Good news (for a change). It seems phosphate-free dishwasher detergents are getting better at removing food stuck on plates, dishes and glasses.

Just in time, too, since the old standby dish soaps containing phosphorus have been banned in Maryland and 15 other states, as of July 1.  Phosphorus is out because it stimulates algae growth in water, a major problem in the Chesapeake Bay.

Problem is, though, phosphorus also is a proven dish grime fighter.  When Consumer Reports checked last year, before the bans took effect, phosphate-free detergents tended to do worse than brands containing phosphorus.

In the September issue, the consumer mag still didn't find any phosphate-free brands that did an excellent job overall of cleaning dishes.  But after testing them against food smeared and then microwaved on dishes, the staff did rate seven "very good," which is an improvement over its last evaluation.

Finish had the two highest-rated products this time, with two from Cascade right behind.  But when looking for the best phos-free dish soaps, CR cautions not to shop solely by brand name, as products vary in performance.

You'll have to get the mag to see the full analysis, but here are a few tips:  Bleaches don't seem to matter, though enzymes and the product's physical form do.  The best cleaners were tablets or pacs, while gels trailed in the ratings. 

(Images courtesy Consumer Reports)