Dishwashers are an amazing, modern appliance because they take all the hard work of washing dishes right out of our hands. Unfortunately, dishwashers then become a breeding ground for bacteria and other unpleasant buildups, which is why brands like Finish and Cascade have created dishwasher cleaners.
Deciding between Finish vs Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner is tough, but Finish is the clear winner here. This detailed guide will walk you through the products they offer, how they compare, and some related questions about both brands so you can see for yourself which is the better brand.
Let’s dive right into it! Are you wondering what’s the difference between Finish vs Cascade dishwasher cleaners? Our guide will go into all the details you need to know about both brands so you can confidently decide which is the best cleaner.
What’s the Main Difference Between Finish and Cascade Dishwasher Cleaners?
The main difference between Finish and Cascade Dishwasher Cleaners is their ingredients. Finish’s dishwasher cleaner contains more surfactants and solvents, which gives it an edge over Cascade’s product. The ingredients in Finish’s products make it able to more effectively remove limescale, grease, and other buildups from your machine.
Finish Dishwasher Cleaners
Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner 
Dishwashers tend to build up a lot of grease, limescale, and other minerals from hardwater. It can be tough to clean, but not with Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner. This cleaner will leave your dishwasher smelling fresh while eliminating any hardwater build up, grease, or food remnants. You can use this product once a month to give your dishwasher a thorough deep clean.
Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner
If you need a powerful cleaner that can remove hard water build up, grease, and food particles from even the deepest parts of your dishwasher, then Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner is the perfect product for you. It’ll eliminate any type of build up and leave your machine, and your dishes, squeaky clean and smelling fresh. It’s recommended that you use this product once a week.
What’s the Difference Between Finish Dual Action and In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner?
With Finish Dual Action you can use the product once a month to give your dishwasher a thorough deep clean. Finish In-Wash Dishwasher Cleaner is meant to be used once a week, while you run a regular load of dishes. It’ll make your dishes and your dishwasher squeaky clean.
How Do You Use Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner?
Using Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner is a simple 3-step process. First, you remove the sticker from the top of the bottle to expose the wax plug. Next, you place the bottle upside down in the empty dish rack of your dishwasher. Remember to leave the cap on. Last, you simply run your dishwasher on the hottest setting available, and throw away the empty bottle when it’s finished.
How Do You Use Finish In Wash Dishwasher Cleaner?
Finish In Wash Dishwasher Cleaner is even simpler to use. Once your dishwasher is full and you’re ready to run a regular load, place a single pod of the in-wash cleaner into the bottom of your dishwasher. Run the cycle as normal and repeat once a week for the best results.
How Often Do You Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaners?
You can use the Finish dishwasher cleaners as needed and whenever you can visually see build up in your machine. However, it’s recommended to use their Dual Action cleaner once a month, and their in-wash cleaner once a week.
What are the Ingredients in Finish Dishwasher Cleaners?
There are several ingredients in Finish Dishwasher Cleaners. Here’s a list of all the ingredients in their Dual Action Cleaner.
- Water
- Citric Acid
- Trideceth-4
- Tetrasodium Etidronate
- Fragrance/Prfum
- Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate
- CI 61585
Here’s a list of the ingredients in their in-wash cleaner.
- Sodium Carbonate
- Sodium Citrate
- Sodium Polycarboxylate
- Ceteareth-25
- Polyvinyl Alcohol
- Protease Enzyme
- Polydimethylsiloxane
- Propylene Glycol
- Fragrance/Parfum
- I. Pigment Red 57
- Pigment Blue 15
Is Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid Different than Finish Dishwasher Cleaners?
Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid is very different from Finish Dishwasher Cleaners. The dishwasher cleaners are designed to penetrate deep into your machine and clean away limescale, grease, food, and other odor-causing build-ups.
The rinse aid is made to help your dishes come out shiny and clean. It’s a surfactant, which means that it lowers the surface tension of the water in your dishwasher. This greatly reduces, or eliminates, water spots and hardwater build up from your dishes and the inside of your dishwasher.
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner
Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner uses a powerful formula to eliminate unsightly deposits, buildups, and odors. This cleaner will get rid of all the hardwater buildup in even the hardest to reach places in your dishwasher. It produces a fresh lemon scent so your dishwasher smells and looks its best.
How Do You Use Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner?
Using Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner is a very easy process. You simply put it into the bottom of your empty dishwasher, and run a cycle on the hottest setting possible. Then the tablet will do all the work for you!
How Often Do You Use Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner?
It’s recommended to use Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner once a month. This will help keep your machine clean and free of unpleasant odors and deposits.
What are the Ingredients in Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner?
There are several ingredients in Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner. Here’s a list of their ingredients.
- Citric Acid
- Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer
- Hydrated Silica
- Isotridecanol Ethoxylated
- PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether
- Fragrances
- Water
- Dipropylene Glycol
- Glycerin
- Acid Blue 182
Is Cascade Power Dry Rinse Aid Different than Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner?
Cascade Power Dry Rinse Aid is very different than Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner. Their dishwasher cleaner is designed to reach every nook and cranny in your machine to remove limescale, grease, food, and other buildups.
The rinse aid is a surfactant, and is made to help your dishes look cleaner when they come out of the dishwasher. The rinse aid will prevent water spots and hardwater deposits from forming on your dishes, and help them to dry more quickly.
Comparison Questions
Are you curious about how Finish vs Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner compares? Read on to learn more about how these two brands stack up.
Does Finish or Cascade Have a More Powerful Dishwasher Cleaner?
When comparing the ingredients between Finish vs Cascade dishwasher cleaners, it’s clear that Finish has the more powerful formula. Their ingredients contain more surfactants and solvents, which gives it a greater ability to eliminate hardwater, limescale, and other buildups.
Which is the More Affordable Dishwasher Cleaner?
Affordability is a key comparison point when debating between Finish vs Cascade dishwasher cleaners. Finish has individual bottles that you must use for a single cleaning cycle, while Cascade sells packs of tablets to use. In this instance, Cascade is the more affordable dishwasher cleaner because you’ll pay less over time with their prepackaged tablets.
Related Questions
Do you have more questions about these two dishwasher cleaner brands? Of course you do, and we have the answers you need right here.
Does Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner Have a Fragrance?
The Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner does have a fragrance. This cleaner is meant to impart a lemony fragrance when you use it so your dishwasher will look and smell fresh.
Do Finish Dishwasher Cleaners Have a Fragrance?
The Finish Dual Action Dishwasher Cleaner has a fresh scent fragrance. Their in-wash cleaner has a mild vinegar scent.
How Do Finish and Cascade Dishwasher Cleaners Compare to Affresh?
Finish and Cascade dishwasher cleaners don’t have the same plant-based formula that Affresh does. Affresh is a very eco-conscious company and their dishwasher cleaner is made with a specific plant-based formula that is 100% biodegradable. While Finish and Cascade dishwasher cleaners have powerful chemicals on their side, Affresh’s products are equally effective and more eco-friendly.
The Verdict – Which Dishwasher Cleaner Should You Buy?
In the great debate between Finish vs Cascade Dishwasher Cleaner, it seems that you’ll be getting the best bang for your buck with Finish. Even though Cascade’s product is slightly more affordable, you’ll receive a more powerful product with finish. They also have two options for their customers, while Cascade only has the one. All in all, Finish Dishwasher Cleaners are the better product.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.