[DeanFL]

Update by OP:

well, it was quite difficult for both of us to NOT 'clean' dinnerware and bowls et al BEFORE placing in the DW. We (well...she...) simply removed any food bits on plates etc but did not sponge off or such.

Had a 2/3 load last night and ran a normal cycle with Cascade gel DW detergent, no pods. Voila' - every piece was sparkling clean - except for a large clear bowl we had leftovers in, had slight haze around the inside rim due to days-dried stuff no doubt.

But, so far so good. The tip from the HD Rep seems to have saved us many hundreds$$$ and trouble. Our LG model does have poor cleaning reviews, but if it continues to perform as last night, it's a keeper.