab.
WK78.
BTW., RIP Ecolab Solid Power the phosphate police have now ruined it.


Post# 622060 , Reply# 62   9/2/2012 at 14:08 (4,225 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

One of the gross things about running the first fill without detergent is that the grease on things floats on the water and winds up deposited on the tank lip behind the door. If you open the door to your dishwasher and run your fingers along the tank lip, you will probably find greasy goo, if you are runing the first fill without detergent. The area is hidden from exposure to active washing so what sticks there kinda stays there. Even though I use detergent in both cups in the KDS18, I still put some on the door so that it goes into the first fill. Even though it is just a 3 minute rinse and the 145F water is cooled by the room temperature load and tank, the small amount of detergent keeps greasy goo from accumulating. The Ultra Clean has the uncovered cup that puts detergent right into the first fill.

Post# 622091 , Reply# 63   9/2/2012 at 17:13 (4,225 days old) by jerrod6 (Southeastern Pennsylvania)        

Like Tom when I wash loads that are greasy I like to add a bit of powder to the prewash just so the grease doesn't get all over everything.  In the winter the water my Dw gets is only warm, and then it hits the SS tank which is around 65F degrees and loses any heat it had, so I don't like cool water splashing grease all over everything including the pump and water lines. 

 

I have a few cycles where the prewash lasts 25 minutes and in these it is heated so I always put some type of detergent in the prewash for these cycles.  I have been unable to find Finish Powder for several months, so now i use 1/2 Miele tab in the prewash  for these cycles.


Post# 622099 , Reply# 64   9/2/2012 at 18:06 (4,225 days old) by angus (Fairfield, CT.)        

Leftover Cascade with Phosphates for me. Probably a one or two year supply and when that runs out, There is a restaurant supply store in the next town over and they do carry Institutional Cascade with phosphates so I will use that. Did I read that someone orders Dishwasher All on line? Haven't seen that in way over 15 years...

Post# 622111 , Reply# 65   9/2/2012 at 18:46 (4,225 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Institutional Cascade

launderess's profile picture
Last time one checked while the stuff does contain phosphates it also has chlorine bleach but no enzymes. Cannot abide the wafting chlorine odor when using dishwasher detergents with it, and find enzyme products do a better job.

Being as that may if anyone can confrim I'm wrong and Cascade does contain enzymes may keep an eye out to add some to my stash. Though with at least five or ten (cannot remember ) boxes of phosphate containing Cascade "Complete" or "Pure Rinse" don't think will be needing more anytime soon.


Post# 622121 , Reply# 66   9/2/2012 at 19:11 (4,225 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Institutional machines have to clean fast and operate at sanitizing temperatures. Institutional DW formulas probably would not be successful using enzymes because they would not clean quickly. They only work in today's dishwashers because they use so little water that they have very weak pumps so the machines have to piss and spit for three quarters of an hour in the wash portion of the cycle for things to be washed clean as the water is slowly heated. Enzymes have a chance in these conditions.

What a world, what a world.


Post# 622131 , Reply# 67   9/2/2012 at 19:21 (4,225 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Kind of figured that.

launderess's profile picture
Chlorine also breaks down (or rather destroys, *LOL*) protein which helps deal with such soils on dishware. It also explains why you cannot use chlorine bleach on either wool or silk fibers, but we're not on that right now.

As for water levels in modern DWs, my older Kenmore (made buy Frigidare) purchased in the 1990's uses a good amount of water, and happily Cascade and Electrasol had introduced enzymes to their TOL detergents. A sample of Cascade "Complete" came with my unit.

Next time skip the sink was the tag line from P&G touting their new enzyme powered "Complete" DW detergent. The other PR was a television commercial showing housewives pulling various faces at the smell of chlorine bleach coming from their dishwashers. Of course "new" Cascade put an end to all that because it contained enzymes and as we all know from laundry products the two do not mix.

The other television commercial one remembers shows a housewife putting an entire cake (frosting and all) into the dishwasher and only the plate emerged after the cycle was complete with no traces of the cake to be found either there or inside the DW for that matter.


Post# 622239 , Reply# 68   9/3/2012 at 07:03 (4,225 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

I have never, in my whole life, heard anyone complaining about the chlorine smell of dishwasher detergents. WP machines actually have a barrier in the steam vent that fills with water as the circulation begins to block the escape of steam during the washing and rinsing phases of the cycle. That ad showing bad reactions to the chlorine smell coming from a dishwasher was invented hype to switch people from the old product to the new one. Most of the detergents for home use had so much fragrance that the chlorine could not be detected; I think that was one reason for the lemon scent in so many products. Unfortunatly, the lemon fragrance was so strong that my plastic sports bottles would absorb it and everything I put in them had a strange lemon flavor. The chlorine in the detergent, however, was enough to keep the bottles from staining from the drinks I carry in them.

Post# 622243 , Reply# 69   9/3/2012 at 07:50 (4,225 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        
for me, the new detergents work well, but

I miss the smell of chlorine that was in the old detergents, such as Cascade. But...I still bleach my white clothes and wash them in hot water. I also use Comet or Ajax to scrub my bathtub, shower, bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks. I also bleach every drain in the house once a month by pouring a cup of bleach in it, letting it stand for an hour and then flushing it with a soup kettle of boiling water....just call me old fashioned.

Post# 622269 , Reply# 70   9/3/2012 at 09:32 (4,224 days old) by nrones ()        
SOMAT

Think it is called "Pril" in some countries too.

Absolutely the best deal, made by Henkel, nearly premium brand (just after Calgonit (finish) but that can be upto marketing), of course, great washing results.

Also very economical, costs 10euro cents per wash. The cheapest. ;)

Dex


CLICK HERE TO GO TO nrones's LINK


Post# 622284 , Reply# 71   9/3/2012 at 10:49 (4,224 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
Chlorine bleach in DW detergents......

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
In Italy they produce a yellow variety of finish which contains chlorine bleach...it is a very thick and heavy gel with a nice lemon aroma, that you'll find at the end of washing, no pure chlorine smell, just a lemony fresh scent combined with a light clean scent from chlorine.....and even if it was "pure chlorine" smell I would not be upset for me a light hint of chlorine is not disturbing, a hint of chlorine smell clean for me...
As always can send a bottle to who want to try it.....just email me.




This post was last edited 09/03/2012 at 12:01
Post# 622285 , Reply# 72   9/3/2012 at 10:57 (4,224 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
A crappy pic of some DW detergents I picked up for a friend in this website time ago....
There was also the Finish Gel....no complaints heard, rather he was happy....
I find it very good, I usually don't like gels but I find it paragonable to powders..... only flaw is that it is way more expensive than powders.


Post# 622288 , Reply# 73   9/3/2012 at 11:02 (4,224 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        
As long as we're talking about dishwasher detergents....

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
Here is a pic of the DW Aisle at our local superstore in our town:

Post# 622289 , Reply# 74   9/3/2012 at 11:04 (4,224 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
In this store you can't find the yellow liquid finish, it is rare to be find over here, luckily we have another store that carry it.
Here are Tabs and powders:


Post# 622290 , Reply# 75   9/3/2012 at 11:05 (4,224 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
Crappy pic #3 LOL:

Post# 622291 , Reply# 76   9/3/2012 at 11:14 (4,224 days old) by kenmoreguy89 (Valenza Piemonte, Italy- Soon to be US immigrant.)        

kenmoreguy89's profile picture
And yes ur right in Italy Somat is called Pril on the tabs protective peel is wrote both Somat and Pril.... and personally I find it sucks, will work okay on glaasware "brilliance" but at cleaning totally sucks for me....
Also is more expensive than finish....and comes in tabs only....


Post# 622356 , Reply# 77   9/3/2012 at 15:42 (4,224 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

Chuck, be careful with the cleanser on porcelain sinks and tubs. You can remove the glaze with long time use. I saw a tub ruined this way.

Post# 622360 , Reply# 78   9/3/2012 at 16:11 (4,224 days old) by CircleW (NE Cincinnati OH area)        
Cleanser on fixtures

When I worked at a plumbing supply place, we recommended Bon Ami for general cleaning , with Bar Keeper's Friend for stubborn stains.

My mom used Comet on our tub, and it dulled it some over the years.


Post# 622362 , Reply# 79   9/3/2012 at 16:30 (4,224 days old) by cehalstead (Charleston, WV)        
it's probably too late

to worry about damage to the porcelain finish on the bathroom fixtures. They are 60 years old, and while I can't speak for their first ten years, I know my Mom (think June Cleaver or Donna Reed) scrubbed them with Comet from 1962-90, and I have done so since then. However, I do go gently on the "new" (1997) kitchen sink.... :)

Post# 622410 , Reply# 80   9/3/2012 at 20:06 (4,224 days old) by Rolls_rapide (.)        
"You can remove the glaze with long time use..."

Scouring powders can do that. That is why P&G in the UK advocated the use of "Flash".

"Flash cleans without scratching!", cackled aged Molly Weir in the 1970s.

She is actually visible for a couple of seconds in the "50 Years of Shine & Freshness" advert: about 6 seconds into the advert.


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Rolls_rapide's LINK


Post# 1002384 , Reply# 81   8/3/2018 at 06:40 (2,065 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

polkanut's profile picture

Lately we've been using Hytron dw detergent pods with great results.

 

1603420-342_CNT-Hytron



CLICK HERE TO GO TO polkanut's LINK

Post# 1002430 , Reply# 82   8/3/2018 at 14:51 (2,064 days old) by eurekastar (Amarillo, Texas)        

eurekastar's profile picture
I use Walmart's store brand, along with 1 Tablespoon of STPP. Dishes come out clean, streak free, and film free every single time!

Post# 1002448 , Reply# 83   8/3/2018 at 17:51 (2,064 days old) by Mrsalvo (New Braunfels Texas)        

Very pleasantly suprised with Walgreen's Nice dishwasher packs. They clean well, and a lot cheaper than Cascade. I'll use that or Cascade if I run out.

Barry


Post# 1002453 , Reply# 84   8/3/2018 at 19:24 (2,064 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
I've been using Cascade Institutional powder, aka Fryer Boil Out, 7+ years to great success.


Post# 1002457 , Reply# 85   8/3/2018 at 20:07 (2,064 days old) by washingpowder (NYC)        

Oh what a thread LOL

Somewhat treehugging household here, but there's a cheap, cruelty-free, somewhat 'chemical' German brand that I miss - Domol. Every visit of a relative is welcome for as long as they want to stay - unless I don't get me a stash of Domol in their suitcases.

Some of their dishwasher tablets clean up everything - even nasty, baked on grease on cookie sheets; the kind that normally requires overnight ammonia and elbow grease.


Post# 1002458 , Reply# 86   8/3/2018 at 20:13 (2,064 days old) by IowaBear (Cedar Rapids, IA)        
Fryer Boil Out

iowabear's profile picture

I looked this up when you mentioned it before.  To get it at reasonable price ($12 a box) I'd have to buy 6 boxes. I only run my machine once-a-week.  Six 85 ounce boxes would take me a long time to use up.

 

So for now I'm sticking with the Cascade Platinum pacs.  No complaints, for me they work as well as the old powdered detergents before the phosphate ban.  No doubt they are expensive at around .35 per pac in the smaller bags of them I usually buy.

 

If I ran the dishwasher every day I might investigate cheaper options.

 

 


Post# 1002461 , Reply# 87   8/3/2018 at 20:55 (2,064 days old) by DADoES (TX, U.S. of A.)        

dadoes's profile picture
 
Jim, perhaps divvy-up an order with family and/or friends.  I've only ordered twice for the duration.  Last order an aunt took a couple boxes and my mother took a box.


Post# 1002463 , Reply# 88   8/3/2018 at 21:28 (2,064 days old) by IowaBear (Cedar Rapids, IA)        
Sharing the Fryer Boil Out

iowabear's profile picture

Not a bad idea, although I'm trying to imagine the skepticism from my sister given its dubious name and generic looking packaging.

 

I'm sure she'd think I was trying to pass off some dollar store closeout, LOL.


Post# 1002466 , Reply# 89   8/3/2018 at 21:52 (2,064 days old) by lakewebsterkid (Dayton, Ohio)        
Dishwasher Detergent

Currently I am using Finish Quantum (the older harder version). I add 1 tsp of STPP to the dispenser. There is not very many things that need extra attention before going into the dishwasher. I am not the biggest fan of the newer style pacs. I feel like there is a bit more redepositing and the smell is horrible. I am considering trying some of the Cascade Platinum plus pacs from Amazon.

Post# 1002471 , Reply# 90   8/3/2018 at 23:41 (2,064 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

Bubble Bandit.


Post# 1004477 , Reply# 91   8/22/2018 at 11:54 (2,045 days old) by nickuk (chelmsford UK)        
Fairy / Cascade pacs oversudsing

We discussed this a while ago on a different thread, but we seemed to be divided on whether or not Fairy / Cascade dishwasher pods oversudsed.

I was firmly in the crazy `oversudsing' camp.

I just wanted to report that I think the issue is Rinse Aid. My machine ran out and I didn't bother to refill. Never had a single oversudsing issue with these pods since. I think that whatever of the rinse aid solution which is left over in the sump or around the machine causes havoc when the next cycle is run.

I would like to hear any response like `nup - never used rinse aid and they still oversuds' out of interest?? If so - fine - but I thought it only fair to report back on my discovery!


Post# 1004482 , Reply# 92   8/22/2018 at 13:51 (2,045 days old) by johnb300m (Chicago)        

johnb300m's profile picture
I started using Cascade Complete pacs when I got the new KDTE304G.
They worked fantastic.
I had a few light loads though, and on the very light soil loads, I DID have some excessive sudsing issues with the Complete pacs.
So I got a box of Complete powder, and I custom dose that with my soft water on light soil loads, and that seems to work great.
So I now use the pacs only for full, heavy soil loads and they work like a charm.


Post# 1004484 , Reply# 93   8/22/2018 at 14:11 (2,045 days old) by nickuk (chelmsford UK)        
thanks for the feedback John

....and I am pleased that you now have a solution which works for you with alternating the detergents.

May I ask if you also use a separate rinse aid?


Post# 1004505 , Reply# 94   8/22/2018 at 16:28 (2,045 days old) by johnb300m (Chicago)        

johnb300m's profile picture
I DO use a separate rinse aid.
I've swtiched to Cascade Platinum over the Finish Jet Dry that seems to be the standard.
And I have it dosed on the medium-high side to acidify the water a bit.
I had some bad etching issues with my soft water and my past GE dishwasher.

The new KA has been great with it thus far.
It does a few things which I think help prohibit etching on my glassware.
- it does far less pre-rinsing, so the detergent gets to work in much dirtier water, leaving less to attack the glass.

- it washes using much cooler, 105F main wash water on Normal. And only does the final rinse at 140F.

- it has two Heat Dry settings. One short, and one long. So I use the shorter Heat Dry setting to not overheat the dishware, which also aggravates etching in soft water.



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