Phosphate-Free Cascade Complete Gel: Let The Tests Begin!

[frigilux]

I found this in the local grocery store yesterday, and snapped it up immediately. I want to give the new phosphate-free Cascade a tough test.

Having returned home from judging at a forensics speech contest all day, I got one of those 2nd winds and decided to get a head start on making food for a friend who has just gotten out of the hospital.

So.... I made the following:

1. Roast beef
2. Mashed Potatoes
3. Glazed Ham
4. Corn Pudding
5. Loaf of Sandwich Bread
6. Rigatoni With Sausage and Meatballs

First photo: The new Cascade Complete

 

[frigilux]

Here are three of the grungiest pans. From left to right: Spaghetti sauce, mashed potatoes, saute pan (sausages, meatballs, onions/red bell peppers/garlic) and the pasta pot. (The roast is still in the oven, as is the ham, so those pans will make up the 2nd load.)

All three pans have either a heavy starch coating (the pasta pot and mashed potato pan) or cooked-on food. The deep saute pan has an almost blackened fond.

 

[frigilux]

And this being AW, here are the obligatory dishwasher photos. Forgot to mention that I wash loads like this regularly with the phosphate-formula Cascade Complete Gel and everything comes out absolutely spotless.

We'll see of the new formula is up to the task.

The lower rack---

 

[frigilux]

The upper rack---

The food processor bowl has dried-on bread dough stuck to it.

 

[frigilux]

Once again, the cutlery rack is half empty---

 

[frigilux]

I chose the Soak cycle, which is the most intensive one on my LG.

The display shows I've chose the steam option and an extra rinse (due to the double-dose of detergent). The cycle automatically defaults to the 160-degree rinse and highest-pressure spray.

The cycle never takes 3:31. I'm guessing it will come in around 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hours.

I'll post the results later tonight or in the morning.

 

[frigilux]

Wow, two grammatical errors! I need to slow down and proofread.

The pasta pot is going into the 2nd load, as well.

 

[tomturbomatic]

It is a shame to waste that beautiful fond in the dishwasher. I would have put some of the spaghetti sauce in there to cook it off or what's the fancy term, "deglaze"? I learned years ago that making gravy was the easiest and tastiest way to clean a skillet.

I hope your pans come clean. I have been getting good results with the Cascade gel, but not the Complete formula. I use the cheaper stuff with bleach.

 

[frigilux]

The Verdict: Fantastic!!

The entire load emerged as clean as when I use phosphate-formula Cascade Complete. The pans are gleaming.

I guess this means I won't have to hoard old-formula Cascade. Yay!

I've put the second load of pans and casseroles in the LG, this time using the less intensive Power Scrub cycle. It's about 45 minutes shorter than the Soak cycle and, of course, has no soak periods. Let's see how the new phosphate-free formula handles that.

My container of Biokleen phosphate-free detergent arrived via UPS at work on Friday. I tried it on a regular load of dishes and it did a great job. I'll give it a tougher test tomorrow when I cook for guests. We'll find out if it can compete with new Cascade Complete on pots/pans.

 

[frigilux]

UPDATE: The second load of (not quite so grungy) pots/pans/casseroles using the shorter Power Scrub cycle and the all-new phosphate-free formula Cascade Complete gel emerged spotless, as well.

Tom---Funny you mentioned wasting the fond, as that's exactly what I said when I put the pan into the dishwasher. But when performing non-scientific tests of new dw detergents, there are some things we simply must sacrifice, LOL!

 

[mysteryclock]

Great news...

...and thanks for the detailed reviews too! Is your water there hard or soft? When you run low on your current selections, I'd be interested to see a similar wash-off with the new Finish phosphate-free tabs too. I've been very impressed with their Quantum Powerball tabs vs. Cascade All-In-Ones (which left glasses & SS filmy) with our fairly hard water here, so it would be interesting to see how their new P-free products compare.

 

[appnut]

Hmm, "interseting".

 

[cleanteamofny]

I wished my kenmore had the power to do that.
Would you please cook some spinach and oatmeal and wash them on the top rack and tell us the results when you get a chance?

 

[appnut]

Larry, what about those items when you put them in the bottom rack?

 

[appnut]

Eugene, why did you seelct the liquid vs. the powder? I personally don't like liquids.

 

[whirlcool]

And.....

Wash some aluminum cookware in the non-phosphated detergent so we can see if it turns black.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

I'd like to see how the new detergent handles eggs, rice, and mustard in a regular dishwasher that runs for 40 minutes with 140 degree water.

Ken D.

 

[cleanteamofny]

Bob, to really test a dishwashers strength is how a pot is washed on the top rack. I've used two older model Kenmore's that will clean these items without a problem, it's the new machine that can not perform this task without leaving food byproduct behind.

This picture is what the last owners left behind with that Ultra Clean Kenmore that will out clean any current Kenmore on the market.

 

[cleanteamofny]

I do have two dishwasher for back up but not willing to switch out.

Same machine as above but in white.