Green Automatic Dish Detergent?

Hello Annie,
I am new to this Web site (2 weeks I think). I have been buying organic and eco-healthy for some while, however, I cannot find a dishwasher detergent that works. The Ecover brand did an extremely poor job as does Seventh Generation. Any ideas?
–Megan, CO

Hi Megan,
Welcome! Dish detergent is one of the only areas left where there isn’t an adequate green product, especially if you have hard water! While the green automatic dish detergent products are much better than they were 10 years ago, by not using phosphates the green products are at a disadvantage. (Phosphates cause algae bloom in lakes and streams.) What I do in my own home is to use a green brand most of the time, and every few months I buy a mainstream brand and wash the dishes for a few cycles using that and then returning to the green brand. The mainstream brand does get all the cloudiness off the glasses.

I know that the green cleaning companies are working hard on this problem so we can hope they get it right soon.
Cheers,
Annie

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Danuta W.

12:39AM PDT on May 4, 2012

Thanks for the article.

send a green star

J.L. A.

7:41AM PST on Mar 4, 2012

Amway has a product that works

Cheryl B.

7:21PM PST on Nov 17, 2011

thanks

Chris R.

3:09PM PDT on Oct 30, 2011

Thanks!~

3:08PM PDT on Oct 30, 2011

Brenda T.

8:54AM PDT on Jul 10, 2011

I hope the new products are an improvement.

Jon H.

6:40AM PDT on Apr 8, 2011

Wonderful article! Wonder if this will keep spots from your dishes after they have dried. Hope this is a good idea to keep from polluting the natural resources and ozone friendly.

John T.

4:06PM PST on Jan 31, 2011

I hope they perfect green detergents soon.

Maureen D.

11:17AM PST on Jan 31, 2011

I use Kirkland (Costco) brand ....it states it is environmentally friendly and no animal testing!!?!?!?

Adrianne P.

5:40AM PST on Jan 31, 2011

The Method brand tablets work great in the dishwasher. They cost a bit more than 7th Generation, but very much worth it!