Dishwashers

I would not wash bottles in the dishwasher. I would worry about residue from the food, the harsh detergent (not good for the babies!!!) and other germs in the dishwasher getting on the bottles. I would just hand wash them.

I agree with the others that said Cascade Complete, it has changed our dishes, they are no longer dull with buildup, or spotty. It's worth the money.

Because minerals may be soft in your water or hard its important to put 8 salt tabs (I buy mine in a 40 lb. bag at home depot) it will save your dishwasher years as well as your wash machine. Also, run your water on hot for 30 seconds before putting your dishwasher on, it saves time, otherwise your dishwasher runs 3 hours because it takes time to heat up. We don't know this and it will save you money and products. A.

Hi B.,
Congratulations on your twins! I have 1.5 year old twins and it is so wonderful. I can't offer much advice about dishwashers but I do have a suggestions as far as bottles go. We were forever washing bottles so we switched to Playtex drop-ins. They were a little more expensive since you have to buy the liners but it cuts back sooooo much on the washing. Hope this helps. Good luck with your twins...you will truly enjoy the experience. There is nothing like it! If you need to talk or have more questions feel free to e-mail!
Danielle

We recently got a Kenmore Elite... spots are gone. I love it! Only thing is it is a bit pricey.

For washing we use a very effective non-toxic dishwasher soap. I don't like toxic residue on our dishes and breathing the fumes were very bothersome to my son.

Hi B.,

Just a thought... Are you using the heated drying cycle? With my dishwasher if I turn that cylce off and basically just drip dry, I get spots (on both plastic and glass).

You also may want to try a different detergent.

I always just handwash the bottles in hot soapy water, I find that it's really the only way to get them clean. Our dishwasher is brand new, but never seemed the get the bottles clean enough. But maybe try that jet dry stuff that rinses the dishes after the wash cycle? That might work. If you're really considering a new dishwasher, we just got a Bosch and it's great...very quiet and the buttons are on the inside so that the kids can't push them. :)
Lynsey

I would tend to think the problem is more with the cycle and/or what detergent you're using and less with the actual dishwasher...I've tried lots of different detergents, but have finally resolved to spend the money and use Cascade Complete...and I always put Jet Dry in the dispenser. Also, I use the hottest water possible and heat dry - don't let them drip dry, that'll give you spots, for sure.

Hope this helps, best wishes to you and those twins!
J.

I had the same issue on my plastic storage containers. I switched my dishwasher soap to Cascade Complete. Not with bleach or anything fancy. Just plain cascade complete. I found the one with bleach stinks!! It's makes your dishes look worse coming out, than they did going in! I called and got my money back on that one.. Also you can buy this product specifically for plastic wear, that prevents spotting. You add it in addition to the detergent. It's in the same isle as the dish soap..I just forget what it's called. Hope this helps!!!

I solved this issue with my dishwasher by dumping a big glug of white vinegar into the bottom before I run it, evey time.

Hi B.,

Those spots and smears are the result of residue from your detergent. EWWW!! I thought I needed a new dishwasher due to poor washing and spots too, but then someone suggested I switch detergents and I cannot tell you the difference. I use Melaleuca's dishwasher detergent...frankly I have switched everything in my house over to their products because I find them superior to anything you can find in the stores...and safe for my kids, unlike store brands. You should check them out at their website, I think that would solve your spot problem, safe you the money of a new dishwasher, and protect your precious twins from the toxins that are in store bought dishwasher detergent.

www.melaleuca.com is their site

D.
35 year old mother of 5 with one more on the way