My recommendation for making a dishwasher work without phosphates in detergent

If your dishes are not clean after running the dishwasher, you're not alone. According to recent reports from NPR, USA Today, and other sources, dishes across the country are coming out of the washer still dirty, or coated with white film. The cause? Many believe it is due to the removal of phosphates from major brand dishwashing detergents.

What are phosphates, and what did they do in your dishwasher that was so good?

Phosphates are tiny, salty objects that are made of phosphoric acid. In the good old days (before last year), phosphates made up about 8% of what went into dishwashing detergent. They were responsible for softening normally hard water so that the following good things could happen: limescale buildup would not occur on dishes or inside the dishwasher itself; a high alkalinity would be maintained in the wash cycle which helps sanitize dishes; and the detergent that was combined with phosphates would be more effective.

Unfortunately, the removal of phosphates means that those who live in areas with hard water now face dirty dishes after running the dishwasher.

However, there are a few things that can be done to make your dishwasher work without phosphates.

1. Try adding a dishwasher detergent additive called "Lemi Shine" to the wash cycle. The label on this products states it is "Made with real fruit acids, natural citrus oils, and fragrance. Phosphate free." I read about this product and finally tried it myself, and I have to say, it works. My glasses and plates are squeaky clean again with no residue. I recommend running the dishwasher empty the first time you try it, with a couple of tablespoons of Lemi Shine in place of your regular detergent, in order to clean out the machine. It is even possible to get a free sample of the product at www.mydisheslookdirty.com to see if it will solve your dirty dish problem. Lemi Shine can be purchased in many major grocery stores and it is located next to dishwashing detergents.

2. Place about half a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher. Vinegar will also enhance the cleaning action of your dishwashing soap. I tried this, too, and I was unimpressed with the results. However, I've read many articles praising the use of vinegar in the dishwasher, so try it.

3. Consumer Reports did a study in 2009 of dishwashing detergents, and they concluded that the following phosphate-free detergents work best: Method Smarty Dish tablets or Simplicity dishwashing detergent.

4. Install a water softener.

You do not have to live with scummy dishes. The problem is most likely not your dishwasher loading habits (although dishwasher companies may say it is), and it is not a malfunctioning dishwasher. Try these tips, and see which one works best for you.