Disclaimer: This post is contributed by Planning With Kids partner ecostore.
This post first appeared on the ecostore blog.
When we think about sparkling clean dishes, we often have a picture in our head of a sink full of hot water, foam and bubbles. But we just need the dishwash liquid and water.
Dishwash liquid is what removes food particles and fat from our dishes, while the bubbles that are formed don’t actually have a cleaning function. Further, dishwash liquid that foams up into long lasting bubbles may contain chemicals that aren’t necessary and may not be such a safe option for our health.
When you’re checking the labels on different dishwash detergents, look for chemicals like sodium laureth/lauryl sulphate (SLS/SLES), cocamidropropyl betaine (CAPB), and synthetic perfumes and dyes, which can be harmful. If the ingredients list includes ‘anionic surfactant’ or ‘non-ionic surfactant’, that can be a sign the detergent includes SLS/SLES.
Here’s some more information about the chemicals mentioned above:
Sodium laureth sulphate
Although sodium laureth sulphate is plant-based and often called a gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulphate, it can still irritate and skin and eyes. It can also potentially be contaminated with the known carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)
CAPB is a surfactant type molecule used as a detergent or foaming cleanser. Although derived from natural sources, during processing it can become contaminated with impurities such as amiodamine and dimethylaminopropylmine which can cause skin sensitisation, an allergic reaction. This type of contact dermatitis is the most common form of induced skin irritation.
Synthetic perfumes and dyes
Synthetic perfumes and dyes have been identified as a potential irritant to the eyes, skin and lungs, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. They may also harm the planet because they have high aquatic toxicity. Try avoiding dishwash liquids that contain these ingredients and opt for those that use alternative plant-based ingredients instead.
ecostore dishwash liquid is made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, and although it’s gentle on you, it’s tough on dishes to get them sparkling clean. Our dishwash is approved by the Environmental Choice label in New Zealand, where it is made, which guarantees a commitment to less harm to the environment. And by using a more natural dishcare liquid you can reduce the amount of toxic chemicals that go into your septic tank or local water treatment system.