Although you can wash dishes by hand, many people use dishwashers, especially in cafes, restaurants and hotels. There is a lot of greenwash regarding dishwash tablets (and laundry sheets) that claim to be ‘biodegradable’, saying there’s no need to unwrap the film, as it ‘breaks down naturally’.
However, Plastic Pollution Coalition says otherwise, and wants a ban on plastic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA or PVOH) being listed a ‘biodegradable ingredient’. It dissolves (but so does salt in water – but the salt is still there).
The law says that if 60% of something degrades into carbon dioxide and water within 28 days, it ‘passes the test’, even if the other 40% of plastic is still present, and leaches out to sea, after wastewater system treatment. Plus of course, plastic is made from oil, an industry it’s good not to support for all kinds of reasons.
The reason given for using dishwasher tabs and laundry sheets is convenience. No matter that it’s very easy to put a scoop of powder in the machine, something done for over 100 years.
It’s like the palm oil debate. Companies that make peanut butter with palm oil, say it has to be included as an emulsifier. But companies that don’t (like Meridian) say that no-one minds having to spend 10 seconds stirring the jar. Surely worth it, to save orangutans?
Homemade Dishwasher Detergent or Tabs
The above site has a simple recipe for homesteaders to make your own dishwasher detergent: Mix 1 cup each of washing soda, baking soda, food-grade citric acid powder and coarse sea salt. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load, and storing the rest in an airtight container.
You can even turn the powder into ‘dishwasher tabs’ by swapping citric acid powder for lemon juice, then leaving it to solidify in a reusable ice cube tray (pop the tabs in an airtight container).
Truly Plastic-Free Dishwasher Tabs
Blueland Dishwasher Tabs are dry-form tablets that lift grease and food stains, without dissolving plastic film into your dishes. Made with plant-based and planet-friendly ingredients, these are independently tested to work on dishes, glassware, silver and porcelain. Sold in a beautiful Forever Tin with 60 tablets, which also takes up less space.
Just pop a tablet directly into the detergent dispenser, run on a normal cycle, then order refills, when the tin is empty. You can double up and buy a kit containing both dishwash and laundry tabs (choose fragrance-free option, as the ‘spring bloom’ contains synthetic fragrance).
These products include a brown packet inside the packaging, a bit like silica gel, to absorb moisture. However, this is made from natural bentonite clay and FSC-certified kraft paper. Blueland suggests keeping this with products as you transfer refills to the Forever Tin, to increase efficiency and shelf-life of the tabs.
The company also offers wholesale and discounts for students/graduates. Plus community discounts for people on low incomes, first responders, parents and charity workers.
Dishwasher Powder in Refillable Glass Jars
Fill Dishwasher Powder is made (in Northamptonshire by a registered Living Wage employer) with natural ingredients (unscented or scented with essential oils), sold in a glass jar and metal lid.
Choose unscented for pregnancy/nursing, affected medical conditions and baby/pet bowls.
When empty, either refill in participating stockists, or order refills in cardboard boxes, which include a freepost return box to send back for washing and return.
To use, remove food debris, then add one scoop to your machine dispenser, check salt level and use with their rinse aid. Keep the powder away from moisture, in an airtight container.
Organic Dishwasher Powder (in paper bags)
Greenscents Dishwasher Powder is a unique formulation of natural botanicals and probiotics, with no enzymes or cheap fillers. Made from active ingredients, just one heaped teaspoon is enough for a full wash.
This powder is also organic, vegan and free from palm oil. One pouch lasts for 30 uses (scrape food off first). Sold in a brown paper bag with a plastic seal (can be separated for recycling). Scented with eucalyptus oil.
For hard water areas (mostly in southern and eastern England), fill the rinse aid dispenser with cleaning vinegar and add extra salt, to prevent limescale build-up. You can also run a short cycle with a cup of vinegar now and then, to help keep your dishwasher clean and fresh.
Eco Dishwasher Powder from Devon
Elmkind (Devon) offers a nice lemongrass rosemary dishwasher powder, sold in a brown paper bag. Good for 50 washes, then just buy the refill for another 100 washes. This botanical powder is a mix of natural non-toxic plant and mineral ingredients, to cut through food and grease with ease, leaving cutlery and glasses shiny and smear-free. Note that essential oils are not safe near pets (use unscented versions above).
Natural Rinse Aid in Refillable Containers
Miniml Rinse Aid again has local stores to refill or prepaid labels to return for washing and refilling. Sold in a plastic refillable container, this is made (in Yorkshire) with natural unscented ingredients. You can also use it for cabinet glass washers and combi ovens.