Posted on 02/13/2011 1:14:16 PM PST by dickmc
Pittsburgh isn’t even in the Chesapeake watershed. However, like everywhere else apparently phosphates have disappeared from dishwasher detergents. The result is dishes that aren’t particularly clean and feel ‘slimy’.
After some checking, I found that the disappeared phosphate content in dishwasher detergent was around six percent. On a recent visit to the plumbing supply store to get some parts, I found that they still had one pound boxes of the real TSP (trisodium phosphate Na3PO4); not the fake ersatz 'TSP' stuff that Home Depot is only selling. In fact, the real TSP is still available all over the net.
Not being able to find any phosphate containing dishwasher detergent at any grocery store, I decided to make my own. Here’s how:
1. Buy a large 7.5 pound bottle of gel type dishwasher detergent.
2. Dump in a bucket and add one-half of a one pound box of TSP. This will make a 6.25% mix of TSP in the detergent. (Actually the weight percent of Phosphate in TSP (Na3PO4) is 58% making the Phosphate in the mix 6.25 x 0.58 or 3.6% …but… that’s good enough for government work!)
3. Stir with a paint stick. If you want, add a half-cup of water to somewhat reduce the gel viscosity.
4. After about one minute of stirring, the TSP particles will be thoroughly distributed in the gel. (They don’t dissolve but that’s OK as long as they are evenly mixed.)
5. Put back in the bottle ...with the leftover in the empty bottle. (A funnel helps which I had from garage stuff.)
Tried it out yesterday.
.
VIOLA! The dishes are now 'squeaky' clean with no slime film. Also, the dishwasher insides now look clean again.
Enjoy the info.
I had bought a new dishwasher and my wife blamed me for buying a piece of junk because it didn’t clean any better than the old one. Then I discovered what happened to Cascade and other dishwasher detergents. I couldn’t find any dishwasher stuff with phosphates except a rinse that had a little.
I found TSP at Lowe’s (next to the fake TSP), not in the cleaning section, but over with the turpentine, etc.
I added some to the dishwasher and started it up.
Let’s see what happens.
bump
thank you!
sad that we have to jump thru hoops to get back to the performance we used to have
EPA kills jobs and prosperity: time to de-fund!
I got TSP. I put one Cascade (no phosphorus of course) in one little cavity in the door and filled the other one (smaller) with TSP.
The dishes came out OK, but it wasn’t a heavy load. I looked closer and saw that the smaller cavity was labeled “pre-rinse.”
But even if I put TSP in the other cavity, doesn’t it dissolve right away and rinse away very quickly? I would like it to be released gradually, like the commercial detergent.
The first reason I want it TSP to be there throughout the wash is that I think it will make the dishes cleaner.
The second is that I have read that since cascade removed phosphates, some of the vital parts of dishwashers are going to hell. For example, there are reports of water pumps getting clogged.
I guess the best bet would be a controlled release detergent with phosphates, but the eco-nazis have gotten to the federal govt. of course, and many state govts., and so all the corporations play ball.
Quarter teaspoon of TSP right in the reservoir with the liquid detergent seems to work just right for us.
ping
I mix my TSP with the detergent with a spoon. I have kept experimenting, and I think they come out better when I used powdered detergent than liquid.
I still can’t believe we have to do this.
bttt
But they make the powdered detergent in such a way that it is released over time, while TSP dissolves and rinses away a lot faster. At least that's the way I think it works.
Didn't the "old" Cascade release gradually? Otherwise it would rinse away and your dishwasher would be rinsing with only water for the rest of the cycle.
Thanks for the info on STPP. I checked your Ebay source and, for those interested, they also sell it in 1 lb. containers, prob more “per pound” but easier on the wallet to try out. I just bought a box; we are also disgusted with the poor performance of our dishwasher — my husband has taken it apart, replaced parts, etc. in our effort to discover what the problem is. Hopefully this will be the “fix”! Anxious to try it in the clothes washer, too.
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Me, too. The younger one, who’s in training because he’s only 12 weeks old, is a Great Dane and ought to do really well.
Just wash our dishes by hand by hand before putting into the dishwasher? What’s the point of the dishwasher, then? Well, I guess it makes a good drying rack.
I read that it is outstanding in the laundry too for really clean clothes.
WOW! That’s an old posting.
I provided an example of how we do things here, not advice on what other’s should do. My mother had cancer and allergies, so she was highly susceptible to viruses and bacterias that wouldn’t have affected most other folks. It may seem as though I’m fussy, but it kept her alive until she had to go into a rehabilitation facility, where she contracted pneumonia that killed her.
I would put a bit of soap on a sponge and remove grease and food bits stuck to the dishes, pots, pans, and utensils. This includes the dogs and cats dishes. Rinse them thoroughly, then sterilize in the dishwasher.
This has really been effective in keeping colds and other infectious diseases out of our household.
If the seller has good reviews, then he’s probably selling real TSP. I wouldn’t worry!
Ok ... what an old post, but how did the ebay purchase turn out??
Well, as I said, what you want is STPP, not TSP, anyway.
I did buy STPP on ebay and my clothes are coming out noticeably cleaner and brighter and my dishes are cleaner and sparkle.
Just fine!
The TSP was the real deal. Was in the hardware store the other day and noticed the familiar red and white box - but it’s called something else now.
The STPP is the stuff to get, though. Use it in both the laundry and dishwasher, and it works EXCELLENT. Just about a teaspoon or so in addition to the regular, defanged detergent.
Now, before going out and buying a fifty pound bag, phosphates in this form tends to break down with exposure to air from what I’m reading. Automatic dishwasher detergent often mentions to “use within a few months”; even though phosphates have been removed, the warning still stands. Figures, but that’s why.
I bought a five pound bag of STPP and it lasts a long time. If one could guarantee an absoloutely airtight container it might pay to buy in quantity and transfer to smaller, useable amounts. But it works excellent, particularly noticed glassware that was completely filmed over is now sparkly clear.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the info!. I have the hardest water anyone has ever seen, I literally get a solid white coating on all my dishes, killed 3 dishwashers and just don’t want to kill the new one. This actually worked!!!! I am so happy if I could give you a great big hug I would so I am most grateful. If this works for me, it can work for anyone!!
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