What Could Be Used to Replace Phosphate in Dishwasher Detergent?

In 2010 a number of states banned the use of phosphates in dishwasher detergent. Phosphates, compounds of phosphorous, help boost the power of detergents and get tough food stains off dishes and reduce film on glasses. Unfortunately, phosphates wash out of your dishwasher into the water system. In lakes, rivers and the oceans, phosphates act like fertilizer, increasing the growth of algae in water. Too much algae clogs waterways and kills fish and other aquatic life. Manufacturers are working to formulate more effective dishwasher detergents that don't include phosphates. In the meantime, you can do a few things to help your non-phosphate detergent do a better job of cleaning your dishes.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Borax
• Enzyme detergent

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda along with your dishwasher detergent in the dishwasher's dispenser. Baking soda acts as a water softener and increases the effectiveness of detergents.

   • 2

     Use a rinse agent or fill your dishwasher's rinse agent dispenser with white vinegar to reduce spotting on dishes and cloudy glassware.

   • 3

     Add 1 tablespoon of Borax and 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your detergent dispenser. This mixture boosts the cleaning power of your detergent for heavily soiled dishes. Add 2 tablespoons to every load of dishes.

   • 4

     Look for a detergent that contains enzymes. Enzymes help dissolve food left on dishes and are one way detergent manufacturers are seeking to overcome the problems presented by fewer or no phosphates in detergents.