Finish Powerball Deep Clean
Formula:Packaging:REASONS TO BUYREASONS TO AVOID
The Finish Powerball Deep Clean is a surprisingly effective low-cost pod. It removed almost all dried-on food particles. And though we aren’t fans of the individual wrappers for environmental and convenience reasons, we appreciate that they keep the smell of the tab in check. The three-stage cleaning powder is some of the best that we tested and left almost no visible residue on glassware.
For better or for worse, these pods are individually wrapped. The benefit is that they aren’t susceptible to humidity when stored, and you won’t ruin the entire container if you pull one out with slightly damp fingers. On the downside, they come with extra packaging that doesn’t need to be there. In any case, this is our top choice for a solid clean at a reasonable price.
Can You Use Trisodium Phosphate In Dishwasher Detergent
There are many people who believe that trisodium phosphate can be used in dishwasher detergent. There are a few reasons why this might be the case. The first reason is that it is a powerful detergent that is effective at cleaning the dishes. The second reason is that it is a very effective additive that helps to improve the performance of dishwasher detergent.
How Bad Is Using Phosphates In Your Dishwasher Detergent
Honestly, it really depends on how you look at it. One thing is for sure: its not a green thing to do. If you want to use it, you need to be aware that the use of TSP will cause some marginal damage. However, the damage that it deals is going to be very low compared to something along the lines of using phosphates in fertilizer.
In most cases, it will not do that much damage. Even so, its never good to pollute when you can go around it. Some people might get judgmental about the use of phosphates which is why you probably shouldnt tell anyone if you do.
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Faqs About Cascade And Finish
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cascade and Finish.
How do I use Cascade or Finish gel dishwasher detergent?
First, load the dishes into the dishwasher. Next, add the desired amount of detergent to the dispenser. Wipe up any gel that spills over. Then, close the dispenser. Finally, run the faucet closest to the dishwasher to ensure cooler water is dispersed before turning on the dishwasher.
How do I use Cascade or Finish dishwasher pods?
Using dry hands, place the pod in your detergent dispenser. Next, close the dispenser. Then, run the nearest faucet for a few moments before starting the dishwasher. Doing so ensures the proper water temperature.
Does Cascade or Finish contain bleach?
Many Cascade and Finish products use bleach in their formulas to fight stains. For example, Cascade Original Gel and Finish Gel both contain bleach. Some products do not contain bleach. For example, Cascade Free & Clear is bleach-free. If youre looking for bleach-free detergent, read the ingredient labels carefully. If the ingredient list includes sodium hypochlorite, the product contains bleach.
Is Cascade or Finish safe to use with a septic tank?
Phosphate-free dishwasher detergents are safe to use in septic tanks. All Finish and Cascade detergents are phosphate-free, and therefore, safe to use.
Is Cascade or Finish packaging recyclable?Are Cascade and Finish safe for baby bottles?Do Cascade and Finish pods expire?Who makes Cascade and Finish?
Polymers And Plastics In Detergents
As well as potential microplastics, there may be liquid polymers in your cleaners. Liquid polymers are not plastics, but they are also poorly biodegradable and remain for years in our ecosystem with unknown consequences.
Our rating for microplastics and liquid polymers for dishwasher detergents found the following:
- Companies that got a best rating for microplastics and liquid polymers were: Bide, Bio-D, ecoleaf, Miniml, SESI, Sodasan, Sonett
Companies which lacked a clear policy around the use of microplastics and non-biodegradable liquid polymers lost half a mark under the Pollution & Toxics category.
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Why Did Adding Phosphates To Detergent Become Popular
It all started in 2011, when studies revealed how phosphates in the water could encourage algae and other environmentally-damaging problem critters, phosphates started to get banned. Prior to that, phosphates were one of the most common additives you could find in detergent.
The ban was enacted in multiple areas, but most dishwasher detergent companies started making phosphate-free formulas regardless of the state. The results werenot good. Most people complained, but there are some who started to add phosphates on their own. Those people were the ones who kickstarted the trend.
Cascade Gel And Pod Ingredients
Heres whats inside Cascade Platinum ActionPacs:
- Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alanite: cleansing agent
- Sodium carbonate: cleanser that optimizes PH levels
- Sodium carbonate peroxide: oxygen bleach facilitating stain removal
- Isotridecanol ethoxylated degreaser
And here are the ingredients in Cascade Original Gel:
- Water: processing agent delivery system of soap
- Sodium silicate: mineral-based cleanser removes burnt and burnt foods with care
- Sodium carbonate: cleansing agent optimizes PH levels
- Sodium acrylic acid/MA copolymer: keeps food and debris from resettling on dishes
- Sodium sulfate: processing aid adds scent
- Sodium hydroxide: adjusts PH levels
- Polyacrylic acid: thickens product for a controlled pour
- Sodium hypochlorite: bleaching agent stain remover
- Sodium benzoate: cleansing formula stabilizer
- Zinc carbonate: prevents etching and clouding on glass
- Fragrances: adds scent
- Nitric acid: processing aid facilitates soap strength
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Why You Should Trust Us
Lead tester Ben Applebaum-Bauch has been reviewing products with GearLab for almost four years. In that time, he has done hands-on testing of hundreds of products, including other cleaning products like mouthwash and toothbrush heads, as well as kitchen items. Having spent a fair amount of time in commercial kitchens and dish rooms, he is no stranger to powerful detergents and dish cleaners.
We research, purchase, and test everything that we review. We buy each model at retail price and never accept manufacturer samples. We ran load after load with these pods using the same type of dishes and grease. Outside of more controlled experiments, we also gave some to friends and family, solicited feedback, and reviewed manufacturer specs, diving deep into the ingredient lists.
Are Phosphates Toxic Or Harmful
As phosphates are found everywhere, including in our food and within our bodies, they are not toxic or harmful to humans. In fact, if your doctor detects a phosphate deficiency, you will be prescribed supplements to regulate your phosphate levels. The same goes for the environment: phosphates are nutrients that encourage plant growth and have no adverse effects on plants or animals, per se. If phosphates are neither toxic or harmful to humans, nor to the environment, why have they been banned from dishwasher detergents in most countries?
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Why Phosphate Free
There has been a push in recent years for Americans to make the switch to phosphate-free detergents, soaps, and household cleaners. By 2010, 17 states banned the sale of dishwasher detergents that contain high levels of phosphates, the phosphorus-containing compound in detergents: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Though early efforts at limiting phosphates left some consumers dissatisfied, these detergents may be worth reconsidering. Phosphate mines are projected to dry up by the end of this century, and the phosphates in these products can have negative impacts on the environment.
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient that is necessary for plant growth. In aquatic ecosystems, phosphorus along with another essential nutrient, nitrogen, supports the growth of algae and aquatic plants, which provide food and habitat for fish and other organisms. However, high nutrient levels can jeopardize water quality by fueling overgrowth of algae or algal blooms which can have serious impacts on the environment, human health, and our economy.
Why Is Phosphate
Phosphates can interfere with the balance of good bacteria which help to naturally breakdown solids in the septic tank. Phosphates can also work their way into the groundwater around your home and eventually into the creeks, lakes, and rivers killing off fish and encouraging algae overgrowth.
Disturbing the balance of bacteria in your septic tank can lead to a range of issues and can take some work to re-establish.
Always look for dishwasher and cleaning products which state they are safe for , biodegradable and free from or low in phosphates.
If you are unsure of what home cleaning, clothes washing and dishwasher products can be used with your brand of septic tank or home wastewater treatment system speak to the team at Express Wastewater today for professional advice on maintaining your plumbing systems.
References
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Why Is This Free
Were dedicated to getting NZ consumers a fairer deal. We provide as much information as we can for free but we rely primarily on membership and donations to fund our work. You can help by becoming a Consumer member or making a donation. Well use your contribution to investigate consumer issues and work for positive change.
Is Cascade Bad For Your Dishwasher
Cascade and Finish are the top-selling brands, but Consumer Reports dishwasher detergent tests found that a warehouse brand is best of all. Overall, the best-performing detergent pacs clean better than the best gels, says Joe Pacella, the engineer who oversees Consumer Reports dishwasher detergent tests.
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How Dishwasher Detergent Changes Could Be Causing White Film On Your Glassware Dishes And Dishwasher Interior
Are your dishes not as clean as they used to be? Theres a good chance that the cause isnt a faulty dishwasher, but instead changes in your dishwasher detergent. In 2010, phosphates were removed from dishwashing detergents, leading to more and more homeowners finding their dishes covered in a white film after running the dishwasher, especially in areas with particularly hard water.
Mrs Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Pacs
The Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Automatic Dish Pacs is a decent all-powder pod. It delivers satisfactory cleaning on ceramic and glassware. This holds true for a few other products in this category, but these claim they are safe for septic systems as well. We found that they have a scent that almost smells good .
The primary drawback to this product is its typical price. It can be one of the most expensive of any in this review. We also observed some residue and spots on silverware, so it is not without its faults. However, if you want a nice-smelling detergent and are willing to pay the price, you can’t go wrong here.
The Lemi Shine Dishwashing Detergent is a powder and gel combo that offers a citric-acid-based formula. These pods are effective if you have hard water that would otherwise leave mineral residue on your glasses and buildup in your dishwasher. It is the only environmentally friendly product in this review containing a separate liquid gel. This supposedly natural and human-friendly product combines traditional detergent with a degreaser as well.
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Cascade Creates Phosphate Free Detergent
After extensive research, scientists found that waste-water containing phosphates had detrimental impacts on the environment, such as the harmful pollution of lakes and streams. Some laws banning the use of phosphates in automatic dishwasher detergents were originated in 2010.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, weâre constantly refining our product formulations to help you clean safely and responsibly while providing a safe dishwasher detergent. Cascade complies with local, state, and federal regulations that define what can and can’t be used in our products, and we are proud to have offered phosphate-free dishwasher detergent for a long, long time. We take our role in your familyâs home seriously, and take pride making products that are safe for all members of your family, adults to babies.
Are All Detergents Phosphate Free
Theres a good chance youre unaware that the major dishwasher detergent brands have all gone phosphate-free as of the summer just passed. As far as I know, this isnt a new concept. Phosphates were long ago eliminated from the formulas of all laundry detergents and many green dishwasher detergents.
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Are Phosphates Bad For The Environment
Phosphates were favored originally because they are food grade compounds safe for human consumption. Phosphorous is an important nutrient in many living things. However, phosphates are difficult to remove from wastewater, and can build up in the environment around cities if people use too much of them. This can contribute to harmful algae blooms because the algae eat the phosphorous. These algae blooms can poison wildlife, people, and pets.
Dapple Baby Fragrance Free Dishwasher Pacs
REASONS TO AVOID
The Dapple Baby Fragrance Free Dishwasher Pacs is a specialty pod specifically designed to clean baby products. The formula claims not to contain any parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, or chlorine. The low-odor tabs are also nice if you are sensitive to fragrances. Even for food debris for our adult dishes, it offered above-average cleaning power, and the dissolvable pod wrapper is a plus as well, so there are no small pieces of plastic to contend with.
One drawback is the moderate amount of film left behind on glassware, which of course, is not what we would have expected or hoped for. However, for those who need cleaning power but are concerned with the ingredients found in other top-tier pods, this product is worth the investment.
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How Often Should You Add Phosphates To Your Dishwasher
Theres no real set guideline when it comes to adding phosphates to your dishwashing detergent, however using it daily is not always necessary. A good rule of thumb is that you should add it once a week to keep your washer in tip-top shape, or whenever you start to notice that your dishes look a little dull.
What Are Phosphates In Dish Detergent
Phosphates are one of the compounds that used to be a staple in detergents . A phosphate is a molecule which contains at least one atom of phosphorous. Household detergents usually use a type of phosphate known as Orthophosphates, which has one molecule of phosphate. They are buffing agents, which means they make things shiny. In recent years, phosphates have replaced in most detergents.
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Is It Bad To Put Phosphates In The Dishwasher
There is a lot of debate about the benefits and drawbacks of put phosphates in dishwashers. Some people believe that the phosphate levels in dishwashers can create an acidic environment that can cause bacteria to grow and create lead and other harmful toxins. Others believe that putting phosphates in the dishwasher can actually make the dishwasher work more efficiently and clean more effectively. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to put phosphates in the dishwasher will depend on the specific dishwasher and your specific needs.
Does Tide Contain Phosphates
A host of leading laundry detergent brands, including Ariel, Tide and Ace, will have phosphates eliminated within two years, Procter & Gamble announced Monday. P& G has been gradually reducing the consumption of phosphates since 2005, said Gianni Ciserani, group president of global fabric and home care.
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How To Add Phosphates To Dishwasher Detergent
Dishwasher detergent is one of the most heavily-advertised types of detergent on the market. Though its advertised a bunch, there always seems to be a way to improve it. This is especially true if you have an older dishwasher that isnt cleaning like it used to. Thats why many homemaking mavens started to add phosphates to dishwasher detergent. But, how can you do it?
Most dishwashers will do well with adding 1/2 teaspoon of trisodium phosphate mixed in with liquid detergent. You can add the TSP straight into the same compartment as the liquid dishwasher detergent. Once thats done, close the door and start your dishwasher like you would with regular detergent.
If youve been looking for a way to get your dishwasher to rise from the dead, then using this additive could be a smart solution. While it can work, its still controversial. Heres what you need to know
Which Is The Most Eco Friendly Dishwasher Detergent Tablets Pods Powder Or Liquid
If you use a dishwasher, the most difficult decision may be less about finding an eco brand and more around product type.
Pods, tablets, powder and liquid are all different routes to the same end clean dishes. How has it got so complicated, and why do we need so many options?
The answer is all of these forms of dishwasher detergent have their pluses and minuses. Some are better for minimising transport CO2 emissions, some better for recycling, and some are safer when it comes to pollution and toxics.
Powder and then tablets seem to be the best options, and there are refill options for both of these formats. Powders avoid the issue of the PVA wrapping. If we were to recommend avoiding any, it would probably be pods.
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Seventh Generation Auto Dish Pacs
Another eco-friendly detergent option is Seventh Generation Auto Dish Pacs. Seventh Generation produces a slew of all natural household and personal care products, and they clearly know what they’re doing. This detergent is dye free and contains no phosphates, chlorine, or synthetic fragrances. The outer pouch that the tabs come in is also biodegradable, showing this company’s dedication to being green.
As far as cleaning capability goes, most reviewers are extremely positive. It apparently cleans with little to no pre-washing, and leaves no film or water spots, even in hard water. One reviewer claimed that there was no smell on the dishes after washing like there is with other detergents. The only downside seems to be that it is slightly harder to find than other brands, especially at local grocery stores.
Seventh Generation Auto Dish Pacs come in Free & Clear or lemon scent.