I like cascade complete powder. The liquid does not do the job.

Cascade powder here too....
I occasionally put vinegar in the rinse container for an extra boost.

trin

I use Electrosol, renamed Finish. I use coupons that come out for $2.50 off the tablets which, on sale, are $3.00+. I think they work well but I've never had a dishwasher that was really good and I've tried different detergents.

I'd suggest turning the temperature up on your water heater.

I use the Electrosol (Finish) too in the gelpacs. It had been rated the top detergent by Consumer Reports, but now the Cascade All in One is in the top I believe.

I love my Whirlpool dishwasher, cleans wonderfully! Wouldn't hesitate to buy another when the time comes.

Right now I have the Finish packs not the gel and in the rinse compartment is Cascade. I have only had one kind that didn't really work well for me and that was Method. I plan to make some of the homemade recipe that Jasdip posted and try that out with a vinegar rinse, may have to wait on the rinse when the compartment is empty. I have a Maytag and really like it. Amber's is a Whirlpool and she likes hers really well too.

Sue

Finish (Electrosol) Powerball

I used to buy Cascade Complete but the Electrosol works even better. I have a Thermos stainless steel coffee carafe - it's stainless on the inside too, not glass. Every now and then I drop 1/2 of a Finish Powerball tablet into the carafe and add hot water and let it sit for an hour or so. Then rinse very well. The Finish removes all of the coffee stains from the carafe. The Cascade only removed the stains if I used a double amount.

Good stuff here... thanks for all the answers! I haven't tried any of the gel pack brands... do y'all see a real difference with them?

As far as turning up the hot water heater, here's a (probably dumb) question: is the hot water that comes into the dishwasher heated to a higher temp by a heating element inside the dishwasher? Or, is the water only as hot as the temp setting on your hot water heater? (I thought that there was a heat element inside the dishwasher, but I know VERY little about the mechanics. Does this differ from brand to brand?) I ask because it seems as though the water in the dishwasher gets REALLY hot; hotter than the water that comes out of the hot water tap.

I have never had good results with Cascade. I used to use Electrosol (Finish) but now I've discovered Great Value at Walmart. Works great and is cheap too.

I agree with Msmarion. Most people have their water heaters set too low for optimal cleaning with a dishwasher. Also unless your dishwasher has a heater that actually heats the first cycle (some only heat the later ones to sanitize) then make sure the water going in is hot.

I have always used Cascade and then had problems. Repairman recommended the Finish brand with the little red dot of spot preventer.

He also said that you need to be very careful not to get any hand wash type dish detergent into the machine when you prep the dishes as it will prevent the electric detergent from doing its job.

I don't think they even make machines anymore without a water temp booster, (mine is over 12 years old and has one) but also has a setting to turn it off--says "low energy" on the button. It makes a huge difference. Make sure you understand the settings and that yours is on. No sense keeping your water heater constantly up so high just for the DW.

I've been using Reva (Aldi's brand) for quite a while and things come out great even on the lightest wash. Love my Whirlpool.

The Finish that is all I have found that works in my new dishwasher.... STacy

I use the Finish gelpacs and get really good results.

claudia,

I don't know the answer but I just have to tell you that I can totally relate. My "New" expensive dishwasher even had to be serviced already. From what the service man told me... the old cheaper washers were better because the older motors chopped up more and bigger stuff.

Anyway, here's what helps me... set your washer for hottest temp to clean; I even use a sanitizing rinse which is at a really high temp and I also use the rinse aid (like Jet Dry)... Never had to use that stuff with my old washer... but for whatever reason, the dishes seem cleaner when I use it.... not just no water dots, but acutally cleaner... odd, I know but thought I would mention it.

Next time, I buying a cheaper model!!

Most all evaluations I've see rates virtually all of the Cascade powders very highly. Some of the liquids with enzymes rate highly too. Some of the Electrasol/Finish come in good. The Walmart Great Value line also rated very highly in tests that included it. But the things to keep in mind, look for enzymes in the detergent. I use dishwasher detergent as a laundry booster and get the stuff with enzymes in it. Great Value had it. However, I was reading somewhere in the past couple weeks that they don't have enzymes in it anymore, but I haven't verified that so check the box - it'll say. Most all Cascade products have enzymes and some of the Finish have them. I've been buying the $1/box SunSations at Walgreens (also available at most dollar stores) and it has enzymes and works well for my needs. When there's enzymes in there, they work better. The enzymes eat away the food particles essentially. However there's many other important criterias. You must load the dishwasher properly so the spray hits it right. Many people don't do this and blame the machine for pilot error. Higher temperature water of course will help melt off grease and stuff. And you can overload a dishwasher too. You shouldn't rinse dishes before washing them. Scrape and put them in there and let the dishwasher do the work and let the enzymes work. If there's nothing to eat, the enzymes can etch the dishes/glassware.

It never hurts to try a few different brands and see if it works differently for your situation.

Btw, I didn't think southerners washed dishes... thought they just let the 3-legged dogs under the porch lick them clean! ;)

I think it is a combination of hard/softness of your water combined with the particular detergent. I have high-iron well water, but it is potassium-salt softened right before it goes into the house. The most cost effective detergent I've found is Bi-O-Kleen Automatic Dish Powder, which is both phosphate and chlorine free, important for septic systems. I use just 1/2 tsp in the 1st reservoir, and 1 tsp in the 2nd. I've had one jar now for about 2-3 years, and it's only down about half-way.

It does a pretty good job cleaning. I have a tall-tub Maytag, about 3 years old, and it does just fine.

I really do think it is all to do with the quality/softness of the water.

Claudia..welcome. I usually use the Finish tabs or Cascade complete in my 25 year old Kitchen Aid. I used to love the Wal Mart brand but I think they changed the formula because the last load didn't look "right". Who knows? I had bad experiences with a Frigidaire dishwasher in 1999 that had more repairs than any product in my home.

I have used Cascade powder for years and it does just fine in our 12 yr. old Kitchen Aid dishwasher. I always pre-rinse by hand. No dried-on food is left on the dishes when they go into the dishwasher.