How is your dishwasher doing lately? Not cleaning so well? Are you having trouble getting your dishes clean? Are you finding them "filmy" even after they've gone through a complete cleaning cycle?
Just recently, my husband shared with me that the dishwashing detergent companies (mainly Proctor and Gamble) have recently taken out phosphates from the manufacturing process of making their detergent, namely Cascade...which I've used for some time now, because I find it worked the best. I would mostly use coupons when I had them, but even if I didn't, I'd still use/buy Cascade because I thought it did the superior job. They took out the phosphates in an attempt to be a greener company....and did it with no announcements or PR letting customers know what they had done. I'm not sure about other companies, but it is my belief that other companies are following suit. Some people (I heard on a CNN news story) have taken to adding trisodium phosphate to their dishwashers to get the same benefits.....but how much, I don't know.
So recently, I called the 800 number on the side of the box of Cascade that was found under my sink. They did not deny the fact that phosphates have been taken out, but they did not say they are working on a substitute for a more earth friendly yet equally as effective.....they simply offered to send me a coupon. They also suggested I try the capsules that contain more "enzyme" ingredients, but which cost a bit more as well.
When I googled this issue, I found some interesting reading offering several solutions.......you can read here:
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185479
Well, lo and behold, look what I have found thru my research.....apparently commercial institutions don't have the same restrictions as homes, so one can purchase THIS product found here, and it still contains the phosphates....ok, people, I know that I may encounter rage from some but I cannot abide dirty dishes. I am glad to recycle and do what I can for earth friendliness, but the dirty dish problem is not one I can deal with. So if you feel the same, look here:
http://www.restockit.com/Cascade-Automatic-Dishwasher-Detergent-85-oz-%2834953PG%29.html?pnl=1_4#ReviewHeader Read the reviews, and come back for mine after I have received mine and will let you know the results...right now, I am ONE HAPPY CAMPER!!
This post and the research to write it may have saved my sanity!
Edited to add an article that explains the whole story, in lengthy detail....
http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/another-triumph-greens_536862.html
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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9 comments:
Suzanne, I hear you on this. I think we should all do what we can to be as "green" as possible, but some things just don't work. Maybe we should all make more of an effort to do the "green" things that really do work for us, and that will more than make up for the times that we have to opt for something that's a bit less "green" but more workable.
I have noticed a difference too and thought it was my dishwasher wearing out. I've been adding vinegar to the dishwasher and it helps (and also cleans the inside of the dishwasher). Not sure whether that is "green" or not, but I'm in the market for a new dishwasher anyhow!
Thanks for bringing me up to speed.
Definitely have noticed a big difference...I had NO idea, Suzanne! So glad you shared this...now I know!
Well aren't you the girl that's "In the Know"? Wow, I'm glad you have some free time so you can educate all of us bloggers on things such as this. Yes, I have noticed icky dishes and silverware lately. I just blamed it on a cheap newer dishwasher!
Thanks for all the info Suzanne.
Donna
Suzanne, I also use Cascade as I have found the cheaper and store brands don't do as good a job..I do have a film on my glasses and I don't have a inexpensive dishwasher, we have a mid range, replaced the one that was here when we moved i here in 2009. I have been using a large container of the capsules and almost out..dang it..I am going to check the big tub mine are in and look at the ingredients..If we have to ad TSP, isn't that kind of making a moot point out of P&G trying to green us up.. I am all for 'green' but don't mess with my clean dishes..hmm..
Barb
You will get zero rage from me. What you will get is hearty thanks for the information, both about the removal of the phosphate and the option.
I HAD noticed the film on my dishes. I tried to make my own dishwasher detergent a while back, but I didn't like it.
And you know, it irks me that they have been selling an inferior product as if it is the same formula. Irks me to no end. It makes me not want to buy Cascade anymore.
thanks for letting me know! I thought my new dishwasher was just awful!
I feel ya! I would love to be green and do what's good for the earth and all that business, BUT only if I get the same results. My daughter is on the "green team" at school and is always pushing for greener products. We tested green laundry detergent against regular detergent for her science fair project a few years ago. The results were about the same, but the "green" detergent was almost twice as expensive. I decided that I can't afford to be green. AND, I don't want dirty dishes just to be green either. UGH! It's so frustrating, isn't it?
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