Using the correct detergent and rinse aid will ensure the best performance from your dishwasher. You will have sparkling dishes after each wash if you use the right products. Dishwasher detergent comes in many varieties.
You can select gel, powder, pods, and liquid. So it’s important to use the right detergent for your dishwasher and dishes. Cascade dishwasher detergent is one of the best detergents for dishes. This detergent has the power to wash the dishes sparkly and clean.
Also cascade dishwasher detergent is safe for your dishwasher. So in this article, we will walk you through that how to use cascade dishwasher detergent, also there working in the dishwasher. Let’s get started!
How do cascade dishwasher pods work in the dishwasher?
When you put the cascade detergent pod into the dispenser drawer of the dishwasher and run the dishwasher. The detergent pod will drip or fall in the bottom of the dishwasher and mix into the water. During the wash cycle, the pod will mix all in the dishwasher and wash your utensils.
A small amount of concentrated detergent is contained within the pod itself. This small cascade detergent pod can clean every dish in the dishwasher. There are surfactants found in cascade detergent pods that act as cleaning agents.
How many cascades should you use in your dishwasher?
If you’re unsure how much powder or gel detergent to put in your dishwasher, you should consult the usage labels on the back of your products. If you still don’t know the quantity then visit the website of the manufacturer and consult him.
Sometimes, depending on your home’s water hardness, you may need to use more pods or less. Because washing dishes with hard water is a difficult task as compared to soft water. For a convenient way to use the perfect dose, try Cascade Platinum ActionPacsTM. This detergent pod size is made according to each cycle.
What happened to the plastic in dishwasher pods?
There is usually a thin coating on dishwasher pods. This coating keeps the pods separated in the bag and prevents them from sticking together so that they last longer. Now the question is what about the film during the wash cycle.
PVA, or polyvinyl alcohol, is the most common wrapping material for dishwasher pods. PVA dissolves when it comes into contact with water. Then, it will dissolve into water and carbon dioxide when exposed to the right environment. The wrapping of the detergent pods is non-toxic and biodegradable.
Can you just throw a pod in a dishwasher?
Yes, you can throw a pod in a dishwasher but it’s not good at all. Because if you directly throw the detergent then after the cycle there might be detergent on the dishes.
A pre-rinse wash cycle runs before the main cycle, in most of the dishwashers in which the dishwasher detergent is discharged. So the right place for putting the detergent pod is the dispenser drawer. Always place the detergent in it so that the dishes come out clean.
What do you need to use cascade dishwasher detergent?
Hopefully, you now have a thorough understanding of dishwasher pods. Let’s go over how to use the pods correctly. So you need to use one pod per cycle. If you will use more detergent then the dishes might come out soapy.
Also, if the water in your area is not soft then you will need rinse aid. So that it could help you to wash your dishes completely. The last thing you need is the detergent drawer. So buy a dishwasher that has a detergent drawer with it.
Step by step instructions to use a cascade dishwasher detergent
Dishwasher detergent should use properly so that it does not trouble the dishwasher or dishes. If you overuse the detergent then the suds might come out of the dishwasher. So here are the step by step instructions to use a cascade dishwasher detergent:
1. Load the dishwasher
First of all, load or prepare the dishwasher. Be sure, you have placed dishwasher-safe utensils in the dishwasher such as insulated mugs, copper things, non-stick cookware, etc. if you do not know that the item is dishwasher-safe or not then simply examine the bottom of the utensils.
If still you do not know then consult the manufacturer’s website. When you are loading the dishwasher, be assured that the utensils are not blocking the detergent drawer. If the drawer is blocked and not opening completely then the dishes will not clean.
2. Add the cascade detergent pod
Take cascade detergent pod from the box. Be sure that the detergent pod is not torn, broken, or damaged. Otherwise, it will spread out. Now place the cascade detergent pod into the detergent drawer carefully and then lock the drawer.
3. Add a rinse aid
As I tell you before that according to the water such as if the water is hard, you will need a rinse aid otherwise no need for it. So if it is essential then add rinse aid to the dishwasher. Use the appropriate product to fill up the rinse aid dispenser.
You can also use white vinegar if there is no rinse aid in your dishwasher. Because vinegar works like an aid dispenser that rinses all the utensils properly.
4. Choose a cycle
It depends on the cleaning of dishes and how much these are dirty. So select a suitable cycle in the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher and let the cascade detergent pod do its magic.
5. Empty the dishwasher
When the cycle of the dishwasher is done, check the dishes are fully cleaned. That means the cascade detergent pod has done its work. Also, see that the dishes are not damp. If these are not dry then select the air dry cycle and run the dishwasher for half an hour. After that, empty the dishwasher.
Pro tip: Whenever you hold the cascade dishwasher detergent. Assured that your hands are not damp. Otherwise, the pods might dissolve in your hands. Also, unwrap the pod only when you want to use it. After using the detergent pod, close the lid of the box tightly so that they do not damage or stick to each other.
How many cascades do I put in my dishwasher?
Use one cascade detergent pod per one cycle. If you use too much detergent then you will face a lot of suds on the dishes and dishwasher which is not well for both. So use one pod for a wash cycle. One cascade detergent pod is enough for a full load of the dishwasher.
If the cascade detergent is powder then 2 or 3 tablespoons are enough for a cycle. But it entirely depends on the dishes’ dirtiness and the detergent itself. You can also consult the manufacturer of the detergent.
Ultimate Guide and reviews on best dishwasher detergent
To find the best detergent, we have washed dishes with the most popular detergent brands. So these are something that helps you to find the best dishwashing detergent.
Cleaning power:
- The detergent must clean a full load of dishes.
- It should remove all the greasy food particles from the plates.
- And also, clean the hard stains like lipstick.
Water spot-removing power:
- There should not be any water spots on the utensils using the detergent.
- The glassware should be crystal clear after washing. So the detergent must have the power of water spot-removing.
Where do you put the cascade pod in your dishwasher?
Cascade pods are very effective and powerful to wash a full load of the dishwasher. You also do not need to pre-rinse the dishes because cascade detergent has enough energy to clean the dishes without it.
So in the detergent dispenser, put one pod of cascade detergent pod. Close the door of the detergent chamber or dispenser. After that, run the machine like always.
Why should I have undissolved detergent in the dispenser?
The cause of undissolved detergent in the dispenser are many which are as under:
- If the water temperature in the dishwasher is low.
- The detergent is not stored properly.
- The detergent is too old.
- The detergent dispenser is blocked by a dish or utensils.
- The dispenser door is jammed or stuck.
- The detergent dispenser or chamber is wet.
So these are the reasons that cause the detergent to undissolved. So, to get rid of these problems there are some preventions, so follow these tips:
- Do not place detergent before in the dishwasher. When you are going to run the dishwasher then place detergent.
- Ensure the temperature of the water is hot. It must be 120 degrees.
- Do not overload the dishwasher. Check the spray arms or dispenser door is not locked by the utensils.
- Use dishwasher when other water households are not in use such as bathing or Laundry. Because this will sure the water pressure. Check the water fill pressure instructions in the dishwasher manual.
- Store the cascade detergent pod in a cool place. Also use it within a month, when you purchase it. Well, they do not expire but lose their effect with time.
- Be sure the spray arms of the dishwasher rotate properly and freely.
- Also, check the spray arm’s holes that the detergent is coming freely.
How or when should I use a rinse aid?
If there are spots on the dishes or the dishes do not come out dry of the dishwasher then it’s so irritating. Well, you don’t need to worry about it because cascade products are built-in rinse aid. Also if you want extra safety then dry rinse aid of cascade detergent is best.
Add the rinse aid to the dispenser and it will dissolve in the rinse cycle. To clean all the food particles from the dishes, use cascade power dry rinse aid. This will help the dishes or glassware to clean without any spots and dry them quickly. Refill the dishwasher rinse aid dispenser once a month so that the dishwasher works quickly and efficiently.
FAQs
Can you put cascade pods in the bottom of the dishwasher?
Yes, you can put cascade pods in the bottom of the dishwasher but you must not. Dishwashers have detergent slots that free the detergent on its time during the wash cycle. The detergent is released before the main cycle of the dishwasher but after the pre-rinse cycle.
Are dishwasher pods better than liquid?
According to my personal experience, dishwasher pods are easy to use, space-saving, less expensive, and have extra and effective cleaning power. But pods might have chemicals in them which are harmful to the dishwasher and also do not dissolve in the water.
While on another side, liquid detergents have fewer chemicals and also dissolve in the water easily. If you have hard water then the liquid detergent is not suitable. Because you have to measure it for every time use. And also the danger of breaking a detergent bottle.
Do dishwasher pods completely dissolve?
They should dissolve completely, but it depends on the dishwasher. Before purchasing, test the detergent in your dishwasher that either dissolve or not. You must use quality and effective detergents such as cascade dishwasher pods.
If the detergent is still not dissolving then check the water temperature. The water temperature must be hot during the wash cycle so that the detergent dissolves easily. If still not, then check your dishwasher functionality.
Is rinse aid necessary?
Well, rinse aid is not necessary. If you live in an area where soft water is not available then you can purchase a rinse aid. But if you want more eco-friendly then use white vinegar.
Are dishwasher pods bad for plumbing?
No, it’s not bad. If there is an issue in your plumbing then it must be from the food particles, grease, and build-up.
Why is soap still in the dishwasher after a cycle?
If there is soap at the end of the cycle of the dishwasher then the water temperature might be low. Also, the water is not going into the detergent dispenser. Be sure the detergent cup is free, nothing is blocking it.
So check the dishes, utensils, silverware basket. If these are blocking the cup then correct it. So that there will no soap in the dishwasher.
Are cascade pods bad for your dishwasher?
No, cascade pods are not bad for your dishwasher. But when it comes to your dishwasher, pods can also be the cause of build-up. If this happens, then use gel instead of pods.
How do cascade action pacs work?
These pacs have gel and powder both in a pack which can mix in water easily. You do not have to pre-rinse the dishes. Also, the dishes will dry themselves after the wash cycle. Assured that your hands are completely dry before touching them because they contact with water immediately.
Final words:
Cascade dishwasher pods are very convenient to use. So they are wrapped in a PVA sheet which can dissolve easily in the water. Always use a detergent that suits your appliance also, dissolve quickly and easily in the water. Cascade dishwasher detergent will not disappoint you.
Always put detergent in the correct place of your dishwasher. So this is how to use cascade dishwasher detergent. If you find this article helpful then share it and also comment below for more suggestions.
