Sodium Tripolyphosphate

[JDTAYLOR53]

Does anyone know how much Sodium Tripolyphosphate to add to washing machine per load and dishwasher to get clothes and dishes clean. We have hard water. I know this isn't an earth friendly product but I've not found anything else that has worked. Thank You, Cathy

 

[miss_thenorth]

Have you tried baking soda? I've never even heard of this that you mentioned. Hmmmm.....

 

[JDTAYLOR53]

Yes, I've tried baking soda, washing soda, borax and calgon in washing machine. You can buy Sodium Tripolyphosphate at The Chemistry Store.Com I emailed them asking how much to add. They emailed me back stating they don't give formulations. I was hoping someone here would know.

 

[patandchickens]

Why not try some random "smallish but reasonable amount" -- if it works, try halving it and see if THAT works; if it doesn't, try doubling it and see if that works -- by doing that several times you should be able to sort of triangulate on the best amount to use.

Think of it as a self-sufficient skill - figuring it out

Pat

 

[dragonlaurel]

I've heard about putting a little vinegar in the water, to get them to rinse well. It might help.

 

[Icu4dzs]

Does anyone know how much Sodium Tripolyphosphate to add to washing machine per load and dishwasher to get clothes and dishes clean. We have hard water. I know this isn't an earth friendly product but I've not found anything else that has worked. Thank You, Cathy

Phospates in general are not good for the water table and can upset your septic system quite a bit.

If you have hard water, remember that sodium chloride (table salt) is what is used to soften water because it exchanges the sodium for the calcium in the hard water.

I'd recommend a water softener (home made or bought) before adding a lot of any phosphate to the water.

 

[CrimsonRose]

I know this is a huge no no but I have tried everything as well and nothing works... we have a high lime content in our water so everything always has a white film on it in the dishwasher...

So I put about an eighth of a cup of "the works" toilet bowl cleaner (similar stuff to CLR but way cheaper and works great!) into our dishwasher with each load... everything comes out spotless... Also keeps the dishwasher from gunking up with all the lime as well...

Only other natural thing I tried that sorta worked was adding vinegar to the dishwasher... But I had to use a TON of it to make a difference and it seriously stunk up my whole house for the hour or two the dishwasher was running... The kids were gagging and all... LOL Vinegar is fairly cheap but you have to put one to two cups per each load and it adds up fast... Not to mention the gag factor... So I use the works for now till I can find a better solution...

 

[Bethanial]

I'm awaiting my free sample, but have you tried Lemi Shine? Here's a blog post written about it: http://thyhandhathprovided.blogspot.com/2010/11/lemi-shine-is-about-to-make-your-day.html

In a nutshell, she talks about her very hard water, stains on tub, toilet, and even the dishwasher not working correctly b/c of deposits - and this stuff (100% citric acid) fixed the problem.

Hope this is helpful

 

[CrimsonRose]

hummm that would be something to try... I do have citric acid in the cabinet for cheese making... but it's really expensive... might give it a go and see... would always rather use natural stuff over the chemicals anyday... but somethings I just haven't been able to find a way to switch yet...

 

[Bethanial]

read the blog post - there are some things you CAN'T use it with (enamelware is one, it ruins the finish) - and she sends you to the website for the full spiel. Where you can get a free sample and see if you like it! I think she was saying after the initial "cleaning" (referring specifically to dishwashers), she just puts in couple tablespoons with each load, and the dw is working better and glasses/dishes are getting cleaner - that little white ring at the bottom of the glasses? GONE!

We used to run the dw empty with both cups full of Tang powdered drink mix; guess it's so high in citric acid, it has a similar effect.