When it comes to keeping our dishes clean, many of us turn to mainstream dishwashing products without giving much thought to their potential dangers.
However, these products often contain harsh chemicals that can harm both our health and the environment.
The Dangers of Mainstream Toxic Dishwashing Products
Many mainstream dishwashing products contain a range of harmful chemicals, including:
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Phosphates: Phosphates are commonly used in dishwashing detergents to help soften water and remove food particles. However, they can have harmful effects on aquatic life when they are released into waterways.
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Chlorine: Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that is often added to dishwashing detergents. However, it can cause respiratory irritation, skin irritation, and even asthma when it is inhaled or comes into contact with the skin.
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Fragrances: Many dishwashing products contain synthetic fragrances that can cause respiratory irritation and allergic reactions.
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Surfactants: Surfactants are used in dishwashing products to help remove grease and food particles. However, they can be harmful to aquatic life and can also cause skin irritation.
These chemicals don't just disappear when we rinse our dishes. They can end up in our waterways, harming aquatic life and polluting our environment. Switching to low tox alternatives can help us reduce our impact on the environment and improve our health.
The Benefits of Switching to Low Tox Alternatives
Switching to low tox dishwashing products can provide a range of benefits, including:
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Safer for your health: Low tox dishwashing products are often made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safer for your health. They can help to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
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Better for the environment: Low tox dishwashing products are often made with biodegradable ingredients that are safer for the environment. They can help to reduce water pollution and protect aquatic life.
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Cost-effective: Low tox dishwashing products can be more cost-effective in the long run, as they often require less product per use and can help to extend the life of your dishwasher.
What are Washing Soda and Citric Acid, and Why Do They Work So Well?
Most natural dishwashing products still contain a lot of unnecessary ingredients that often cancel each other out!
We’ve kept ours pure, simple and cost effective so all that you have to do is add and go.
Washing soda and citric acid are two common low tox alternatives to mainstream dishwashing products. Here's a closer look at what they are and why they work so well:
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Washing soda: Washing soda is a naturally occurring compound that is made from salt and limestone. It is highly alkaline and can be used to help remove grease and stains from dishes. It works by breaking down grease and food particles, making them easier to rinse away.
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Citric acid: Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid that is found in fruits such as lemons and oranges. It is highly effective at removing water spots and stains from dishes. It works by breaking down minerals in hard water, preventing them from leaving behind stains and spots.
When used together but separately as a low tox dishwashing duo, washing soda and citric acid can help to provide a powerful and effective clean, without the use of harsh chemicals.
So how do we recommend that you use our dishwashing products?
Before first use, it is crucial to ensure that your dishwasher is free from mineral deposits and other residue. This is important as the citric acid can loosen them and transfer them onto your dishes.
To prepare your dishwasher, begin by adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of citric acid to the bottom of the dishwasher, making sure that it is empty. Start a cycle and let it run for 3 to 5 minutes. After this, turn the dishwasher off and allow the water and citric acid solution to soak for around 3 to 4 hours. Once the time has elapsed, allow the cycle to complete, and your dishwasher is now ready to use with the homemade detergent.
To use add approximately 2 tablespoons of the dishwashing powder to the pre-rinse compartment and 1 tablespoon main wash compartment. This will ensure that the rinse aid doesn't interfere with the cleaning power of the detergent and vice versa. If your dishes are extra dirty, you can add a little more powder.
If you do not have a pre rinse compartment, sprinkle the dishwashing powder on the floor of the dishwasher and continue using the main wash compartment for the rinse aid.
Make the switch and grab some here ⬇️
https://amamasapothecary.com.au/products/pure-clean-dishwashing-duo
Journal References:
- Bellanger, M., Demeneix, B., Grandjean, P., & Zoeller, R. T. (2015). Endocrine disruption, human health, and ecological integrity: Challenges for the next generation. Frontiers in endocrinology, 6, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2015.00001
This article explores the potential health risks associated with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including those commonly found in cleaning products. The authors discuss the need for greater awareness and regulation of these chemicals to protect human health and ecological integrity.
- Koehler, K. A., Cullen, A. C., Gonzalez, M. C., & Stephens, M. D. (2021). Dishwasher Detergent: A Review of Its Ingredients, Properties, and Effectiveness. Journal of Surfactants and Detergents, 24, 199-222. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsde.12488
This review article examines the properties and effectiveness of various ingredients commonly found in dishwasher detergents, including the potential health and environmental risks associated with some of these ingredients. The authors also discuss the advantages of using low tox alternatives like washing soda and citric acid.
- Szabo, D. T., & Dudley, S. (2019). Investigation of Home Dishwashing Practices and Determination of the Efficacy of Hand Dishwashing Soap and Dishwasher Detergent in Removing Food Residues. Food protection trends, 39(6), 465-476. https://doi.org/10.22175/ft v39i6.1676
This study investigates the effectiveness of various dishwashing products in removing food residues, including both mainstream and low tox alternatives. The results suggest that low tox alternatives like washing soda and citric acid can be just as effective at removing food residues as mainstream products, while also being safer and more environmentally friendly.