After becoming a parent, I started noticing things I had never paid attention to before.
One moment that really stayed with me was opening the dishwasher after a wash cycle and being met with a very strong chemical smell. The steam carried it, and sometimes I could still sense it on plates, cups, and lids. That smell worried me. I found myself wondering: if I can smell this so clearly, what might be left behind on the dishes we eat from every day—especially for our child?
That question didn’t come from fear, but from care. I wasn’t looking to eliminate modern appliances or complicate daily life. I simply wanted to understand what we were being exposed to and whether there were small, reasonable changes that could reduce unnecessary exposure.
Why Dishwashing Residue Matters
Dishwashing liquids and tablets are designed to be powerful. To remove grease, food residue, and bacteria effectively, they often contain surfactants, enzymes, fragrances, and other chemical agents.
Research shows that trace residues of these substances can remain on dishware, particularly when rinsing is incomplete or when concentrated detergents are used. While these residues are usually present in very small amounts, studies suggest that repeated, low-level exposure over time may be worth reducing—especially in households with children.
Some surfactants used in detergents have been shown in laboratory and observational studies to irritate skin, eyes, and mucosal surfaces. Emerging research also suggests that ingestion of small detergent residues may affect the gut lining and microbiome, which play important roles in immune and mental health.
Modern Dishwashers and Reduced Water Use
As I looked further into this, I learned something that helped explain the strong chemical smell I noticed.
Modern dishwashers are designed to use significantly less water than older models. This is a positive step for environmental sustainability, but it also means that today’s machines rely on:
- Lower water volumes
- Shorter and more efficient spray cycles
- Highly concentrated detergents and tablets
Research and appliance studies indicate that while these systems clean effectively, reduced water volume may not always be sufficient to fully rinse away detergent residues, especially when strong tablets are used or when dishes have curves, textures, or porous materials.
This can result in:
- Residual detergent compounds remaining on dishes
- Stronger chemical odours released in dishwasher steam
- Greater residue retention on plastics and silicone
Understanding this helped me realise that the smell wasn’t just in my head—it was likely a combination of concentrated detergents and water-efficient design.
The Changes I Made at Home
Rather than abandoning the dishwasher, I focused on reducing residue in simple, manageable ways.
Choosing Gentler Dishwashing Tablets
I switched to dishwashing tablets that are:
- Low-fragrance or fragrance-free
- Free from unnecessary dyes
- Marketed for sensitive households
Research suggests that simpler formulations with fewer additives release fewer volatile compounds and may leave less residue behind.
Adding an Extra Rinse Cycle
One of the most reassuring changes I made was adding an additional rinse cycle without any detergent after the main wash.
Studies show that extra rinsing:
- Significantly reduces surfactant residue on dish surfaces
- Lowers chemical odours
- Improves removal of detergent traces left by concentrated tablets
For our family, this step felt like a practical way to balance modern efficiency with health awareness.
Being More Selective With Materials
Some materials hold onto detergent residue more than others.
Research indicates that:
- Plastics and silicone can absorb detergent compounds more easily
- Glass and stainless steel release residues more readily during rinsing
I now hand-wash certain items like silicone lids, plastic containers, and baby utensils—or make sure they go through the extra rinse cycle.
Potential Health Effects of Repeated Exposure
Research into household cleaning product exposure suggests potential associations with:
- Gut irritation: Some detergent surfactants may disrupt the intestinal barrier with repeated ingestion
- Skin sensitivity: Residual detergents can contribute to dermatitis or eczema
- Respiratory irritation: Fragranced detergents release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may affect airway health
- Endocrine effects (under investigation): Certain detergent additives are being studied for hormonal interactions
It’s important to note that these effects are associated with long-term, repeated exposure, not occasional use. This is why small reductions in daily exposure can be meaningful.
Why This Matters More for Children
Children eat and drink more relative to their body weight, and their detoxification and immune systems are still developing. Research in environmental health consistently shows that early-life exposure to chemicals can have a greater impact than exposure later in life.
This doesn’t mean avoiding dishwashers or modern conveniences—it means using them thoughtfully.
A Gentle, Balanced Perspective
I don’t believe in creating fear around everyday life.
For me, this was about listening to that moment of concern, learning from the research, and making small changes that felt reasonable and sustainable. Switching to gentler tablets and adding an extra rinse cycle didn’t complicate our routine—but it did give me peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
That strong chemical smell from the dishwasher was a quiet reminder to slow down and pay attention. Parenthood has a way of sharpening our awareness—not to overwhelm us, but to guide us toward more intentional choices.
Reducing dishwashing residue isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, balance, and supporting our family’s health in everyday ways.
References & Research Sources
- Environmental Working Group — Cleaning Products Emit Hazardous Chemicals. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/09/cleaning-products-emit-hundreds-hazardous-chemicals-new-study-finds/
- PubMed — Rinse Aid Residues & Epithelial Barrier Effects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36464527/
- NCBI / NIH — Dishwasher Detergent and Rinse Aid Safety & Residue Exposure. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561665/
- PubMed — Indoor VOCs from Household Cleaning Products. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36437676/
- Environmental Working Group — Guide to Safer Cleaning Products. https://www.ewg.org/cleaners/
- ChemTrust — Endocrine Disruptors Listed in Dishwasher Ingredients. https://chemtrust.org/news/endocrine-disruptors-dishwasher-ingredients/
- Wikipedia — Dishwashing Liquid Safety Concerns (e.g., fragrances, phosphates). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dishwashing_liquid
- Wikipedia — Volatile Organic Compound Information. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound