Consumer Reports ranks phosphate-free DW detergents

[sudsmaster]

I've noticed that the old phosphated powders seem to work better than the phosphated gel packs. I think this is because although the the percent phosphorus in the gel packs is equal to or higher than that of the powders, the gel packs are more concentrated so it's actually fewer grams of phosphate per load.

Since I've been able to accumulate (OK, Hoard) a stash of phosphated Cascade powder, I'm considering returning the two unopened tubs of relatively expensive phosphated Cascade gel packs to Costco. Although I do find them handy for use in the older Hobart/KA top loading dishwashers, esp the KD-2P, which lacks a built in dispenser.

 

[retropia]

That makes sense that the concentrated gel packs would likely contain less phosphates per use than non-concentrated, phosphated detergent.

It's probably less of an issue in newer dishwashers that use less water, and more of an issue in older dishwashers that use more water. The level of water hardness in one's particular locale may also be a factor.

Our new Kenmore dishwasher seems to clean fine with the concentrated, phosphated Cascade Action Pacs, but it uses less water than do older dishwashers. When I install the new/old Maytag, I may dip into my stash of vintage Cascade powder for use in that machine.

 

[sudsmaster]

The water hardness here varies by season. It's because the regional water company varies the source of the water during the year. I've noticed that, in general, the water tends to get a bit harder in the summer than in the winter. That's probably because we have dry summers and wet winters. In the winter most of the water seems to come directly from the mountain sources, which are soft. In the summer more of the water seems to come from local reservoirs, which tend to have higher hardness levels. The difference is not major - the hardness can be as little as two grains in the winter to six or more grains in the summer - but it's enough for me to notice spotting on washed cars or on glassware in the summer when little to none is noticed in the winter.

In any case, I've recently noticed more spotting on glassware using the phosphated cascade action pacs. I switched back to the powder version and the spotting has gone away. Anecdotal and not very scientific, I know, but I do think the lower phosphate level (and the set dosage) in the action pacs is a major cause of spotting when the water hardness increases on a seasonal basis.

 

[supersuds]

That's odd. My experience is the opposite. With powders -- whether Cascade, Finish, or Sunlight -- there will almost always be a couple of pieces of silverware that are spotted, where they touch the side of the silverware basket or another utensil. This never happens with any of the gel or action pacs, except for Target's Up & Up.

Thanks for all the info about the built in water softeners! Fascinating stuff.