Alternatives to Dishwasher Detergent With Phosphate

New Detergents

• Any new, standard dishwasher detergent that you buy as of 2011 will be phosphate free. In the United States, detergent with phosphate is very difficult to find as most of the major manufacturers stopped making it in 2011. In almost any product that you grab off the shelves today, the phosphate levels should register only a trace amount. Many customers, however, have reported dissatisfaction in the way that some of these products work.

Eco-Detergent

• Some detergents still contain trace amounts of phosphates, and if even that small amount is too much for your conscience, you should look into buying a green dishwasher detergent. Several companies make products aimed at the green marketplace that contain no phosphates at all so you can get your dishes clean while feeling good about it. Look for labels that say phosphate or phosphorous free. Also, some products are completely bio-degradable, making for an even greener detergent.

Triple Action Detergents

• One problem that many people have with phosphate free detergent is that it tends to not get dishes as clean as the phosphate-filled varieties. One way to combat this is to use a brand of detergent that markets itself as "triple-action" or "three-stage." This type of detergent contains a salt-based active cleaning ingredient that helps make sure that the dishes come out clean.

Homemade Detergents

• At home, you can use ingredients that you have lying around the kitchen to create a homemade dish detergent. Many different recipes exist for this, but most center around using a tablespoon or so of borax and equal parts baking soda. Then, various additives are added to the mix such as sea salt, lemon, vinegar and other products useful for homemade cleaning solutions.