What is better for a dishwasher - powder or pills? Comparison of Cleaning Products

In supermarkets and hardware stores you can find a large number of household chemicals intended for dishwasher units. Such funds are available in different forms, so housewives often have to decide the question: what is better for a dishwasher - powder or tablets? It is worth finding out before buying.

We will talk about how tablet and powder preparations differ. In the article we proposed, their characteristics are analyzed in detail, and methods of application are described. The valuable recommendations we have provided will help you navigate the abundance of products on the market.

Preparations for dishwashers

Industrial products used for processing dishes in household appliances differ in purpose, appearance, appearance, composition and consistency.

Having chosen the release form as a criterion, the following types can be distinguished:

• gel-like;
• powdery;
• tableted.

The latter most often have a combined composition of “3 in 1”, “5 in 1”, “7 in 1”, due to the inclusion of several components that provide additional features.

Initially, dishwashing detergents were only available in powder form, but tablets were later developed. More recently, capsules for washing appliances

To date, the most commonly used powders and tablets, and they will be discussed below.

Powdered dishwashing detergents

Such funds are a loose mixture, homogeneous or with the inclusion of different types of granules. It is based on surfactants used to break down food debris.

The composition may include:

• enzymes designed to eliminate complex contaminants;
• subtilisin enzyme, successfully combating protein residues;
• oxygen bleach;
• soda to soften water;
• preservatives that increase the shelf life of the drug;
• fragrances that give the product a pleasant aroma.

To improve the quality of the washing, phosphates or chlorine are added. Additional components also include tensides, which make it easier to wash off food debris in hard water; lipase dissolving fat stains; proteases, used to decompose organic protein residues.

Surfactants and other active additives are introduced into the dishwasher mixtures in microscopic amounts. They do not represent harm to healthy people, however, allergy sufferers can provoke itching, skin rashes and other reactions.

It is important to note that the use of one cleaning powder for processing kitchen appliances in a dishwasher is clearly not enough. It must be supplemented emollient salt and air conditioning rinse, which make separately.

The first tool is necessary for the correct operation of the unit with water of varying degrees of hardness, the second drug is needed for the final stage of cleaning devices.

Bulk compositions have long gained popularity among buyers. Their important advantage powder formulations low cost is considered. Even if you consider that the powder can be used only in combination with salt / rinse aid, a set of these drugs will cost less than tablets with a similar effect.

When using a mixture, many dishwasher models can automatically adjust the consumption of salt and rinse aid depending on the hardness of the water.

To determine the characteristics, composition and degree of hardness of water, its samples are passed to the SES laboratory. If you are only interested in stiffness, it is better to use the test strips supplied by the manufacturer of the dishwasher

The user can find out the value of the stiffness indicator in water supply organizations and set it manually. When living in regions with soft water, this allows you to save salt, add it in minimal quantities.

Powdered products quickly dissolve, so they can be used with short processing times. In addition, they are compatible with almost all modifications of the units. The powder is easy to dose: when choosing a mode with incomplete loading it will not be difficult to pour a smaller amount of the mixture into the compartment.

If the balance of detergent, conditioner and salt is not right, rainbow stains may remain on the surface of the washed dishes. In this case, it is advisable to additionally turn on the rinse mode to get rid of the remaining substances

At the same time, a number of minuses of such funds should be noted:

• When loading powder into the tray, you can accidentally spill it, which increases consumption.
• During filling, particles of the mixture can get into the air, as well as onto the skin and respiratory tract of a person, which contributes to the occurrence of allergic reactions.
• Products, especially poured into cardboard boxes, require careful storage. They can wake up, and with increased humidity in the room, caking and losing some of their properties.
• When using powdered formulations, it is important to pay attention to the recommended dosage. When more is added, excess foam forms in the machine, which can lead to leaks and breakdowns.

Trying to overcome these shortcomings, manufacturers proposed other forms of detergents.

Tableted detergents for PMM

The products are compressed dry tablets, which often consist of several multi-colored layers. The peculiar appearance reflects the peculiarity of such household chemicals. In the vast majority of cases, they have a combined formula that combines several functions.

The most common and economical option is a 3 in 1 tablet, which combines a cleaning component, rinse aid, and softening salt.

In the dishwashers there are special compartments provided for salt / powder / rinse aid, as well as a separate container for complex tabletted products

A popular option is “5 in 1” tablets, where the following components are present:

1. Cleaning powder.
2. Means for protecting the machine from scale.
3. Softening salt.
4. Protective preparation for dishes.
5. Rinse aid.

There are many others preformed proposals, the formula of which may contain 6-10 and even more components.

They include:

• additives that add gloss to products;
• odor eliminating substances;
• antimicrobial elements;
• catalysts to eliminate complex contaminants even at low temperatures.

The composition is reflected in the cost of tablets.

Such tools have a number of undeniable advantages. In one capsule all the components necessary for carrying dishwasher cycle. They provide easy dosage compliance. Instead of pouring powder on the eye or measuring it, just put a tablet in the container.

Individual packaging of the product provides comfort during storage and transportation, in addition, it prevents the release of active substances into the environment. The tablets are easy to store: there is no need to pour the powder on the eye or measure it, just put the tablet on.

When choosing “All in 1” tools, you need to remember that each additional option is displayed on its price. In order not to overpay, you need to think about whether you need all the offered functions.

A wide range of drugs of this type is on sale, while boxes can be designed for a different number of tablets: from 20 to 100 or more pieces. Small packages allow housewives to test the means of different brands. Having made a choice, you can purchase a large packaging, which will cost much cheaper.

However, do not forget about the disadvantages of such products:

• Pills are usually more expensive than similar powders, although this indicator is often influenced by the promotion of the brand. Capsules produced by little-known firms can often be purchased much cheaper than powdered products of well-known brands.
• The constituent parts of the complex usually act worse than each component individually. The simultaneous ingress of powder and rinse in the liquid leads to a weakening of the properties of the latter.
• It takes quite a long time to dissolve the tablet version of some brands, because of which they are not very suitable for not fast modes.
• The amount of salt contained in each tablet is calculated on water of medium hardness, while this indicator may vary depending on the area of ​​residence.

Often, the manufacturer insists on adding salt even when using All-in-One products, which is especially true in areas with hard water. When using such products, automatic dosage of salt and rinse aid is not possible: you will have to make the required amount yourself.

If the salt is used separately, it dissolves already in cold water. When pre-softened liquid is heated, a smaller layer of scale is deposited on the heating elements, which reduces energy consumption

In tableted forms more often than in powders. phosphates can be found. Breaking a pill is a difficult task. This complicates the use of such drugs in regimes requiring a reduced dosage of detergent compositions, for example, in the program "Partial load".

Some unit modifications may not have compartments for using tablets, which is usually reflected in the instruction manual.

If you consider ready-to-use pills to be too expensive a “pleasure”, you can make them with your own hands. Introduces manufacturing technology next article, which is worth reading to all thrifty housewives.

Environmentally friendly products

Since when washing plates, cups, pans, their surface is in direct contact with detergents, it is important that the latter do not harm the person.

Although in conventional dishwashing detergents the amount of hazardous substances is minimized, manufacturers also offer environmentally friendly formulations based on herbal extracts. The composition of such mixtures often includes minerals that provide an abrasive effect.

A relatively new option is capsules. They are tablets or gel, packed in a dissolving package, which helps protect your hands from irritation when in contact with highly concentrated substances

In addition, in such preparations, which can be produced both in powder form and in tablets, there is usually no perfume, and often no preservatives. One of the brightest representatives are powdered products, gels and BioMio tabletsattracting environmental safety and the absence of an allergic reaction.

When choosing, you need to keep in mind that for environmentally friendly products is characterized by:

• higher cost;
• low foaming, especially in the initial stage of processing;
• average washing quality due to the lack of high-speed enzymes and surfactants;
• increased consumption, due to the low concentration of detergents.

Nevertheless, these products can be recommended for the processing of dishes intended for children, persons with allergic reactions, or chronic patients.

Secrets of the right choice

There is hardly a definite answer to the question, is it worth using powders in a dishwasher or giving preference to tablets? As a rule, the choice is made based on personal preferences and recommendations of manufacturers.

Recent marketing research shows that leading positions in ranking of specialized funds take tablet preparations. Despite the increased cost, they won the hearts of users with comfort in use and cost-effectiveness.

The right glass was washed with a 3 in 1 tablet, and the left was washed using a salt / cleaning powder / rinse aid kit. The result is obvious.

At the same time, in some situations it is advisable to give preference to powdered preparations. They are convenient to use when the machine is half loaded, which requires a lower dosage, or in short programs involving fast processing of dishes.

To the quality of washing and lack white plaque clearly pleased with its results, it is important to follow simple rules. First of all, before purchasing drugs, you need to carefully read the instructions to get acquainted with the recommendations of the manufacturers.

The quality of washing in a dishwasher directly depends on the choice of detergents for washing dishes. They should be good at washing away contaminants and be completely safe for users.

When using a complex of products - powder, rinse aid, salt - it is advisable to take drugs from the same manufacturer, which guarantees the best result.

Do not use dishwashers designed for manual washing. They are characterized by increased foam formation, which can lead to failure of the unit. When choosing a program operating at a temperature of + 40-50 C^about, the optimal choice is tablets containing enzymes that gently wash kitchen utensils.

Preparations, which contain alkali and acid, perfectly clean products, but in some cases give a whitening effect. This must be taken into account if you plan to wash appliances decorated with painting.

Products containing chlorine are notable for their economical price and powerful effect. However, they are not considered environmentally friendly enough, moreover, they are not suitable for processing dishes made of fragile materials - crystal, porcelain, thin-walled glass

For industrial units, special concentrated preparations are used that are not suitable for household machines.

Top 5 dishwashing detergents

If you analyze user reviews, you will notice that both powders and tablets were included in the rating of the best detergents.

1st place: eco-friendly capsules Grab Green

Non-toxic and environmentally friendly product, especially recommended for allergy sufferers and children. There are no phosphates or other harmful substances in the tablets. They also do not have abrasive components, which allows the use of Grab Green for all types of dishes. At the same time, users unanimously note the high quality of washing devices.

If the balance of detergent, conditioner and salt is not right, rainbow stains may remain on the surface of the washed dishes. In this case, it is advisable to additionally turn on the rinse mode to get rid of the remaining substances (+)

Among the negative aspects are the inaccessibility of the drug, which can only be purchased in online stores, the relatively high cost, the inability to separate the capsule to change the dosage, the need to use an air conditioner, without which stains remain on the surface.

A significant advantage of Grab Green is the absence of toxic substances and environmentally harmful components in the composition

2nd place: the popular Finish powder

A well-known brand assigned to a wide range of dishwasher products, which have gained wide popularity among users. In the product range there are also dishwasher tabletspopular among consumers.

In the palette of products manufactured under this brand, there are also Finish Quantum tablets, which have earned a high consumer rating

The reviews mention the excellent quality of washing with this drug, especially when using salt and rinse aid of the same manufacturer. At the same time, the availability of these products, which are always on sale, is emphasized.

Convenient powder packing is also noted, thanks to which it is easy to pour the required dosage. This affects both cost savings and human health.

3rd place: Fairy capsules "All in 1"

All-in-One, which includes salt and conditioner, is a soluble capsule filled with a powdered product and liquid gel. The pills are in stylish colorful packaging.

The product copes with various types of pollution, including fat and stubborn food debris, gives the dishes a shine and a well-groomed appearance. Capsules can be used in both hot and slightly warm water.

Of the minuses, it is possible to separate the capsule. It is not recommended to open its shell due to the fact that the concentrated liquid contained inside is particularly caustic. It also contains harmful substances - phosphates. The disadvantages include a fairly high cost.

Along with the products in capsules, the company offers effective tablets for dishwashers, which will be introduced to the article recommended by us.

4th place: budget Pilotex powder

Powdered dishwashing detergent is being used by consumers due to its extremely low price. In this preparation - the minimum amount of phosphates. Users also note the convenient packaging of the mixture, which contributes to comfortable storage.

Although the quality of washing with Pilotex powder can be defined as mediocre due to the low content of detergents, the product is quite suitable for rinsing not too dirty dishes.

Pilotex powder is generally attractively priced. It does not have high efficiency, but it copes with rinsing

5th place: Ecover hypoallergenic capsules

Hypoallergenic dishwasher tablets with the formula “4 in 1”. The components include detergent, salt, rinse aid, anti-scale agent.The basis is the abrasive washing principle, which allows you to remove contaminants using the smallest mineral particles.

The pluses of this tool include the exclusion of potentially harmful substances. The packaging contains a complete list of components, so that users can get a comprehensive understanding of the composition

Ecover tablets are easy enough to cut in half, which allows them to be used in half dosage when the dishwasher is not fully loaded.

Among the shortcomings, some users noted the insufficient quality of washing, as well as the need for additional application of air conditioning and salt, without which a pronounced coating remains on the dishes.

In addition, due to the abrasive effect, Ecover is not suitable for washing glassware, Teflon-coated kitchen utensils, or appliances decorated with drawings.

In addition to the means for processing dishes, machine owners must definitely purchase a composition for cleaning the equipment itself. Recommended reading next articlededicated to the issues of choosing the necessary care product.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the video below, you will hear a detailed analysis of the different types of means intended for dishwashers:

Information on testing various types of tablets used in units for processing kitchen utensils:

It is hardly possible to give one answer to the question of what means are better to use in dishwashers. In many respects, it depends on the composition of preparations, kitchen appliances, as well as utensils.

In order for the devices to be distinguished by impeccable cleanliness, and the machine to work stably for a long time, it is important to strictly follow the instructions. It is also advisable to use funds from well-known companies responsible for the quality of their products.

Please write comments in the block below. Tell us which pills or dishwashing powder you are using. Share what has become the decisive criterion for you in your choice. Ask questions on obscure and controversial issues, publish photos on the topic of the article.