Thread Number: 74087
/ Tag: Detergents and Additives
Dishwasher Detergent Recipe, with phosphates? |
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Post# 978702 , Reply# 1   1/17/2018 at 12:54 (2,262 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)   |   | |
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I use Cascade Complete powder mixed with STPP added at about 15-20%of the weight of the detergent. I have a large Rubbermaid pitcher with a sealing pour-spout and it works perfectly. I have softened water and don't really need the phosphates, but it's mimicking what Cascade used to be right before the phosphates were taken out.
I have used the Institutional Cascade with phosphates and chlorine bleach and it doesn't seem to perform as well for me as the Complete with enzymes. I keep it on hand as it's very nice for some loads that need the bleaching benefits. Generally, enzymes are going to perform better at the lower target wash-temps in the newer machines. I have used the enzyme detergent in the pre-wash and put chlorine bleach detergents in the main wash cup with very good results. Theory is that the temps are cooler in the beginning of the cycle as the load and tank warm up, the bleach works more effectively at higher temps. |
Post# 978707 , Reply# 2   1/17/2018 at 13:29 (2,262 days old) by appnut (TX)   |   | |
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I have very hard water apparently, but I don't know what the level is. A couple of months ago I had to have the diverter valve replaced on my 23 month old Kenmore Elite (KitchenAid product). 2 weeks later the circulation pump stopped spraying water even though it was trying to. The assessment waws the pump module had to be replaced, under extended warranty. The guy who did the service to replace the pump assembly has been repairing appliances for 30 years. I told him I was following instructions and using the Affresh dishwasher cleaner as instructed. He replied and told me that wouldn't address my problem due to the hard water scale. He suggested I use Lemi Shine detergent booster in each load and their dishwasher cleaner once a month because that deals with lime scale that Affresh doesn't address. He said that's what he's advised customers in hard water areas for years to use. I've always used Cascade Platinum pods, but hadn't been putting anything in the pre wash cup generally unless extremely soiled loads. I now use the Platinum in the main detergent dispenser and Cascade Complete in prewash. I've also selected to use Finish detergent booster rather than Lemi Shine detergent booster. And use the dishwasher cleaner on the 1st of every month. |
Post# 978721 , Reply# 4   1/17/2018 at 15:37 (2,262 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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I have dabbled with STPP both in the dishwasher and laundry. From what I saw the quality of the detergent is far more important. A while back I ran out of STPP and I really haven't missed it. I use a Cascade Platinum pack in the dispenser and some generic dishwasher detergent on the door, I can't recall anything not coming out perfectly clean. My dishwasher only runs twice a week so the dishes have generally sat a few days too.
My area has very hard water but I have a softener so that is a non-issue. At 14 grain hardness, I'd suggest a water softener before STPP, it improves everything you do with water in your house. |
Post# 978748 , Reply# 5   1/17/2018 at 19:03 (2,262 days old) by mike_g (Aberdeen SD)   |   | |
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Thanks for the softener idea. Don't want to do that for a host of reasons, among them it wrecks my water for brewing due to sodium ion addition. I figured the STPP was primarily for water softening, so if you have soft water, it likely would have little effect. |
Post# 978763 , Reply# 6   1/17/2018 at 20:20 (2,262 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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I can understand the brewing issue, but that is super easy to work around, just have an unsoftened tap. My outdoor faucets are hard water as is the filtered drinking water in the kitchen.
Seriously, the water softener at 14 grain hardness would be a great change. You would use less detergent, valves and faucets last longer, bathing is more pleasant and whites and dishes get clean etc. I think about 7 grain hardness or lower would be the point where I might consider not having a softener. |
Post# 978957 , Reply# 9   1/19/2018 at 10:29 (2,260 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)   |   | |
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Needs to go - whatever the reason. Tackle that, first. As to STTP or TSP (which is what most automatic dishwasher detergents used), they help tremendously. Buy a good commercial detergent, add either 1 teaspoon FRESH STTP or one tablespoon TSP. If the STTP isn't fresh, fresh, fresh, it has already turned into TSP. Which is in many ways better for dishes and pots and pans.
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Post# 978972 , Reply# 11   1/19/2018 at 12:11 (2,260 days old) by panthera (Rocky Mountains)   |   | |
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One, the Maytag/Whirlpool (your dishwasher is a Whirlpool mechanically) experts around here can help you with disassembly - I'd suggest a separate thread on that. As to the white stuff, stop using vinegar. It's combining with something (probably a magnesium chelate) in the water and making a nasty problem worse. Next step is citric acid. Four packs of Lemon Kool-Aid in the hottest wash program should show a major improvement. If they do, then pick up some citric acid in the caning section of Walmart. Be careful, it's still an acid. Hope that helps. This post was last edited 01/19/2018 at 12:30 |
Post# 978989 , Reply# 13   1/19/2018 at 13:06 (2,260 days old) by mike_g (Aberdeen SD)   |   | |
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Thanks for the thoughts, I'll give it whirl. |
Post# 979029 , Reply# 14   1/19/2018 at 15:22 (2,260 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
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Personally I wouldn't soften hot water only, you loose too many benefits. When my last water softener quit it was striking how often the toilet needed cleaning. We used to have hard cold water to the kitchen faucet itself and the cartridge and rubber O-ring parts needed frequent replacement. The idea of cold water laundry rinses in full hard water don't seem appealing either. We do have 18+ grain hardness, the aquifers here are in limestone :(
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