Dishwashers and detergent packets.

3 years ago

My daughter recently mentioned to me that dishwasher packets ( or pods) are best NOT put in the detergent basket that closes.

I have never heard this before, so I did try googling and came up with conflicting info.

I looked at my manual, which said to use the detergent dispenser for the packet form. It did say liquid is not preferred.

I have been using Cascade platinum and Costco or BJ's variety.

Curious what you do?

This is what I use..

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Comments (6)

Jen K (7b, 8a)
3 years ago
I recently switched to the pods because the liquid was clogging up the dispenser. I put it in the dispenser because it will be released when the dishwasher cycle requires it.

Does the conflicting information ask you to put the liquid, or pod, on the floor of the dishwasher? It doesn't seem to work out with the dishwasher cycles which has a pre rinse of hot water.
salonva thanked Jen K (7b, 8a)
anj_p
3 years ago
The instructions on the detergent will tell you to put it in the dispenser. Like Jen said, putting it in the machine will mean it dissolves before the clean cycle starts.

Maybe they're getting confused with washer pods, which do go in the drum, not the dispenser.
salonva thanked anj_p
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salonva
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks for your replies. It was definitely referring to dishwashers, and for the record, ours are relatively new ( like about 2 years old). Most of what I read said to use the dispenser, and did discourage using liquid as it will clog.

The ones tha tsaid to not use the dispenser said to put it on the floor of the dishwasher.

I agree that 90% of what is out there mentions using the dispenser. I was curious as I thought maybe everyone else is doing the floor thing and I had no clue.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
What does this new information say is the REASON that it’s best not to put the detergent in the dispenser?

I use the pods and put them in the dispenser, and I trust the dishwasher manufacturer’s advice for optimum performance for their product.
dadoes
3 years ago
The primary concern is that there is no detergent for a prewash phase of the cycle if a pod/pack is placed in the covered detergent dispenser that opens later in the main wash. Placing the pod/pack directly in the tub or in the silverware basket or some such location allows it to begin dissolving immediately on the first water spray period which typically is the prewash. It may dissolve only partially depending how long is the prewash period.

Another concern is that premeasured pods/packs prevent control of dosage may result in an overdose, particularly for users who have softened water.
wdccruise
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Put pods in the dispenser. You want the detergent to be released for the second, main wash. If you put the pod in the tub, there will be detergent only in the short pre-wash and none in the main wash. Better idea: buy some Cascade Complete or Seventh Generation powder detergent and put some in both the tub (if your dishwasher doesn't have a pre-wash cup) and dispenser. Target.