Cascade Powder w/phosphates VS Cascade non-phosphate w/stpp added

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After awhile I've noticed that the dishwasher tends to retain the odor of the DW detergent that you are using. So if you add 1/4 cup bleach just before starting up the machine, when it finishes not only will you have nice white coffee cups, but the dishwasher doesn't have any odor at all.

We do this about twice a month.
 
My DW Detergents

I currently use non-phosphate Cascade with Dawn action Pacs, "New Zealand Spring" scent. I can't wait to finish these, as the scent is WAY too strong! I guess these stinkers appeal to several ethnic groups? I also use Finish Powerball Tabs Citrus Scent, also non-phosphate, and those work quite well. I have used Cascade Complete Pacs, and they work better than the regular Action Pacs, though they cost more. I still have a bag of 8% phosphate Action Pacs left, but am saving it for my collection.
 
Our city water is medium hard, so maybe in softer water it does foam more, IDK.  I've always found it to be a good performer, and I love the smell of the chlorine coming out of the machine.  I'm currently using a 50/50 mixture of Hytron & Cascade w/ 6% phosphate.  Great results so far. (fingers crossed) 
 
 
Have run a couple loads with the Cascade.  The bleach content has a nice effect on stained plastics, such as the funnel of my iced tea maker which never came fully white with the enzyme formulations.
 
Try this...

Reckitt-Benckiser has a product available in some supermarkets here called "Finish Glass Magic". I was told by a company representative that it has phosphates and chlorine in it, and was exempt from the DW detergent phosphate regulations. I have looked at a box, and sure enough, it has 21% phosphate and dry chlorine bleach. You are supposed to use it in the first pre-wash to help eliminate stains on glassware. It will also clean-out your dishwasher. It costs 4.29 at Shop-Rite by me, but I have not noticed it in Targets or Walmarts.
 
Well.. Curiosity got the best of me, and I opened a box of Institutional Cascade. Sadly.. this stuff is formulated differently from the Cascade Gel, and Electrasol Chlorine Powder Detergent formulations I remember. It simply cannot dissolve through food :( In Fact, in my case, it actually left a nasty, gritty, residue from a small amount of Mashed Potatoes left on a plate..

I'm not sure what the difference in Formulation is, from there Old Sheeting Action Forumla (20oz Boxes) and this stuff, besides the STPP Level, 7.5 vs 7.0. The old stuff could dissolve through food very thoroughly, even Mac & Cheese, and Oatmeal. I'm guessing the Bleach Content isin't the same, or the Sheeting Action Forumla has a additional ingredient, or surfactant to work on that stuff.

On the Bright Side, Tubberware & Glassware will come out, super sparkling, if everything is pre-rinsed beforehand. For now.. I'm gonna stay with My Cascade Complete Powder, with Phosphates ;)
 
We still have a stash of the old Cascade Action Packs with 8% STTP we use for heavy loads. Most of the time we have been using the new Cascade Complete packets with Dawn and no STTP.

When the load is done with the newer Cascade Complete it leaves a strange sweet kind of scent behind. I don't particularly care for it. The older Cascade Action packs with Dawn leave a more neutral clean scent behind. The newer stuff cleans OK, but I don't like the odor it has.
 
I saw Cascade in institutional packaging at my local Ace Hardware a few years back. Wonder if that's the same product you described. Will have to go and read the label if they still have it. I love Cascade. Getting harder and harder around here to find it without lemon. I now settle for Cascade with Dawn. Like I've said in other posts, our water is soft here and I don't have to fill bothe detergent cups. Always kind of figured that was to make you use more of the detergent.
 

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