Greener Dishwasher Detergents

by Cris Carl, Networx

A walk down the dish product aisle in most anyone’s local supermarket will turn up an almost surprising bevy of new cleaning products. The common denominator companies are reaching for in many products is low or no phosphates. Phosphates have been the primary cleaning agent in dishwasher and laundry soaps for a long time. As of July 1, 2010, 16 states have banned phosphate content in cleaning products to 0.5 percent. Up until now, companies could get away with content up to 8.7 percent. Low phosphate dishwasher detergent, while better for the environment, has proven to be lackluster in many cases in its ability to clean. Here is some overall information about low-phosphate cleaning products and how they work in dishwashers.

First of all, why are phosphates in dishwashing detergents being banned?

Phosphates are noted to cause an increase in algae bloom as well as other aquatic plant life. More algae equals less oxygen for other aquatic life, i.e. fish. In other words, your spotless glasses can be a contributor to the death of rivers and streams.

While statistically, most phosphates that leak into our rivers and streams come from urban and agricultural sources (such as animal waste and fertilizers), Americans add a significant phosphate load from dishwashing detergents. Sewage treatment plants and private septic systems are able to remove some of the phosphates, but not all. With bans on phosphates spreading across the country, companies have begun reformulating their products at a fast pace. There are no bans on commercial dishwashing products. However, most professional dishwashers use high temperatures (160 degrees) to clean and sterilize dishware.

Next: Which low or no-phosphate dishwasher detergents are the best?

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

J.L. A.

3:39AM PDT on May 2, 2012

phosphate-free laundry has been possible since the 1970's...

send a green star

Patricia H.

3:34AM PDT on May 2, 2012

thanks for sharing

Michele W.

7:59AM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

Thank you

Nancy S.

3:44PM PST on Jan 16, 2011

Priscilla G.

5:27PM PST on Jan 6, 2011

Thankyou for the info.

Darla G.

10:47AM PST on Nov 28, 2010

I have had issues with most dishwasher detergents since moving to our house 10 years ago. Tried eco-friendly, homemade non-toxic and even commercial "bad" brands. None seem to work or work for long. Last week, had washed a load of only glassware that had all been prerinsed and they came out looking like I soaked them in oatmeal... eeeewwww....Had a chat with my appliance repairman and he even checked all teh filters adn tehy were clean....and he said that these new dishwashers need water at a min 120 degrees to make the machines work and properly disolve the soaps regardless of what kind. As well, prerinsing only leaves the soap with nothing to do, leaving a soap build up in the dishwasher. just a little food for thought.

nikki m.

10:40PM PST on Nov 22, 2010

WHY DO SOME STATES NOT FEEL THAT ITS IMPORTANT TO BAN PHOSPHATES?

Theresa C.

2:46AM PST on Nov 13, 2010

Thank you :)!

jane r.

7:21AM PST on Nov 11, 2010

Thanks

Trish K.

8:22PM PST on Nov 8, 2010

Will the high alkalinity of my water etch and melt me away with time ? dag nabit