The Best Dishwasher Detergent for Older Machines

Detergents

• If you have the owner’s manual, determine if there are any recommendations for specific detergents or rinse aids or types of soaps to avoid. An older machine may have one or two dispensers for the first and second cycles. A powder or gel detergent works sufficiently with your machine and easily fits in the dispenser. Depending on the age of your machine, though, the dispenser may be too small to contain a tablet or three-in-one detergent cube.

Phosphate-Free

• Whether you use a store-brand or commercial detergent, consider one that is phosphate-free. Many states have placed a ban on detergents that include phosphates. While the phosphate makes the detergent more effective, it also boosts algae in fresh water, hurting the environment. The compromise will be clean dishes that might look a little cloudy.

Soap Usage

• According to "The New York Times," most consumers use too much detergent in their dishwashers. Newer dishwasher models are designed to use less water than earlier models, requiring less soap. Older models may not need as much soap, either. Determine what the manufacturer recommends for soap usage and try filling the cup one-half or one-quarter full of the recommended amount. It may take one or two attempts to determine the appropriate detergent amount for your machine, but your dishes will be cleaner and your detergent dollar will stretch farther.

Proper Loading

• When you find a favored detergent, don’t hinder it from doing its job by loading the dishwasher improperly. Place heavy pans or plates along the outside of the bottom rack so that they face the center. Ensure that larger items don’t hide smaller items, preventing them from getting clean. Rather than stacking the same type of flatware in each basket slot, mix the pieces so that they don’t nest, making it more difficult for the detergent to work. If possible, don’t place the flatware basket near the detergent dispenser cups as detergent that isn’t immediately washed away can cause pitting or staining.