Types Of Dishwasher Detergent | Use the right detergent
There are many different types of dishwasher detergent. Some are liquid, others are powder, and some are gel.
The type you choose depends on the kind of dishes you wash regularly in your dishwasher and how often you need to clean them with rinse aid.
Dishwashing detergent currently comes in four common forms:
- Liquid Dishwashing Detergents
- Powdered Dishwashing Detergents
- Gel Dishwashing Detergents
- Bar Soap Dishwashing Detergents
Liquid Dishwashing Detergents
Liquid dishwashing detergents should be used for all kinds of dishes including those that can be put in the microwave or oven as well as any items made from glass or china such as salad plates and cups.
They can also be used for general cleaning purposes such as washing pots and pans but they will not work well for dishes that need to be rinsed in a dishwasher.
Liquid dishwashing detergents should contain no more than 5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and they should also contain an ingredient called “bisulfite” which helps remove the soap scum from your dishes when you rinse them after washing them with liquid dishwashing detergent.
Powdered Dishwashing Detergents
These are the most common type of dishwasher detergent. Powdered dishwashing detergents come in a wide variety of colors and consist of powdered chemicals that have been dissolved into a liquid form.
These types of products tend to be the least expensive, but they also don’t work as well on some types of dishes such as coated and stainless steel pans.
Also, because they contain no rinsing agents, you need to add one after each wash cycle to get your dishes sparkling clean again.
Gel Dishwashing Detergents
Gel dishwashing detergents are a new and different type of product for the industry.
They work well and leave you with a cleaner feeling than most other products, but they also have an added benefit: they cut down on the amount of water needed to clean dishes.
This is because gel detergents form a thin layer on your dishes as opposed to dissolving so that the water passes through them more easily.
These benefits make gel detergents appealing to both consumers and manufacturers, but not everyone can use them due to their higher cost and need for specialized appliances.
Bar Soap Dishwashing Detergents
This type of dishwashing detergent is usually in a bar form and can be used for all types of dishes, except glasses, cups and platters which do not need to be washed with soap. These are rinsed before being placed into the dishwasher.
The bar soaps available today contain enzymes that help remove grease from dishes while maintaining their shiny appearance.
Most people prefer this type of dishwasher detergent because it does not require pre-rinsing of dishes or rinsing after washing the dishes by hand.
Some other types of dishwasher detergent:
Disinfectant Dishwasher Detergent
This type of dishwashing detergent is usually in a liquid form and can be used for all types of dishes, except glasses, cups and platters which do not need to be washed with soap.
These are rinsed before being placed into the dishwasher.
The disinfectants available today contain enzymes that help remove grease from dishes while maintaining their shiny appearance.
Most people prefer this type of dishwasher detergent because it does not require pre-rinsing of dishes or rinsing after washing the dishes by hand.
Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
This type of dishwasher detergent is also known as a rinse aid.
It is not as effective in removing grease from dishes as the disinfectant type but it does help to keep the dishes clean by adding moisture back into them after washing.
The main purpose of this type of dishwashing detergent is to enhance the shine and appearance of dishes that have been washed with soap, thus preventing water spots or rings on plates or bowls that can be unsightly when using a standard soap and hot water wash cycle.
Anti-Grease Dishwasher Detergent
This type of dishwasher detergent is usually in a gel or liquid form and is used to remove grease from dishes that have been washed with soap.
It can also be used for glasses, cups and platters that do not need to be washed with soap.
This type of dishwashing detergent helps reduce the appearance of water spots on plates, bowls and other utensils after washing.
Whitening Dishwasher Detergent
This type of dishwasher detergent is used to remove stains from dishes.
It does not contain any enzymes and can be added directly into the dishwasher without pre-rinsing or rinsing after washing the dishes by hand.
This type of dishwashing detergent usually comes in a liquid form and is also known as a brightener, bleaching agent or whitening agent.
Anti-Stick Dishwasher Detergent
This type of dishwasher detergent is used to remove baked-on food that has been cooked on a non-stick pan or other cookware.
It can also be used for plates, cups and platters that do not need to be washed with soap.
This type of dishwashing detergent helps prevent the appearance of water spots on dishes after washing.
Stain Remover/Removal Specialist Dishwasher Detergents
This type of dishwasher detergent is usually in a gel or liquid form and is used to remove stains from dishes.
It can also be used for glasses, cups and platters that do not need to be washed with soap.
This type of dishwashing detergent helps prevent the appearance of water spots on plates, bowls and other utensils after washing.
Silicone Free dishwasher detergents
This type of dishwasher detergent is usually in a gel or liquid form and is used to remove grease from dishes that have been washed with soap.
It can also be used for glasses, cups and platters that do not need to be washed with soap.
This type of dishwashing detergent helps prevent the appearance of water spots on plates, bowls and other utensils after washing.
Biodegradable/Environmentally Friendly dishwasher detergents
Detergents containing biodegradable surfactants can be an alternative to conventional detergents.
The main reason for the use of these products is the reduction in pollutants released into our environment when compared with other traditional detergents.
The fact that they are made from natural ingredients makes them very beneficial for your health and well-being as well.
This type of product is also much more environmentally friendly than others, so it’s a great choice if you want to protect our planet!
Fragrance Free dishwasher detergents
Detergents that are fragrance-free have a very subtle scent. This is perfect for those who want to maintain the freshness of their dishes without any unwanted scents lingering around them after they’re washed.
If you’re looking for a great way to keep your dishwasher smelling clean and fresh, this is one of the best products you can use!
Following we have discussed more common types of dishwasher detergent and includes some reliable brands of dishwasher detergent for certain types:
Manual Dishwashing Detergents
Who should use this?
Manual dishwashing detergents are used domestically, and it is common among everybody.
If you have a small family or don’t need high-volume dishwashing, you should use this manual dishwashing detergent.
What Options Are Available?
A household brand like Fairy can effectively and easily cut through grease and is available in three different versions, including lemon-scented original, and anti-bacterial.
This brand of manual dishwashing detergent is superb at preventing germs from breeding on a sponge.
Conversely, you can go for Suma Star or Cleanline if you need larger volumes. However, manually washing dishes for an extended time can cause skin sensitivity.
But using Ecoleaf washing up liquid won’t irritate the hands more than regular washing up liquids as they are gentle on the skin.
Machine Dishwasher Tablets
Who should use this?
It’s a convenient choice for people who have a dishwasher. The machine dishwasher table can remove the mess that can be related to pouring dishwasher powder.
Some tablets come in powder form, while others have a plastic cover with a gel mixture coating.
The great advantage of this machine dishwasher table is that it can be released at a lower quality.
What Options Are Available?
Fairy is a proven and trusted brand that offers a variety of dishwasher tablets in plenty of sizes and scents.
Cleaning dishwasher tablets have also been added to the list of products that will let you use the exact amount of detergent needed in every wash.
With the five-in-one option, this detergent includes unique ingredients that can penetrate deep to ensure spotless lean cutlery and crockery.
Another best dishwashing detergent is Ecoleaf dishwasher tablets, which will be suitable for washing glassware with glass protection and without the use of fragrance and phosphates.
Machine Dishwash Detergents
Who should use this?
Coming in both powder and liquid forms, machine dishwashing detergents are perfect for commercial use where there is a need to wash many dishes in a single tank.
Glassware-specific detergents are also available for restaurant and bar use. Even this machine dishwashing detergent will appropriately meet your requirements, whether you live in a soft or hard water area.
What Options Are Available?
As a versatile item, the Cleanline Machine Dishwash Detergent is the most popular option.
It’s a fast foaming dishwasher detergent that is ideal for any dishwashing machine.
Even you can use this detergent in both soft and hard water areas with any type of dish, crockery, and glassware.
Conversely, if you are dealing with difficult soiling, you should use Suma Blend L7 Machine detergent as it is a heavy-duty alkaline detergent.
Machine Dishwash Rinse Aid
Who should use this?
If you want efficiently cleaned and dried dishes faster, then use the dishwasher rise aid.
This detergent will help you remove the entire water from the dishes and protect the dry dishes from showing water spots, thanks to its hydrophobic properties.
What Options Are Available?
A combination of Jet-Dry Rinse Aid and machine dishwashing liquid will offer smear-free and sparkling dishes, perfect for both industrial and commercial settings.
Conversely, you can use Cascade Rinse Aid Platinum to have spot-free, brilliant-shiny dishes.
More importantly, Cascade Dishwasher Detergent will offer you unbelievable dried dishes.
Machine Dishwasher Cleaner
Who should use this?
To boost the productivity of the dishwasher and prolong its longevity, you should clean the machine regularly to remove grease, odors, limescale, and food deposits.
What Options Are Available?
Both Affresh W10549851 Dishwasher Cleaner and Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods are reliable and effective options.
In particular, Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner will prevent lime and mineral build-up and is ideal for plastic tub and stainless steel tub dishwashers.
Machine glass wash products
Who should use this?
Everybody wants sparkling glassware. However, making the glass residue free is a tougher task.
Especially glassware designed, these machine glassware detergents will make the glass streak-free and spotless.
Even you won’t find any residue that can affect the smell or taste of the drink.
What Options Are Available?
You can use Bactosol Cabinet Rinse Aid as it can effectively remove soil from the glassware. This glassware detergent is suitable for any type of cabinet glassware.
FAQs
Can I Use Any Form Of Dishwasher Detergent?
Usually, all forms of dishwasher detergent work well, including gels, powders, and tablets. Choosing the form of dishwasher detergent depends on the user’s preference and budget.
Can Dishwasher Detergent Make Any Difference?
Dishwasher detergent-like powder is most effective against hard water and water that has high mineral content and is available at a lower cost.
More importantly, dishwasher powder will give you some freedom as you can use the exact amount of powder required for a certain number of dishes.
Which Dishwasher Detergent Is Better: Tablet Or Powder?
Obviously, tablet and gel packs offer the best results reliably and conveniently over cleaning powder.
However, detergent powder costs a premium price.
Final words
As you can see, a variety of types of dishwasher detergents are available, however, comes with a unique purpose.
Thus, we have discussed plenty of types of dishwasher detergent and their best working fields, so you can use them in their strong zones to get the best results.
Despite we have recommended some of the best dishwasher detergents in every section to help you get the most reliable and effective product for the value.
