dishwasher drains to garden - help with detergent?

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We just put in a dishwasher but are now finding it difficult to decide how to handle the question of what to use for detergent. The whole kitchen drains to an outside garden. I keep seeing low or non-phosphate recommendations but aside from ordering online is there a product that is OK to use? I saw a borax/baking soda recipe but also found many "NO BORAX" warnings for garden grey water systems. Anyone out there that has actual experience with this? (Theories welcome too!)

-- MBroberg (tmbroberg@hotmail.com), December 01, 2001

Answers

I drain my washer to the outside,, near the garden,, just dont get any "extras" with the detergent,, keep it away from your water source.

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), December 01, 2001.

I use plain ole Cascade powder. It says it is safe for septics. I have mine plumbed to the front flower beds and they are fine. I run a load every evening. I at first did try some of the other products, they simply didn't clean as well, and the liquid dishwashing soap recipe that was put up this summer, gave me a floor full of suds :) Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), December 01, 2001.

Try draining the grey water through a sand trough filter at the garden end. You could even plant crab grass or other weeds in the sand trough to help reduce any soap residues in the filter sand to extend the useful life of the filter.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), December 01, 2001.

Here is a homemade recipe I have used that does not use borax. I don't have a dishwasher anymore and am not sure though if Castile soap in liquid form is readily available any more -- but here it is just in case:

1/2 cup liquid Castile soap 1/2 cup water 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 3 drops tea tree extract or essecial oil - (optional) 1/4 cup white vinegar

Store in squeeze bottle. Use 2 tablespoons per wash in a standard size dishwasher.

Do not substitute conventional liquid soap for the Castile unless it is a 'low sudsing' soap. Regular soaps will produce too many suds and overflow the dishwasher.

-- Karen (db0421@yahoo.com), December 02, 2001.


Phosphates are actually good for green plants. The reason they took it out of laundry soaps, etc. is because it was causing algea blooms that was destroying waterways. It makes things grow too good in that situation. Run any soap you like in your dishwasher and water the garden with it. It will be fine. Maybe even better than fine!

-- Patricia Ramsey (WOOLSPIN@AOL.COM), December 02, 2001.


Thanks All! I found a Trader Joe's detergent which I am trying. I will try some of your other suggestions. I really like the sand filter idea. (I LOVE finally having a clean kitchen! With 5 kids I was really ready for this!)

-- MBroberg (TMBroberg@hotmail.com), December 03, 2001.

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