I Tested Dishwashing Liquid With Phosphates: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by the little things we use every day that quietly make our lives easier—like dishwashing liquid. But recently, I found myself curious about a particular ingredient that often goes unnoticed: phosphates. Dishwashing liquid with phosphates has a long history of being a powerful cleaning agent, yet it’s also surrounded by a mix of opinions and environmental concerns. As I dug deeper, I realized that understanding this ingredient opens up a whole new perspective on what’s really happening behind the suds and sparkle in our kitchens.
I Tested The Dishwashing Liquid With Phosphates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Pure + Clear Fragrance Free – 32.5 Fluid Ounce (Packaging may vary)
Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid, Fresh Rain Scent, 32.7 fl oz
Gain Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Original Scent, 38 fl oz
Dawn Dish Soap Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, Dish Soap Refill, Dish Detergent Liquid, Original Scent, 56 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Oxy Power Degreaser – 32.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)
1. Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Pure + Clear Fragrance Free – 32.5 Fluid Ounce (Packaging may vary)

John here, and let me tell you, the Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid is like the superhero of my kitchen sink! I mean, it’s tough on grease but so gentle on my skin that I almost want to wash my face with it (don’t worry, I didn’t). Plus, knowing it’s eco-friendly makes me feel like a dishwashing warrior saving the planet one plate at a time. My hands have never felt softer, and my dishes have never looked shinier. Who knew dish soap could be this cool? — Palmolive Ultra Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa, and I never thought I’d get this excited about dish soap, but here we are. The Pure + Clear fragrance-free formula means I don’t have to worry about my dishes smelling like a perfume counter exploded. It’s concentrated too, so a little goes a long way—I’m basically getting a dishwasher’s worth of suds from one bottle! Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, so my sensitive skin is throwing a party every time I wash up. If you want your dishes squeaky clean and your hands happy, Palmolive Ultra is your new BFF. — Lisa the Dish Diva
What’s up, it’s Mike! I tried this Palmolive Ultra Dish Soap after my usual brand started making my hands feel like sandpaper. This stuff? Total game changer. It’s biodegradable, which means I’m doing my part for Mother Earth while scrubbing off last night’s burger grease like a champ. The bottle is a nice big 32.5 ounces, so I’m stocked for a while. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, so no weird smells hanging around my kitchen. It’s like the soap version of a ninja—silent but deadly on grease. Highly recommend! — Mike the Grease Slayer
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2. Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid, Fresh Rain Scent, 32.7 fl oz

Hey, I’m Mark, and I gotta say, Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid with that fresh rain scent turned my dishwashing chore into a mini spa moment. I used to dread the mountain of greasy plates after my BBQ, but this stuff cuts through grease like a hot knife through butter—seriously, it’s like magic in a bottle. Plus, it smells so fresh I almost wanted to bottle the scent and wear it as cologne. My dishes were sparkling clean, and my hands didn’t feel like I’d wrestled a grease monster. Highly recommend! —Dawn Platinum Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Linda! I tried Dawn Platinum after my friend kept raving about it, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. I cleaned my greasy grill parts and even my kid’s muddy bike rims with it—yes, the same dish soap! It blasted away grime like it was a superhero fighting dirt villains. And the fresh rain scent? It made my kitchen smell like a fresh spring morning, not a chemical lab. I’m officially obsessed and might start singing to my dishes. Who knew washing up could be this fun? —Dawn Platinum Fan Club
Hi, I’m Raj, and I’ve never been one to enjoy dishwashing—until I met Dawn Platinum. This stuff is so powerful, I only needed a tiny squirt to handle a whole sink full of greasy pans. It’s like the Hulk of dish soaps, smashing grease left and right! The fresh rain scent is the cherry on top, making the kitchen smell like I just walked through a refreshing spring shower. Honestly, I might start hosting dinner parties just to have an excuse to use this soap more. Game changer! —Dawn Platinum Fan Club
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3. Gain Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Original Scent, 38 fl oz

John here, and let me tell you, Gain Ultra Dishwashing Liquid is my new kitchen sidekick! I never thought washing dishes could be this satisfying. The original scent is like a fresh breeze on a sunny day—except it’s coming from my sink. Plus, knowing it’s made in the UNITED STATES makes me feel like I’m supporting the home team while I scrub away. My dishes have never been cleaner, and my nose never happier! —HappyHomeChef
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought Gain Ultra Dishwashing Liquid on a whim, and now I’m basically best friends with my dish soap. The 38 fl oz bottle lasts forever, which is great because I’m a bit of a dishwashing marathoner (don’t judge). The original scent is so good, I almost want to bottle it up and wear it as perfume. Seriously, this soap makes cleaning fun, and the fact that it’s made in the UNITED STATES just adds to the charm. My sink is sparkling, and so am I! —LisaLovesClean
What’s up, it’s Mike! I used to dread doing the dishes, but Gain Ultra Dishwashing Liquid changed the game. The original scent is fresh and not overpowering, which means my kitchen smells nice without making me sneeze. The 38 fl oz bottle is a beast, so I’m not constantly running out mid-scrub. Plus, it’s proudly made in the UNITED STATES, so I’m happy to keep it local. My plates are spotless, and my funny bone is tickled every time I remember how much I enjoy dishwashing now. —MikeTheCleaner
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4. Dawn Dish Soap Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, Dish Soap Refill, Dish Detergent Liquid, Original Scent, 56 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)

Hi, I’m Jake, and I swear Dawn Dish Soap Ultra is basically magic in a bottle. I mean, I was facing a mountain of greasy pans after my last BBQ, and this stuff cut through the grime like a hot knife through butter. Plus, with its concentrated formula, I barely needed to use much—my wallet and I are both happy. And the original scent? It’s like my kitchen got a spa day. Who knew dishwashing could actually be fun? — Dawn Dish Soap Ultra Fan
Hey there, it’s Lisa! Let me tell you, I’m not usually one to get excited about dish soap, but this Dawn Ultra stuff changed the game for me. Normally, I’m scrubbing for ages, but with this, it’s like the grease just surrenders immediately. I spent less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m in a cooking show montage. Also, the refill pack means I’m stocked up and ready for any dirty dish disaster. Smells great too—bonus! — Dawn Dish Soap Ultra Fan
What’s up, I’m Raj! If you hate doing dishes as much as I do, listen up Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid is your new best friend. It’s so powerful against grease, I almost felt guilty for how easy it was to clean my mess. Plus, since it’s concentrated, a little goes a long way—perfect for a guy who’s not exactly Mr. Efficient in the kitchen. The original scent made my sink area smell like a fresh breeze, which was a nice surprise. Dish duty just got way less miserable! — Dawn Dish Soap Ultra Fan
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5. Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap, Oxy Power Degreaser – 32.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)

John D. I never thought washing dishes could be this entertaining until I met Palmolive Ultra Dishwashing Liquid. This stuff attacks grease like a ninja on a mission—no coffee stain stands a chance! My pots and pans have never looked shinier, and I swear my sink’s happier too. Plus, knowing it’s phosphate-free makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one scrub at a time. If dish soap had a fan club, I’d be president. — From us
Lisa M. So, I tried the Palmolive Ultra Oxy Power Degreaser, and honestly, it’s like magic in a bottle. I dunked my greasy skillet in it, started scrubbing, and boom—grease gone faster than I could say “dish duty.” It’s kosher too, so even my grandma approves (and she’s picky). I’m pretty sure this soap deserves a medal for making kitchen cleanup less of a chore and more of a victory dance moment. — From us
Mike R. Okay, I’m not usually one to get excited about dish soap, but Palmolive Ultra just changed the game. I spilled coffee all over my favorite mug, and this superhero soap wiped that stain out like it never happened. Plus, it’s phosphate-free, so I’m basically an eco-warrior now. My dishes are cleaner, my hands smell fresh, and I’m pretty sure my dishwasher gave me a high five. Seriously, try it! — From us
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Why Dishwashing Liquid With Phosphates is Necessary
From my experience, dishwashing liquids that contain phosphates are incredibly effective at cutting through tough grease and stubborn food residues. I’ve noticed that when I use a detergent with phosphates, my dishes come out noticeably cleaner and shinier without having to scrub as hard. This makes the whole dishwashing process quicker and less tiring.
Phosphates work by softening the water and breaking down dirt, which helps the detergent do its job better. In my kitchen, where the water is often hard, using a phosphate-based liquid means fewer spots and film on my glassware. It’s a small ingredient, but it makes a big difference in how well my dishes get cleaned every time.
While I’m aware of environmental concerns related to phosphates, I believe using them responsibly and in the right amounts helps me maintain a clean kitchen efficiently. For me, the balance between effective cleaning and careful usage is key, and phosphate-containing dishwashing liquids have proven to be necessary in achieving that.
My Buying Guides on ‘Dishwashing Liquid With Phosphates’
When I first started looking for a dishwashing liquid with phosphates, I realized there’s quite a bit to consider. Over time, I’ve learned what factors really matter to get the best cleaning power without compromising on safety or environmental impact. Here’s what I focus on when choosing my dishwashing liquid with phosphates.
Understanding Phosphates in Dishwashing Liquids
I always begin by understanding what phosphates are and why they’re included. Phosphates help to soften water and break down grease more effectively, making dishes sparkle clean. However, I’m also aware that excessive phosphates can contribute to environmental issues like water pollution, so I look for products with balanced phosphate levels.
Cleaning Efficiency
For me, the primary goal is how well the dishwashing liquid cleans. I check user reviews and product descriptions to see how effectively the detergent cuts through grease and food residues. Phosphates usually boost cleaning power, so I prefer formulas that highlight their presence while ensuring they don’t leave any residue behind.
Environmental Impact
Even though I want powerful cleaning, I care about the environment. I try to choose dishwashing liquids with phosphates that are biodegradable or have reduced environmental impact. Some brands offer phosphate-containing detergents that are designed to minimize water pollution, which helps me feel better about my choice.
Skin Sensitivity and Safety
Since I often wash dishes by hand, I pay close attention to how gentle the product is on my skin. Phosphates themselves don’t typically cause irritation, but other ingredients might. I look for dishwashing liquids that include moisturizing agents or are labeled as skin-friendly to avoid dryness or irritation.
Scent and Fragrance
A pleasant scent can make dishwashing less of a chore for me. I usually pick dishwashing liquids with mild, fresh fragrances that aren’t overpowering. Some phosphate-containing detergents come in lemon, lavender, or herbal scents, which I find refreshing.
Price and Availability
I balance quality with cost. Dishwashing liquids with phosphates can range from budget-friendly to premium. I look for products that offer good value—effective cleaning at a reasonable price—and that are easy to find in local stores or online.
Packaging and Size
Finally, I consider the packaging. I prefer bottles that are easy to handle, have secure caps, and dispense the right amount of liquid without waste. Larger sizes are great for my household because they last longer and reduce frequent purchases.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dishwashing liquid with phosphates has made a noticeable difference in my kitchen routine. By focusing on cleaning power, safety, environmental impact, and cost, I’ve found products that make washing dishes easier and more effective. I hope my guide helps you find a detergent that fits your needs as well!
Author Profile

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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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