verizonbear
Well-known member
I have seen online where people are adding 2tsp of TSP with detergent in the main cup and getting excellent results. What are you guys throughts? TSP is pretty caustic I thought is it safe to use?
Using TSP as a dishwasher detergent booster ? Safe?
- Thread starter verizonbear
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The better additive is STPP (Sodium Tripolyposphate).
As you say, TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) is harsher ... and it also generates a precipitate in hard water, which is not a good thing for a dishwasher.
Do people resorting to using this stuff buy cheap dw detergent or something? What's the point
When they first removed the phosphates from dishwasher detergent there was a serious problem with performance, but these days if you use "Finish" you really should not need to add a booster. I've heard that "Cascade" has finally caught up with the times, but I have not tried it lately since Finish works so well for us.
stevet
Well-known member
Watch out with the Finish
If you look closely at the different Finish boxes, some of the products contain a small amount of phosphate in it and some do not. They are not always saying that the product is phosphate free, but I know that the ones with the small amount in them do a better job then those without.
If you look closely at the different Finish boxes, some of the products contain a small amount of phosphate in it and some do not. They are not always saying that the product is phosphate free, but I know that the ones with the small amount in them do a better job then those without.
TSP is actually less caustic than the main ingredient in dishwasher detergent, which is washing soda or sodium carbonate.
And yes, STPP would be preferable to TSP, since STPP doesn't create an insoluble precipitate to encrust glassware, dishware, and dishwasher parts.
To date I'm still using phosphated DW detergents. I bought up a stash before the products disappeared from the shelves. At some point I'll try Finish or the new Cascade to see if these new formulations have finally come up to performance level of the older phosphated formulations.
It's also unfortunate - for those of us with vintage dishwashers with relatively quick wash cycles - that chlorinated DW detergent is no longer available. I doubt that the enzymes in modern DW detergents have enough time to work in, say, the 10 minute wash portion of KD2P dishwasher cycle.
And yes, STPP would be preferable to TSP, since STPP doesn't create an insoluble precipitate to encrust glassware, dishware, and dishwasher parts.
To date I'm still using phosphated DW detergents. I bought up a stash before the products disappeared from the shelves. At some point I'll try Finish or the new Cascade to see if these new formulations have finally come up to performance level of the older phosphated formulations.
It's also unfortunate - for those of us with vintage dishwashers with relatively quick wash cycles - that chlorinated DW detergent is no longer available. I doubt that the enzymes in modern DW detergents have enough time to work in, say, the 10 minute wash portion of KD2P dishwasher cycle.
Per what I've read, Cascade Fryer Boil Out supposedly is the same formula under a different name as the previous Cascade Institutional dishwasher detergent ... with phosphates and chlorine bleach.
I stick with Finish Quantum, powerballs or Cascade gel packs, whichever is on sale at the time needed. Right now we're using Cascade Platinum. I've never noticed any real difference between any of those 3 and they all work well for me. I wouldn't chance wasting my money trying a bargain brand or powder/liquid these days.
Glad I have my stash....
But...didn't they admit a couple of years ago that Phosphates were not the cause of the problems with water and algae and whatever else? I do see Phosphates (small amounts) making a comeback in no name brand detergents.
If it is not an issue...why don't they just start using it in detergents again?
But...didn't they admit a couple of years ago that Phosphates were not the cause of the problems with water and algae and whatever else? I do see Phosphates (small amounts) making a comeback in no name brand detergents.
If it is not an issue...why don't they just start using it in detergents again?
I'm using Sunlight packs in my Kenmore UltraWash (with the powerclean module) and it works fine.
If I use the Finish product (which I absolutely love) it tends to over-foam when I use the heated wash cycle.
If I use the Finish product (which I absolutely love) it tends to over-foam when I use the heated wash cycle.
polkanut
Well-known member
Speaking of chlorinated dw detergent, this is what we use. It is also certified for institutional use. We buy it at a regional farm & home chain "Mills Fleet Farm".
mysteryclock
Well-known member
If you have super-hard water in your area the best things I've found are either a dishwasher with a built-in softener or a phosphate detergent, since the "mix" will be correct. Some people swear by Bubble Bandit (link below), although I've never personally used it. I did use the Cascade commercial some before we got a DW with a softener and it was OK, but still not as good as the last Finish Quantum Powerball tabs that still had phosphates.
High Performance Dishwasher and Laundry Detergents | Bubble Bandit
High performance dishwasher and laundry detergents for spotless and sparkling dishes and glassware and brilliant laundry every load.
www.bubblebandit.com
tennblondie78
Well-known member
I use Bubble Bandit and love it. I do want to try the Cascade Fryer Boil Out though...
