Top-of-the-line dishwashers still rely on dishwashing detergent to provide results.
A dishwasher is only as effective as the detergent inside it. In July 2010, 17 states banned the use of phosphates in dishwashing detergents or limited them to 0.5 percent. Though less than half of the states banned the use of phosphates, dishwashing detergent manufacturers decided to make a nationwide change to their soaps. Consumers, however, became skeptical of whether a phosphate-free detergent, though safe for the environment, is effective at cleaning dishes.
Film and Residue
Many consumers have complained about a white, flaky film that appears on dishes washed with dishwashing detergents without phosphates. Dishwashers that once were able to remove stuck-on foods or grease, now return dishes from the wash with a white finish and baked-on food stains. Phosphates, according to National Public Radio, prevent food and dishwasher waste from reattaching to dishes once the dishwasher has cleaned them. Without phosphates, dishes are prone to having dishwasher residue stick to them.
Dishwashing Packs and Tablets
Some detergent manufacturers switched from the traditional gel or powder to a compact "pac" method. This specialized package contains a drying solution, rinse solution and scrub solution for modern dishwashers but is more expensive than traditional gel and powder formulas. According to Consumer Reports, dishwashing pacs, such as Finish Quantum, Finish Powerball Tabs and Cascade with Dawn ActionPacs, are effective at washing dishes and contain no phosphates, but cost over 22 cents per load.
Enzymes and Bleach
Some phosphate-free dishwashing detergents have added bleach or enzymes into their formulas to make them more effective. According to Consumer Reports, bleach helps with tea and other stains, but does not appear to make a difference for baked-on foods. Enzymes, however, break up food for easy washing in the dishwasher.
Environmental Factors
States originally banned phosphates due to studies that showed phosphates promote algae growth in freshwater. According to Consumer Reports, phosphates were first regulated in 1994 in laundry detergents and were removed from hand washing dishwashing detergents to prevent phosphate contamination in water sources and sewage. Though the removal of phosphates helps the environment, consumers report that they must now wash dishes by hand and then again in the dishwasher for sanitizing, which requires more water use than a traditional dishwasher load, according to NPR.
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