The downside of ban on phosphate-laden dishwasher soap
Photo: Flickr user inkynobaka (CC License) By Connie ThompsonSEATTLE -- As of July 1, it is illegal for retailers in Washington state to sell dishwasher detergents with high levels of phosphates. MultimediaWhile the new law is seen as good for the environment, it may mean a trade-off for you at home. Experts say phosphates in our household wastewater, promote algae growth in lakes and streams and deplete the water quality. But phosphates also have great cleaning properties, and that's the new trade-off. Molly Wren of Shoreline cares about the environment and she cares about cost. At one point, she even tried making her own phosphate-free dishwasher detergent. "It's got washing soda, and borax and then a water softener," Wren said. But the home made detergent didn't do the job,so she went back to her favorite brand which, she realizes, contains phosphates. When Molly runs out of her current supply, she'll have a dilemma: will the phosphate-free formula get her dishes as clean? "I'm concerned from a cleanliness standpoint, but I'm more concerned about the environment. So I'm hoping that they'll come up with something that works just as well or they'll find a natural alternative," Wren said. Not getting dishes clean enough has always been the biggest complaint about phosphate-free dish detergents. The common complaint - water spots and residue that can build up over time. But based on tests by Consumer Reports, and feedback posted online by everyday consumers, three phosphate-free products seem to stand out. • Smarty Dish tablets by Method. Sold in many retail stores. (recommended by Consumer Reports) • Diamond Brite Gel, by a referral marketing company called Melaleuca. You have to buy it from someone who sells the products. • And a Shaklee product called Dish Wash Automatic Concentrate, which is also sold through referral marketing distributors. Another product recommended by Consumer Reports appears to be long longer available. Simplicity brand 2-in-1 dishwasher detergent was previously sold by Walmart, but a check online and calls to local Walmart stores found no such product being sold. Under the new law, dishwashing detergents can still have phosphates, but only in very low levels. The ban took affect in more than a dozen states today however the industry is now voluntarily removing phosphates from its product. As a result all dishwasher detergents on the market are soon likely to be phosphate free. The challenge is coming up with a formula that will get all your dishes and pot clean- at a price you'll want to pay. For more information: What the law says about phosphorus Most Popular |
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February 9, 2012
- Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon
