In order for the dishes to sparkle with cleanliness, and the faithful assistant in the kitchen, who has served the plates and cups for many years, you should take a responsible attitude towards the purchase of dishwasher detergent. There are many drugs that easily dissolve fat, remove food debris, disinfect and give a characteristic "crunch" of dishes, indicating impeccable cleanliness. Before making such a responsible purchase, it is recommended to understand the features of different brands, find out why it is better to give preference and is it possible, if necessary, to replace the purchased product with homemade mixtures from available components.
What products are needed for the dishwasher
To extend the life of your dishwasher, it is important to select and use the right products. High-quality and reliable washing must be carried out with the following detergents and rinses:
Attention! Earned on our website kitchen designer. You can familiarize yourself with it and design your dream kitchen for free! May also come in handy wardrobes designer.
- Salt. Prevents the appearance of plaque, softens water.
- Dishwasher detergents. Dissolve fat, remove food particles from dishes.
- Rinses. Washes off foam, salt, prevents the formation of streaks.
You can buy such preparations separately, but they are not always convenient to use, or you can buy complex formulations containing at the same time salt particles, detergents, rinses.
Types of dishwasher products
Every year, more and more preparations for dishwashers appear, in the compositions of which several components are immediately combined that are responsible for the cleanliness of the dishes and the safety of the machine. For many housewives, it has already become a habit to purchase complex combinations - a 3 in 1 product for dishwashers (consists of salt, detergent, rinse aid) or 4 in 1, which additionally contains a freshener with a pleasant aroma.
Products come in different forms:
- capsules;
- liquid;
- powders;
- tablets.
When buying dishwasher detergents, you should consider the health of your household. If there are people in the family who are hypersensitive, suffering from frequent allergies, it is recommended to choose preparations with natural ingredients that do not contain fragrances. These formulations are also available in various forms.
Dishwasher tablets
Among dishwasher products, it is tablets that are popular among the happy owners of such a useful kitchen unit. Among the advantages it is easy to note:
- the composition contains rinsing, cleaning components, the required amount of salt;
- easy to use;
- convenient to dose;
- effective elimination of contamination.
The only rule is to choose a more modern product, early versions contain substances that are poorly soluble in water.
There are several significant disadvantages to pills. One of the most important is cost. Good dishwasher detergents Finish, Somat are quite expensive. Another disadvantage is the presence of phosphates in the composition. This substance can provoke irritation and allergies.
Dishwasher salt
The formation of a thick layer of scale on dishwasher parts is one of the most common causes of unit breakdown. There is one way to prevent trouble - by using special salt. In modern preparations, this necessary component is already contained, and in the required amount.
You can purchase a special salt - many manufacturers offer this drug that will soften the water. Don't experiment - use dishwasher cleaner!
Dishwasher rinse aid
The use of rinse aid in dishwashing is just as important as the use of salt or detergents. It performs a number of specific functions:
- removes the remaining foam particles on the dishes;
- quickly dries the surface of cups, plates;
- makes dishes sparkle;
- creates a unique "crunch".
Another advantage of the rinse aid is the prevention of stains and water spots.
Dishwasher powder
The first product that was produced for dishwashers is powder. This is far from the best dishwasher detergent, but over time it has not lost its popularity - many housewives still continue to use dry preparations. Among the advantages are:
- cheapness;
- availability;
- fast dissolution;
- profitability.
Not without its drawbacks. The dry mixture is difficult to dose, there is not enough salt in the composition, therefore you will have to additionally use a descaler for dishwashers. Some powders do not contain rinses, so after the washing process, ugly stains are often left.
Dishwasher Liquid
Dishwasher liquid is the most preferable option if you need to buy a quality product at a low cost. The active particles contained in the composition effectively soften the water, preventing the formation of scale, breakdown of the kitchen unit.
The liquid does not contain abrasive particles, so even silverware and delicate porcelain dishes are allowed to be washed - scratches are completely excluded. The liquid agent dissolves perfectly, effectively copes with any dirt, it is completely safe even for allergy sufferers and people with hypersensitivity.
Liquid detergent for the dishwasher is easy to dispense; there will also be no difficulty in pouring it into the unit compartment. Suitable for all cycles - even in a short time, the preparation will easily remove dirt. Can be used for pre-soaking, especially if the dishes are too dirty and the food has already dried out.
When buying dishwasher liquid, it is recommended that you carefully read the composition. Some drugs, especially cheap ones, do not contain salt or rinse aid - these components will have to be bought and used separately, which is not very convenient and will be quite expensive.
Dishwasher capsules
In addition to liquids, powder preparations, tablets, you can use capsules for washing dishes using a kitchen unit. The advantages of encapsulated formulations are much greater, and this is noted by all housewives. The number of advantages is quite large:
- Soluble shell. You do not need to take the drug with your hands, opening the package - just send the capsule to the dishwasher and select the desired program.
- The speed of action. The capsules do not take time to dissolve and start cleaning the dishes - the washing process starts immediately.
- Complex composition. The content of the capsules is a combination of detergents, softeners, rinsing components. There is no need to purchase additional dishwasher cleaning products.
- Price. If we compare the price of capsules and a set of rinse aid, salt and detergent, the advantage will certainly be on the side of the former.
- Ease of use. It will take only a few minutes to start the unit - load the dishes, place the capsule in a special compartment, turn on the desired program.
Some housewives send capsules directly to the hopper of the unit, which is not entirely correct. With this use, all components act simultaneously, so there is a risk of stains on the surface of plates or cups.
Of the shortcomings, only one can be noted - the inability to dose the drug. If there are not many dishes and you had to choose half the load, you will have to use the whole capsule - you will not be able to measure the required amount.
Which dishwasher detergent is best
It will not work with confidence to single out one brand for a dishwasher - each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Each owner of a kitchen unit already has its own preferences in the choice of drugs - the price, effectiveness of action, and ease of use are taken into account.
Of course, usually housewives use the principle - cheap and high quality, so dishwasher liquids that meet these criteria are often bought. The advantages of capsules should not be forgotten either, although one significant advantage is missing here - cheapness, not everyone can afford them.
Tablets and powder can be confidently placed on the third step. Although a number of advantages significantly exceed the disadvantages, it is these funds that are the cheapest, although everything depends on the manufacturer.
Dishwasher detergents rating
Based on the effectiveness of dishwasher preparations, you can make a rating that will allow you to accurately choose the best product for your assistant. The following products have gained considerable popularity among housewives:
- Liquid detergent for dishwashers Finish. Washes well, leaves behind a shine and squeak. Among the advantages are efficiency, ease of use. Even if you use it daily, the bottle will last for almost six months.
- Minel Total. You can wash dishes at any temperature - even in cold water, the components contained in the tablets are more active, providing impeccable cleanliness and shine. The composition contains salt, rinse aid, therefore, the formation of scale on the parts of the unit, stains on the surface of the dishes are completely excluded.
- Claro. A distinctive feature of the powder is the effect in three directions at once. The active ingredients effectively cleanse, rinse, and protect the dishwasher. No presoaking is required - even dried-on food particles are completely removed.
- Finish, dishwasher safe capsules. They quickly remove even old grease, dried stains, and restore shine to the dishes. It is washed off completely, without leaving behind ugly stains.
- Frosch Soda. An environmentally friendly product that does not contain harmful additives that can provoke allergies or irritation. Acts instantly, washes, does not allow the formation of limescale.
- Feed Back. Among the advantages are affordable cost, easy application, active cleansing. Of the disadvantages - it does not always cope with the bloom from coffee on cups.
- Eonith. Tablets that do not contain harmful elements. Differs in efficiency (removes even plaque from tea or coffee), pleasant cost. The composition contains salt, rinse aid.
- Paclan Brileo. The capsules contain elements that are able to cope with grease and dirt, even at low water temperatures. The drug dissolves almost instantly, so you can safely wash dishes at the shortest cycles. The composition contains a rinse aid that will prevent the appearance of stains. You also don't have to worry about the appearance of scale - the soda content will not allow lime to accumulate.
- Dreft. Feature of capsules - the shell is divided into several compartments, which contain rinse aid and detergent particles. Under the influence of water, each component is released from the shell at intervals, providing intensive washing of dishes, rinsing, protection from lime accumulation.
- BioMio. The advantage of the drug is environmentally friendly components that are completely safe for humans and do not cause irritation even with increased sensitivity. The composition contains eucalyptus oil, which provides the dishes with a light fresh aroma, while helping to cleanse. In addition, you do not have to use special salt or rinse aid - the product will easily prevent the formation of water stains, protect all parts of the unit. Recommended for delicate materials - crystal, glass, porcelain.
When buying, you should also take into account the brand of the kitchen unit, the material of the dishes that will be washed. For cleaning delicate porcelain or crystal, cupronickel products, silver, it is better to choose preparations without abrasive particles or chlorine. For more resistant materials, it is recommended to choose powerful formulations that will perfectly cope even with stubborn dirt.
How to replace dishwasher detergent
If you suddenly run out of dishwasher detergent, do not give up cleaning. The easiest way to get rid of any dirt or grease on your kitchen unit is to use your regular dish detergent. Armed with a rag, go over all the details of the device, be sure to rinse with cool water and wipe dry.
If an unpleasant odor emanates from the unit, it is recommended to use a simple mixture that will quickly refresh and remove the mustiness. For cooking, you need only a few components that can be found in the locker of any housewife. The process is carried out in several stages:
- Pour warm water into a small container, add dishwashing detergent.
- Beat the lush foam, place the filter of the unit in the soapy solution.
- Place a small container of vinegar (200 ml) at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Select the full cycle mode, turn on the device.
- At the end of the cycle, sprinkle the lower surface of the unit with ordinary baking soda (soda in the dishwasher additionally serves as an antiseptic).
- Leave the machine overnight, remembering to disconnect it from the power supply.
- In the morning, switch on the device again (full cycle).
Another effective way to get rid of dirt and refresh the unit, proven by many housewives, is to use borax. Rinse well with a damp sponge from the inside (you can add detergent to the water), rinse, remove the remaining moisture. Carry out the processing of all surfaces with brown (do not save, apply the substance abundantly to the walls, bottom of the device). Start washing process. After the end of the cycle, rinse all surfaces with clean water. The last step of cleaning is to send about 50 grams. borax into the unit compartment, carry out the washing cycle again. After rinsing, you can start washing the dishes.
How to make your own dishwasher detergent
Homemade dishwasher detergent is a good option to save money. The main thing is not to use home mixes too often. Purchased products should be used regularly; it will not be possible to completely protect the unit parts from scale with a combination of gentle home components.
The simplest option is to use apple cider vinegar. It is enough to pour the acidic liquid into the unit compartment and select the program - the culinary ingredient will easily cope with the task. It is important to observe the proportions - 25 ml of vinegar is enough for 5-6 sets.
Another recipe - with the content of essential oil, which will leave a light pleasant aroma on the surface of your favorite cups and plates. Preparation:
- Squeeze the juice from several lemon slices into a container.
- Add essential oil (3-5 drops).
- Pour in glass cleaner (5 ml).
Use like a regular dishwashing liquid. For 7 sets of dishes, 25 ml of the prepared mixture is enough.
You can cook with your own hands not only liquid dishwasher products, but also tableted ones. The most common recipe is a combination of borax, baking soda, sodium bicarbonate. Preparation:
- Combine loose components (take in equal parts), mix thoroughly.
- Squeeze juice from citrus slices in small portions, stirring the mass.
- Observe the consistency - the mixture should be quite thick.
- Divide the prepared mass into small molds (it is recommended to use molds for freezing ice).
- Leave at room temperature until dry.
Another option for preparing tablets is a combination of a conventional washing powder, sodium bicarbonate. If the family has children or people suffering from regular allergies, it is recommended to use baby powder or an eco product - this will significantly reduce the risk of irritation.
Preparation:
- Stir 70 gr. washing powder, 30 gr. baking soda.
- Add warm water in small portions, mix gently, make sure that the powder does not foam.
- Divide the thick mass into molds, leave to dry.
- Store ready-made cubes at room temperature in a container that is tightly closed.
If baby powder is used in the preparation, the properties of the product should be taken into account. It works most effectively at a low temperature - 40 degrees. When washing dishes with the unit, you will have to choose a cycle with a low temperature. This can affect the efficiency of cleaning the surface of the dishes, therefore it is better for stubborn dirt, dry food, old fat, load the dishwasher with more aggressive mixtures prepared on one's own.
As practice shows, housewives have learned to make even a gel on their own, which is almost as good as purchased drugs. The product is especially useful for owners of outdated models that do not require the use of capsules or tablets.
Preparation:
- Take a small bar of soap (about 50 grams), turn it into small shavings (rub or chop with a sharp knife).
- Boil a liter of water, add soap shavings, stir until completely dissolved.
- Add soda ash (45 gr.).
- Keep the container on low heat for several minutes, stirring vigorously.
- After removing from the stove, pour in a little ether (5-10 drops).
- To enhance the whiteness of the surfaces of the dishes, it is recommended to add blue ink (a few drops are enough).
You can even use the prepared gel for washing dishes by hand - the active particles cleanse perfectly without harming your hands.
Conclusion
A dishwasher is a faithful assistant to every housewife who prefers to entrust the washing of dishes to a special unit and spend time with greater benefit. To prolong the life of your favorite appliance, you should carefully choose products that deal with dirt, while removing dirt and scale from the machine parts. You should not rely on other people's opinions - it is recommended to purchase various drugs and conduct interesting experiments that will allow you to determine the best choice for your device.
