Streak-Free Clean Dishes with Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs
Written: Jul 13 '04 (Updated Jul 21 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use, no measuring, one tablet per dishwasher load, does a great job
Cons: More expensive than powdered dishwasher soap in a box
The Bottom Line: After a swish and swirl in this cleaner, the Bottom Line looks better than ever!
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| dlstewart's Full Review: Cascade 2-in-1 Action Packs |
Since I wrote a review about the Maytag Dishwasher that I love, I thought it a good idea to write about the soap I use in it. I use two different brands of soap in the dishwasher. One of those brands is Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs.
Description
Sitting in front of me is a plastic re-sealable pouch containing 20 Pacs. The package is a combination of spring green and bright blue color with a clear panel along the bottom half where one can view the contents. I was surprised when I turned the package upside down to see that the bottom of this pouch is also clear. The word “Cascade” is written in bold red across the top of the package.
The package is designed to rip horizontally open at the top. And like a Ziplock bag, it has a locking seal to keep the contents of the bag free from moisture and dirt.
The Action Pacs are interesting to look at ... and strange! The Pac is one “tablet” that has two halves. The entire tablet is encased in a water soluble plastic that disintegrates in the dishwasher. One section of the tablet is composed of Dawn dishwashing liquid. The other section contains concentrated Cascade dishwashing powder. I measured these tablets with my trusty ruler. Not quite square, the tablets measure 1 5/8" x 1 1/2" and are about a 1/2" high.
These 13.4 ounce pouches come in two varieties. The Cascade powder remains the same, however the Dawn dishwashing soap is offered in two types. Buy the “original” Dawn blue dishwashing liquid, or purchase the orange “Citrus Breeze” scented Dawn dishwashing liquid.
My Experiences
I have used Cascade dishwashing detergent before in the dishwasher. And I am a faithful user of Dawn dishwashing liquid to hand wash dishes. This is match made in dish-cleaning heaven!
The plastic pouch containing the individual Pacs is easy to open. Using a pair of scissors, I cut the top off. A picture of a small pair of scissors shows where to cut the bag. The bag is also simple to reseal, and the seal holds. It’s important to have a working seal since the individual tablets are water soluble, and moisture has to be kept out of the pouches.
Make sure your hands are dry before handling the tablets. These are the strangest looking things with squishy liquid on one side and powder packed into a hard cube on the other side.
Easy to use, do not unwrap or puncture the tablet in any way. Simply place one tablet into the dishwasher soap dispenser and close the compartment. Shut the dishwasher and turn it on. Ta Da! The water will dissolve the plastic holding the soaps, releasing the cleaners into the dishwasher to do their job. I love it that there is no measuring or mess when using these. Also, these tablets are safe for septic tanks.
I have tried both scents and don’t have a preference ... though I am partial to the blue color of the Dawn dishwashing soap. Both scents are pleasant. When opening the bag, I definitely smell the dishwasher soap. If you are very sensitive to fragrances, then open the bag with caution. My nose twitched a bit at the concentrated scent in the bag, but I did not sneeze. I don’t notice any scent when the dishwasher is running or when it is opened to remove the clean dishes.
Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs perform well, too. The manufacturer boasts the tablets contain a “Pure Rinse Formula”. And the Dawn is a grease-cutting agent. My dishes come out clean and shiny with no spots, streaks or fogging. These Action Pacs do a great job!
In case you are wondering, our family approaches loading the dishwasher a variety of ways. Some of us tend to briefly rinse the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Other family members make sure a chicken bone isn’t sticking to the plate then drop the plate into the washer grease, grime and all. This Cascade cleaner has no problem with grease, spaghetti sauce, tea cups, or debris not rinsed from the dishes before washing.
Ingredients & Safety Cautions
As with all cleansers there are warnings written on the package:
“Caution: Do not get in eyes. Do not get on skin or clothing. Keep out of reach of children.”
First Aid Treatment: “Contains sodium carbonate, sodium silicate and enzymes. If swallowed, give a glassful of water or milk and call a Poison Control Center or doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting. If in eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes. If on skin, rinse well with water.”
Phosphorous Content: “This Cascade formula averages not more than 8.7% phosphorous, in the form of phosphates, which is equivalent to 2.2 grams per tablespoon.”
Purchasing
I buy the Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs at my local grocery store for $3.99 for a pouch of 20 tablets. So each tablet costs 20 cents. Sometimes I am lucky and the pouches are on sale. If your local store does not sell this product, it is available at drugstore.com for $4.49.
Summary
These Cascade 2 in 1 Action Pacs work very well in my Maytag dishwasher. The tablets are easy to use, and clean extraordinarily well. I’ve been using these for several months and have not been disappointed. I will definitely keep on buying them.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Cascade is a brand of Procter & Gamble (Cincinnati, Ohio).
Toll-free Phone: 800-765-5516
This cleaner has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
Please read my other reviews:
Electrasol 2-in-1 Tabs with Jet Dry
Maytag Dishwasher
Oneidea Premier Flatware
Ginsu Knife Set with Wooden Block
Farberware 12" x 18" Cutting Board with Microban
Calphalon Professional Nonstick II Sauce Pans
T-Fal Perfection Saute Pan
KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer
West Bend Automatic Egg Cooker
Braun Coffee Grinder (and flax seed)
GE Top Freezer Refrigerator
Maytag Gemini Double Oven Range
Copyright 2004 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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