Finish "Glass Magic" additive for dishwashers

[retropia]

This product has been mentioned a few times here, but I didn't know much about it other than it helps to remove film from glasses for people who have hard water problems.

I've been having difficulty getting a few items clean recently, in particular a roaster pan from the toaster oven. It had baked-on food stains that wouldn't come off, even after running it through twice using the pots-and-pans cycle.

After reading about phosphates being removed from dishwasher detergent, I discovered to my dismay that my jumbo box of Cascade Extra Action "with the grease fighting power of Dawn" is now phosphate-free.

Even though phosphates are not illegal in dishwasher detergent sold in Ohio, in some states it is illegal, so manufacturers are removing it from most dishwashing detergent sold nationwide.

"Glass Magic" is available in stores in Ohio (I paid $3.99 for a 16-oz. box at Meijer), but I'm guessing it's not available in states where phosphate use in dishwashers is considered a criminal activity. Those folks can get it mail-order through Amazon.

The box says it contains Sodium Metasilicate, Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), and active organic chlorine. Phosphorous content: "Contains not more than 21% phosphorous in the form of phosphates, which is equivalent to 2.3 grams per tablespoon use level."

The instructions say to pour 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) into the bottom of the machine. I wanted it to run in the same cycle where the detergent is dispensed, so I filled the detergent dispenser to 2/3 full with Cascade powder and then added 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp.) Glass Magic, also in the detergent dispenser.

It worked great, and the remaining gunk finally came off of the roaster pan. I wasn't having film problems on our glasses; I was having cleaning problems. So I wanted to suggest that if anyone else is having similar issues, give Glass Magic a try.

Amazon.com

 

[rp2813]

I have a box of Glass Magic and use it occasionally. I think regular use could have a negative impact on plastisol so I only use it when I need an extra kick for tough jobs.

I'm wondering if something has changed with my water because even with phosphated detergent I'm having film issues sometimes. I noticed recently that after a rinse/hold with clear water, glasses were cloudy. Whatever was on them still didn't come off after running a full wash cycle using phosphated Cascade powder.

I probably should have tried Glass Magic to see if it would clear things up, but instead ran the filmy items through with 2 cups of white vinegar--no detergent--for a full wash. That fixed things, but I can't be having to do that every time.

I may have no choice but to toss a little Glass Magic into every load now.

 

[whirlcool]

Haven't seen Glass Magic in the stores here yet.
22% Phosphates? Wow, that's an extrordinary number. Cascade normally carries between 7-8% phosphates.

 

[retropia]

Detergent to Glass Magic ratio

Of course, Glass Magic is meant to be used with dishwasher detergent, not in place of. Thus the net phosphates content will be less than 21 percent, depending on your ratio of detergent to Glass Magic.

My primary detergent dispenser holds approx. 5 Tbsp. If I place 3 Tbsp. of non-phosphated detergent with 2 Tbsp. of Glass Magic at 21 percent phosphates, if my math is correct, I come up with a net phosphate content of 8.4 percent.

I'm going to continue with that recipe for awhile and see if my good results continue.

 

[rp2813]

I think Glass Magic is supposed to accomplish more or less the same thing as LemiShine, but Glass Magic contains no citric acid.

I can't find LemiShine around here anywhere. Both products advise to use in addition to your detergent, not in place of. I may have to start doing that.

 

[retropia]

LemiShine

I'm not familiar with LemiShine. I'd be curious as to its ingredients, besides the phosphates and citric acid.

One question I have about the Glass Magic is the addition of chlorine; I'm guessing that will counteract the enzymes in Cascade.

I'm wondering if I should put the Glass Magic in with the Cascade in the secondary detergent cup, that runs prior to the main wash cycle. Then let the enzymes in the Cascade that go in the main cycle, from the primary dispenser, have a longer chance to do their thing.

It may not make much difference.

 

[maytagbear]

Last time I saw LemiShine

was the last time I was at Wal*Mart.

I've only seen Glass Magic at Amazon.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[maytagmark]

I'll have to try some glass magic if I can find it locally,I've always had great results with Finish until recently, now there is a film on the older glassware and black plastic cooking spoons, I always use the prewash (open) dispenser because the main one doesn't always open all the way,I overfill the dispenser then set it on pots and pans, my Whirlpool washes so fast it needs that extra wash time, sometime I go back to add some for the main wash and it's already rinsing.

 

[rp2813]

Interesting about the availability of Glass Magic and LemiShine. My sister found Lemishine at her Target in L.A., but mine doesn't carry it. Meanwhile, I'm finding Glass Magic on some supermarket shelves, but the box I have came from ACE hardware.

I've been using the "Short" wash cycle for most loads in the Thermador but may have to switch to the "Regular" cycle that involves both detergent cups when I use Glass Magic.

 

[a440]

I have looked around at a few places here in Atlanta for this and have had no luck finding it.
Might have to do the Amazon route.
It sounds so interesting!
Brent

 

[polkanut]

I recently replenished my supply of 20 Mule Team Borax, and one of the suggested uses on the back of the box was to add a 1/4 cup to the bottom of the dw along with the regular amount of detergent, and wash as usual. It supposedly eliminates spots and film on glasses, cookware, etc. Has anyone tried this before, and if so, results?

 

[retropia]

Borax

It seems that borax has some properties that will soften hard water. That could help for situations where hard water is leaving a film, and in states where phosphated-dishwasher detergent or phosphate additives are no longer available.

I couldn't find any concerns about borax in waste water having a negative environmental impact.

I've never tried it. Since it has apparently been used in washing machines for many years without issue, I don't suppose it would be damaging to a dishwasher, either.

 

[roto204]

For real?

Okay, so, manufacturers eliminate phosphates from detergents, they perform poorly, and then they sell you a separate product--guess what--teeming with phosphates, and--guess what again--adding it to your regular detergent makes it work?

What a racket. Next we'll have to purchase the caffeine for our coffee separately and add it back ourselves.

I've been experimenting with the Frigidaire DishBlaster (SuperSurge) and a bucket of Cascade ActionPacs with Dawn that I bought that are phosphate-free. I find that adding two instead of one works fine, although for really dirty items, the cleaning performance drops to just-okay.

I didn't realize I'd miss real dishwasher detergent so much.

 

[retropia]

Agree

I agree it's absurd we have to become chemists to get our dishes clean. I think the phosphate additives are only for states where it's still legal. I doubt you can find even the phosphate additives in a state like Washington.

For folks in those states, it's either mail order, find a legal alternative additive like borax, or go back to hand washing.

 

[sikiguya]

Lemi Shine

I found some today at Target and just ran a cycle with no dishes, like the container told me to do.

I'll report back tomorrow night with the results of a full load. I have been having lots of spots and a strange film so we will see if this takes care of it.