Cascade Complete vs Others
Written: Oct 23 '07 (Updated Oct 23 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Cleaning power, Ease in using
Cons: None to be found
The Bottom Line: One of the best inventions, automatic dishwashers, seems even better now that I've discovered washing with Cascade Complete in the gel form.
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| pestyside's Full Review: Cascade Complete |
Cascade seems to be a popular dishwashing detergent among those participating in this comparative study; it seems that many of us have used this product over the years. For me this was not only a comparison with a similar gel, but also with this product's powder form.
I’ve used several dishwashers as I’ve moved from house to house and always found that Cascade was the best. I’ve always used the powder form until now. Cascade Complete, the gel, was a definite improvement over the powder. The experience became more informative as I was provided the opportunity to compare it to a similar product, Electrasol Advance. During this test period I traveled to a rural mountain community and stayed in a house that was on a well with hard water. The owner of the cabin that we rented provided the same Cascade product so I was able to observe it in two different locations.
The Basics
Both bottles were packaged similarly. The Cascade Complete comes in a large green plastic bottle with a built in handle and a childproof cap. The Electrasol also comes in a large plastic bottle with a built in handle but not a childproof cap. The bottle provided was 75 ounces, but it is available in various sizes (45, 110, and 125 ounces). The gel is available in multiple fragrances. Cascade’s fragrances include Fresh Scent, Citrus Breeze Scent and Melon Blossom. Electrasol scents include Green Apple, Orange and Lemon. Both have minimal amounts of phosphates: the Cascade claims averages slightly less than 5% phosphorus in the form of phosphates, which is equal to 1.8 grams/2 tablespoons. Other ingredients include phosphate salts and enzymes. According to a **report from Acton Stream Teams, Electrasol has 4.5% phosphate content and Cascade has 4.4% phosphate content. Again they are both fairly similar. Electrasol's label has a slightly different claim of 3.7% phosphorous in the form of phosphates.
Both claim to be capable of eliminating the pre-rinse-before-loading step.
"Cascade Complete takes care of every step of the wash process so you don't have to. That means there's no need to prewash most dishes like you had to before. Its formula dissolves tough food particles so they don't get stuck on other dishes or trapped in your machine, leaving your dishes clean and shiny!”
Both instruct filling both dispenser cups for the prewash and the wash cups completely. In hard water Electrasol recommends continuing to use Jet-Dry rinse agents. Electrasol also suggests applying a little directly to extra dirty dishes in addition to the amount placed in the dispenser cups. Both claim to be safe for septic systems. Both provide instructions in case of accidental contact or ingestion.
Cascade Complete is a very thick blue-green gel that could resemble toothpaste, but honestly, the bottle is much heavier than a tube of toothpaste and I can’t see a child picking it up for that reason. Realize, however, that the detergent is a mild skin and eye irritant and contact should be avoided. According to the *Material Safety Data Sheet (see link below), if this is ingested, give milk or water and call a physician or poison control center. It it’s eye contact, flush the eyes thoroughly with water and for skin contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Be aware that this can cause vomiting if swallowed. This is not for hand dishwashing. Don’t let young children use the bottle or touch the product in the dishwasher. (Although not stated, the same applies for pets who love to lick dishwashers.) When calling your physician or poison prevention hotline, have the bottle with you. They will ask questions and you will need the bottle to answer them.
Put to Work
In using these products I alternated using each for two or three washings, back-to-back. We have a good quality dishwasher and I expect clean dishes. I’ve never used gels and found myself surprised and impressed by both products, especially when compared to powders. I fear there won’t be a return to the powder, which while superior to other powders, didn’t compare to the gel. Although the bottles were large and relatively heavy (compared to the box), it wasn't that awkward and the gel easily poured into the dispensers. There are only two of us and we eat a lot of leftovers throughout the week and generally run the dishwasher two, maybe three, times per week. We don’t really wash pans in the dishwasher, and while it’s possible our pans are mostly cast iron.
While in Colorado at the cabin, the machine was older, the water was harder, and we ran all of the dishes and pans through the dishwasher for our two weeks.
Regarding performance, on daily washings both products were similar. However, I noticed that the etchings on clear glasses became a little more noticeable and a light haze formed on the glasses when we used the Electrasol. I wouldn’t have expected this as the products seem so very similar. When we run loads in the dishwasher it is always fully packed, therefore the load will challenge both the dishwasher and the detergent. I quit pre-rinsing my cereal bowls in the morning and found that the Cascade was cleaning better and some residue from the high-fiber cereals remained when using Electrasol.
In Colorado while using the older dishwasher, I found that the hard water really did affect the final outcome. The glasses were hazy and there were more food crumbs left in the dishwasher and dried on the dishes. It was necessary to manually remove some grime on a few dishes. Unfortunately I did not have some Electrasol with us for additional comparisons.
My Final Thoughts
The experience in Colorado, in my opinion, would probably have been similar with both detergents. Based upon my observations and comparisons at home I’m going to continue to use Cascade products, but will retire my box of powder detergent. The health hazards for these products are minimal and similar; parents all know to be cautious. Cascade Complete gel does a great job in my dishwasher, my dishes were sparkly clean and spot free, and this will be my new dishwashing product of choice.
I was given a bottle of Cascade Complete and Electrasol by Hass MS&L in order to perform a comparative test and provide my honest results and review.
*MSDS: www.pg.com/content/pdf/01_about_pg/msds/fabric_and_homecare/dishwashing_products/Cascade_Complete_Gel.pdf
**" A report found online that compared varying dishwashing products and their phosphate contents is available at:
www.wvnet.org/downloads/posted%20apr172005%20PSIG/Phosphates%20in%20automatic%20dishwashing%20products.pdf
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Recommended:
Yes
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