Dishwasher detergent: liquid, powder or tabs?

[sweeps]

I normally use powder all the time but got a really good deal on tabs. They weren't so bad actually. But the jury is still out on what is the best deal? Any thoughts?

[rdeel2000]

I did the math once and at regular price the tabs are quite a bit more expensive per load. The problem with the tabs is that you cannot regulate how much you use. I only fill the cup that has the lid so I use half as much as the box says and my dishes get just as clean. I have found that the only thing that will get the tea stains out of my cups is the Electrasol powder and I have tried them all.

[PrincessPerky]

I use the tabs cause it is cheaper than liquid, and powder never gets it clean .

[midnight]

I do mine by hand. Which is cheaper, using the diswasher or washing by hand?

[Tree0164]

I use powder and use about 1/2 the recommnded amount. My dishes still come out clean.

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by midnight

I do mine by hand. Which is cheaper, using the diswasher or washing by hand?

From everything I have heard it is about equal with a newish energy efficient, working, DW. I am more than happy to believe that

[robex]

We use powder, but only half the recommended amount. Once a month, I fill the jet dry cup up with vinegar and pour that in as well. The kids rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, so usually they're clean...the worst is dried on Shreddies!

[cercis]

Our water is so hard right now I have to use liquid. Powder doesn't dissolve at all. That goes for laundry detergent as well.

I've been using the eco stuff from the health food store. It's more expensive but it really does seem to work better.

From what I understand, handwashing is only cheaper if you only use 2 basins of water, one to wash and one to rinse. I can't handle that. It seems to me that the later dishes would end up having a lot of soap left on them because the rinse water would be so soapy.

[esmeralda]

I use a liquid from the health food store. Because we have hard water, I fill the top cup half with soap and half with vinegar as a water softener. The bottom cup is filled with a shot of soap, vinegar and a scoop of Borax/baking soda. It fizzes and dissolves the soda.

I started doing this to avoid the hard water scum that collects on the seals, making them hard and ineffective. I've been doing it for two years now and so far we dont have a build up inside the dishwasher.

[BillsGirl]

I use to use powder but we have a dishwasher thats older than dirt so liquid is the only stuff that works!!

[mjrube94]

I use whatever brand and whatever style is on sale. I agree that the tabs are more expensive at full price, but with a coupon doubled, when the tabs are on sale, they end up being pretty cheap. I usually save my box of tabs for when I'm running low on powder/liquid and don't want to pay full price to replace it. The tabs hold me over until the next good sale.