If your house is anything like ours then you probably wash dishes multiple times a day. Whether you wash up in the sink or have a dishwasher, the products we use to clean can leave residues which subsequently get absorbed by our skin but we can also ingest, plus they end up in waterways once they head down the plug hole. Some ingredients in these products are toxic to aquatic life and cause havoc to delicate ecosystems in rivers and the sea. It doesn't have to be this way! Here's the top ingredients to avoid...
Phosphates
The number one chemical to avoid in dish washing products. It's in the majority of pods and powders on the market, including some 'eco' brands. It's a strong chemical that helps to soften hard water. Phosphates cause skin irritation and disrupt ecosystems by facilitating rapid algae growth. These algae blooms block sunlight and deplete oxygen in rivers, leading to dead zones where aquatic life can't survive.
Synthetic fragrance and perfumes
These are often made with a concoction of undisclosed chemicals like phthalates, which have been shown to disrupt the hormones of men, women and particularly children whilst also aggravating allergies and skin irritation. Hormone disruption has been linked to early puberty, early menopause and hormonal cancers.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is a harsh foaming agent derived from petroleum that strips the skin of it's natural oils and causes skin irritation. Studies have shown it can also be contaminated with 1,4-Dioxane, a known carcinogen.
Methylisothiazolinone & Benzisothiazolinone
MIT and BIT are harsh preservatives used to prevent bacteria in liquid soaps. They enable products to sit on shelves for years but have been linked to allergies, neurotoxicity and environmental damage where they accumulate in waterways.
What to look for? Plant based soaps and detergents, free from phosphates, sulphates and synthetic fragrances. Such as...
Dishwasher powder: a plant based powder that's formulated to work well in soft and hard water areas. Free from nasties and scented with 100% lemon essential oil. It smells divine!
Dishwasher rinse aid: a plant based unscented formula that effectively reduces water residue. We send our empty bulk containers back to our supplier.
Dishwasher salt: pure sodium chloride with no additives. We always recommend you use salt to help soften water.
Citric acid: if you notice a build up of limescale in your machine, tackle if easily and effectively with nature's citric acid. Just add 2 tablespoons into an empty machine and run a hot cycle. Doing this regularly will extend the life of your machine.
Don't forget your plastic-free brushes, sponges and cloths that won't release microplastics when you wash up!
Happy non-toxic dish washing!
