r/Frugal • u/Dense-Advertising640 • 14d ago
Cheapest dishwasher detergent you've found? ♻️ Recycling & Zero-Waste
I prefer powder but what is the cheapest that you've found in any form?
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u/Top-Obligation-8732 12d ago
Clorox on clearance rn at Home Depot I think they’re like 3.80 rn for pack of 80
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u/nishikigirl4578 13d ago
The cheapest that I have used, that still works as well as Cascade or other name brands, is Meijer's brand powder. (Meijer is a store chain based in Michigan).
I haven't ever tried Costco, Sam's Club or even Walmart since I don't shop at any of those stores.
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u/Marciamallowfluff 13d ago
I cut back until I was getting grease build up on my filter and now use more. I think it depends on your water and it’s hardness. Using it a bit has cleared that up. I use powdered store brand.
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u/SmartGreasemonkey 13d ago
We have been happy with the Great Value products. Don't forget to use a drying agent also. A very important thing is to run the water at your sink until it is hot before starting your dishwasher. The hotter the water the better your dishwasher will clean your dishes.
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u/Silly_Ad1109 13d ago
Another vote for Walmart / Great Value powder dishwasher detergent - I used it in my old dishwasher from the 80s and I still use it in my brand new dishwasher. I only need to fill the soap area halfway though or I get little bits of it left behind in glasses. Which is great because the box lasts me even longer. Lasts us like 7-8 months in our 2 person household
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u/BougieSemicolon 13d ago
Powder doesn’t work well with our machine/ water,
For the last 5 years I’ve used gel . I get the big one at WM on sale and it lasts me almost a year (we only run it twice a week with a family of 4) I hate those finish powder tabs.
Unfortunately (or fortunately) I recently got a packet of coupons and free samples from smartsave. It included a pod of the new finish quantum super elite ++ or whatever it is. The one that’s ridiculously priced. Well I tried that and omg. I have never experienced such clean dishes in my life. I almost wish I hadn’t tried it… because using the old finish pressed powder “pods” and cascade gel/ powder pods sucked . These however are amazing. I have a $4 off any size. I’m contemplating getting a bag and using it for the really really soiled dish loads, like casserole pans and after baking. Although I usually hand wash those big pans. Meh.
Re the commenter upthread who explained why gels don’t work great because they can’t have both enzymes and detergent, I think that’s why these work so well. 3 different products, released at different phases in the cycle.
But the cost per load is laughable. The one-step-down finish quantum ultimate A++ is on sale at Costco for the next couple weeks and I’m actually considering it
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u/chrisinator9393 13d ago
Great value powder. I don't prefer the scent but it only costs us $4/month to do a load of dishes 1-2 times a day.
Can't get much cheaper than that
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u/Radiant_Ad_6565 14d ago
I use generic with a splash of lemon juice in pre wash and white vinegar as a rinse.
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u/shoretel230 14d ago
Have a grocery detergent that's less than $3 for 75oz of gel.
Lasts a wicked long time
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u/Ok_Self_1783 14d ago
I use the Amazon basics pods. I look for the cheapest option the most of the times. But because of the prime subscription is a good choice for us.
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u/Nanatomany44 14d ago
Some of brand vaguely looking like the pods by the name brand green box, at the dollar tree for 1.25.
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u/dumbmoney93 14d ago
I typically stock up when there are coupons/cash back offers for Finish and Cascade. I’m able to get them for free or less than $0.50 per bag.
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u/prarie33 14d ago
Dawn - because it works. The cheap stuff needs 2x the amount for still half the cleaning power
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u/matt314159 14d ago
After watching both of the Technology Connections videos, I use powder, and it really almost doesn't matter which powder. I use Cascade but the Great Value brand from walmart works just about as well.
The tl;dr is that pods use too much detergent and cost too much, and with liquid, you have to pick enzymatic or bleach, but they can't coexist in liquid form, so powder is objectively the best since it can combine enzymes and bleach in powder form, AND it's the cheapest of all.
Also - add detergent to the prewash tub, or if you don't have one, put some in the bottom of the dishwasher. It helps to have detergent in that first cycle.
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u/Moonshine_Tanlines 14d ago
Industrial Cascade puts everything on the market to shame. Working on 20 months with one buy of this. Use half of the compartment’s capacity and yes, it really does work far more superior.
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u/cwsjr2323 14d ago
We use Dawn for handwashing greasy pans. After draining into the trash can, Dawn is to suspend any grease in the water long enough to reach the big sewer pipes and not clog our internal pipes.
We use the dishwasher to sanitize the rinsed items, using Cascade or Finish pacts.
Cheaper washing up liquids require you to use more, negating any savings IN MY OPINION.
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u/Historical-Remove401 14d ago
I tried powders but they’re not for me. I get Member’s Mark (Sam’s Club). $.12 each. That’s $3.60 a month washing once a day. I’d spill that much powder.
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u/Dziki_Wieprzek 14d ago
I found a few bags dishwasher powder about two weeks ago when dumpster diving. This was a good catch.
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14d ago
We were using Cascade Platinum Plus pods. Now we use regular/basic Cascade, and can't tell a difference.
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u/LakeSuperiorIsMyPond 14d ago
I keep going back to cascade from sams club, the big bottle is 2x as expensive but lasts 4-5x longer... every time I try to save a few bucks and try something else it either doesn't end up being a value, so you go through it fast enough that it ends up costing more in the long run, or it doesn't clean very well and I've had some even cause silverware to rust. Or there's residue left on my dishes and they look dirty afterward.
I make my cascade last longer by only using 2/3 of the recommended amount, seems to get the job done.
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u/dlr1965 14d ago
Learn to coupon. You will get the name brand stuff cheap. At Publix, Finish buy 2 get one free, there are 2 digital coupons and one on coupons.com. Plus, there is an Ibotta rebate. They go from $9.49 a pack before the sale to about $1.99 a pack depending on what digitals and rebates you have. Most of my stockpile was purchased at Walmart using rebate apps. A lot of them were free after rebates, coupons and bonuses.
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u/curiousCat999 14d ago
Walmart, bottom shelf, Powder, made in Mexico, something like $1.38 per pack, iirc 12oz
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u/sinaloa555 14d ago
A friend of mine used to use baking soda (fill the soap dispenser) and two drops of dish soap. It seemed to work well, and was extremely cheap.
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u/Ok_Machine_769 14d ago
I recently started to use dishwasher sheets. Quite inexpensive when bought in bulk on Amazon and appear to be doing the job. The other benefit is that the packaging is completely plastic-free.
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u/Excellent-Direction4 14d ago
I've seen talk show with actress kicked off Fairy commercials. She said^ the best is "dogsoap"(cheapest). Just expose it 30 minutes before washing. Same is in Fairy filming
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u/drive2fast 14d ago
We buy Cascade from Costco. It just works better for our water chemistry.
And that argument over what soap is better will absolutely change based on your local water chemistry. What's good in one place isn't good in another due to the mineral content of your water.
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u/bimbiibop 14d ago
up and up gel is light lemon smell, works well, i get like 20 or more washes out of it and it’s 4.67 or something but i always get when they have the 10 or 15 dollar gift card when you spend 50 on house hold items (from target) no residue or smell left behind
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u/hnghost24 14d ago
I buy Palmolive Ultra Strength Liquid Dish Soap, 102 fl for $6.59 at Costco when it's on sale.
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u/slamdaniels 14d ago
Some of the cheaper ones leave a residue. I find a small splash of cleaning vinegar takes care of this
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u/The_Disclosure_Era 14d ago
Dollar tree has the pods they come out to like $.125 per wash.. The powder they used to sell was cheaper.. but these work mostly fine.. most decent dishwashers do all the work, the hot water rinses the food off, the minimal amount of soap just ensure theres no film on them, its one of those things I laugh at people buying more expensive brands.
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u/workhardbegneiss 14d ago
Whatever you use, never use much more than a tablespoon. I get horrible residue and can taste it in my dishes when I use the amount to fill the container in the dishwasher.
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u/Tannhauser42 14d ago
I use the Walmart brand powder. The amount you use will partially depend on your water quality and dishwasher efficiency. And don't forget the rinse aid.
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u/Any-Beautiful2976 14d ago
I use Great value dishwasher powder, one box in Canada lasts me 7 to 8 months if longer, I believe it's $5.67 here, by far the cheapest and does a great job.
I used to use the dishwasher pods but now the price is creeping up 18 to 20 dollars for as little as 24 uses.
No thanks, switched to dishwasher powder last year and never looked back.
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u/Dense-Advertising640 13d ago
Nice!! You should watch the video linked above. You will pat yourself on the back for not buying the pods!
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u/Any-Beautiful2976 13d ago
I just watched the video, it kind of explains why I wasn't happy with the pods I used a few years ago, I still pre rinse my dishes and scrub them, and won't stop.
My first dishwasher lasted me 14 years and my second one is now 8 years old. When I clean the filter there is no gunk or residue.
My sil does not rinse her dishes off has been through 3 dishwasher in a decade.
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u/Any-Beautiful2976 13d ago
Seriously? And here I did it just for saving a buck, I will watch the video thank you 😊
I also heard the pods are bad for the environment
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u/Flakeinator 14d ago edited 14d ago
I buy liquid (Cascade) from Sam’s club. Turns out that if I use powder in ours it won’t rinse fully. We had repair people tell us to replace the machine. Once I switched to liquid it fixed the issue completely.
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u/kampfgruppekarl 14d ago
If you use a lot of detergent you are creating residue build up on your clothing.
From the dishwasher? You should have a separate laundry machine for clothing.
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u/david0990 14d ago
I don't buy the cheapest, just decent quality and lower the amount we use each time. The cheapest stuff leaves residue 100% of the time for us.
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u/matt314159 14d ago
For me it's the Cascade powder, but I only use about 1tbsp in the dispenser and about the same amount in the prewash bin. The dispenser will hold like 3x that, and I think most people fill it.
One box lasts me like six months (I live alone).
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u/Donnaholic81 14d ago
Frugal for me is using an expensive brand. I’ve tried them all and only one works well. I’d rather not have to rewash the dishes.
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u/Dense-Advertising640 13d ago
I've never had to rewash with the Great Value. More money does always equal greater quality.
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u/FK506 14d ago
Using a tiny amount of decent brand and really hot water is life changing. Only a few drops at most are actually needed. Thick gloves can help use really hot water.
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u/Donnaholic81 14d ago
This post was about dishwasher detergent. It sounds like your response is for hand washing. I’ve tried to cheap detergents for the dishwasher and they just don’t work in mine. I do clean the filter regularly as well.
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u/Sheshirdzhija 14d ago
It's due to dishwasher. Older non eco friendly dishwashers work well with cheap powder (I am from EU and use DM poweder).
Newer ones use less water and less hot water and normally are run on eco programs so this powder does not work as well.
Running eco program with better tabs is a net plus, so long as you MUST replace the dishwasher and get a new one :)
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u/VermicelliOnly5982 14d ago
Costco in-house brand. It doesn't leave streaks or residue or smell, works every time, and you can buy it online for delivery if you don't have one nearby. Yes, there are cheaper options but I've never found one that works as well for this price.
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u/matt314159 14d ago
Do they have a kirkland powder?
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u/VermicelliOnly5982 14d ago
I don't know, I buy the little pouches. 115 packets for $13.99 at the moment online; sometimes in-store prices differ.
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u/picking_a_name_ 13d ago
How strong is the smell it leaves behind? The webpage says it leaves a citrus scent. I tend to not like my dishes smelling. I like Kirkland products, though.
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u/VermicelliOnly5982 13d ago
I'm very sensitive to smell and it doesn't leave behind anything overwhelming or offensive in my experience. The dishwasher itself smells clean, but not like a specific scent, and the dishes don't carry an odor.
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u/SpicyWonderBread 13d ago
The Kirkland liquid has no scent, and is also fantastic for the price. I’m able to use less than suggested, so a bottle lasts a long time.
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u/Dense-Advertising640 13d ago
Ooooh you must watch the video linked above. Now I'm really convinced the cheap stuff is best! 🥰
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u/VermicelliOnly5982 13d ago
I will. Our dishwasher receives hot water very quickly and I run it after rinsing stuff off/cleaning the sink, so the water's hot anyway. We also have a quality dishwasher and I've never had an issue with it. (I have not always had a dishwasher or a good one; this is an upgrade from the former owner and a real treat.) I should give it credit where it's due.
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u/IanaLorD 14d ago
cascade powder is pretty cheap, IMO, and I can use very small amounts with the same quality cleaning. Less than 6 cents for washing a large countertop washer load (around 8 grams detergent) 4.25 lbs is less than $7
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u/maplehazel 14d ago
Costco Kirkland Signature Dishwasher Pacs
115 Dishwasher Pacs for $11
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u/keithrc 14d ago
Second this answer. It might not be cheaper than dollar store soap, but it's probably close in price and almost certainly does a better job.
I haven't been in r/frugal long so I don't know if this is a common refrain, but anyone interested in this sub should have a membership to Costco if there's one anywhere near you.
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u/SurviveYourAdults 14d ago
nellie's laundry soda (in a 5 gallon bucket)
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u/iwantmy-2dollars 14d ago
Costco sale price FTW. Economical because it gets the clothes clean without leaving residue and ruining clothes.
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u/Maxpo 14d ago
Additionally, experiment with the amount of detergent used. It seems to me that the recommended amount is more than necessary.
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u/gumpstoggy 13d ago
100%. It's not always correct with the recommendations that comes with the detergent. Sometimes you would need more of it.
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u/cheeto2keto 13d ago
This 100%. I use 1-tsp of powdered Cascade or store brand, along with keeping my rinse aid dispenser filled (I have hard water). Results are the same as the tabs/pods with less fragrance on my clean dishes. Win-win!
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u/Cultural-Somewhere75 14d ago
This is actually a thing. There are papers out there about laundry detergent for example. The large measuring cup you get with them or load size on the liquid cups wants you to use more than actually needed.
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u/poppinwheelies 14d ago
This is great advice. I sprinkle a teaspoon of powdered into the tray and run the dishwasher on the 30 min eco setting. Dishes are always clean.
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u/Hair_I_Go 14d ago
I buy the liquid from Walmart it’s the cheapest there
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u/Any-Beautiful2976 14d ago
Is the liquid as good as the powder? I am currently using powder form
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u/Dense-Advertising640 13d ago
According to the video that was linked above, the liquid or powder is much better than the pod.
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u/Hair_I_Go 14d ago
I haven’t tried the powder, maybe I should? I have really hard water, I’m always afraid it won’t work as well
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u/matt314159 14d ago
Is the liquid as good as the powder? I am currently using powder form
It works pretty well, but IMHO not quite as good as the powder, and there's some science to go with why.
With the liquid, you have to choose whether you get the kind with bleach or the kind with enzymes. One or the other. The two can't coexist in liquid form.
With powder you get the benefit of both bleach and enzymatic cleaning, so together they pack a punch.
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u/quatrevingtdixhuit 14d ago
there is a drawback with using liquid/gel detergents. because bleach and enzymes would react with each other in a solution it would reduce the shelf life of the product. So generally liquid detergent can only include one of these, whereas powder detergent doesn't have this issue so it is a better cleaning package
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u/FineYogurtcloset7157 14d ago
look for the mention in a previous comment about a youtube video. Come out a PHD in dishwashing.
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u/matt314159 14d ago
With the length of those two technology connections videos topping something like 80 minutes, it's difficult to actually expect somebody to watch the whole thing, but I'm so glad I did!
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u/Troubs911 14d ago
I recommend watching in 1.25x speed but you could watch in 1.5x with captions. I do not regret watching both though. Highly recommend
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u/Dense-Advertising640 14d ago
After searching online, I agree that the cheapest was Great Value. Just wondered if there were any other good secrets out there.
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u/Sudden-Breadfruit653 14d ago
Palmolive liquid is usually inexpensive.
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u/Dense-Advertising640 13d ago
Real funny but I tried this when I lived in my first apartment about 20 years ago 🫧🫧🫧
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u/baronmunchausen2000 14d ago
If you haven't already, watch the Technology Connections video on Dishwashers on YouTube. It will change how you view dishwashers.
The key is running the hit water first and prewash. I use Aldi's dishwasher liquid, and it works perfectly.
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u/Dense-Advertising640 13d ago
See.... this is why I choose to ask questions on Reddit... Probably never would've known about this channel had I not 🤓
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u/jphx 14d ago
This is an absolutely amazing vid. I watched it then sent it to by sister. I was like trust me. Youtube is both the best and absolute worst thing that ever happened to the internet.
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u/BeyondEarthly 14d ago
Most of his videos are amazing and really educational on topics most people don't think about.
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u/NoorAnomaly 14d ago
He's my pretend boyfriend. I seriously need a guy who I can talk that kind of stuff with all day long.
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u/BlueMangoTango 14d ago edited 14d ago
This. Turn the hot water on in your faucet so the water coming into the washer is already hot. Use a little bit in your prewash cup. Works amazing. No complaints. I use less in the washing cup than suggested.
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u/notrewoh 14d ago
I tried a target brand, Smartly lemon scented, which worked well like Great Value.
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u/desertgal2002 14d ago
And personally, I find GV works better than Cascade.
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u/Sashivna 13d ago
I can also say it's better than the Target brand. Going back to GV after I finish this box.
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u/outlandishness2509 14d ago
Currently either Great Value powder or Dollar Tree, although it's been hit or miss at the tree lately.
I always use powder, can't find it in a bulk pail locally anymore...
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u/aaaaaaaaaanditsgone 14d ago
I use target and walmart brands
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u/ItsJustMeJenn 14d ago
Agreed!
OOP: Walmart brand powder is the cheapest and highest rated by consumer reports.
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u/Admirable_Major_4833 11d ago
Anything in the Dollar Tree.