I actually wrote to P&G about this. I noticed a difference almost immediately after they changed their formula (and no, I didn’t know about the change beforehand).
I got the following letter back:
Thanks for contacting Cascade.
I’m sorry that you’re having difficulties with the Cascade not cleaning your dishes and leaving a smell in your dishwasher. As for the phosphate beingn (sic) removed from Cascade, in the long run, it will benefit the environment by reducing algae in lakes, ponds and streams. The topic has been around for several years, and some states had been phosphate free before it became a national regulation.
I know you said you were going to buy a generic detergent for your dishwasher and get a phosphate additive, but I can’t recommend doing that and would definitely suggest that you check with the manufacturer of your dishwasher to
make sure it will not adversely affect it. I can, however, recommend trying the Cascade Complete, either in the gel format or in the Action Pacs. I have had many people recommending the Action Pacs and how well they clean. I would be happy to send you a coupon for you to try it if you would send me your complete address. Once I have your information, you should receive the coupon in the mail within 2-3 weeks.
I hope this information will help you.
Barb
Cascade Team
I’ve been using Cascade Complete for a little over a year and have not noticed a difference since the change.
I use Cascade in my dishwasher, haven't noticed a difference. Must not live in one of the 17 states that have screwed up consumers - again. Maybe I should load the pickup full of the good stuff and go sell it roadside in one of the 17???... :-)