what are some detergents that have phosphate?

Question

i need a list of common household detergents...thanks

Answer 1

In the US, phosphates have been phased out of laundry detergents, and phosphates are now are used primarily in dishwasher soaps to prevent spotting from hard water. The only detergent other than dishwasher soap I can think of that contains phosphate is trisodium phosphate (TSP), which is used primarily or washing walls or ceilings before applying paint. This product is usually sold in the painting section of hardware stores. TSP is used for painting because it removes the outer layer of paint, which creates a good bonding surface for the new paint.

Ironically, phasing out phosphates to protect water has created an entirely new risk from some surfactants that replaced phosphate. Some of the surfactants presently in use are endocrine disruptors that cause birth defects in aquatic organisms.

Answer 2

None that I know of. Phosphates were removed from laundry detergents about 37 years ago. Even cleaning powders do not use phosphates any more. There is a product used by painters for cleaning walls that is phosphates based, but it is not a common detergent used in the home.