Tried a new brand of dishwasher degergent.

[autowasherfreak]

I bought a box of Reeva dishwasher detergent manufactured for Aldi Foods. Used it on load of dishes that had been sitting for a few days in the Kitchenaid, and was quit impressed with it for only costing $2.50

The ingredients are:

Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Silicate
Biodegradable Surfactants
Enzymes
Contains no phosphates or Chlorine, safe for septic systems

Has anyone else used it?

 

[polkanut]

I've used the Reeva gel, and found it did a satisfactory job. Nothing exceptional though. Give me phosphates any day of the week!

 

[andrewinorlando]

I too used it here in Florida...very mixed results. Spotty glasses and utensils, just mediocre cleaning in some loads. Needed to use hi temp wash all the time. But it does smell nice!

 

[rp2813]

Yeah, I've learned my lesson. Anything that goes into the '85 Thermador has to have some phosphate content. At least on the Reeva box they make it very clear that it's phosphate free. I had to read the super fine print on the back of my Finish box to find out the same information--after disastrous results my first time using the reformulated stuff.

 

[autowasherfreak]

Water Heat Temp

For those who have dishwashers either modern or vintage what is the temperature of your hot water? Mine just has A B C settings on the thermostat control. The water heater at the new house is a Kenmore and has three settings--very hot, hot, and I can't remember what the other setting was.

 

[qsd-dan]

For those who have dishwashers either modern or vintage what is the temperature of your hot water?

140F for both the dishwasher and washer (140F for whites). On my water heater, that temp is a smidge past the "C" mark. I use both a candy thermometer and an infrared temperature gun to periodically check and adjust the temperature.

If your dishwasher doesn't pre-heat the water (a lot of lower end models don't) you really need 140F at the tap.

 

[rp2813]

My water heater currently tops out around 135. I say "tops out" because if not hot water has been used for several hours, the temp is barely above 120. Once the burner kicks in, it'll get it up to around 135 before shutting off.

 

[autowasherfreak]

When use the Whirlpool dw I have set for the extra hot wash. I don't have that option on the KA Custom 21, but I read somewhere that on some KA they will automatically heat the water to 140 deg.