Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent and Palmolive® products.
Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid
- What is a hand dishwashing liquid?
- How do dishwashing liquids differ from other cleaning products? Why should I use a dish liquid specifically on my dishes?
- Can Palmolive® be used for things other than dishes?
- Dishwashing liquids are not recommended for some uses.
- What is the benefit of your antibacterial hand soap?
- How does Palmolive® Oxy Plus® Odor Eliminator™ differ from the rest of the line?
Palmolive Dishwasher Detergent
- Why is Palmolive® introducing eco+™ Gel Dishwasher Detergent?
- What effect does Phosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate) have on waterways?
- How does Palmolive® eco+™ differ from the competition?
- How many varieties of Palmolive® eco+™ are available?
- What temperature should the water in my dishwasher be?
- Where can I buy Palmolive® eco+™?
- How can I tell if I have hard water?
- Is there a correct way to load the dishwasher?
- Are there items I should not place in my dishwasher?
- Can I use Palmolive® eco+™ to wash other things — like sinks, windows, floors or clothing?
- Is pre-rinsing my dishes necessary if I'm putting them in the dishwasher?
- What's the best way to store my Palmolive® eco+™?
Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid
What is a hand dishwashing liquid?
Hand dishwashing liquids are formulated to facilitate the removal of greasy baked-on food from dishes (glasses, plates, utensils, pots, etc.). They also suspend (emulsify) the grease in the wash water to facilitate rinsing.
How do dishwashing liquids differ from other cleaning products? Why should I use a dish liquid specifically on my dishes?
There is a wide choice of products formulated to clean effectively. In theory, any detergent or soap can be used for hand dishwashing, except an automatic dishwasher detergent. However, soap has become almost extinct as a dishwashing product and many all-purpose cleaners or laundry detergents do not produce optimum results. These may leave spots and streaks, may not completely dissolve, or may discolor certain metals with soaking. A well-formulated, all-purpose detergent may be used for dishes in some economy-minded homes, but a light duty liquid hand dishwashing liquid like Palmolive® is the best choice.
Can Palmolive® be used for things other than dishes?
Palmolive® dishwashing liquids are very versatile. Along with dishes, they can also be used to clean:
- Cookware, pots and pans, utensils
- Dirty hands
- Delicate washable clothing by hand
- Countertops/kitchen appliances
- Painted surfaces
- Metal and rubber surfaces
Dishwashing liquids are not recommended for some uses.
- Carpet and rug stains
- Bathing or shampooing
- Cleaning glass or windows
Remember — never use your dish liquid in an automatic dishwasher, and never mix your dish liquid with bleach or ammonia.
What is the benefit of your antibacterial hand soap?
Antibacterial handsoap formulations provide antibacterial protection for your hands when used as a hand soap. These products are a combination of dish liquids and antibacterial hand soaps, such as our Ultra Palmolive Concentrated Dish Liquid Antibacterial Hand Soap.
How does Palmolive® Oxy Plus® Odor Eliminator™ differ from the rest of the line?
Palmolive® Oxy Plus Odor Eliminator™ eliminates unwanted cooking odors – like onions, garlic and fish. The product is specially formulated to eliminate cooking odors in the air in your kitchen (sink and sponge area) while leaving behind a fresh, clean scent. It is equipped with patent pending Neutrabloom™ technology that controls malodor while providing a more intense fragrance experience.
How is Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads different?
Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads has the valuable benefit of going beyond grease cutting to help bust away stuck-on food. Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads allows consumers to get in and out of the kitchen quickly.
How many varieties and in what sizes will Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ be available?
Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ is available in a 20oz size in three variants: Fresh Blast™ (Blue), Citrus Blast™ (Yellow), and Crisp Blast™ (Green).
How does the Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads technology work?
Palmolive ® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads is a technologically advanced formula that delivers concentrated cleaning power that dislodges and lifts away tough grease and stuck-on food. The micro-beads themselves are non-abrasive and biodegradable.
How does Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads differ from the rest of the line?
Palmolive ® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads is a thicker formula that is specifically formulated to deliver a concentrated liquid that goes beyond grease cutting to help you scrub away stuck-on food, such as macaroni & cheese, oatmeal, lasagna, and eggs.
Is Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads an everyday dish liquid?
Yes, Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads is for everyday use. It won’t scratch your dishes and can be used on even your most delicate glasses and china.
Can I use Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads directly on dishes or in a sink full of soapy water?
Yes, Palmolive® Scrub Buster™ with Micro-Beads is formulated to go beyond grease cutting and help you scrub away stuck-on food when used either way. Both methods will benefit from the beaded formula – so that tough grease and stuck-on food won’t slow you down.
Palmolive Dishwasher Detergent
Why is Palmolive® introducing eco+™ Gel Dishwasher Detergent?
Phosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate) is a common ingredient found in most automatic dishwasher detergents and may be harmful to lakes and streams. New Palmolive® eco+™ provides one small, ecologically friendly step consumers can take as part of their weekly dishwashing routine.
What effect does Phosphate (sodium tripolyphosphate) have on waterways?
Enriched phosphorus levels can accelerate the growth of algae and other plants that impair the suitability of the water for municipal, recreational, and fishery use.*
How does Palmolive® eco+™ differ from the competition?
Phosphate is a common ingredient found in most automatic dishwasher detergents. New Palmolive® eco+™ is Phosphate free**, yet provides powerful cleaning action for sparkling clean dishes.
How many varieties of Palmolive® eco+™ are available?
Palmolive® eco+™ is available in 3 naturally-inspired fragrances: Lemon Splash™, Citrus Apple Splash, and Lavender Splash™.
What temperature should the water in my dishwasher be?
Water temperature is the single most important factor in good cleaning. The ideal temperature should be between 120-130 degrees. You may need to adjust your hot water heater.
Where can I buy Palmolive® eco+™?
Palmolive® eco+™ is available in the household products aisle in stores where dishwashing detergents are sold.
How can I tell if I have hard water?
Water hardness is determined by calcium and magnesium salts in the water. The higher the level of these salts, the "harder" the water is. Hard water can also cause spotting or filming on your dishes. Since water hardness varies from town to town, the easiest way to determine if you have hard water is to call your local water company or public utility service department.
Is there a correct way to load the dishwasher?
Every dishwasher is designed differently, so the best approach is to check the manual that came with your machine. You should use the following general guidelines:
- Place the dirtiest side of the item facing the source of the water spray.
- Don't let large items cover small items, like cups or upside-down flatware.
- Avoid stacking items together — if they are too tight, water can't get to them.
- Place sharp items with points down (safety first).
- Make sure delicate items are firmly secured on the top rack.
Are there items I should not place in my dishwasher?
The forceful action, hot water and detergent in a dishwasher can be harmful to some items. Some items you should wash with caution are:
- Hand painted or antique china
- Some plastics
- Decorated glass or delicate crystal
- Wooden items
- Cast iron
Can I use Palmolive® eco+™ to wash other things — like sinks, windows, floors or clothing?
No. While some household cleaning products are multi-purpose, Palmolive® eco+™ is formulated specifically for use in a dishwasher.
Is pre-rinsing my dishes necessary if I'm putting them in the dishwasher?
In this case, your mother isn't right. Pre-rinsing your dishes is unnecessary. Palmolive® eco+™ leaves your dishes sparkling clean as long as large pieces of food are scraped off of plates before they are loaded.
What's the best way to store my Palmolive® eco+™?
It should be kept in a cool dry place to prevent the detergent from picking up moisture. Be sure to close the package tightly after use and store out of the reach of small children and pets.
* Review of Phosphorus Control Measures in the United States and Their Effects on Water Quality; Litke, David W., U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations Report, 99-4007, p. 2, 1999.
**0% Sodium Tripolyphosphate
