What Detergents Are You Lot Using In Your Vintage DWs?

[launderess]

Have been using Cascade Complete (the older version with phosphates) in my Mobile Maid but find it seems to cause excess frothing. That is halfway through the main wash you can certainly hear the telltale indications of excess foam.

Have reduced detergent dosage down to filling the cup halfway (about two tablespoons) but don't want to go lower for fear of harming results. Find if things get too bad a drop or two of defoamer like one uses in the Miele washing machine takes care of the issue.

Know many here like institutional/commercial dishwasher detergents but as they are laden with chlorine one would rather not. For one thing cannot abide the scent of chlorine bleach nor feel the fumes are healthy. Also have been reading that frequent use of the stuff is hard on dishwasher seals and other parts.

One's biggest motivation is the vast stash of older Cascade (Complete and Pure Rinse)which would be loathe to get rid of in favour of anything non-phosphate.

 

[turquoisedude]

Surprisingly, modern Finish 'advanced formula' has been in use in the Ogden fleet (currently alternating between the 56 pull-out and the 70 MM but do occasionally use the older KA portable) for a few months now and I've been getting very good results. And yes, this even though I have finally stopped pre-rinsing!

Previously, I'd been mixing my own based on modern Cascade, a scoop of TSP, and a shot of bleach - the bleach seemed to be the only thing that got tea stains out of Hubby's mug. However, I have not had any complaints since switching to the Finish.

To be fair, we do have a water-softener here in the land of sulfury ground water, but I've also been getting good results in the city with the 94 Moffat. Of course Montreal does a good job chlorinating the water there for us... LOL

 

[murando531]

My Whirlpool PC can't be really considered vintage yet, but it does use much more water per fill as most older machines do. Finish Powerball Tabs seem to be the best thing out there. Despite there being more water, the tabs don't seem diluted, as you can smell the pleasant citrus scent wafting from the vent. It also rinses clean very nicely as well despite the machine only implementing a Main Wash-Purge-Rinse or Prewash-MW-Purge-Rinse under normal conditions. I've yet to pull a dirty dish out, or see any niblets stuck to anything.

I would avoid Quantum pacs if you're having issues with foaming. They seem to cause suds mid-way through the wash, as you can hear the muffled sound of air pulling through the pump. When I opened the door, the foam was almost reaching the bottom of the lower rack. They still clean great, but I don't notice a difference from the Powerball Tabs, besides the froth.

 

[maytagbear]

My 2005 GE Nautilus

might not qualify (yet) for vintage status, but I have been trading off between Ajax pods and Cascade Platinum pods with great success. They both work well with my combination of water and machine......and the Ajax is somewhat less expensive.

I tend to be loyal to my laundry detergent, but as for my dishwasher detergent, I will try almost anything once (!)

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[mich]

Laundress

I had the same problem, with Cascade Complete, on our new Bosch. It's the rinsing & shine agents, built into the phosphate formula.

Reduce the dosing to 1 Tablespoon. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Yes 1 Tablespoon.</span> If warranted, you can add a teaspoon of CC to the pre-wash container. Trust me, it's enough. If you really want to, you could try a Tablespoon and a Half, but One Tablespoon is *really* all that's needed. 

You could also try mixing, Cascade (Phosphate Free) Powder to Phosphate Powder, and dose 2-3 tablespoons without sudsing problems. Reason being the newer phosphate free formulas, have anti-foaming agents due to the increased surfactant use.

I have yet, to find, the Cascade (non-complete, pure rinse/shine shield) version to be sudsy, but I will be on the lookout. I really haven't tried that part of my stash though, since the Complete itself, has worked so well. 

 

[mrb627]

Finish QUANTUM pods

Here in my Miele. Great results and typically find them on BOGO at my local market.

Malcolm

 

[a440]

Cascade Complete with Bleach & Phosphates. And it does foam and bog down the KDS18 and KDS17. Works it's cleaning wonders on anything you throw in it.
I also use the Cascade Institutional formula with Bleach and Phosphates. It does not bog down either dishwasher. You can hear the difference in the water when the cups open, but the same volume of water flow is still there. Also great results!
Kroger still has their brand of DW Detergent that contains Phosphates. It is quite good. I thought the Kroger brand was new old stock since it contained Phosphates. It took me by surprise when they changed the packaging resonantly and it is still the same amount of Phosphate content.

 

[vintagekitchen]

It's a bit embarassing, but...

I'm actually using a cheap powder called GLO, out of all the brands I have tried, from Cascade to Finish to Ajax to Palmolive, it really does outperform them all in my vintage Frigidaire. I dont even need rinse aid anymore.

Oddly enough GLO was practically useless in my Grandmothers new maytag, so maybe it has to do with the amount of water and cycle time, I'm just thrilled that it works, and no more yibbles or streaks on my glassware.

GLO is only sold at Save-a-Lot grocery stores to my knowledge.

 

[launderess]

Thanks Guys!

Box of CC is almost done, not sure how many one has left in the stash. May mix things up by trying a box of the "Pure Rinse" formula next to see how it goes.

One reason am hesitant about using solid rinse aid instead of bothering with the leaky dispenser is worries over excess froth. I mean if the DW detergent has rinse agent an is causing froth issues things can only get worse with a solid hanging in the tub.

Odd that Cascade powders of all sorts never gave the Frigidaire (Kenmore brand) DW any troubles. Now those tabs from Electrasol or Finish were a whole other story....

Cannot see using pods as the main wash cycle for MM is not really that long. Also like to vary the amount of detergent based up on soil levels.

 

[toploader55]

The Cape Cod Fleet...

( To coin Paul's term )

Been using Bubble Bandit in the Vintage KitchenAids with excellent results.

Still have a little Chlorinated Hytron left too.

I really miss the old Electrsol and Finish Powders.

I use WaveJet rinse agent in the dispensers.

 

[launderess]

Thanks Guys

Will just add a drop of two of defoamer to the detergent inside of cup to keep foaming down. The current box of Cascade Complete is almost gone so will see what is left of that range when time to crack open something new from the stash. Will likely go with one of the "Pure Rinse" boxes just to see what there is in terms of differences in performance.

 

[jerrod6]

In my mothers 1971 Ka Superba I think the main wash only lasted 6 minutes so I would not recommend tabs or pods in a DW that only has a wash of this length.  In my current DW using the Sensor cycle the main wash lasts between 19 minutes and 1 hour 12 minutes depending on soil level and the tabs/pods  work ok for wash times of this duration.