Need a good dishwasher detergent!

[taubel]

We have been using Seventh Generation dishwashing detergent for years - the powdered kind. Apparently we have hard water, because this stuff does not clean our dishes well. There are always streaks and residue left behind.

We bought a new dishwasher this year, and I thought the problem might improve, but it hasn't.

We would like to continue using an environmentally friendly cleaner. Are there better ones out there?

[Rani]

We use the Ecover dishwasher tablets...less messy then powder and cleans very well.

[Chamomile Girl]

There was a recent thread about this where someone suggested adding vinegar to the wash.  We also have hard water and were constantly getting white residue on the dishes (we use trader joes powdered dishwasher soap).  Well a small glug of vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher before the wash solved all our problems.  I would try this before you switch soaps.

[Caitlin0919]

We had the same problem when we were living with my dad. We just assumed it was because our washer was so old. I started adding vinegar to the rinse slot, and that worked great. Like pp said, I'd give the vinegar a try before you switch.

[taubel]

Thanks everyone! We'll try the vinegar tonight. We still have several boxes of the detergent to use up. If vinegar doesn't work, we'll try the Ecover tablets.

[taubel]

The vinegar worked - thanks for the suggestion!