Friday, August 10, 2012

When it comes to achieving clean sparkling dishes, 1 in 3 people who own dishwashers claim it's their biggest kitchen challenge, according to new research from OxiClean. While this summer marks two years since dishwasher detergents were reformulated to remove phosphates – a key cleaning ingredient – 69 percent of consumers are still unaware of what phosphates are or why they were banned from dishwashing detergents.

"While many consumers may blame their dishwasher, grimy dishes are most often a result of phosphate-free detergents, which can leave behind a film from hard water salts and calcium," explains Craig Sheehan, director of the OxiClean® brand at Church & Dwight, Co., Inc.

With all the backyard parties, summer outings and entertaining that takes place during the summer, clean dishes and sparkling glasses are essential. Of consumers polled, 88 percent agreed it is embarrassing to serve dishes that have spots and streaks, however, the majority of respondents experienced a film out of the dishwasher about five times a month. But spots and streaks on dishes don't make the kind of home style statement you'd like to make this summer, and consumers are going to unnecessary lengths to avoid such entertaining faux pas.

The survey found over half of consumers polled have switched detergents 2-5 times, rewashed their dishes by hand (47 percent) – resulting in excess costs in a tight economy and taking time out from already busy schedules. Sheehan recommends looking into cleaning products to add to your dishwasher cycle to help prevent spots and film.

Source: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

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