New Phosphate-Free Dishwasher Detergent Leaves Consumers Seeing Spots

Have you recently noticed that your dishes don't get as clean as they used to in the dishwasher? It's not your imagination, and it's not your dishwasher either. It's the new phosphate-free dishwasher detergent that is being sold in place of the traditional phosphate detergent that we've used for years. And while reports indicate that the new phosphate-free detergent is better for the environment, it's not so great for removing food from our dishes. To make matters worse, you've probably noticed that all your drinking glasses are covered in water spots. Again, you can thank the new phosphate-free detergent.

Is phosphate-free detergent really better for the environment?

Absolutely. There is no denying the fact that the new formula is better for the environment. Excessive amounts of phosphate can end up in lakes, streams, and other bodies of water, which deprive plant and animal life of oxygen. It can also end up in our drinking water, causing a foul taste and unpleasant odor. In fact, phosphate was proven to be harmful to the environment, it was removed from most brands of laundry detergent in 1993. It took until 2010 for the dishwashing detergent market to begin removing phosphate from their product, however, because it is the main ingredient that gets our dishes clean.

How does phosphate clean dishes?

How many times have you placed a plate, still smeared with food, in the dishwasher to be cleaned? Phosphate is what made that plate sparkling clean during the washing cycle. Phosphate, when used in a dishwasher, helps to remove food particles and prevents them from being redistributed on the dishes. It also helps to reduce the appearance of spotting on drinking glasses. But now, with the new formula change, it can be extremely difficult to find phosphate-full detergent in stores.

Here's what you can do to get your dishes cleaner when using phosphate-free dishwasher detergent:

Good Housekeeping recommends the following:

- Use get or tablet detergent for cleaner dishes (avoid powder).
- Use a rinse agent to help reduce the appearance of water marks and spots.
- Don't overload the dishwasher.
- Run hot water from the sink before starting the dishwasher to purge cold water from the line.
- Ensure that the water temperature coming form the dishwasher is at least 120 degrees.
- Thoroughly rinse off the dishes and remove excess food before placing in the dishwasher.
- Add ¼ cup of 20 Mule Team Borax to the bottom of your dishwasher before starting the dishwasher. Good Housekeeping states that this will help 'tie up minerals and reduce spotting and filming'.

Can you still buy dishwasher detergent WITH phosphate?

While phosphate has not been banned in all states, most companies have voluntarily replaced their old formulas with new phosphate-free detergent. Thus, if you're looking a detergent that contains phosphate, you will likely not find it by shopping at a department or grocery store. However, some commercial-grade detergents still contain the much sought after ingredient, but they can be typically be found only online. Only time will tell how long these products will still be available.

　
More from Jennifer Wagner:
Should Consumers Pay for Plastic Bag Use?
Eco-Friendly Office Tips
New Kitchen Trends - Eco-Friendly Products for the Home

SOURCE:

Personal knowledge

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network

http://www.20muleteamlaundry.com/about#kitchen

　 http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/from-the-lab-blog/phosphate-free-detergents