mark_wpduet
Well-known member
If so, how long? I see people buying it in bulk at sams club. IF it has a shelf life I don't think it would be a great idea to purchase it in bulk.
Does automatic dish powder have a shelf life?
- Thread starter mark_wpduet
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Yes
Powdered automatic dishwasher detergent,and one assumes tablets as well loose strength over a period of time after the package is opened. Apparently moisture will slowly begin to degrade the product causing less and less cleaning power, until the stuff turns into a clumpy mess.
For this reason it is advised not to store powdered dishwasher detergent under kitchen sinks and or anyplace else that is damp. One is also advised to always close the package tighly after each use. Finally it is also advised not to purchase large tubs of the stuff unless one is going to be able to use it up before it breaks down.
Tablets are wrapped in plastic, and most powdered detergents come in containers designed to minimze moisture from seeping in, but over time it still will. Those large tubs sold at warehouse clubs and such are more likely than not for commercial/insititutional use or any other place that goes through lots of detergent quickly.
Have a large box of Cascade "Complete" that one is just finally getting near the end, and that took several months. Cannot imagine how long it would take to finish those huge tubs.
L
Powdered automatic dishwasher detergent,and one assumes tablets as well loose strength over a period of time after the package is opened. Apparently moisture will slowly begin to degrade the product causing less and less cleaning power, until the stuff turns into a clumpy mess.
For this reason it is advised not to store powdered dishwasher detergent under kitchen sinks and or anyplace else that is damp. One is also advised to always close the package tighly after each use. Finally it is also advised not to purchase large tubs of the stuff unless one is going to be able to use it up before it breaks down.
Tablets are wrapped in plastic, and most powdered detergents come in containers designed to minimze moisture from seeping in, but over time it still will. Those large tubs sold at warehouse clubs and such are more likely than not for commercial/insititutional use or any other place that goes through lots of detergent quickly.
Have a large box of Cascade "Complete" that one is just finally getting near the end, and that took several months. Cannot imagine how long it would take to finish those huge tubs.
L
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
I know
Cascade Complete is the only stuff that gets my dishes clean and I wanted to stock up in case they quit making it. Oh well, hopefully when phosphates are banned they will make something that works just as well. I get terrible results with Electrosol Tabs
Cascade Complete is the only stuff that gets my dishes clean and I wanted to stock up in case they quit making it. Oh well, hopefully when phosphates are banned they will make something that works just as well. I get terrible results with Electrosol Tabs
kqkenmore
Well-known member
If you buy the large containers of dishwaher detergent to keep the whole big container from going bad get a small Tupperware container or small jar and pour part of the powder or tabs in there so the big container does not go bad from over exposure to moisture.
Cascade Complete
Has it's own page on the P&G-Cascade detergent section and comes in several flavours, including "hydro-clean bleach". Doubt if it is going to be discontinued anytime soon.
One local supermarket stopped carrying CC, but another nearby does, so am safe for now. However will keep a close eye out for "close out" notices, and inquire if only the store will stop carrying CC, or if it is being discontinued. Am also going to check K-Sears later this week when down near NYU.
L.
Has it's own page on the P&G-Cascade detergent section and comes in several flavours, including "hydro-clean bleach". Doubt if it is going to be discontinued anytime soon.
One local supermarket stopped carrying CC, but another nearby does, so am safe for now. However will keep a close eye out for "close out" notices, and inquire if only the store will stop carrying CC, or if it is being discontinued. Am also going to check K-Sears later this week when down near NYU.
L.
spookiness
Well-known member
I buy my powder from Costco.
Last time I was in store, I was worried that their private-label detergent had changed to a new eco formula.
So far it seems to still work just fine.
I have an old low-end Kenmore, I never rinse my dishes, and the rinse agent dispenser leaks, so I never fill it.
Last time I was in store, I was worried that their private-label detergent had changed to a new eco formula.
So far it seems to still work just fine.
I have an old low-end Kenmore, I never rinse my dishes, and the rinse agent dispenser leaks, so I never fill it.
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
My rinse aid dispenser leaks too!
So I don't fill it. Funny though, not using any rinse aid has been fine. I use Cascade Complete and a little citric acid and everything comes out great. I kind of want to try the walmart brand cuz I hear it is great but I hate buying a box of something and then it not work. I still have three Electrosol tabs and I can't wait til the things are gone
So I don't fill it. Funny though, not using any rinse aid has been fine. I use Cascade Complete and a little citric acid and everything comes out great. I kind of want to try the walmart brand cuz I hear it is great but I hate buying a box of something and then it not work. I still have three Electrosol tabs and I can't wait til the things are gone
I plan to stock up on phosphate DW detergent. I'd like a year or two's supply. This will give manufacturers time to formulate non-phosphate detergents that clean well.
Since humidity is the enemy, I wonder if freezing powdered detergent will keep it 'fresh'? I suppose I can't freeze the Cascade 3-in-1 pacs, since they have a liquid in them.
Any comments or other ideas for long-term storage?
Since humidity is the enemy, I wonder if freezing powdered detergent will keep it 'fresh'? I suppose I can't freeze the Cascade 3-in-1 pacs, since they have a liquid in them.
Any comments or other ideas for long-term storage?
Shouldn't Bother Luv
Easier solution is simply purchase STPP from any number of sources, then add as required.
There really isn't any way to predict how various chemicals that make up the dishwashing detergent will cope with long term storage. Know from experience that tablets tend to get rock hard.
Easier solution is simply purchase STPP from any number of sources, then add as required.
There really isn't any way to predict how various chemicals that make up the dishwashing detergent will cope with long term storage. Know from experience that tablets tend to get rock hard.
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
OMG
MY BBFF bought some great value (walmart) automatic dishwashing powder and it says "phosphate free" on the side of the box. I told him never to buy anything but CC. Now I've got this box of stuff. I'm pissed!
MY BBFF bought some great value (walmart) automatic dishwashing powder and it says "phosphate free" on the side of the box. I told him never to buy anything but CC. Now I've got this box of stuff. I'm pissed!
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
Well I just tried it
The great value walmart automatic dish washing detergent. I can't believe it. I was sure this stuff was going to be crap since it specifically says "no phosphates" on the side of the box, but it works really well. I'm kind of in shock because I've never been able to use anything with good results in my DW other than C Complete.
The great value walmart automatic dish washing detergent. I can't believe it. I was sure this stuff was going to be crap since it specifically says "no phosphates" on the side of the box, but it works really well. I'm kind of in shock because I've never been able to use anything with good results in my DW other than C Complete.
tecnopolis
Well-known member
Whatever you do, don't keep any Palmolive Dishwasher detergent around for any longer than 6 months. Otherwise, it seperates and tuns into a watery mess. Shaking the bottle won't help. I called them and they sent me a coupon for a free replacement, I thre it in the trash. Powders from now on. Never tried a tab though.
-Alex
-Alex
tecnopolis
Well-known member
sorry, I failed to say "Palmolive Dishwasher liquid".
"Powdered automatic dishwasher detergent,and one assumes tablets as well loose strength over a period of time after the package is opened."
I can attest to that. My ex roommate got a supply of Electrosol that had been opened years before. It worked...sort of...although the performance was dramatically worse than a fresh box of detergent--even an underperforming "green" detergent.
I can attest to that. My ex roommate got a supply of Electrosol that had been opened years before. It worked...sort of...although the performance was dramatically worse than a fresh box of detergent--even an underperforming "green" detergent.
Most powdered detergents be they for laundry or automatic dishwashers are quite similar. All contain washing soda, sodium silicate, phosphates and other powdered chemicals which will over time absorb moisture. This is why their containers are labeled "store in a cool and dry place", and "keep lid (tightly) closed.
On another note as powdered detergent ages it looses ability to disslove well. The sludge that remains can gunk up a dishwshwer's pump and other parts, especially in hard water areas.
The first attempts at automatic dishwasher "liquids" was pitiful, but if the bottle of Cascade "Complete All-In-One" gel is any indication, things have improved. Methinks as with laundry detergents, the day will soon come when liquids, gels, and liquid/gel "packs" will dominate the shelves where powdered automatic dishwasher detergents once held sway.
Tablets, OTHO have a limited shelf life before they turn into bricks. This occurs regardless of individual wrapping and being inside a box or plastic bucket with a tight fitting lid.
L.
On another note as powdered detergent ages it looses ability to disslove well. The sludge that remains can gunk up a dishwshwer's pump and other parts, especially in hard water areas.
The first attempts at automatic dishwasher "liquids" was pitiful, but if the bottle of Cascade "Complete All-In-One" gel is any indication, things have improved. Methinks as with laundry detergents, the day will soon come when liquids, gels, and liquid/gel "packs" will dominate the shelves where powdered automatic dishwasher detergents once held sway.
Tablets, OTHO have a limited shelf life before they turn into bricks. This occurs regardless of individual wrapping and being inside a box or plastic bucket with a tight fitting lid.
L.
Walmart changed there Dishwasher detergent Phosphate free and nothing came clean at all and my stopgap Kenmore powerclean dishwasher is very powerful for a new one.My Mom is a Botanist and she has lots of Chemicals for growing and Phosphates is one of them.I took some and I ground it up more it was a little rocky and brown in my Vitamix.I added it to the detergent and did a BOB load but with tons of food in the bottom,I scraped nothing.They were spotless the next day no food or anything not even on the top of cups where it normaly collects.You haved to get the mix right though or it will smell like dirt and a little goes along way.Its just strange seeing brown specs in the detergent now but now it out cleans any Cascade complete or that Finnish which for some reason suds lock my washer...Try it you will be shocked
mark_wpduet
Well-known member
Well
I don't rinse anything at all, just scrape it. I usually run the dishwasher about three times per week so things will get dried on. Oatmeal, etc. I also have a stainless steel pot I use all the time and when I used Kroger everyday living powder (awful), Electrosol tabs, or Electrosol powder there would always be a bit of stuff left in the bottom of the stainless steel pot, on some bowls where there was dried oatmeal etc. When I used Cascade Complete powder, it was great. Since then I didn't think anything would measure up. I was very hesitant when I used this walmart phosphate free powder but there was nothing left on any of the dishes. Seriously. I was shocked. When did walmart change the formula?
I don't rinse anything at all, just scrape it. I usually run the dishwasher about three times per week so things will get dried on. Oatmeal, etc. I also have a stainless steel pot I use all the time and when I used Kroger everyday living powder (awful), Electrosol tabs, or Electrosol powder there would always be a bit of stuff left in the bottom of the stainless steel pot, on some bowls where there was dried oatmeal etc. When I used Cascade Complete powder, it was great. Since then I didn't think anything would measure up. I was very hesitant when I used this walmart phosphate free powder but there was nothing left on any of the dishes. Seriously. I was shocked. When did walmart change the formula?
