Dishwashing, phosphate-free

Starting next year, Washington state is placing a ban on all dishwashing detergents that contain more than 1/2% phosphate. This legislation is being enacted due to the seepage of the phosphate into lakes and groundwater, which feeds algae and as a result, diminishes the supply of oxygen for fish. Other states, including Maryland, are considering similar legislation.

Those of you that have dishwashers have probably settled into a comfortable routine with the detergent of your choice, but if that comfortable routine involves a detergent that contains phosphates, I’m afraid a change is due. The market is already littered with a handful of phosphate-free detergents, and as I’ve tried many of them over the course of the last year or two (with a little nudge from my very eco-wise mom), I offer my experiences and my favorite pick from among them.

For comparison’s sake, it’s probably helpful to mention that all of the following detergents were tried with a Fisher-Paykel Dish Drawer:

• Ecover dishwashing tablets. Here is where I began, and was happily surprised by the cleaning power and efficiency of these little tabs. Dishes were consistently sparkling, without residue, and depending on the length of the dishwashing cycle, I could often get TWO uses from one tablet. Awesome!
• Seventh Generation dishwashing powder. Picked up one day when the local shop where I buy Ecover was out of stock. Since I already use many products in the Seventh Generation line, I was happy to give it a shot. As it turns out, though, this was the worst of the bunch. Glasses almost always ended up gritty with residue, and left a thin layer of residue on the Little One’s sippy cups. Ick. I was better off washing these things by hand, which was kind of contrary to the point.
• Seventh Generation dishwashing tablets. As soon as these also came on the market, I was willing to try. I didn’t want to give up on using 7thGen dishwashing products. Again, I experienced similar negative results as with the powder. Ick.
• BioKleen dishwashing powder. Better than 7thGen, but also left a thin residue on the Little One’s sippys. Deal breaker.
• And most recently, Method’s new dishwashing tablets. They do a good job of getting the dishes clean, once in a while leaving the thin residue on the Little One’s sippys, but I just have to remember to check them all before using. I would generally recommend them, but the thing is, the tablets themselves are HUGE! Just to fit the tablet in my dishwasher’s compartment, I have to break it in half. Seriously, Method, did you do research here?

And the winner, by a country mile, is Ecover Automatic Dishwashing Tablets. Bravo, Ecover — you were early to the market with your product, and hard to beat when it comes to your competitors. You have a loyal customer in me!