How Does Dishwashing Detergent Work?
Dishwashing detergent contains approximately 30 percent phosphates. Phosphates remove calcium that can build up on the dishes. The chemical also causes food to break apart and dissolve. It aids in preventing the accumulation of hard water on the dishes and silverware. The detergent also uses enzymes in its composition. The enzymes dissolve food deposits, oil and collections of fat. They break down the deposits on the cellular level by loosening the peptides and proteins of food and fat. Detergents use bleach and 5 percent surfactants to clean and further break down fat. The bleaching agents are chlorine based and clean the items washed as well as dissolve food deposits. The surfactants liquefy oils and fats, and stop water spotting as the items dry.
