It's the Dishwasher Detergent NOT the Dishwasher

Nope, it’s not the dishwasher…it’s the automatic dishwashing detergent!

You may have noticed that after you run your dishes through the dishwasher they end up with a film or spots or food still stuck to them. It’s been happening to me. I put dirty dishes in and I seem to take dirty dishes out. I end up having to run them through a second time or washing them by hand. My first thought was that there was something wrong with my dishwasher. Nope, it’s not the dishwasher…it’s the automatic dishwashing detergent that I’m putting into it.

As it so happens, 16 states created laws which prohibit the sale of automatic dishwashing detergent that contain more than 0.5% phosphorus. These laws took effect on July 1, 2011 in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Since phosphates are an effective cleaning agent it was a standard ingredient in automatic dishwashing detergent. It helped with the removal of grease and food, softened water, reduced spotting and kept food from redistributing on dishes. With all the benefits it created in the dishwasher, phosphates are causing problems in the environment. Eventually phosphates end up in our local water supply - rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs.

Here phosphates act as a fertilizer and promote plant and algae growth. Large blooms of algae form when there are excess phosphates in the water. Once their food source is depleted the blooms of algae die. As they die, bacteria feed on the dead algae and consume the water’s oxygen. This kills fish and other marine life, creates dead zones and can cause drinking water to have an odor and poor taste.

Because of these laws and the need to protect our bodies of freshwater, makers of automatic dishwashing detergent have changed their products. And they made the change across the board. It is more cost effective to change the product completely then make some with phosphates and some without. Many of these companies are now fielding questions on why these changes have been made and how to handle concerns. Concerns like why, after washing in the dishwasher, do dishes and glassware are filmy, cloudy and have spots.

The main culprit is hard water. Hard water is water that contains higher levels of calcium and other minerals. When hard water combines with detergent, it can cause dishes and glassware to become filmy, cloudy and/or have spots. The longer it continues; your dishes and glassware will become etched and damaged. Where ever you find hard water this is a common problem. Much of New Jersey and New York have hard water.

Some dishwashers include a built-in water softener that removes calcium and magnesium from the water. If a dishwasher has a built-in water softener there will be a special compartment inside the dishwasher where the salt is to be added when needed. This salt compartment is separate from the detergent compartment, and generally located at the bottom of the wash cabinet (this is below the bottom basket). On most dishwashers, an automatic sensing system will notify the user when more dishwasher salt is required. If you have a dishwasher with a built-in water softener or are considering purchasing one please use the recommended water softening salt tablets because using table salt in the dishwasher's water softening unit can damage it.

Also, as you know, not all automatic dishwashing detergents are made equal. Do your research, try different automatic dishwashing detergent products and use the one you feel works best for you. Also, try using a rinse aid or non toxic home remedies like white vinegar (for non-metal items only).

For more information on dishwashers including models with a built in water softener call us at 877-695-2757, visit us online at http://www.karlsappliance.com, or visit one of our New Jersey appliance stores.