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In this video, the Handyguys discuss dishwasher detergent and why dishes often don’t get clean. We have received a lot of feedback on our video about fixing a dishwasher that won’t clean dishes and for many (too many) people, the issue is a poor design of the dishwasher. Exacerbating the issue is the fact that most dishwasher detergents have removed phosphates. Phosphate is a key ingredient in cleaners like dishwashing detergent, laundry soap, shampoo, household cleaners and deck washes. Phosphorus (P) is also a key ingredient in fertilizer, stimulating root growth and promoting plant vigor. Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element and is mined from the ground for commercial uses. It is also found in our body, bones, tissue and in our bodily waste.

Environmental issues with dishwasher detergent

The primary reason phosphates were removed is environmental. If too much phosphate gets into streams, ponds, lakes, etc., it promotes the growth of algae and other plants (remember, it’s a fertilizer too). Too much plant growth means less room in the waterway for fish. The fish populations become unhealthy and decline. (Of course, we are simplifying here). Another reason is money. In places where waste water is treated (you are on a city sewer), the process for elimination of phosphates costs money.

Unfortunately for most people, the trade-off of phosphate free dishwasher detergent is dirty dishes. In our opinion, poor performing detergent causes people to cycle our dishwasher twice or clean our dishes in the sink before washing them in the dishwasher. Far too many people have opted to purchase a “new and improved” dishwasher thinking theirs was broken. What was broken was the detergent.

Adding to the problem is newer dishwashers are less effective at washing. In the quest for more efficiency, dishwashers use less water. Less water means less rinsing and less rinsing means you need better, not worse detergents. It’s a double whammy! Poor performing detergent and appliances lead to unhappy consumers.

Dishwasher Detergent Options

So what can you do?

The Handyguys have tried many different detergents. We have researched home-brew detergents and evaluated different brands. What we have found is you CAN still find dishwashing detergent with phosphates. It just won’t be at your local supermarket. You need to get it from restaurant suppliers or online. Here is a link to Amazon where you can get it online
Cascade Automatic Dishwasher Detergent 85-oz. Box, 6/Carton

For a detergent without phosphates, we recommend Finish Powerball Tabs. Finish tabs seemed to do a better job than most phosphate free detergents. Several of our listeners were hesitant to switch from their favored powder brand, but once they moved to Finish Tabs, their washes came out cleaner.