Dishwasher Soap

[SilverSabre25]

I have always used Cascade (the powder in the box) and haven't had any issues at all. Recently I heard that they took the phosphates out of the Cascade and that it ****s now. Up until today, I hadn't noticed a difference.

Today though, I'm finding that the dishes do NOT look clean. They have this white film on them that looks just awful and there seems to be more "sludge" than usual. We did just start a new box of Cascade recently and that's the ONLY thing that's changed.

Ugh, blech, grr, ARGH!!!

What dishwasher soap do you guys use, or what can I do to get around this issue with the Cascade? This is SO annoying...

[cillybean83]

i use these little pellet things, one side is powder the other is liquid...i think cascade makes them??

I also use Finish, it's a little solid block with a blue gumball looking thing in the middle...

Or, if I'm broke I get the powdered Sun crap from Dollar Tree

[Former Teacher]

I, too, use to use Cascade liquid. Not anymore. It left my dishes crappy. Now I use Cascade pellets. I LOVE THEM. I also add 2 splashes of vinager at the bottom of dishwasher.

The dishes sparkle now

[Abigail]

We stopped using the liquid detergent because our cats can open the cupboard doors and lick things they shouldn't. We buy the pellets that come in the clear container with a green flip lid when they go on sale. Last time we ran out we just got a small box of finish to hold us over. Finish is slightly cheaper than what we've been getting for years, but they're individually wrapped and that's such a hassle.

[ninosqueridos]

I use the wholesale club brand liqui-gel in my dishwasher and have no complaints. The powder caked up too much in my machine.

[Little People]

I use the Cascade pellets with dawn and I love them. I was told by a plumber years ago NOT to use and form of Powder either in the dishwasher or washer, he said that it clumps and will stick to the pipes and cause the pipes to build up and lead to plumbing problems. He told me to try this: take 2 tablespoons of any powder and wet it and let it dry and I would see that it clumps hard.

[Unregistered]

I use Palmolive Eco+ (lavender scented) which is phosphate free and I have never had any issues with it. It is a liquid. It is also the cheapest at our local Walmart. = )

[jessrlee]

I use a 1/2 1/2 mixture of baking soda and borax. I also fill the rinse dispenser with white vinegar. This is an awesome mixture and cleans so well!

Recipe:

2 cups borax
2 cups baking soda
stor in an airtight container

use 1 tbsp for each load

[SilverSabre25]

I use a 1/2 1/2 mixture of baking soda and borax. I also fill the rinse dispenser with white vinegar. This is an awesome mixture and cleans so well!

Recipe:

2 cups borax
2 cups baking soda
stor in an airtight container

use 1 tbsp for each load

I may have to try that. Lots cheaper, !

[SilverSabre25]

Update:

i ran the dishwasher, empty, twice last night, using baking soda in the detergent cup and distilled vinegar poured into the bottom of the dishwasher.

Today, the dishes are SPARKLING. Cleaner than they've probably ever been since we moved in here over a year ago.

[missnikki]

Can you say....inspired?

I love you gals!!!

[laundrymom]

Soooooooo we are all cleaning our dishwashers tomorrow????? Rofl !! Lol. I know I am. Lol

[SilverSabre25]

that's funny. You wouldn't think something you use to clean things would need cleaned itself...but it sure did make a difference! There's a LOT less (maybe no?!) dishwasher sludge either.

I think I'm going to start running a "cleaning cycle" every month or so...we SO cannot afford to replace a major appliance right now...

And I'm probably going to try jessrlee's soap recipe, too...just need to contrive a container for it.

[missnikki]

This one reminds me of something I heard more than once, never tried:

Take one Lemonade flavored Kool-Aid packet and run an empty cycle. The citric acid in the Lemonade flavor (no other flavor works) cleans the dishwasher.

Anyone ever tried it, or heard of it, or am I bonkers?!?