Why Your Dishwasher Detergent Isn’t Working—and a Dish Detergent Alternative You Can Trust

Posted By: Jenay Zhyrov

Posted On: 10/27/2025

Why Your Dishwasher Detergent Isn’t Cleaning Your Dishes

Are your glasses cloudy? Plates still greasy? Silverware looking dull? If your dishwasher isn’t doing its job, the problem might not be the machine—it could be the conventional dishwasher detergent you’re using. Here’s why:

Hidden toxins like ethoxylated surfactants are used to cut grease but can leave behind a film that traps residue instead of removing it. Other additives in dishwashing detergent, such as formaldehyde (a preservative) and 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing byproduct), are known carcinogens that can remain on your dishes even after they’ve gone through the dishwasher.

Phosphates soften water, but can react with minerals, causing cloudy or streaked glassware. Dishwasher detergents with phosphates also harm marine ecosystems and pollute waterways.

Dyes and toxic fragrances are added to dishwashing detergent purely for appearances and “fresh” scents—not cleaning power—and can cause skin irritation and headaches.

Dishwasher pods don’t fully dissolve, especially in cooler water. Dishwasher pods’ plastic coating—made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)—can also stick to dishes. And even though dishwasher pods’ PVA is water-soluble, it often degrades into microplastics.

Dishwasher detergent build up can clog your machine’s sprayers and block water flow, especially if you don’t clean your dishwasher regularly. Psst… Truly Free Home Dishwasher Cleaner is great for this.

Once your dishwasher’s rinse cycle ends, those same chemicals can get released as steam into your kitchen the moment you open the dishwasher door. Even if you can’t see them, your family could still be breathing them in or ingesting the dish soap residue left behind on plates, cups, and utensils.

Safer Dishwasher Detergent Ingredients to Look Out For

Truly Free Home Dishwasher Soap is a plant-powered powder dishwasher detergent that thoroughly cleans dishes without leaving anything suspect behind.

Here’s what our safe dishwasher detergent uses to replace the toxins usually found in conventional dishwasher soaps.

For Deep Cleaning

Instead of toxic surfactants, our dishwasher detergent uses a blend of safer ingredients that work together to power through grime and caked-on food. Alkoxylated alcohol, a gentle, coconut-derived surfactant, cuts through grease. Sodium carbonate (soda ash) boosts cleaning power by breaking down stubborn stains and neutralizing acids, while sodium sulfate prevents clumping. Then, acrylic acid homopolymer helps stop dirt and oils from redepositing on your dishes.

For Water Softening

Instead of phosphates, we use sodium citrate and sodium carboxymethyl inulin to balance pH levels and neutralize minerals in hard water. This powerhouse combination ensures your dishes are spotless without hurting aquatic life.

For Stain Removal

Instead of chlorine bleach, which releases harsh fumes that can irritate your skin and lungs, our non-bleach dishwasher detergent uses a blend of enzymes—like amylase and protease—to break down starches and proteins, along with sodium percarbonate and TAED, an oxygen-powered duo that easily removes stains.

For a Fresh, Plastic-Free Clean

Truly Free Home Non-Toxic Dishwasher Soap is free of toxic fragrances, dyes, and PVA, so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemical residues on your dishes and in your air or harmful microplastics. Our powdered plastic-free dishwasher detergent naturally cleans and freshens your dishes without all the harsh stuff.

Choosing A Non-Toxic Dishwasher Detergent for Spotless Dishes

When your dishwasher detergent is free of toxins, so are your dishes.

Truly Free Home Dishwasher Soap cuts through grease, doesn’t leave behind harmful residue, and won’t release toxic fumes into your home. It’s a safe dishwasher soap cleaner that protects your family from hidden, harmful chemicals while also protecting aquatic life and the environment, too.

Make the switch to Truly Free Home today and enjoy truly clean dishes and peace of mind.

SHOP TRULY FREE HOME DISHWASHER SOAP