Hi Moms. I've nevered had the opportunity to use a dishwasher. The unit that we've moved into has and thought I'd ask for suggestions for detergent or any other things I should know. Appreciate it. Thank you.
Cascade makes these little pods with a little Dawn in them, they are awesome! They cost a little more, but man, my glasses are spotless. I use generic on some things, but nothing beats the cascade brand pods :)
I usually use the cascade powder.
I agree w the pods!! They do seem more expensive but i probably always used to much liquid detergent, so i feel like I am saving money and it is easier. I also starting using the Tide pods for my clothes washing machine and feel like they go so much further bc I always overfill w liquid.
I use the Cascade packets.
Make your own! http://tipnut.com/homemade-dishwasher-detergent-recipes/
I use Borax and Washing Soda.
I love the Method tablets. They don't make the glasses feel weird (according to my kids) & they're very easy to use. Never any odd clumps and much less scratching.
Cascade Complete gel works for us. The pods work for our neighbors. Non-stick pans start to peel if washed regularly in dishwasher, so I try to hand wash those. Anything that states "top rack only" I make sure to put on top or hand wash. Hope your dishwasher saves you some time and energy. (We do remove all gunk beforehand, despite the instructions which say to skip that step. Stuck on gunk does not come off like they say it should.)
I use typical Cascade powder in my dishwasher. Be sure to always rinse all debris off of the dishes prior to putting them into the dishwasher and don't overload it. Also, be sure to use a rinse agent along with detergent. Don't ever put your pots and pans in the dishwasher with the exception of baking dishes if they're dishwasher safe. Be careful putting anything plastic into the dishwasher due to possible melting issues.
If you have hard water, use a rinse aid (I like Lemi-Shine) to avoid water spots and a chalky feeling on your dishes.
the debate over pre-rinsing the plates....is based on whether or not the dishwasher has a grinder in it. Ours does, & I'm very thankful. Your landlord will know. :)
I think it more depends on your dishwasher. I scrape the plates but do t rinse. I also put pots in mine all the time and they're fine. I don't think I would put non-stick or iron pans in a dishwasher but my normal pots have been fine.
Do not ever use dishsoap. I don't care how tempted you are to think just a little will be ok if you're out of detergent DONT do it! Unless you want bubbles all over the kitchen, then there is no better way to do it.
I can't stress this enough - read the manual for the machine. A lot of problems can be avoided by understanding how the model works and following the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
In mine, I make sure to keep the rinse agent well filled. It has 2 detergent cups. I use powder in the first (open) and liquid in the second (closed), because that combo works really well in the model we have.
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I can't stress this enough - read the manual for the machine. A lot of problems can be avoided by understanding how the model works and following the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
In mine, I make sure to keep the rinse agent well filled. It has 2 detergent cups. I use powder in the first (open) and liquid in the second (closed), because that combo works really well in the model we have.
