If you want to make you dishes shine and to let your dishwasher serve you properly for many years to come, you should always use special detergents. They contain solvents that dissolve food residues and disinfect the dishware, which gives it a specific creaking sound.
The perfect result of washing may be achieved with the integrated use of various detergents: detergents for removing grease, salt for softening water, rinsing agent for preventing stains on the dishes.
There are several types of dishwasher detergents – powder, gel or tablets:
- powder is a common form of dishwasher detergents. The distinctive property of powder is that the skin does not absorb it. In other respects it is a traditional dishwashing detergent for dishwashers. Among its drawbacks is its friability and the ability to scratch the surface of dishes (sometimes);
- Gel is considered to be the safest type of detergent for dishwashers: it softens the water and does not cause microcracks like powder. It removes stains without oxidizing metal and silver and is ideal for washing porcelain;
- Dishwasher tablets is the most economical option. There might be single-layer tablets which contain only detergent or all-in-one options combining the functions of detergent, rinse aid and salt for softening water. Each tablet can be easily divided into two or four parts in order to use the necessary amount of it for washing.
Automatic dishwashing detergents
Automatic dishwashing detergents need to be chosen depending on the class and type of a dishwasher.
Weak-alkaline detergents which contain enzymes gently clean the dishes at low temperatures (45-55 ° C). They are suitable for all types of dishes. Enzymes are biologically active substances that break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates and cope with all types of grease.
Chlorinated detergents remove heavy deposits. They provide a bleaching effect but can also damage thin, metallic and fragile dishes. They cope with complex contaminants and scum from tea, coffee and red wine. Use it carefully when washing silver, nickel silver, hand-painted tableware, fine china and crystal.
Detergents for dishwashers made from natural materials completely decompose during washing. They do not contain active and aggressive chemicals – chlorine, sodium perborate, synthetic preservatives, dyes and phosphates. Cleaning effect is provided by oxygen and active natural components which dissolve any contamination.
Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is a surfactant that may be added to basic cleaning means. When dishes dry, you can notice stains from water droplets or white spots from excessively hard water on their surface. Rinse aid helps to remove these stains making the dishes look clean and glossy. It creates a thin film on the surface that repels water. It is absolutely safe for the health and does not affect the taste of food.
Water softener – dishwasher salt
Hard water might cause problems for the internal parts of a dishwasher. Dishwasher salt decomposes water salts which may harm the appliance, preventing the formation of scale and calcium deposits on the heating elements. Water softener needs to be added alongside with a detergent. The proportions of the softener depend on the hardness of the water. After rinsing, water softener completely evaporates from the surface of the dishes.