liquid dishwasher detergent
Hints & Tips
4 min. read

Does It Matter What Dishwasher Detergent You Use?

Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to clean the grime from flatware and cookware without rinsing them in the sink prior to cleaning! Skipping this pre-wash can actually save a lot of time, effort, water, and energy.

It’s also been proven that enzymatic detergents work better when they can cling to food residues, and you don’t have to worry about these particles of food blocking the dishwasher as filters will catch any food that would potentially clog the system. The combination of the water pressure and enzymes in the detergent eventually wears down the remnants of food to enable passage through the filter and out of the drain.

So, does it matter what dishwasher detergent you use? Find out more here…

Dishwasher detergents in detail

Dishwasher detergents basically come in four categories: powder, liquid, tablets, or gel. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages The two primary ingredients in dishwasher detergent are enzymes and bleach.

Detergent enzymes are substances that speed up the rate of chemical reactions between stains and water solutions and break them down. Enzymes listed may include protease, amylase, subtilisin, or simply generic enzymes.

Liquid dishwasher detergent

Dishwashing liquids are the most common amongst the forms of detergent and are available in a range of sizes to cover any dish load. They also tend to have a higher PH level which enables getting a more thorough clean.

Some liquid detergents generate excess suds and it’s important that you use the recommended amount in your wash. Overflows can happen due to excess sudding creating problems with leakage. Only liquid detergents that are formulated for dishwashers should be used in your appliance.

Dishwasher tablets

Premeasured dishwasher tablets can simply be inserted into the designated compartment. This ease of use combined with a high performance of removing stubborn stains should be weighed up against the extra cost and the need to use a longer rinsing cycle to remove mineral deposits. They also offer less flexibility as they can’t be precisely measured for different sizes of dishwasher load.

Tablets can also contain active ingredients that perform a range of additional functions such as degreasing or cleaning your dishwasher. 3 in 1 tablets may have a salt-action to soften the water but doesn’t replenish the water softener.

Dishwasher gel

Dishwasher gel is specially formulated and has unique benefits over powder and tablets. It’s generally a water-based composition that means it’s not as abrasive on delicate decorative tableware and glasses.

Gel packs can deliver an overall package of cleaning, reliability and convenience. They’re small and come in dosages which means easy storage and measurements that don’t have to be estimated.

Dishwasher powder

Dishwasher powder has an advantage over liquid and gel in homes with hard water. Hard water typically causes limescale deposits that create cloudiness, white spots, and streaks on glassware. The hardness of the water directly impacts the performance of your dishwasher and powder can make an improvement with adjusted amounts used. The abrasive nature of the powder also makes it a suitable option when dealing with burnt-on stains on cookware, giving great results.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option then powdered dishwasher detergent is your best choice. Bear in mind that storage of dishwasher powder is important as if the box gets wet the powder will begin to activate. It’s worthwhile transferring the powder to a waterproof container before use.

Dishwasher salt and rinse aid

Dishwasher salt granules are a particular grade of crystalline sodium chloride intended for regenerating the water softener in your dishwasher and can help with better cleaning. It’s advisable to refill the salt about once a month.

Rinse aid helps water rinse off dishes and glasses by reducing the surface tension to allow water to drain away. It may need filling up every few weeks to reach the maximum line in the compartment.

When you need award-winning repair specialists…

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