© 2025 Procter & Gamble
NOTICE: We may sell your sensitive personal data
How do Cascade pods break down and work in the dishwasher? Once you close the dishwasher door, a Cascade pod works its magic through a cycle:
This part of the cycle uses water to remove loose food soil and hydrate the stuck-on food soil.
The longest part of the cycle, this is when detergent is dispensed, and most of the cleaning is done. It goes to work to lift tough stains, while soapy water jets scrub dishes clean.
This part uses clean, warm water to remove any remaining food particles and any remaining detergent. Rinse aids can also be used to prevent spots and ensure dishes dry sparkling clean.
To help prevent water spots and streaking, the final step speeds up the drying process by circulating hot air to evaporate water and remove moisture.
Behind Cascade is a team of scientists and safety experts who care deeply about their loved ones and yours. They design Cascade with the dishwashing cycle in mind and assign every ingredient a task to deliver clean dishes. To learn how pods work, click here.
Every ingredient used in Cascade is both safe and effective when used in the dishwasher. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient’s job: This ingredient list is also available on Smart Label.
Sodium Carbonate
Cleaning agent that softens and re-hydrates tough food soil to make it easier to remove in the wash cycle.
What else is Sodium Carbonate in? Commonly used in water treatment and the food industry.
Sodium Sulfate
Helps evenly distribute cleaning ingredients through the wash cycle.
What else is Sodium Sulfate in? Commonly referred to as a non-table salt.
Amylase Enzyme
Cleaning enzyme that dissolves starchy food residue into small pieces, making them easier to wash away.
What else is Amylase Enzyme in? This is an enzyme that’s also found in human and animal saliva! It helps with digestion and in the case of dishwashing, think of it as an ingredient that helps break down food off dishes – usually starches.
Subtilisin Enzyme
Cleaning enzyme to dissolve protein food residue into small pieces, making them easier to wash away.
What else is Subtilisin Enzyme in? Commonly used in the food industry.
Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate
Cleaning agent that boosts tough food cleaning.
What else is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate in? Commonly used in the food, beverage, and agriculture industries.
Sodium Carbonate Peroxide
Oxygen bleach that boosts cleaning power & stain removal.
What else is Sodium Carbonate Peroxide in? Commonly used in household cleaning products, personal care products like teeth whitening toothpastes and deodorants, and food preparation.
Isotridecanol Ethoxylated
Cleaning agent that boosts grease cleaning
What else is Isotridecanol Ethoxylated used in? Commonly used in hand soap.
PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether
Cleaning agent that boosts grease cleaning
What else is PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether used in? Commonly used in sunscreens, facial cleansers, makeup removers, micellar waters, and other cosmetics.
PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl
Ether Cleaning agent that boosts grease cleaning
What else is PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether used in? Commonly used in sunscreens, facial cleansers, makeup removers, micellar waters, and other cosmetics.
Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids
A suspending agent with the ability to keep hard water minerals and food residues dispersed in the wash water so they don’t end up back on clean dishes.
What else are Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids used in? Commonly used in water treatment facilities, food, and beverage industries.
Isotridecanol Ethoxylated
Cleaning agent that boosts grease cleaning
What else is Isotridecanol Ethoxylated used in? Commonly used in hand soap.
PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether
Cleaning and drying agent that boosts grease cleaning
What else is PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether used in? Commonly used in sunscreens, facial cleansers, makeup removers, micellar waters, and other cosmetics.
Dipropylene Glycol
Cleaning agent that fights greasy residue in dishwasher
What else is Dipropylene Glycol used in? Commonly used in food and agriculture industries.
Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids
Shine enhancer contributing to virtually spot-free and sparkling dishes
What else are Copolymer of Acrylic and Sulphonic Acids used in? Commonly used in water treatment facilities, food, and beverage industries.
P&G ensures product safety through rigorous testing and evaluation by hundreds of scientists and safety experts focusing on consumer and environmental well-being. Our commitment includes robust safety processes to prevent risks and ensure our products deliver the clean you expect. To learn more about Cascade’s safety processes, click here.
We would never introduce anything into your home that we wouldn’t want in ours. Check out the list of ingredients we simply will not formulate with.
To learn more about our safety standards, check out our product safety and compliance page.