Performance Factors
Hand dishwashing liquids are relatively easy for consumers to compare. Users can experiment by trying various brands and deciding which product feaures are important to them ... performance, price, sudsing, fragrance and "feel," or perhaps the packaging. Usage is often based on the amount it takes to produce a rich, thick layer of suds.
    Though detergents are not as affected by water hardness as soap is, some additional product may be necessary in very hard water. An important difference in the quantity of liquid hand dishwashing detergent required is the concentration of the surfactants vs. water in a product. More concentrated products are more efficient and may be more economical to use than the more dilute ones.
    Grease removal is more effective in warm water than in cold water.

OTHER CLEANERS

See Household Cleaning Fact Sheet Notebook for information on metal cleaners and sink cleaners.

DISPOSAL OF HAND DISHWASHING DETERGENTS

Just as you exercise care in the manner in which you use and store other household cleaning products, you should properly dispose of empty dishwasher detergent containers or small amounts of leftover products by following some simple procedures.

• Get the most for your money - USE THE PRODUCT UP! If you find you cannot use all of the product you purchased, give it to a friend, but make sure the label with directions and precautions is still legible.

• Check the label for special instructions for disposal. Unused hand dishwashing detergents can be disposed down the drain. Many communities recycle the empty plastic containers. Check your local recycling guidelines and recycle containers when possible.

• Don't mix products when disposing of them.

• NEVER reuse an empty dishwashing detergent container for another purpose. The label instructions and precautions for one product may be dangerous to someone trying to use those instructions for a different product.