Posted on 08/18/2011 5:45:07 PM PDT by TSgt
Have you noticed a white film on your dishes in recent months? As we first reported earlier this year, the reason is a new environmental law.
Most manufacturers have reformulated their dishwasher detergents after laws limiting phosphates went into effect last year.
Julie Schimpf of Ft Thomas, Kentucky showed me how bad her dishes looked. Julie said "there's this frosty, filmy look on the top and bottom and it won't go away. I'm finding the same film here on the edges of my plates."
Complaints Nationwide
Our partners at Consumer Reports Magazine have heard many of the same complaints, from homeowners everywhere who are finding glasses and plates coated in white film.
Jim Nanni of Consumer Reports said "some readers wrote to us, complaining about film and buildup on their dishware."
So Consumer Reports started investigating. They ran the same set of dishes 20 times with the same detergent to simulate more than a month of dishwashing.
Film built up more with some detergents. With Method Smarty Dish, which the magazine said otherwise is a very good cleaner, the glassware turned milky white after 20 washes. The dishes washed in Whole Foods' "365" also developed a milky coating.
Top Performing Detergent
After hundreds of washes, the magazine found one detergent that it says can prevent the problem.
It's Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPacs, from Cincinnati's Procter and Gamble. The packets -- not the powder version--- topped Consumer Reports' cleaning tests. Even with very hard water, the Cascade Pacs did not leave a white residue behind.
Alternate Cure
Some other cures, reported by homeowners nationwide: Add a tiny amount of white vinegar to the wash, or buy a product called Lemi Shine, sold at Walmart and Target, that you add to the load to reduce hard water stains.
Either of those, however, take a bit more effort. As always, don't waste your money.
I’ll risk the dishwasher and buy what I can find.
Lowes has the TSP for cheap. Now what I need is a “make your own” dishwashing detergent.
All of them on the internet are just Borax and Washing soda. Who knows if that will work.
That’s awesome! The real thing! Folks, click on that and get some. Be sure and store it in sealed plastic bags with silica gel to keep it good.
Careful of TSP. Some of it does not have phosphates. Read the label.
I put it in the laundry, too. Makes a noticeable difference.
Where do I find the silica gel packets?
There is a product called “Dishwasher Magic” for removing limescale and rust. You run it through the washer without dishes. Buy it at Wal Mart.
My brother swears by it. Says it eliminated a lot of noise his washer was making, apparently due to mineral build up. If it is true that TSP can cause mineral build up, then this may be the way to go. I do know the TSP has made a difference with my dishes and flatware and I would prefer not to give it up.
When researching washing machines a few years ago - I learned they also regulate the temperature of our washing machine water... it is much cooler than machines are allowed to be in other countries - thereby reducing the cleaning effect on some materials. Also - the washing cycles are longer overseas - we are “saving” water...
Great to know we are still allowed to have dishwashers and washing machines :)
Oh. Uhhhh. I got mine online to keep my thousands of rounds of ammo dry. I forget where I got the silica gel packets, all I know is I have a lot. :)
They come in little tiny capsules in the over the counter drug bottles. It says, everywhere I see it, “Do Not Eat!” I don’t know why.
I’ll have to see if they will ship it to me. The first place I checked online said it wouldn’t ship to a “Phosphate free zone”
I’m in MI, they may not send it to me.
The druggies were using it to cook some wild form of speed from it. I heard the formula included Cascade, Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer and drain cleaner.
My wife has been using a little vinegar at the right point in the washing cycle to make the glasses come out clean.
Zip lock (low density polyethylene) bags are good for short term storage at room temp or long term in a fridge/freezer (have you noticed though that many foods appear dried up after very long term freezer storage). They are not vapor proof and will overtime in a humid environment allow water vapor as well as oxygen (a spoiler gas) to pass through. Silica gel is a great dessicant but the hygroscopic TSP will most likely absorb more water vapor before the silica gel will. Glass or high density polyethylene containers are the best.
Interestingly, cellophane is much better at protecting from oxygen then low density polythylene. I would imagine it would be better for water vapor too.
They don’t regulate mine. I bought it about 12 years ago, and if I set it to Hotter Than H***, I get it. I have no doubt those jerks will try to take it away.
Soon they will take it all away and we’ll be beating our laundry with effing rocks. And our dishes...
I’ll have to look around.
I know they come in shoesboxes sometimes and the kids need new shoes for fall.
WAIT is that an excuse to go shopping?!? I think it is!!!
(smile)
1. low volume toilets that do not flush in less than 4 tries.
2. Light bulbs that cost 4-10 times the price of incandescent and are hazardous waste when they go out. And still don't give enough light to read by.
3. Now dishwasher detergent that does not clean without adding other junk.
Brilliant People, those in government. The Experts, you know. /sarcasm
I cannot find TSP with Phosphates here at all, and I have been to the big box hardware stores and smaller ones, along with paint stores. Now I know why I cannot find it. It’s flippin’ banned in Minnesota.
Good grief. These loony libs are ruining everything in this state! Grrrrrr.
Go and Buy in peace. Commerce must be attended...
Try online. Smaller retailers down the search page.
Ooooo, I like that!
Before that happens; what about hunting down these bureaucrats and beating THEM with effing rocks??
Maybe on a significant date, like July 4th, 2026?
Just sayin...
20 seconds of searching turned this up:
http://www.soapgoods.com/Sodium-Tripolyphosphate-Light-Dense-STPP-p-1267.html
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