astrid Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Does anyone have problems with their dishwasher detergent degrading the aluminum on pots, pans, cookie sheets? For some reason, Cascade and other types of dishwasher detergent wear make all my aluminum cookie sheets, the tops of my KitchenAid mixer attachments, the handles of some of my knives, etc. so that they are dull and leave a black residue on hands. I know it's not my water; I'm on city water and have never had this problem before the dishwashing compounds starting reformulating to all these "power" types. I replaced my cookie sheets and then started using Mrs. Meyers dishwashing compound, which didn't seem to blacken my metals. I can't find it locally anymore, though, so have gone back to Cascade but it's happening again. In comparing other brands to Cascade, the ingredients all seem the same so I'm doubtful that any other brand would be any different, really. I think it's because they're all formulated to literally chisel dried-on food off the dishes. All these "power" agents are the culprits, I think. Anyone else notice this? I"m about to replace my cookie sheets once again because of this and am determined to find something that won't destroy them. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 We had to stop using Cascade for hte same reason. I think it's because it doesn't have phosphates any more (or something like that). We've gone to using Finish cubes instead (with the cute red power ball) and vinegar in the rinse cup. We were getting film on the glasses too and the Finish seems to fix that. BTW - it took a wash with just vinegar (sloshed about 2 cups in the bottom of the washer) to get the black off DH's camping pots. Very nasty stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Dishwasher detergent and aluminum DO NOT get along. I never put anything aluminum in the dishwasher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 Did your metal feel sort of gritty, as well? It's kind of hard to explain but it has a very unpleasant feel to it. Did the vinegar wash change that? astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 I never, ever had this problem before, and after I replaced my cookie sheets and used Mrs. Meyers I didn't have trouble either. Weird... astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I haven't had that particular problem, but I had a bunch of other issues. We were planning to replace the dishwasher, and I had been spending a lot of time researching brands, when I decided to try a different detergent. I've used both the Cascade Action Pac and the Finish cubes, and both work much better than the Cascade powder. I've also noticed that I have to keep the Rinse Aid compartment all the way full, or the dishes feel gritty. So we didn't have to replace the dishwasher after all, thanks to suggestions from the hive. I don't know if any of that would help you though. Come to think of it, I don't think I own any aluminum kitchen stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarcyB Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Dishwasher detergent and aluminum DO NOT get along. I never put anything aluminum in the dishwasher. This. Well, that and I've gotten rid of just about everything aluminum anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 THESE are the pans I have trouble with-- no others, really. I bought them at Sur la Table, so they're not some cheapy Wal-Mart version. I love them, but am getting tired of spending $15 each for them and replacing them often. We've had none of the other problems you describe, Perry. Just the blackening of pans and the gritty feel on metal that's not stainless steel. Astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 The pans I"m having an issue with are "aluminized steel" commercial bakeware from Sur La Table. $15 apiece for a cookie sheet-- NOT cheapo junk from Wal-Mart or something. Frustrating. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Do you use a rinse aid? It seems to help here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastalGal Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Dishwasher detergent and aluminum DO NOT get along. I never put anything aluminum in the dishwasher. :iagree: Unless you have the white coated KitchenAid attachments, they are NOT dishwasher safe... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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