Phosphorus-Free Automatic Dishwashing Detergents and Green Slime
Fall-Winter 2007
Many shoreline owners and anyone who traverses our beaches are aware of the “green slime” that has been accumulating in ever increasing amounts. Individuals have asked what they personally can do while researches and government entities try to address our concerns.
Purchasing Phosphorus-Free Automatic Dishwashing Detergents is one method. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and too much can cause excessive aquatic plant growth. Phosphate is the form of phosphorus that has been banned in our laundry soaps but has not been addressed in our dishwashing detergents. If the water in your area is hard, using a spot reducing rinsing agent will help and most are phosphorus free.
Bi-O-Kleen, Citra-Dish, EcoVer, Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, and Shaklee are all phosphorus-free brands. | Phosphorus Free |
Palmolive Gel | 1.6% |
Cascade Complete: Gel and Liquid | 4% |
Sunlight Gel: | 4.3% |
Electra-Sol Gel: | 4.9% |
Electra-Sol Powder: | 6.1% |
Walmart Spot-Free and Stop N shop brands are | 7-7.5% |
Cascade Complete Powder and Tablets are | 8.5% |
While all tablets from brands such as Sunlight, Electra-Sol and Palmolive are | 8.7% |