Dishwasher powder: how to choose, which are

Even the most expensive and multifunctional dishwasher will be completely useless in the kitchen if not choose a product that will help wash away dirt, give the dishes a shine and a specific squeak, and protect the details device.

The easiest option is to choose a powder for the dishwasher that will successfully complete all tasks - will cope even with food that has dried tightly to the plates, will prevent the appearance of stains, the accumulation of lime layer. Before you go for the drug, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the basic rules for choosing, features of powder products, learn the secrets and tricks of self-preparation of a mixture for washing utensils.

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Pros and cons of powdered dishwashing detergents

As with any product for use in the kitchen, powders have a number of advantages and disadvantages. Of the advantages, the following characteristics can be noted:

• low cost;
• completely soluble in water;
• you can save a little - add salt not every time you wash the dishes;
• they wash well even old food that is firmly adhered to the surface of the dishes.

Of the minuses, the hostesses usually note the inconvenience of use - if the dosage is incorrectly selected, the drug will leave too quickly, and you will often have to replenish stocks. It is also necessary to take into account the presence of volatile substances, which are understood in the air and are capable of infecting the respiratory tract - even observing caution will not bring an effect. Another drawback is that if you have to assemble a 3-in-1 or even a 5-in-1 set yourself, it will turn out to be quite expensive, and you will have to spend time looking for the right components.

Dishwasher powder composition

The question that often arises among housewives before purchasing powder products is how safe is the composition of the powder for dishwashers and is it not a danger to family members? Usually manufacturers use similar components:

• Sodium percarbonate. Acts as a disinfectant - destroys bacteria, whitens.
• Sodium citrate. Serves as a preservative, while disinfecting the surface of the dishes.
• Surfactant. The main effect of surfactants is the breakdown of contaminants (plaque from drinks, protein, fat).
• Suptilisin. Actively breaks down protein elements.
• Soda. Serves as a water softener, normalizes the acidity of the liquid.
• Sodium gluconate. Reduces the level of water hardness.
• Isooctylglucoside. A natural element that prevents the appearance of streaks, liquid stains.
• Phosphates. The main purpose of the components is to soften the liquid. Substances are quite dangerous, often provoke allergies or irritation in humans, therefore, they are already banned in most European countries.

Some manufacturers add additional components that return shine to the dishes, fragrances, disinfectants, but usually such preparations are slightly more expensive.

How to choose the right dishwasher powder

When buying dishwasher detergent, you should be guided by several criteria that will help you make the most optimal and profitable choice. Fundamental rules:

• purchase a product, guided by the characteristics of your dishwasher, take into account the brand, class, which preparations the manufacturer recommends;
• for delicate dishes (porcelain, painted plates or cups) to purchase slightly alkaline powders, for durable reliable materials - strongly alkaline mixtures;
• refuse to buy a preparation containing chlorine - this substance is dangerous to health and is not completely washed out when rinsing;
• the presence of oxygen-containing elements in the composition is encouraged - these components are safe for human health and serve as a bleach;
• pay attention to the price - often the products of well-known brands differ from cheap drugs only in cost, while the composition is similar.

The study of user reviews will help to facilitate the choice - there are many forums on the Internet where housewives are discussing preparations for keeping the kitchen clean, and powders for dishwashers are not an exception.

Dishwasher Powder Rating

Many powders have long gained popularity among housewives, and the rating will facilitate the choice of purchase for your kitchen assistant. The best remedies, according to experienced housewives, are:

• Finish. Among the advantages are a convenient container, a dispenser that allows you to easily measure the required amount of a free-flowing mixture. The drug has many qualities - it removes old burnt fat, plaque that usually remains after drinks, traces of lipstick. Does not leave spots, streaks, dishes become sparkling and shiny. Allowed to be used even for plastics or ceramics.
• Somat. An inexpensive high-quality product that can easily remove even old stains, dirt, prevent the appearance of stains, and protect the unit from limescale on parts. Provides shine and squeak to dishes, washes out well. Among the shortcomings, an excess of the norm of phosphonates is noted.
• Claro. Approved for use in all types of dishwashers. Manufacturers promise a triple effect in all directions - removal of all stains, even old and stubborn ones, effective cleaning, prevention of lime accumulation.
• Paclan brileo. Tool of Belgian manufacturers. The composition contains enzymes that actively cope with even the most persistent stubborn plaque. It also contains amylase, which helps to wash dried potatoes, porridge, effectively breaks down protein products.

• Yplon.A feature of the product is an antibacterial effect. The powder effectively copes with fats of plant and animal origin, carbon deposits. Gives dishes and cutlery a shine.
• Lotta. It works in six directions - enzymes effectively break down proteins, salt protects against scale, suppresses the spread of corrosion, the active components are washed, shine, and rinsed. Manufacturers claim that the basis of the drug is mineral and plant components, but, despite this, the product contains a number of harmful additives - phosphates and phosphonates.
• Top house. Thanks to its active formula containing oxygen, it actively affects stale grease, dried stains, heavy carbon deposits. Perfectly washes glassware - removes plaque that is left by drinks, adds shine.
• Citric Acid Effect. The drug is a well-known Japanese manufacturer. It actively copes with the splitting of dirt, preventing it from settling on the surface of dishes and cutlery. Not recommended for use on items that are too fragile or delicate.
• Amway. The peculiarity of the product is that it contains double enzymes, due to which there is an active penetration and splitting of all types of contaminants. Contains oxygen bleaches.

Despite the rating and rave reviews about a particular drug, it is better to conduct a simple test - try different formulations and choose the most suitable one for your unit.

How to replace dishwasher powder

It happens that the powder runs out at the most inopportune moment - the dishes and cutlery are already loaded in the dishwasher, and it is late evening or bad weather outside. There is no need to rush to take out the products - it is possible to replace the special preparation with improvised means.

The easiest option is to use regular baking soda. Do not abuse - pour in exactly as much as the special agent. Another option is to use mustard powder.

You should not count on special results - soda and mustard will not cope with the bloom after tea or coffee, they will not wash the pans enough, they may leave particles of dried food. That is why it is often not recommended to use improvised means - at the first opportunity, you should purchase a special product for the dishwasher.

One more disadvantage should not be forgotten, which relates to mustard - spice particles can get stuck between the plates or stick to surfaces. After completing the cycle, it is recommended to carefully examine the products, if possible, re-rinse them in the sink.

Can I add laundry detergent to the dishwasher

Washing powder in a dishwasher is a bad alternative to special preparations designed for such units. If there is an urgent need to make a replacement, it is recommended to use only detergents for the washing machine - they almost do not create foam.

Another recommendation is to use whitening powders or products containing enzymes. This will help to give the products a shine, partially reduce the chance of streaks or spots.

How to make your own dishwasher powder

Experienced housewives say that it is possible to replace a special dishwasher powder, and for this you do not have to experiment with soda or mustard. The easiest way to restore shine and impeccable cleanliness to dishes is to make your own product using simple ingredients at hand.

The simplest do-it-yourself dishwasher powder is a mixture of soda, citric acid and ether. The tool will perfectly cope with carbon deposits, plaque, food particles that have already dried out. At the same time, a mixture of simple components will restore shine, protect the surface of the dishes from spots, ugly stains.

Preparation:

1. Mix soda (50 gr.), Salt (25 gr.).
2. Add citric acid (12-15 gr.).
3. Pour in a little of any ether (5-7 drops).

Stir until smooth. Pour the mass into a container that can be hermetically closed. Store indoors.

Another recipe for do-it-yourself dishwasher powder is a mixture containing mustard. In use, one should take into account the property of the spice to swell and stick to surfaces, so it will be necessary after completion cycle carefully inspect all dishes and cutlery, if necessary, rinse additionally under a cold stream water.

Preparation:

1. Combine mustard powder, soda, washing powder in equal parts.
2. Stir the mass thoroughly for several tens of seconds, achieving homogeneity.
3. Add a small amount of salt (about a quarter of the prepared mixture).
4. Stir again, pour into a container with a tight-fitting lid.

In the preparation of the product, the health status of the household should be taken into account. If there are people in the family who often suffer from allergic manifestations, are sensitive to external stimuli or children, it is recommended to use a product for children's washing. Such drugs usually do not contain harmful additives and contain components that do not provoke the development of allergies.

When using a product for washing children's clothes, one should remember a significant drawback - the active ingredients act most effectively at a low (no higher than 40 degrees) temperature. When using homemade dishwasher powder, you will have to choose a long cycle and a program that produces washing at a low temperature.

It is also recommended to use a borax detergent for washing dishes. The advantage of the product is safety for household members (even with increased sensitivity, allergic reactions are excluded).

To prepare a free-flowing mixture, combine borax and soda. Use equal parts of the components. Stir, add a little citric acid (one part of the acidic component is needed for five parts of the prepared mass). Store only in tightly closed glass containers. It is better not to do stocks for future use - it takes only a few minutes to mix the components, you can prepare a fresh mixture before each dishwashing.

Using a product with borax, it is recommended to add ordinary table salt (preferably finely ground) to the prepared mixture every few washing cycles. This useful component will protect the parts of the unit from the formation of a layer of scale, lime deposits and prolong the life of the dishwasher. You can stock up in advance with special salt, which manufacturers offer specifically for dishwashers - add the product while mixing the components.

How to use the powder

Purchasing the most suitable product for your dishwasher is far from the most important thing. It is important to learn how to use the product correctly and economically. The first thing to do after purchasing is to carefully study the requirements of the manufacturers. The packaging usually lists the optimal dosage recommended for the dishwashing cycle. For ease of measurement, some manufacturers add a special measuring cup or other container with graduations to the package. It is not recommended to experiment with exceeding the dosage - there is a risk of poor rinsing of the dishes, particles of the product will remain on the surface. Excessive foam can also lead to machine leaks.

Each unit has a special dispenser on the door, into which the drug is poured. After opening the lid, measure the required amount of the product, pour it into the compartment. If the half load program is selected, reduce the amount of powder accordingly.

It is recommended to study in advance on the packaging recommendations for the use of means for certain cutlery, dishes. If the manufacturer advises against using the product for delicate materials (painted plates or cups, glass), it is better to choose another product - capsules, gel or tablets.

The last step is to choose the program that best suits the loaded products. When using a homemade product, also take into account the washing temperature - choose cold or lukewarm water for baby powder.

Conclusion

The dishwasher is a faithful assistant in the kitchen, which requires special attention. For care in the form of suitable products and careful handling, the unit will certainly thank you for impeccable work, cleanliness and shine of dishes, and many years of work. The main thing is to show attention by purchasing a special powder for your assistant. The study of the composition, functions of the drug, strict adherence to dosage, water temperature and cycle duration - this is enough not to make a mistake when buying and during use.