Finish goes Phosphate-Free

Automatic Washer - The world's coolest Washing Machines, Dryers and Dishwashers

Help Support :

Someone one does worry how long consumers will be allowed to get their hands on STPP. I mean what is the point of removing a substance from consumer products, if those same persons go out and add it right back.

Regarding the query regarding storage of STPP, am currently using vintage boxes of "Calgon" which is made with two types of phosphates, and it still flows freely and to my tests/knowledge (pH testing,etc) it has not broken down into TSP. Boxes are silver in colour.

Suppose one could order STPP in huge sealed poly sacks, or store in air tight containers, and it should last quite awhile. Air, moisture and IIRC, heat will degrade the product, so need to be avoided.

Only problem is that one really requires so little STPP by volume in ratio to detergent, that it could take ages to go through anything >25lbs.
 
Laundress:

SHHHHHH! Don't let the eco freaks hear us!

;-)

No, really, in arid states, phosphates are not banned so it's perfectly legal to use them in home laundry etc. But of course national brands tend to go without so it's a problem if one hasn't a secret stash. Well, not so secret stash.

I bought a number of 50 lb sacks of the stuff 10 years ago when I discovered how great it was in the wash. They are stored in the original sacks, inside waterproof plastic bins. So far I haven't noticed any degradation of the stuff, even though it's not in a climate controlled storage space. It does stay dry and out of direct heat. I could also periodically test it with some well water to confirm that while washing soda (or TSP) causes a precipitate, the STPP does not.

At the time of my purchases I was concerned that it would be banned here, hence the large quantities. And I wasn't aware that it might be perishible. But I'm fairly confident it won't be banned, and also that my supplier would still sell it to me regardless. And also that my stash is aging gracefully.
 
Chemistry Store

Is on rather on the dear side, far as prices go,including their shipping and handling charges. There are local and or other sellers about, but you may have to purchase the stuff in 25lb or 50lb bags. I mean where do you think the Chemistry Store gets their supply? It is simply bulk purchased and repackaged.
 
New Finish

Works well on the light stains, but still is a little lacking on the heavy ones, where Finish Quantum & Cascade Complete pacs are more suited for. Saw the reformulated Quantum tablets, which now has a white-light blue powder combination, instead of a light blue-dark blue powder. And from what I've seen, Cascade liquid and Great Value powder & gel aren't selling well, Cascade powder & pacs, most of the Finish line are selling well and oddly enough, Palmolive ECO+ is selling like hotcakes.
 
Cascade Gel with "Hydroclean" Bleach Action

Is top of the pops at my house!

Really cleans that well, and small amounts go along way.

Don't like tablets because one cannot purchase and stash when a good deal comes along. Tried it before with Electrasol tabls and the things turned into hockey pucks. Yes, they were still wrapped in their little bags, but still.

While at the shops yesterday, saw Finish has come up with yet another way for consumers to part with their money.

Pipe:

L.

Launderess++1-27-2010-01-20-25.jpg
 
I saw that today too at WalMart. It is a rack clip on device that is susposed to be good for 12 loads of dishes. And the price was even more expensive as purchasing 12 Powerball tabs.
I didn't know it was a gel. I wouldn't use it.

While looking at some DW detergent chemical makeup, I noticed some boxes didn't carry any information about what chemicals are used in making them. I thought you had to have that information by law? This was most predominent in Finish products.
 
Really? No informations on the package? In Europe is mandatory to write the ingredients plus producers must indicate if there are any known allergens like limonene or geraniol in the formula.
 
Phosphorus and STPP

Question for the 'suds-perts' then; what is the difference between phosphorus added at the factory and STPP. From the discussion above, they seem to much be different in concentration. Perhaps I don't have enough in my home-brew of detergent, especially for those I give it to with non-softened water.
 
It's the moles, man...

It's a matter of basic chemistry.

Phosphates are molecular compounds. They include the atomic elements phosphorus, sodium, oxygen and perhaps some hydrogen. Each molecule of phosphate weighs about four times what a phosphorus atom weighs.

Thus 8% of phosphorus ATOMS is equivalent to about 33% of phosphate MOLECULES.
 
I've just noticed something!

Spoodles' post had the photo of Finish 'Quantum' ingredients:

notice that it contains 3 enzymes - protease, amylase and cellulase.

What function does cellulase perform in a dishwasher???
 
I don't think so - remember that it is used in laundry detergents to combat 'bobbling' of cotton garments.

Maybe its purpose is to clean wooden utensils?

Or maybe to assist in the breakdown of plant-based food soils?
 
Silicates are there to protect the dishwasher, usually, although it may also do more than just that, like raise the pH of the solution.

Cellulase breaks down cellulose, which is part of lots of things in food, like fiber, for example.
 
I just got a box of Finish the other day, and still has phosphate listed....

I've tried another brand that did not have phosphate, and it did NOT clean the dishes.
 

Similar threads

G
Finish Jet Dry rinse aid becoming more thick...
Replies
5
Views
71
gelaundry4ever
G
volsboy1
Great detergent site Phosphates with Enzmes
Replies
3
Views
124
vtgbabydress
V
adam-aussie-vac
Kirkland laundry detergent
Replies
26
Views
1K
ea56
ea56
claytibug
Restoring a 1968 GE Hotpoint Range/Oven - Lamp
Replies
3
Views
184
steved
S
kesslertimothy
Tide Free and Gentle Powder is back!
Replies
0
Views
159
kesslertimothy
kesslertimothy

Latest posts

Back
Top