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Automatic Dishwasher Cleaning Tips

Since the phosphate ban has been in effect we are getting more and more comments and complaints about poor cleaning in automatic dishwashers. I’ve cut and pasted a few frequently asked questions from the Cascade web site and also added my own comments and suggestions.
 Q: Why is Cascade taking phosphate out of your formula?

A:   Cascade products will comply with all Local and State regulations that require the removal of phosphate by July 1, 2010. By this date, all Cascade automatic dishwashing products in the U.S. will be phosphate free.

 

Q: What does phosphate do?

A:   Phosphate is the main ingredient in most automatic dishwashing detergents and serves many functions. For example, phosphate helps with dishwashing performance by facilitating food removal, removing the calcium that binds these types of foods together and reducing spotting and filming during the wash cycle. Phosphate also aids in grease removal, helps control water hardness, and suspends soils within the wash water so they are not redistributed onto plates.

http://www.cascadeclean.com/en_US/phosphatefreefaq.do
 Also see dishwashing suggestions as well as comments about alternative detergents at:
http://www.enviromom.com/2009/04/dishwasher-woes-with-phosphatefree-detergents-try-this.html
 A comprehensive list of alternatives can also be found at:
http://www.dishwasherdetergentphosphate.com/
 Without phosphates dishes are not going to get as clean without some attention! That is a fact we will have to learn to deal with. Here are some suggestions to help provide cleaner results from your automatic dishwasher:
·         Besides just scraping, also rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. I know the dishwasher manual says you don’t have to rinse but it will improve the dishwasher performance.
·         Follow the loading instructions for your specific brand dishwasher. Don’t think because you’ve been using a dishwasher for 30 years that you have a lock on the proper way to load. Read and follow your dishwashers loading instructions!  
·         Try to run your dishwasher when no one else in the house is using hot water. Most  dishwashers are time filled with the expectation that your house has constant water pressure providing a solid flow of water into the tub. 
·         Run your kitchen faucet for several minutes prior to turning on the dishwasher to insure the water entering the dishwasher during the first cycle is hot.
·         Use the heated wash cycle to insure a hotter water temperature.
·         Turn your hot water heater up so that the water coming to the dishwasher starts at 140 degrees F
·         Use more additives such as Jet Dry, or specific types of detergents to address the specific results you are experiencing.

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