Nowadays, people can not imagine their comfort in living without household helpers. Cleaning products make the cleaning process much easier. Unfortunately, many household chemicals are dangerous for our health and for the environment as a whole. This article is a short essay on the topic of what organic detergents are, presenting brands of quality-certified manufacturers of the best non-toxic dishwasher detergent and will be an assistant in choosing the most effective tool for your needs.
An alternative way to solve this problem is natural non-toxic dishwasher detergent based on plant origin. When entering the body, the compounds disintegrate and are excreted naturally, without affecting health.
First, carefully study the labeling and composition of cleaning products. Safe non-toxic detergents are classified into environmentally friendly (biodegradable) and organic.
Organic dishwasher detergents are considered the best, since surfactants, phosphates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes are not added to their production. They contain only natural hypoallergenic ingredients. Essential oils, citrus extracts, minerals, soda, and vinegar are added to the composition of such detergents. Products based on plant material are often in no way inferior in effectiveness to synthetic ingredients.
What’s Wrong with Dishwasher Detergents?
Non-eco-friendly cleaning products contain a vast list of dangerous toxic chemicals that pollute not only wastewater but also enter the human body, causing headaches, irritation of the mucous membranes, and dizziness. Studies have shown that even after using the extra rinse function, traces of synthetic detergents remain on the dishes.
Particularly dangerous are phosphates, which wash away into sewer systems with wastewater and from there into water bodies, causing uncontrolled reproduction of blue-green algae, which entails a change in the color of water bodies, an unpleasant odor, and the death of fish. Chemicals such as chlorine and surfactants, having entered the drains, can return to us with tap water due to poor filtration and water supply control systems.
However, non-toxic dishwasher detergent is advertised as green for nature and human health. It is important to note that natural components do not dry the skin of the hands.
Why Finding Non-Toxic Detergents is Tough
To keep all the dishes in the house clean and all the plates and cutlery sparkling, the right non-toxic natural dishwashing detergent. Sometimes after the end of the dishwashing cycle, streaks may remain on glassware (glasses, goblets, vases).
Their appearance is caused by high water hardness, that is, a high content of calcium and magnesium salts in tap water. When water droplets dry, a noticeable white film remains on the surface. Choose a dishwashing detergent that will universally remove food residues and stains on plates at all water hardness units.
But how do you understand what kind of water flows in your tap, its hardness, and how much detergent to use? I will help you figure out this simple math.
Water hardness or softness is measured using grains per gallon (gpg) and the hardness indexes are classified into:
- soft water (0–3 gpg is considered);
- medium hard or ideal (3.5–7 gpg is considered);
- hard water (more than 7.5 gpg is regarded).
Therefore, you need to determine your water hardness indicator and choose a detergent accordingly from those available in the market.
To get information about the characteristics of the water you may buy an express test (easy to find, for example, in a pet store) or ask the water utility service.
Ingredients to Avoid in Non-Toxic Detergents
If when reading the composition of the product you see words like:
- sodium hypochlorite;
- benzisothiazolinone
- methylchloroisothiazolinone;
- ammonia;
- dyes;
- synthetic fragrance;
- methylisothiazolinone;
- cristobalite.
better to put this product back on the shelf in the store. These substances are dangerous because they are carcinogens and toxins that affect the hormonal and reproductive systems.
Top Non-Toxic Detergent Brands
The following brands top the rating of the safest products:
- BranchBasics;
- MamaSuds;
- Pure Haven;
- Blueland;
- Earthley;
- DirtyLabs;
- TrullyFree;
- Blueland;
- BetterLife;
- Aspen;
- PlanetAutomatic;
- GrabGreeb;
- EcoVer;
- Beyound;
- Puracy.
These manufacturers produce their products in powder, pods, tablets, and even liquids.
Do Natural Detergents Work as Well?
Many studies and user reviews have proven that environmentally non-toxic dishwasher detergent canbe as efficient as synthetic products, perfectly washing away rests on any dishes required to keep the house clean. They are effective, harmless, and economical in consumption, and maintain sustainable benefits to humans and ecological impact with plant-based components.
