I love the Method grapefruit tabs also. But how the heck do you break them in half?

"But weissman, that was years ago."

Not everywhere.

There is no way to tell what changes the manufacturer might have made.

Some formulations of the 'no phosphate' detergents have been pretty bad.

I would bet money the manufacturers are trying to make them perform like they used to.

New things create new problems.

Any input on Seventh Generation? It's one of the few available easily to me that gets a good rating from EWG.

EDIT I don't care for their sink dishwashing soap, no matter how good it's supposed to be for the environment, which is why I ask.

This post was edited by writersblock on Sun, Jun 16, 13 at 17:29

Rococo, how is your silverware faring? I wonder if it's darkened, as some of ours has, that you have to manually polish it and then go from there. Is there actually a DW detergent that will undo the darkening?

Writer, years ago I used Seventh Generation liquid because it made me feel good about the environment. However my silver went to hell so I stopped. That was a good 7-8 years ago.

Darn. Thanks, linelle.

Linelle, I've always kept mine in the silver-cloth rolls in came in. I don't do much polishing -- they seem to be pretty good.

Silver can tarnish/corrode in contact with table salt, of course. While there are string of sodium-this and sodium thats in the Method tabs ingredient list, it all came out sparkling. I do use china/crystal cycle so nothing is being washed for a very long time or in water above lukewarm. May make a difference.

When in doubt (like with my gold-rim dishes) I do a load without adding detergent. I was surprised that things got just as clean LOL.

No idea about the others. I'm not a fan of powders.

This post was edited by rococogurl on Sun, Jun 16, 13 at 18:25

Rococo, do you use the china/crystal cycle for everything? I don't have that option on my DW, but since I'm regressing back to being a pre-rinser, I probably don't need a lot of detergent, a very high temperature or long cycle, for that matter.

Hello, I'm Linelle, and I'm a Pre-Rinser. Sue me.

Ooh, interesting thought.....Do you have hard water? Do you use a water softener? I believe that some of them, and some dishwashers made for hard water areas, use salt as a softener. . . Maybe that's having an effect?

I just switched from Cascade to Finish (not Quantum) and I just started having tarnish. I've always put my silver in the dishwasher, and I've never had a problem. It's true about silver next to stainless. I even put my sterling knives that have stainless blades in a separate section. I worked for Waterford Wedgwood for years. We always told people to halve their quantities of detergent, since basically you're sandblasting your good tableware. It's impossible for me to cut the tabs, even with garden shears (damn my thumbs). I'm going back to Quantum. I'll also try the Method. More later. And thanks for weighing in, everyone. Very helpful.

I have been having my silver tarnish badly ever since I tried a box of targets generic. Never had a problem with cascade or finish. I have used the trick of poloshing by putting them in hot water and a little baking soda on top of aluminum foil and that works wonderfully but I am going back to finish.

I know this is a very old thread, but given some of the comments wanted to share that for many years I used Cascade powder. Having read great reviews of Finish (and recalling my mother always used Electrasol in the 70's), I tried it for a couple of loads. All of the glassware ended up permanently cloudy after just one run through the dishwasher. I've gone back to Cascade powder, but the damage was done to those glasses.

I was having tarnish when I switched from finish to Cascade. I wrote hem and they confirmed that it might cause tarnish so I switched back to the finish tabs. Now I am getting tarnish with those. I wonder if dishwasher detergents have all changed something in the formula that causes this.

I use the inherented silverware for everyday because there is no one to leave it to so why not. I always used Casade and never had a problem. About 2 years ago I switched to Finish because it h a better rating. Loved it. My husband went to store with list and got Cascade because it was on sale. I don’t know what changed in the 2 years but the interior of the dishwasher has brown/grey staining, the silverware is tarnished , the cups are stained brown, and the surface of the dishes are grey/brown. Arthritis or not I’ll be hobbling to the market for Finish.

Yes; my sterling -- washing in the dishwasher for 25+ years -- is now awfully tarnished. Using Cascade pods; can't wait to switch.

I switched to Finish and for a while it was fine. Then it started turning the silver yellow. I'm back to handwashing the flatware. I use my sterling and silverplate every day (why else have it?) and I keep it in a tarnish protector case in my kitchen cutlery drawer. Now that I've been washing it by hand, I haven't had to polish. Got rid of the flatware shelf in the DW and have more room for wine glasses (a BIG necessity, especially now). Frankly, I think 1/2 a tab, or even no detergent, and the china crystal setting makes sense except when there are lots of dirty casseroles, etc.

We’ve used Cascade Complete pods for years because at some point years ago they stated they were okay for sterling. In the last several months the sterling quickly became VERY tarnished. And my cheap white dishes have lots of gray on them which makes them look dirty. Obviously a formula change. I will switch to Finish or Method but would love some anecdotal evidence of success among people here. Which style of Finish or Method works for you?

Finish Quantum is great for dishes but it is ruining my sterling silver flatware.

We were using Cascade liquid with no problem until last month, and then they stopped making it. (A scalper was selling a bottle for about US $60 on Ebay). Switched to pods and the silverware went black, plus whatever chemical reaction was taking place also left residue on the dishes and turned the inside white of my dishwasher a disgusting brown colour. I've been washing the silverware by hand, but it's a huge needless chore. I've read to use something that is phosphate- and citrus-free, but haven't come across anything that is both. The big brands evidently don't think this is a big enough of a market to address, but I'm going to look on Etsy and do some research on niche soap producers to see what I can find. I'll provide an update if I discover anything good.

So no luck on Etsy, as most have citric acid in them or are really expensive for what you get, plus you have to pay postage. But I did come across this little gem: a recipe to make your own dishwasher detergent. Not sure when I'll get out to buy the ingredients, but I will try it and let everyone know how it goes:

http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/Homemade-Dishwasher-Detergent-91963
2 cups (change servings and units)
Ingredients:
* 1 cup washing soda (crystals)
* 1 cup borax
* 2-3 drops perfumed oil (optional)

Directions
1. Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.
2. Process until washing soda crystals are reduced to powder.
3. Store in airtight container.
4.Use 1- 2 tablespoons per load in your dishwasher.
5.(To save even more money, substitute Rinse Aid with white vinegar.).

We used to use Finish Powerball then switched to Cascade Complete and since switching, we noticed that our stainless flatware (not silver) has started turning dark, looking tarnished. Going back to Finish.

For the last month, I’ve been using washing soda. It’s great for the silverware but not so great for glassware

Cascade platinum (CP) used to have on the box that you could use it with silver... Now it does not. I just bought the same box of tabs I always have, now these new CP tabs tarnish my silverware! This sucks... The comments from many years ago point at phosphates... My last box was purchased about one year ago. Don't have the old box to check, but found a CP website which tells me not to put silver in the dishwasher. Guess we live in a new world, and I have to use all the time covid19 "gave" is to spit shine or silverware. Here's a link on why we have this new job: http://192.185.48.58/do-you-know-everything-you-should-about-phosphates/

For decades we used Cascade ORIGINAL for our silver plated flatware in the dishwasher with no problems. Recently switched to Cascade Platinum pods and Cascade Complete pods, and both quickly tarnished my silverware dark gray.

Switched back to Cascade ORIGINAL pods, and voila, the problem has not repeated! Hope this is helpful to someone!

Thank you all for your reports. I too have just exhausted my old tried and true Cascade, and the new suddenly turns everything silver to bronze, and I suspect the stainless steel may be turning too. I will look on line for Original Cascade. Or maybe even make my own detergent. I use my flatware daily. I am disappointed in P&G, I hope they are reading this. Kate

Now that I know it can be the Cascade pods that have tarnished my silver, I am stumped on how to get the tarnish on the inside of the dishwasher itself clean! Ive tried baking soda and vinegar several times, Cascade dishwasher cleaner (oops, that doesnt help) and considered scrubbing with comet or actual silver polish! The entire insides of the dishwasher is grey, and that happened in about 4 uses of Cascade pods! I never had to worry about my silverwear before, but they are in horrible shape. The dishwasher looks so dirty I could scream. Any ideas?

Same boat as many of you... Have always used Cascade (original liquid) and silver came out beautifully shiny in DW. Switched to Cascade pods a few months ago and noticed they were tarnished...same as our white ‘pottery’ mugs/plates and the inside of our DW. They have a gray finish to them now! Very disappointed and will try switching back to original liquid or Method!

I have tried several including cascade powder and finish. All seem to have more or less the same result. I think it must be some new additive they put in all their formulas. I have gone back to hand washing with ivory liquid or some other dishwashing soap.

How much vinegar per load for the dishwasher. Vinegar is pretty strong stuff.

Also, never heard of soda crystals. What brand do you use.

I use Arm & Hammer

I have been so disappointed with the change in Cascade.

I am finding much better results, ie, no tarnish of silver with Method pods.

good luck.

I have seen a grey residual on my pewter (Armate). I’ve put in dishwasher for decades without a problem. Now there is a grey residual I can wipe ifc with paper towel. . Using cascade pods from Costco - which I have been using before this problem. Any suggestion?

They have changed their formula to remove phosphates. Good for the environment, but bad for your silverware. Suggest you switch brands. There are still some brands e.g. Sunlight Advanced that say they work with silverware. I have also heard on this string that Method Pods work without tarnishing it. A homemade version of Washing Soda and Borax also work for silverware, but it's getting hard to find Borax anywhere also. Apparently it's not so good for people/planet either. I think with the Pewter it's going to be trial and error as well. If you find something that works, let us know.

If you need to Clean your dish washer itself....try running it empty with a generous helping ( half a container ) of TANG! It works on my old kitchen aid. Helps degrease. Let us know.

Thanks to all. I did not know that Arm and Hammer made soda crystals. I read where I could take it and bake it at 400 degrees and it would form soda crystals (change in chemistry when heated I suppose)

I'm washing my silver-plated flatware and having to wipe off the bronze/yellow frequently (Bosch dishwasher). Not a huge deal and it restores easily - I also don't let the flatware touch stainless as I use the top rack that has individual slots. I will try Method pods as recommended. I have also been using a rinse aid - I'm sure that is not good. I did a little research and vinegar not recommended as a replacement. I also read that citric acid is harmful to silver/silverplate. Any comments on rinse aid in regards to silver-plated flatware?

Rinse Aid is a very unhealthy product to use. It is designed to stay on your dishes/glasses. I highly recommend you dont use it.

What do you recommend I use in the dishwasher to wash and rinse the silver and china? I'm needing some good advice.

I actually just switched to Blueland (order from their website), for their dishwasher tablets. I love them, they get everything clean, and they advertise they’re fine for silver. Plus, since they aren’t “pods”, there’s no plastic in them going into the waste water. (I also use their foaming hand soap and I absolutely love that too). Very environmentally conscious company.

Not sure anyone is still following this thread but.....I am having the same issue as many of you re sterling, silver plate and stainless causing the grey/brown discoloration on white china dishes. Has anyone sloved this? Recommended dish detergent? Special tips and tricks?

Yes exactly the same! I used sun dishwasher powder and it was BRILLIANT

Help

Following "HU-388500356"

I just reached out to Cascade this morning. It’s been several years since I last researched this… and thought maybe they have made some changes or improvements.
They said “Cascade Complete” is an excellent choice as it is phosphate free with no lemon or citrus added.
In Canada (where I am from) it’s available at Walmart and Canadian Tire.

Thanks, all. Can you believe: it's nearly Halloween in 2024 and I've got the same problem? Still? I've been polishing our daily used sterling for a long time - never thought the SOAP used might be dulling and yellowing it until yesterday. Have solutions turned up? Does the revised Cascade Complete work?

I’m using the Cascade Complete but I have not pulled out my silverware yet.🤷🏻‍♀️

Following for updates/solutions! i am currently using Finish Quantum and Finish Rinse ans my sterling yellows quickly when i run it through the dishwasher. id love to find the right combo so i don't have to keep polishing off the yellow!

Have you tried Cascade Complete?

Omg i just got online and typed why is my silverware all th3 sudden tarnishing with cascade

I have exactly the same problem! What is good for silverware?

My aunt, whose family owned a renouned highend housewares store, always taught me to only wash silver in the dishwasher if it was being washed without other metals. Don't combine sterling and stainless. That is my rule of thumb and has always worked for me and my family regardless of detergent.