Are you stocking up on dishwasher detergent but not sure whether to buy Cascade Platinum or Platinum Plus?
What’s the difference between the two? Is Platinum Plus worth the higher price?
In this comparison of Cascade Platinum vs. Platinum Plus, you’ll learn how these detergents compare in terms of cleaning performance, ingredients, scents, price, and more.
I’ll also reveal what the product specialists at Procter & Gamble (owner of Cascade) say about Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus.
Use the links below to navigate the comparison:
- Cascade Platinum vs. Platinum Plus: Key Takeaways
- Cleaning Power
- Ingredients
- Formulas
- Formula Per ActionPac
- Scents
- Sizes
- Other Products
- Price
- Bottom Line: Is Cascade Platinum Plus Worth the Higher Price?
Cascade Platinum vs. Platinum Plus: Key Takeaways
If you only have a minute, here are the key differences between Cascade Platinum and Cascade Platinum Plus dishwasher detergents:
- Cleaning Performance: I spoke with product specialists at Procter & Gamble (the company that owns Cascade), and they confirmed Platinum Plus has 28% more protein cleaning enzymes and 48% more starch cleaning enzymes compared to regular Platinum.
- Ingredients: According to SmartLabel.com, both detergents contain the same ingredients. However, Platinum Plus has higher concentrations of surfactants and other grease- and grime-fighting ingredients.
- Specialized Formulas: While both contain the same ingredients, Cascade Platinum uniquely offers formulas with Dawn, Oxi stain fighters, and Dishwasher Cleaner for added cleaning capabilities that Platinum Plus lacks.
- Scents: Both detergents come in a Fresh scent. But only Cascade Platinum offers a Lemon scent option, while Mountain scent is exclusive to Platinum Plus.
- Sizes: Cascade Platinum is sold in over a dozen size options ranging from 2-pack to 92-pack counts. Platinum Plus has fewer sizes available, ranging from 7-pack to 81-pack pod boxes.
- Price: Cascade Platinum Plus costs around 5-10 cents per pod more than regular Cascade Platinum when comparing similar pack sizes.
- Bottom Line: If your dishes aren’t getting fully clean with Cascade Platinum, the upgraded Platinum Plus formula is worth the higher price. Every dishwasher cleans differently, so buying trial-size packs and testing both for a couple of weeks is the best way to determine which detergent is best for you.
Cleaning Power
The most significant difference between Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus is their cleaning power.
Cascade Platinum claims to deliver 50% more cleaning power than Cascade Complete, while Cascade Platinum Plus claims to contain twice the detergent of Cascade Complete and a 40% larger liquid top than Cascade Platinum.
So, what does this all mean?
I contacted a product specialist at Procter & Gamble, the company that owns Cascade, and asked, “What’s the difference between Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus?”
She said, “Cascade Platinum Plus introduces a new protein-fighting enzyme (Zephyrase) and a new starch-fighting enzyme (Victorase). Platinum Plus also provides 28% more protein cleaning enzymes and 48% more starch cleaning enzymes vs. Cascade Platinum.”
During my conversation, I checked Cascade Platinum Plus’ official ingredients list on SmartLabel.com, and neither of these two enzymes (Zephyrase and Victorase) were listed. I then Googled both terms, and there’s no information published on either.
I raised the issue with the Procter & Gamble representative. They were unsure why these enzymes weren’t listed and promised to follow up, but I am still awaiting a response.
A few weeks later, I contacted Procter & Gamble again and asked the same question: “What’s the difference between Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus?”
This time, a different product specialist said, “Cascade Platinum Plus is our premium tier of Cascade, providing our best clean ever. Platinum Plus has our highest level surfactant (40% more than Platinum) and Enzymes (30% more than Platinum), making it our best at grease-fighting, drying, and shine.”
She didn’t have any information about Zephyrase and Victorase but assured me that Platinum Plus is a stronger formula that cleans dishes better.
Ingredients
Unsatisfied with the explanations I got from Procter & Gamble, I dug further into the official ingredient lists of Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus on SmartLabel.com to determine the difference.
Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus share the same ingredients. However, the order of these ingredients, which implies their concentration in the formula, differs.
The most notable difference is that Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate, a cleaning agent that softens water and is stable at high temperatures, is listed first for Platinum Plus but third for regular Platinum. This variance suggests a higher concentration of this cleaning agent in Platinum Plus, possibly contributing to its enhanced cleaning capabilities.
Other differences worth mentioning:
- Platinum Plus has a higher concentration of Tolyltriazole, a chemical that prevents metal dishwasher components from corroding.
- Platinum Plus has a higher concentration of Amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller molecules to make them easier to wash away.
The table below shows the ingredients of Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus in order of quantity (highest quantity listed first). You can learn more about each ingredient on SmartLabel.com (Cascade Platinum, Platinum Plus).
| Cascade Platinum | Cascade Platinum Plus |
|---|---|
| Sodium Carbonate (Cleaning Agent) | Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (Cleaning Agent) |
| Sodium Sulfate (Processing Aid) | Sodium Carbonate (Cleaning Agent) |
| Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (Cleaning Agent) | Sodium Sulfate (Processing Aid) |
| Sodium Carbonate Peroxide (Oxygen Bleach) | Sodium Carbonate Peroxide (Oxygen Bleach) |
| Water (Processing Aid) | Water (Processing Aid) |
| Isotridecanol Ethoxylated (Cleaning Agent) | Isotridecanol Ethoxylated (Cleaning Agent) |
| PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether (Cleaning Agent) | PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether (Cleaning Agent) |
| Copolymer Of Acrylic And Sulphonic Acids (Boosts Shine) | Copolymer Of Acrylic And Sulphonic Acids (Boosts Shine) |
| Dipropylene Glycol (Cleaning Agent) | Dipropylene Glycol (Cleaning Agent) |
| Subtilisin (Cleaning Agent) | Tolyltriazole (Metal Protectant) |
| Tolyltriazole (Metal Protectant) | Subtilisin (Cleaning Agent) |
| Fragrances (Perfume) | Fragrances (Perfume) |
| Glycerin (Solvent) | Glycerin (Solvent) |
| Benzotriazole (Metal Protectant) | Amylase Enzyme (Cleaning Agent) |
| Amylase Enzyme (Cleaning Agent) | Benzotriazole (Metal Protectant) |
| Transitional Metal Catalyst (Bleach Catalyst) | Acid Blue 182 (Colorant) |
| Acid Blue 182 (Colorant) | Transitional Metal Catalyst (Bleach Catalyst) |
| Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Yellow) | Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Yellow) |
| Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue) | Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Blue) |
| Acid Red 33 (Colorant) | Acid Red 33 (Colorant) |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer (Water Dissolvable Film) | Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer (Water Dissolvable Film) |
Formulas
Cascade Platinum provides three distinct options, each tailored to specific cleaning needs:
Platinum with Dawn: This formula incorporates the grease-fighting power of Dawn. It’s especially effective for cutting through greasy residues, ensuring your dishes come out sparkling clean.
Platinum with Dawn Plus Dishwasher Cleaner: Beyond just cleaning dishes, this version is formulated to maintain the dishwasher itself. It helps prevent hard-water filming, which can leave residue on your dishes and the interior of the machine. This formula tackles limescale, grease, and odors within the dishwasher.
Platinum with Oxi: This formula brings the added benefit of Oxi’s premium stain-fighting power for stubborn stains like coffee and tea. It’s designed to tackle and eliminate challenging stains that standard detergents might struggle with.
Cascade Platinum Plus offers only one formula: Platinum Plus with Dawn. While this formula is recognized for its enhanced cleaning power due to higher concentrations of specific enzymes and cleaning agents, you don’t get the benefits of dishwasher cleaner or Oxi.
Formula Per ActionPac
Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs contain 40% more concentrated cleaner than regular Platinum pods.
Coupled with the boosted enzymes and surfactants in Platinum Plus, the extra formula helps power through and rinse away last night’s dried casserole or caked-on oatmeal.
Scents
Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus detergents both come in Fresh Scent, but Platinum is also available in Lemon Scent, and Platinum Plus is available in Mountain Scent.
Here are the scents available with each specific formula:
| Formula | Scents |
|---|---|
| Platinum with Dawn ActionPacs | Lemon, Fresh |
| Platinum with Dawn plus Dishwasher Cleaner ActionPacs | Fresh |
| Platinum with Oxi ActionPacs | Fresh |
| Platinum Plus with Dawn ActionPacs | Mountain, Fresh |
Sizes
The size options for Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus vary considerably.
Below are the sizes available with each formula.
| Cascade Product | Available Counts |
|---|---|
| Platinum ActionPacs with Dawn | 2, 4, 10, 14, 15, 16, 21, 32, 36, 39, 48, 60, 62, 75, 92 |
| Platinum ActionPacs with Dawn Plus Dishwasher Cleaner | 14, 16, 36, 48, 92 |
| Platinum ActionPacs with Oxi | 14, 15, 21, 30, 32, 36, 48, 62 |
| Platinum Plus ActionPacs | 7, 11, 12, 17, 22, 28, 38, 52, 62, 81 |
Other Products
Beyond dishwashing detergent pods, Cascade Platinum offers a specialty Dishwasher Cleaner that Platinum Plus does not.
This monthly-use cleaner helps tackle the grime that builds up inside dishwashers over time. This formulated tablet dissolves during an empty cleaning cycle and removes limescale, grease, and odors.
The goal is a fresher, residue-free appliance interior so your dishes and glassware shine without spots or film. It’s safe for metal parts and leaves behind a light, pleasant scent.
Price
Price is one of the most significant differences between Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus. Since Platinum Plus has a more potent formula and 40% more liquid cleaning solution in each ActionPac, it’s more expensive than Platinum.
While the exact upcharge fluctuates between retailers, the per pod price difference typically falls between 5-10 cents across equivalent pack sizes. For example, at most major stores today, the 62-count box of Cascade Platinum costs approximately the same as the 52-count of Platinum Plus.
So, while you get ten fewer pods for the same price, those 10 Extra ActionPacs in Platinum Plus provide elevated cleaning power.
Compare the current prices of Cascade Platinum and Cascade Platinum Plus on Amazon.
Bottom Line: Is Cascade Platinum Plus Worth the Higher Price?
Choosing between Cascade Platinum and Platinum Plus detergents depends on your priorities around cleaning power and price.
If you frequently find yourself rewashing dishes because they don’t come out clean, upgrading to Platinum Plus is worth it. For just 5-10 cents more per pod, Platinum Plus provides elevated grease-cutting enzymes and 40% more concentrated formula per pac.
But if your dishwasher and detergent combination already gets dishes sparkling clean, save money with standard Platinum. As an added value, Platinum offers dishwasher-cleaning formulas to descale and deodorize the appliance itself.
Since cleaning results can vary widely based on the dishwasher, water hardness, and how dirty the dishes are, I recommend buying small 7-count trial sizes of both options. Give each detergent two weeks of testing to see if Platinum Plus noticeably outperforms regular Platinum in your specific dishwasher.
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