How I Learned That It’s Okay to Use Less Soap in the Dishwasher

It seems like lately I’ve mentioned my nightly-running-of-the-dishwasher habit quite a bit.

That’s probably because it’s the only thing I’ve been truly consistent on lately. Thankfully, it’s also the one that makes the biggest difference.

Anyway, I’ve learned that you don’t have to fill the soap-thingamajig completely full.

See, I’m a couponer, and for almost two years I didn’t buy any dishwasher soap. I had stocked up on a few different sales, and seemed to have a never-ending supply. I even gave some away.

But my never-ending supply is now coming to an end. I’m on my last box of powdered Cascade.

So am I rationing it out? Ummmm, no.

I discovered that I could use less because my one box got wet when we had a leak from the sink to the cabinet underneath, where the box was stored.

Soooo, I don’t so much have a box of Cascade powder left, but a Cascade brick loosely covered on all sides by a bulging, dried-but-water-damaged box. In order to get any out, I have to bang it against the counter. By the time I fill the soap-thingamajig half-way full, my arm is tired and I decide that it’s enough.

And my dishes have been as sparkly clean as ever before! Perhaps even more, with fewer instances of powder residue!

They say that most inventions or big scientific discoveries are the results of mistakes. I’m going to take this opportunity to pat myself on the back. I just can’t decide whether I’m a slob because I’m a genius, or I’m a genius because I’m a slob.

Whatever.

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