Stratified solid cast detergent compositions and methods of making same

A method of manufacturing a stratified heterogeneous substantially non-uniform, solid cast alkaline detergent method, said method comprising:

• (a) providing a molten alkaline detergent suspension comprising an active alkalinity source and water of hydration:
• (b) adding a granular water conditioning material to said suspension while maintaining the temperature of said suspension in the range of about 130.degree. F. to about 195.degree. F. so that said suspension is at a viscosity at which said water conditioning material will stratify when it is added to yield a heterogeneous, substantially non-uniform suspension;
• (c) casting said suspension into a receptacle;
• and;
• (d) cooling said suspension such that it solidifies into a heterogeneous, substantially non-uniform product;
• wherein said water of hydration is sufficient to solidify said method upon cooling;
• and wherein said viscosity allows stratification of said active alkalinity source and said water conditioning material upon cooling of the suspension,
• wherein said active alkalinity source provides an average active alkalinity content of about 5% to about 65% by weight throughout said composition and wherein said water conditioning material level is adequate to maintain detergency and threshold water conditioning effect even where minimal conditioner concentrations are present.