My husband and I remodeled our kitchen last winter. One thing our previous kitchen was lacking was a dishwasher, something we both sorely missed. We made sure to include one in the remodel plans. While researching which dishwasher we should purchase (we ended up with a Bosch dishwasher), I stumbled upon an article at ConsumerReports.com on how to make a dishwasher clean dishes effectively as possible. They recommended 1.) never to rinse first unless absolutely necessary (otherwise you waste water) and 2.) to use a dishwasher detergent that contained enzymes. They offered up Cascade 2-in-1 Action Pacs as an example.

My curiosity was immediately piqued. That night, I went to Target and purchased a packet for around $3.50. Within this packet was 12 gel pacs, each one good for one dishwashing cycle.

What Cascade Claims:

Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs with the Power of Dawn combine the superior cleaning of Cascade with the grease-fighting power of Dawn in a water-soluble pouch. The liquid and powder combination results in superior shine and stain removal for your dishes. Safe for septic tanks. Made in USA.

Ingredients:

Contains sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and enzymes. Phosphorus content: This Cascade formula averages not more than 8.7% phosphorus, in the form of phosphates, which is equivalent to 2.2 grams per tablespoon.

{courtesy of www.amazon.com}


What I found:

Cascade 2-in-1 Action Pacs come in a green pouch. There are two different sizes: 12 gel pacs for around $3.50 or 20 gel pacs for around $5. The pouch has a ziploc-type seal at the top so you can easily close it between uses.

To use Cascade Action Pacs, you simply remove one from the pouch and place it in your dishwasher detergent dispenser and close the door to the dispenser. During the wash cycle, the dishwasher will release the gel pac, and the plastic coating on the outside will dissolve, allowing the detergent to do it's work.

It's an undeniably easy and convenient method of dishwasher detergent. There's no chance of spilling or getting it all over your hands, and it takes only a few seconds.

We now always purchase the largest pouch possible (20 pacs), and it lasts us approximately six weeks. Since it's only my husband and I (no kids), we run our dishwasher on an average of 3 times a week. Cascade Action Pacs are also available on Amazon.com for approximately 100 pacs (five 20 count bags) for around $20.


But are they effective?

YES! After reading the Consumer Reports article, I resolved never to rinse my dishes again. We do scrape any left over food down the garbage disposal, but I do not touch the dishes with any sort of sponge/scraper before going in. Cascade 2-in-1 Action Pacs has removed everything from Mac N Cheese to Cheesy Crockpot Potatoes (you can imagine the mess with that one). I do have to set my dishwasher on "PowerScrub", but my dishes come out clean every time.

We usually buy the "Citrus Breeze" scent, which Cascade claims will freshen your kitchen. I've never noticed a scent. However, our dishwasher dries through condensation so no steam is really released into the kitchen. I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not.

Cascade offers the pacs in two other scents: original, and apple spice (which I've never seen in any stores here, but is listed on amazon.com).


One word of warning...

I use Cascade Action Pacs for every load of dishes imaginable. Unfortunately, it took the shiny silver finish off of my mixer attachment for my stand mixer. I'm now left with a mixer attachment that is dull and tarnished, even though the mixer I purchased said that all attachments were dishwasher-safe. They've offered to replace the attachment for me. I had washed the attachment several times before discovering Cascade Action Pacs without any problems, so I can only assume that the enzymes within the gel pacs caused this to happen.

I'm now very careful when using Action Pacs with anything with a finish. If in doubt, I use my backup bottle of dishwasher detergent. I will add that I have several decorative Christmas plates with gold designs on them that are dishwasher safe and the Action Pacs did not effect the finish in any way, so it's hit and miss.


The Bottom line:

While expensive, Cascade 2-in-1 Action Pacs get the job done better than other dishwasher detergents. They also have the added bonus of being more convenient. You'll never rinse again! I've converted several family members and friends to the power of Cascade Action Pacs. Just be careful when using with anything that has a finish; those enzymes are powerful little buggers!

Recommended: Yes