Dishwasher Detergent Test

[logixx]

Over the last weeks, I tried several dishwasher detergents. For most tests, I used the low-temp Intensive cycle, as many modern detergents claim to deliver the same performance as on high-temp cycles.

The first product is a powder by Lidl. Our CR ranked it as the best powder - even better than some premium tablets. However, it frequently left cloudy water in the dishwasher's sump and glasses were left cloudy as well. Must have been grease that hadn't been washed away.



This is American Cascade with Dawn. Cleaned okay - not spectactlar - and sudsed quite a bit. It's also the only detergent without phosphates... but my dishwasher has a softener.



Finally finish Quantum. This is my dishwasher's preferred detergent. Cleans like a champ but, for some reason, came in second to last in a recent detergent review by our CR. I totally can't understand this.





Alex

 

[joe_in_philly]

Like the human body, the Quantum doesn't fully digest corn.

The latest version of Finish Quantum in the US has part powder, part gel. It looks like the Quantum you used is all powder, like our older versions.

 

[logixx]

Quantum with gel has not yet been released here - don't know if it will. The red spot in the middle of the tab is wax - so it's not just powder.

 

[iheartmaytag]

Finish Quantum

The red spot in the center is your rinse aide.

According to CR Finish held three of the top four spots, while Cascade Complete held #2 position. I was surprised that Cascade Platinum scored #5 I believe, I actually thought it did better than the complete, must have been the placebo effect.

 

[joe_in_philly]

I suspect that different detergent formulations favor different dishwashers, cycles, and water conditions. Some dishwashers have longer wash cycles than others and at different temperatures. Detergent A may work better than Detergent B in a short, hot wash cycle, but if the wash is longer and cooler, perhaps Detergent B would provide superior results. While CR's ratings may work as a guide, there is nothing like trying something out for yourself with your unique set of conditions.

 

[iheartmaytag]

Joe

You are absolutely correct.
Years ago we always used Cascade, we moved to the country with well water and Cascade in the same machine (GE Mobile Maid) did terrible.
Switched to Electrosol (Now Finish) worked great.

Moved back to city, Electrosol didn't do so hot, switched back to Cascade, all A-OK.

 

[rapunzel]

"different detergent formulations..."

That's why I don't get or bother with tablets. It's finish powder for me all the way. I dose it however I want and there is a built-in rinse aid dispenser that does its job. Results are excellent every time and regardless of cycle. No film on glasses, no residual grease on dishes and no other product-related residue left stuck to the inside of the dishwasher - just clean dishes. I don't have to rely on how slowly or quickly a tablet dissolves. The powder is dispensed at exactly the right stage of the cycle.

 

[foraloysius]

Very happy with my Somat10 tabs. Since I have the Miele dishwasher everything comes out sparkling clean! I bought a box of W5 from Lidl, but my dishwasher smelt horrible after doing a load with a W5 tab! One wash with Somat10 and the stink is totally gone!

 

[logixx]

My Siemens loves Quantum - one might almost suspect it watched the "Leading manufacturers recommend finish" commercial too often and now wants nothing but finish... Tried Somat 10 and wasn't wow'ed. For me, it actually did leave a smell behind. 

 

[ronhic]

Louis

We had a Bosch in the UK that used to hate powder, but was fine with the Lidl W5 tablets.

 

Here, I find that tablets do work better overall, but that limits the ability to dose. I'm also not a fan of the additional packaging that comes with them. On the other hand, Aldi Logix powder, rated very poorly by Choice, cleans very well in our machine on the 60c Normal cycle...provided the dispenser is dry when you load it!

 

[MikeS]

Finish Tablets

After some experimenting, I found the Finish All in One tablets to work the best in our Bosch. It cleans very well without leaving the glasses in a foggy haze. I usually run the dishwasher every three days (on the Heavy Wash cycle), and everything comes out sparkling. Also, I can usually pick up Finish at a very good price (our Costco had 110 tabs on sale for $11) and a large amount lasts for about six months or so. Nothing against Cascade, but for now, I'll stick with Finish.