I’m calling to order this meeting of the readers with various dishwasher issues, only to let you kind folks know of a recent Consumer Reports study of — you guessed it — detergents.

In the latest testing — results of which appear in the July 2012 issue — Finish Powerball Tabs and Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPacs earned the highest marks in CR’s ratings of nonphosphate gels, liquids, packs, pods, powders, and tablets. (Laws in several states removed phosphates from dishwasher detergents a few years ago, which resulted in some cleaning challenges.)

Many detergents left food stuck to plates or pots. Finish Powerball Tabs, the only “Best Buy” rated by the magazine, at 21 cents per load, and Cascade Complete All-in-1 at 29 cents per load both cleaned dishes and pots well, and dishware washed in these detergents didn’t have water spots, white film or discolored aluminum.

In its latest tests, Consumer Reports added hard-water performance to the ratings of models first reported in October.

The magazine began this test last year in response to readers’ comments about a white film or cloudy buildup on dishware.

Consumer Reports found several products that allowed glassware to be covered in varying degrees with a frosty-white film in just 20 washes using very hard water.

And, while no type of detergent was best overall, liquids and gels tended to fall toward the bottom of Consumer Reports’ ratings.

Whatever the detergent, consumers can get cleaner dishes by adding a rinse agent, making sure the water is hot (120 degrees), separating flatware and facing dirty dishes toward water jets.

Case closed. Meeting over. No appeals will be heard.

Black algae

Q: We have dark streaks on our roof that have appeared over the last couple of years. Shingles are cedar color. Our home is a rancher with a hip roof and 4-inch pitch. Streaks are unsightly, and we don’t know what procedure to follow to get rid of them. You may have addressed this issue previously. If so, I missed it. Don’t know why because I read you faithfully.

A: I’ve been waiting for this question. The “stain” is, of course, black algae. The problem began surfacing several years ago when asphalt-shingle manufacturers switched from rags to ground limestone as a filler material, roofers say.

Black algae really loves the stuff, with all those nutrients, and shady spots on the roof supply constant moisture, keeping the limestone damp and helping the algae grow.

Mildew — that green stuff — feeds off the black algae.

Black algae typically takes about 10 years to begin appearing, about the time the 10-year manufacturer’s warranty on algae expires. Some shingle manufacturers have been adding waste from copper processing to the limestone filler because copper has been proven to deter algae growth.

Roofers say copper tends to be the best deterrent to the start and growth of black algae, although zinc, too, is sometimes used.

Roofers nail copper or zinc strips at the peak of the roof above the portion affected by the black algae. When it rains, water reacts with the copper strip, and what is produced — this isn’t a chemistry class — continues down the roof to kill the algae, and the stain disappears.

While some roofers think copper is better, zinc is what most suppliers sell. Other metals also appear to work to some degree, though not consistently, at least from observations.

The obvious question, of course: Is the black algae or the green mildew damaging your shingles?

The mildew simply makes your roof slippery to walk on. Black algae? Roofers and shingle suppliers seem to say no.

Black algae, I’ve been told, is an aesthetic problem only, and roofers agree with that assessment.

Black algae is ugly, however, and that’s why homeowners want to get rid of it. One roofer I’ve talked with uses a product called Shingle Shield, www.shingleshield.com, which the manufacturer says contains no bleach or chlorine. The active ingredient is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, which requires the user to don protective clothing — mask and goggles, too.

It does the job, but when it heads down the downspouts, the substance can damage all the plants, the roofer warned.

Power washing with the stuff at the lowest, gentlest setting possible is the way to go.

You don’t scrub, because it disturbs the granules that protect the shingles, and that will surely reduce the life of your roof.

Vacation protection

Protection 1, the electronic security provider, offers some tips for home safety during summer vacations.

• Secure all windows, including those upstairs, and reduce the chance of easy entry by cutting tree limbs away from second-story windows.

• Remove objects that might allow access to your home, such as ladders or trash cans that could be used to enter a window or scale a fence.

• Do not leave Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, or other social media posts letting people know that you will be out of town.

• Turn your telephone ringer down, so no one outside can hear repeated rings, and review your voice mail message to make sure it does not imply you are away; also, use timers to operate lights.

• Be sure to have all mail, newspapers and deliveries held or picked up by a neighbor, friend or relative.

Moving season

Atlas Van Lines offers a few tips to protect yourself from the baddies, or from yourself:

• Summer months are the most popular time to relocate. The earlier you can schedule your move, the better. If you’re flexible, try to move outside of May through August.

• Research ratings and history. A company’s history often affects its credibility, so be sure to dig deep into its past to validate it as a top choice.

• Familiarize yourself with consumer rights. ProtectYourMove.gov is a helpful resource to review before relocating.

• Track inventory. Before you move, complete the statement of customer responsibilities and inventory forms provided by your hired moving company.

• Review and approve estimates. An important factor when choosing a moving company is the estimate. Online, phone and in-home estimates are available. Review them closely for any red flags, small print or extra charges before signing off.

• Make sure you discuss with your moving company how your shipment will arrive. If your mover doesn’t hold high enough standards for handling your property, find a company that does.

• Be sure to know how to identify the movers when they arrive at your home to eliminate the chance of fraud.