Dishwashing 101: What Makes a Safe Dishwasher Detergent Formula

How Dishwasher Detergents Work

Dishwasher detergent is available in three forms: liquid, powder, and pre-measured pods. When you start a wash cycle, your machine begins with a quick pre-wash to rinse away loose food. Then, as it fills with water, the detergent dispenser pops open to release the soap. 

Hot water activates the dishwasher detergent’s cleaning ingredients, which cut through grease, break down leftover food bits, and prevent water spots so your dishes come out squeaky clean. After the main wash, the dirty water drains out, then clean water rinses off the remaining dishwasher detergent and grime. 

At least, that’s how it’s supposed to go. But if you’ve ever opened your dishwasher to find cloudy glassy or plates still a little greasy, your detergent likely isn’t working. Between less-than-optimal cleaning and hidden toxins that don’t wash away, that’s a lose-lose for your dishes and your family. Fortunately, there are safer options.

What Makes a Safe, Effective Dishwasher Detergent

When it comes to clean dishes and a healthy home, what’s inside your dishwasher detergent matters. Here’s what to look for in a safer, more effective formula:

• Plant-based surfactants, like the coconut-derived alkoxylated alcohol we use in Truly Free Home Dishwasher Soap, glide through grease and grime without harmful chemicals.

• Natural enzymes such as amylase and protease break down oils, starches, and proteins, and loosen stuck-on food.

• Safe water treatments like sodium citrate (which neutralizes minerals in hard water) and acrylic acid homopolymer (which keeps loosened grease from resettling) help prevent cloudy glassware and streaks without using phosphates that can pollute waterways.

• Oxygen-powered stain removers such as sodium percarbonate and TAED lift stains and neutralize odors naturally, unlike chlorine bleach or toxic fragrances that can irritate your skin and lungs when steam is released from your machine when you open its door.

• Plastic-free formulas skip the pods made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which don’t always fully dissolve and can break down into microplastics. Instead, choose an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent powder, like Truly Free Home dishwasher soap.

Taking a minute to check the ingredient list of your dishwasher detergent can make all the difference between dishes that look clean and dishes that are truly clean and safe to use. At Truly Free Home, we’re transparent about what’s in our formulas because you deserve peace of mind that your family isn’t ingesting harmful dishwasher detergent residue.