General Electric recently issued a press release on Business Wire noting that phosphates are no longer being included in dishwashing detergents, which is leaving a hazy residue on glasses, plates and utensils for consumers who live in areas with hard water. According to the release, there is an easy test to determine if consumer’s cloudy dishware or dishwasher’s interior is due to a build up as a result of the detergent’s phosphate-free formulation. It’s called the “vinegar check,” which involves taking a paper towel, dipping it in vinegar and gently rubbing the glass. If the cloudiness disappears, it’s hard water build up. The release also notes, “If your vinegar check reveals an issue of build-up, you can wipe out the problem fairly easily according to dishwashing chemists at GE. Either dump two cups of vinegar in the bottom of your dishwasher and run it on the coolest, shortest heat setting possible, or use a detergent booster. ‘A detergent additive will take the calcium and magnesium out of the water, similar to what phosphates used to do’.”
To read the entire release, use this link.