Alternatives to Phosphorus-Containing Cleaning Products

Phosphorus in dishwashing detergents softens “hard” water, which reduces the spots and film on dishes. Phosphorus also makes the water’s pH more alkaline, which can help in food removal.

Alternatives to phosphorus, such as enzymes, have been shown to be just as effective at food removal and spot reduction as phosphorus-containing soaps. A 2005 study by Consumer Reports shows that phosphorus-free dishwashing detergents (or “nil-phosphate” detergents) do a “good to excellent job cleaning”.

Examples of Alternative Products

You can find ratings for various detergents on Consumer Reports free web site Greener Choices.

Shopping for Phosphorus-Free Products

Check your local grocery store for phosphorus-free products. If you cannot find a phosphorus-free detergent or your favorite phosphorus-free brand at your local store, use the following printable information cards (PDF). You can use these cards to share this important information with a store manager. Let stores know that providing environmentally friendly products is valuable for Washington State and its citizens:

Spokane County
Whatcom County
Other counties

The following list contains examples of alternative, phosphorus-free, commercially-available dishwasher detergents.

Note:  this is not intended to be a comprehensive list of products.  Please see Ecology's Content Policy for more information.

• Bi-O-Kleen
• Country Save
• Ecover
• Palmolive eco+
• Planet
• Seventh Generation
• Shaklee

Read labels carefully. Phosphorus content is listed near the ingredients on dish detergent packaging.

Contact us for more information

Back to top of page