Redefining Clean

I just read an article on the great debate on phosphate free dish detergent on the Mother Nature Network. Phosphate detergents which leave sparkling clean dishes have been banned in a few states and it’s catching speed. While the article was fairly unbiased the comments were furious to down right spiteful.

Phosphates get into our water supplies, lakes, and rivers. Unfortunately they contribute to algae blooms with suffocate fish, basically chocking eco systems.

The reason people are so angry is that these products are apparently not working as they should. The main anger coming from people with dishwashers. White films, rings, unacceptable residue. Although many people said they experienced no problems when hand washing or soaking before washing. One person took the chance to snap at the commentor who preferred hand washing:

“Yeah, well maybe you should get rid of the clothes washer too since you have so much free time at home.”

I’ve never seen such spite in the organic and environmentally friendly community. Anyone who has done any research knows that it’s the hot water that’s the main ingredient for clean. There are also many DIY options for dish detergent that are safe and even cheaper.

It’s kind of depressing that we’ve been tricked into thinking only chemicals will do. Tricked into thinking that only if something is brilliantly bright or sparkling it is clean. We’ve become spoiled.

And while having the perfect dishes from the dishwasher would be nice, I’d rather protect my health and the environment until companies can do better.

-Heather