Use eco-friendly dishwasher detergent.

On Day 61, I focused on laundry detergent, and today, I am moving the focus to the detergent we use in our dishwashers.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, all fifty states have banned phosphorus in laundry detergents. But, dishwasher detergent has phosphorus in it as well, and only sixteen states plus Washington D.C. have banned it. You can see if your state has banned it here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&ll=45.929476114321965%2C-74.68505896875001&spn=10.063125%2C49.526367&t=h&source=embed&mid=14sMDwvn3aFaTDS8ZCuv-lulEdQY&z=3

Due to the fact that the government is not taking action on this issue, it is up to us to make an informed decision regarding what the safest dishwasher detergent is to use. Again, sulfates can be irritating to our bodies, so it is best to avoid those in detergents. I have used the same Melaleuca® dishwashing detergent for years. It works great and is from plant-derived ingredients. I also make sure I use rinse aid that is safe as well. I use the Norwex® brand for that, and it works great. I will be posting links to products I like in my Woo Hoo Product reviews over spring break when I have more time.

The next time you fill up your dishwasher with detergent, check the bottle and see if it has the best ingredients for your family and the environment. Remember, you eat off of the plates and drink out of the glasses that are washed with that detergent, so it is highly likely that you are ingesting some of the detergent you use in residue that is on the dishes.