What products should I choose for my dishwasher?

Which brand of dishwasher detergent is best to choose?

The dishwasher is designed for effective but gentle cleaning of cutlery made from various, even the most fragile, materials. And to make her work easier, to protect the body and parts from hard water and scale, different manufacturers offer special forms of cleaning products. First you need to identify a reliable and time-tested brand for yourself. The following companies occupy leading positions in the current ranking:

• Somat is a German brand of dishwashing products that has gained popularity since 1962. Lines of detergent products are presented in the form of powders, gels, rinses, tablets and salts. Effective components in the composition help remove the most difficult stains.
• BioMio is a trademark from Russia, which belongs to. Developing Eco chemistry, it appeared on the market in 2013. Among all the products from various domestic developers, only this one has the “Leaf of Life” certificate, confirming its safety and effectiveness.
• Clean&Fresh is a trademark owned by the Russian company Lotta. A distinctive feature of household chemicals with this name is the best price solution in Russia. Work experience exceeds 16 years. The main part of the range is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, precisely dosed cleaning products.
• Bravix is ​​a trademark owned by the German company Dreco Werke Wasch und Körperpflegemittel GmbH. The products guarantee excellent cleaning abilities, increased efficiency, affordable prices, environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity. Each product is delivered to the market in practical Euro packaging.
• Topperr is a signature brand owned by the group. This is one of the leading domestic companies producing cleaning products for home care and accessories for household appliances. Products with this name appeared on the Russian market back in 2003.
• Paclan was originally a large German company that began operations in 1977. Then it merged with the British company Poly-Lina, and is now owned by CeDo. Under this brand you can see various household goods for the home and industry.
• Finish is a brand owned by the large RB company since 1953. As soon as dishwashers went on sale, related products for it with the same name immediately appeared from a British-Dutch company. Today, the products are very popular in more than 40 countries around the world.
• Lion is a Japanese company that works closely with South Korea. Initially, these were original household chemicals for the domestic market of these countries. But very soon it began to be supplied to Europe and the countries of the former CIS. The history of the brand goes back over 100 years. It is the No. 1 oral care product in Japan.
• Fairy is a trademark owned by the large European company Procter and Gamble (Dawn in America). The brand was founded in 1929, when liquid soap with a unique formula that could float on water first appeared under this name. The main part of the products are dishwashing detergents, widely known throughout Europe.

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Dishwasher product rating

Considering the fact that ordinary detergent is not suitable for a dishwasher, manufacturers have developed various powders, capsules, and gels for automatic household appliances. To select the best of them, expert opinion, specialist assessments, customer reviews, as well as a number of characteristics inherent in a reliable product were taken into account. Namely:

• Type – tablet, powder, gel, rinse;
• Ingredients – cleansing component, salt, rinse aid;
• Safety – hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly;
• Effectiveness level – removal of stubborn stains, grease, dirt;
• Protection – removal of lime, plaque, scale, machine corrosion;
• Ease of use – rules of use, consumption;
• Compliance with the type/class of dishwasher.

Based on customer reviews and demand, leading brands that monitor product quality were identified. The users' point of view helped determine what products are needed for a dishwasher, their pros, and the cons of each nominee. An important criterion was the ratio of price to quality, as well as price to quantity, that is, costs and consumption of goods.

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Which dishwasher detergent is best?

Dishwasher detergents are available in the form of powder, gel, tablets and capsules.

Dishwashing powder is the cheapest. However, it does have its drawbacks. First of all, you will have to buy additional salt and, possibly, conditioner for the powder. In addition, due to incorrect dosage, too much foam may form in the machine, which can damage the equipment. And the abrasive particles of the powder can damage delicate crystal or porcelain dishes.

One of the most popular dishwasher detergents are tablets. They are more convenient to use. “There are a lot of good products on sale now. The most convenient tablets are two in one, three in one, five in one, etc. They contain salt, detergent, and rinse aid,” says Oleg Dranitsky, head of the household appliance certification body Testbet .

Tablets are also convenient because they do not require dosage calculation. In addition, the compressed product must not be accidentally spilled. However, even this universal remedy may not be suitable in some cases. For example, if the water is too hard, then you will have to add additional salt. Also, if you choose a short cycle, the tablet may not have time to dissolve.

Main on plates. Dishwasher rating Read more

The simplest three-in-one tablets include cleaning powder, salt and rinse aid. Thanks to additional components, five-in-one tablets also protect dishes from clouding and the machine itself from scale. There are tablets for removing particularly difficult stains, etc.

Dishwasher gel allows you to wash dishes more gently than using powder or tablets. It dissolves faster and works better than others in short programs, and is also great for pre-soak mode. In addition, it is usually more convenient for housewives to pour gel into the machine than to pour powder. But when using the gel, in most cases you will also need to purchase additional products.

A more versatile alternative to gel is dishwasher-safe capsules. They contain salt, rinse aid and liquid detergent. The main disadvantage of capsules is their high cost. If your tap water is too hard, you may also need to add additional salt separately.

The best dishwasher tablets

The most common form of release of such household products is a dishwasher tablet. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, compactness, and convenient packaging. In addition to the effective component, the composition contains salt, conditioner and rinse aid. Typically, such detergents combine a set of options - removing stains of any complexity from kitchen utensils, caring for the dishwasher, changing water hardness.

Somat All in 1

In the presented line of this manufacturer, this is the best product for the dishwasher. The advanced cleaner will not only remove stains and grease, but will also act as a rinse aid, giving kitchen utensils a new, shiny appearance. In addition to the ready-made set (soda, acid bleach, phosphonates, surfactants and carboxylates), the formula is supplemented with salt, which prevents the formation of limescale. Also, Somat dishwasher detergent has a “Power Booster” function, which allows you to remove dried food particles even without soaking. There are packages of different sizes on sale from 26 to 100 units.

Advantages

• Universal multicomponent composition;
• Ease of use;
• Compactness;
• Long shelf life;
• Careful care of sinks and appliances;
• Nice smell.

Flaws

• May leave a tea residue;
• Improper washing of heavily soiled kitchen utensils.

Reviews gave high marks for the average cost along with high efficiency. The tablets dissolve well and are compatible with different water temperatures. The downside is the fact that after washing there may be a residue on the cups and traces of heavy dirt. But this is more likely due to improper operation of the machine or an incorrectly selected dosage.

BioMio Bio-total

Another dishwasher product popular on the domestic market is Bio Mio tablets with biodegradable composition and packaging. 88% of it contains exclusively natural hypoallergenic components; thanks to this formula, the substance easily copes with frozen fat and dirt. In addition, the tablets soften the water, eucalyptus oil guarantees a pleasant fresh aroma, and the dishes will come out sparkling clean. Economical consumption allows one capsule to be loaded onto a large volume of dishes or divided into several parts. It demonstrates excellent results on devices made of glass and metal, even at low water temperatures.

Advantages

• Eco-friendly hypoallergenic composition;
• Water soluble coating;
• Natural aroma without fragrances;
• Versatility;
• Dishwasher protection;
• No streaks or plaque;
• Cost savings.

Flaws

• Oily stains and fat are not completely removed in cold water;
• Price.

This product can be used by families with allergies and children over 3 years of age. Reviews say that this is a rare case when a gentle phosphate-free composition guarantees effective fight against stains. In one cycle it is completely washed away; even half a tablet will do the job. But congealed fat and oily stains will be difficult to remove in cold water. You will have to pay extra for hypoallergenicity.

Clean&Fresh All in 1

The thoughtful formula of European quality tablets allows them to be used for working with glass, stainless steel, porcelain of different densities and even silver. One capsule has several layers, as they dissolve, each is responsible for certain functions. Green is responsible for the aroma of lemon and the protection of fragile materials from damage. The white layer fights scale and deposits on the inside of the dishwasher. Blue effectively fights pollution. The enzymes that supplement the composition are responsible for the radiance and presentable appearance. Unlike many modern products, this does not contain chlorine or other harmful chemicals.

Advantages

• Light lemon aroma;
• Versatility;
• Fast step-by-step dissolution;
• Individual packing;
• Removing dirt without streaks;
• Inexpensive price tag.

Flaws

• May require additional rinsing;
• Poor dissolution in cold water.

This product will not only help you wash dishes automatically, but will also carefully protect your equipment from scale and corrosion. Most users note excellent results if the capsules are used correctly, taking into account the features of the dishwasher.

Sometimes you will need to run an additional rinse cycle to thoroughly clean the dishes of any remaining foam. In cold water, the capsule will dissolve more slowly, which reduces its effectiveness.

Types of dishwashers

All models of dishwashers are divided into three large subtypes based on design differences in facades, cabinets and methods of integration into the interior of kitchens:

• fully built-in;
• partially built-in;
• free-standing.

Fully and partially built-in models fit well into the interior of kitchen units, being placed in specially prepared openings. The same facades are made for them as for furniture. Free-standing PMMs can be placed anywhere: on a countertop, on the floor or in a cabinet, but it is no longer possible to change their façade to fit furniture.

In fully built-in PMMs, the control panel is hidden at the end of the door, and in partially built-in and free-standing machines it is placed on the facade

Dishwashers also come in different sizes, as shown in the table:

The best dishwasher powders

Judging by the reviews, dishwasher powder is the most economical product in terms of consumption along with an inexpensive price tag. This is due to its simpler composition, which is intended exclusively for working with dishes. There is no need to wait for caring for the machine, the powder does not soften the water or rinse, so experts recommend combining it with other appropriate products.

Bravix

One of the most popular powders, since along with an inexpensive price tag, it copes with its tasks perfectly. The main differences from many other nominees on the list are the absence of any smell at all, which indicates its safety, as well as economical consumption. After use, you can see cleanliness, shine, absence of streaks and dirt. The composition with oxygen-containing bleach is responsible for this, which gives newness to the dishes. Sold in different packages by weight - 1.8 or 2 kg.

Advantages

• No fragrance;
• Effective washing;
• Economical consumption;
• German quality;
• Inexpensive price tag.

Flaws

• Not always available in stores;
• Requires other dishwashing products.

Since we are talking about an imported product, it may not always be on store shelves. But an online store will solve the problem. In the reviews you can read that a package weighing 2 kg can be enough for 10-12 months of use due to the high concentration of the powder. But to protect the device, additional substances will be required, since they are not included in the powder.

Lotta 6 in 1

Universal powder for cleaning even complex stains. Unlike previous nominees in this category, Lotta 6 in 1 contains a water softener, rinse aid, a shine agent, and an anti-corrosion component. Salt acts as enzymes. The granular release form prevents powder from spraying. Despite belonging to a Russian brand, the production of this product is carried out in Italy. The strong point is the mineral-vegetable formula, due to which Lotta 6 in 1 is recognized as hypoallergenic and safe. Oxygen bleach returns the whiteness of dishes and cleans glasses and cups of deposits after drinks.

Advantages

• Delicate cleaning;
• Versatility;
• Multicomponent plant and mineral composition;
• No divorces;
• Shine, whitening of dishes;
• No fragrance;
• Hypoallergenic, safe.

Flaws

• Unreliable cardboard packaging;
• Price.

For a standard dishwasher cycle, 20 g of powder is enough, which guarantees economical consumption. Users have no complaints about the cleanliness of the dishes. The safe composition does not contradict the use of Lotta by pregnant women and families with small children.

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The best rinse aids for your dishwasher

Initially, many buyers underestimated the importance of rinse aids for dishwashers. In fact, such a substance helps protect dishes from stains, giving them newness and shine. Concentrated detergents need to be removed as much as possible from the surface of cutlery at the end of the wash. The rinse aid protects against aggressive influences and eliminates chemical residues. The rating includes high-quality branded products with optimal characteristics and prices.

Topper

This product will help completely remove chemical residues and odors from the surface of the dishes. The composition also guarantees protection against streaks, stains, and a faster drying process. This in turn promises energy savings during operation of the device. Topperr has a pleasant, unobtrusive scent, and one package contains 500 ml of rinse aid. The main purpose prescribed by the manufacturer is to combat greasy film, stains, smudges, and protect the device from scale and rust.

Advantages

• No chemical smell;
• Multifunctionality;
• Machine protection;
• Minimum consumption;
• Inexpensive price tag.

Flaws

• Modest bottle volume;
• Inconvenient dispenser.

Compared to many rinse aids, the efficiency of cleaning, protecting dishes from stains and darkening is much higher. One bottle is enough for approximately 250-300 cycles with a small volume, which confirms the cost-effectiveness. Some buyers complain about the inconvenient dispenser, which is why pouring takes some getting used to.

Paclan Brileo

The world-famous CeDo brand offers high-quality, easy-to-use and environmentally friendly detergents, among which Paclan rinse aid received the highest praise. Its effective formula contains non-ionic active-surfactants, preservatives, as well as a component with antibacterial biocidal activity. Regular use will protect the device from scale and deposits, completely remove detergent residues, stains, and greasy shine from cutlery, giving them shine and newness.

Advantages

• Unobtrusive smell;
• Antibacterial action;
• Versatility;
• Unique formula;
• Inexpensive price tag;
• Convenient bottle shape.

Flaws

• Far from being the safest composition;
• Need for dose adjustment.

Users most often approve of how shiny and clean their dishes come out of the sink. Since the composition contains preservatives and non-ionic surfactants, some buyers are wary of this.

If you are prone to allergies, it is better to include an additional rinse to ensure that all the ingredients are removed from the dishes. In case of overdose, excess can damage the device and cause harm to health.

Composition of dishwasher detergents

When purchasing products for PMM, you should take into account that an environmentally friendly product will cost 2–3 times more than its analogues. And the consumption of such a product will be higher due to low efficiency, because products made from natural ingredients have a moderate composition. Therefore, when purchasing chemical products, you need to pay attention to their composition. The main components of household chemicals for the dishwasher and their characteristics:

1. E1101. Harmless, used for the production of detergents, previously used for the production of food additives;
2. E110. In small quantities it does not pose a health hazard; it was previously used for the manufacture of food additives;
3. Chlorine. This is a harmful component, but in small quantities its danger is minimal;
4. Tensides. May cause minimal harm to health. Used in many detergent formulations, including toilet soap;
5. Phosphates. They have a negative effect, disrupt the acid-base balance, cause dermatitis and allergic reactions, and provoke microinflammations. In small quantities the harm is minimal. Used in the production of detergents, carbonated drinks, canned food and sausages.

When purchasing chemical products, you need to pay attention to their composition.

The best gels for the dishwasher

If we consider dishwasher gels, we must take into account that they only affect cutlery, but do not protect the machine from scale, plaque, or corrosion. But they do an excellent job with even the most difficult stains, without having aggressive destructive elements in the formula. Some modern gels include water softening agents and anti-scale components. The most popular and in-demand products are included in the current rating.

Finish All in 1 gel

One of the most popular products is Finish Gel for dishwashers from a German manufacturer. The main purpose is to combat fat of varying degrees. The instant formula allows for short cycles even with cold water. The universal product is supplemented with all the necessary components to prevent glass corrosion. After washing there are no streaks, unpleasant or strong odors left. A convenient bottle allows you to correctly dose the gel depending on the volume of the dishes. Finish tablets for dishwashers are also produced under this name and are trusted by millions of customers around the world.

Advantages

• Availability;
• Protection of glass surfaces;
• Prevent scratches;
• Ergonomic consistency;
• Good results with short programs;
• Fight fat.

Flaws

• Doesn't always cope with tea stains;
• Price.

Judging by the reviews, one package of concentrated gel is enough for about 24 procedures. The finish performed well in the fight against grease even in a quick wash with cool water. But he doesn’t always manage to deal with tea stains the first time. And not every housewife benefits from such an expensive purchase.

Lion Charm gel

A well-known Japanese manufacturer, famous all over the world for its original household chemicals, has proposed an effective gel-like liquid with the effect of quickly washing away any stains. Successful removal of stains can be observed even without pre-soaking; in addition, the composition suppresses any unpleasant odors on the surface of dishes and machines. The composition contains salt to soften the water, as well as a rinse aid to give a dazzling shine. At the same time, the gentle formula carefully protects fragile dishes and effectively dissolves fatty deposits. At the end you can get an excellent result with a pleasant citrus aroma.

Advantages

• Complete removal from devices;
• Efficient even with fast washing;
• Washing complex contaminants;
• Fighting foreign odors;
• Ergonomic packaging;
• Inexpensive price tag;
• Reducing water hardness.

Flaws

• Not available for sale everywhere;
• Liquid consistency that may leak from the compartment.

There are not many reviews about this product due to the fact that it is not often found on store shelves in Russia. Those who have tried it first-hand praise the large bottle volume of 840 ml and economical consumption. The gel can be fully used after 130-140 procedures. But it is important to get used to the liquid consistency, as it can flow out of the machine compartment in case of pre-washing.

What dishes should not be washed in the dishwasher?

Almost all classic tableware can be washed in the dishwasher (stainless steel, glass, ceramic). These materials are not afraid of either high temperatures or aggressive household chemicals.

If you have doubts about a particular dishwasher, you should pay attention to the symbol that allows the use of a dishwasher.

It looks like this:

The icon may not appear on all products. You need to remember which dishes definitely cannot be washed in the dishwasher:

• containing glue;
• wooden;
• antique;
• expensive, decorated with mother-of-pearl and gilding;
• cast iron;
• aluminum;
• from noble metals - silver and gold.

Tree

First of all, a strict restriction concerns wooden utensils. Prolonged exposure to water and high temperatures lead to deformation of the wood. Chemicals are absorbed into the fibers and make the dishes unsafe for health.

If you accidentally put a wooden product in the dishwasher, you can say goodbye to it forever.

The following cannot be washed in the car:

• bamboo plates;
• wooden spatulas;
• cutting boards;
• any dishes with wooden elements (handles, holders).

Plastic

You can wash plastic food containers, various lids, bowls, and glasses in the dishwasher. The dishes are not damaged if the following conditions are met:

The plastic must be heat resistant.

Look for the icon on the bottom and evaluate the thickness of the walls. Typically, manufacturers also indicate the temperature at which dishes can be washed. Do not load the machine with thin plastic, which is easily deformed when pressed with a finger.

Advice. Secure plastic dishes with clips to prevent them from “walking” around the chamber while washing.

Remember that plastic is very light. To prevent it from deforming due to high temperature, use the top tray for loading. It is located at a sufficient distance from the heating element.

Porcelain

Both porcelain and earthenware wash well in the dishwasher. You could say they were made for each other. After washing, the plates become bright and shiny. Yellowness and plaque goes away. But there are some restrictions:

Porcelain dishes with a pattern applied without glaze should be washed with gentle products without chlorine in a delicate mode.

Crystal

There is a risk that luxury crystal items will tarnish after being washed in the dishwasher. Micro-scratches may remain on the walls from abrasive particles in the detergent. It is correct to wash crystal by hand at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. If your machine has a delicate mode, you can use it.

Noble and base metals

Using a dishwasher is much more convenient than washing dishes by hand. Especially one that has old ingrained plaque and hard-to-reach recesses. Don’t give in to the temptation to wash your items quickly and efficiently.

The dishwasher can wash away the niello and gold along with the dirt. Silver appliances will take on the appearance of cheap aluminum.

The ban applies to base metals:

• tin;
• lead;
• aluminum;
• copper;
• cast iron.

Cauldrons, duck pots, and frying pans made of these materials darken and lose their shine when washed in the dishwasher. The top layer of cast iron deteriorates.

You can safely wash stainless steel and nickel silver appliances if they do not have glued parts or wooden handles.

Other

A detailed list of what cannot be washed in the dishwasher can be found in the instruction book. It is especially important to remember:

1. Small objects may fall through the basket bars. Properly wash them in a resealable container.
2. Teflon-coated pans and molds should not be placed in the dishwasher. Aggressive chemistry and high temperature will most likely lead to the destruction of the top layer. There are exceptions. Some manufacturers allow machine washing of Teflon frying pans in a delicate mode. Examine the icons on the bottom.
3. Clay pots can be washed in the dishwasher only if the clay is fired and covered with glaze.

The best capsules for the dishwasher

The most convenient form is capsules that do not require dosage determination. On top they are covered with a water-soluble shell, which allows you to quickly activate all components for cleaning and care. Inside there can be either a powder in a solid free-flowing state or a gel-like consistency. After analyzing customer reviews, expert assessments, and modern products on the market, the best nominee in this category was included in the rating.

Fairy Platinum All in 1

One of the most effective products is Fairy dishwasher capsules. Inside the water-soluble shell there is a highly concentrated gel that can quickly break down the most difficult stains and volumes of fat. The unique formula is supplemented with a special rinse aid, which gives sparkling shine and newness to accessories. Salt will reduce water hardness, protecting the device from scale, plaque, and corrosion. The versatility of the capsules allows you to use them independently without additional products. Each time before the start of the cycle, one capsule is placed in the machine compartment, once inside, the shell completely dissolves.

Advantages

• Thoughtful formula;
• Versatility;
• Ease of use;
• Highly effective fat removal;
• Rinse;
• Dishwasher protection.

Flaws

• Pronounced perfume scent;
• Large capsule size that does not fit into the compartment.

These capsules received the maximum number of positive reviews. Unlike other similar products, Fairy is distinguished by its increased effectiveness in removing serious contaminants. The downside is that a large pillow with filling does not always fit into the compartment, so it can be placed in the compartment for spoons/forks. And the fragrance here is powerful, which cannot be considered an indicator of the safety of the composition.

Which dishwasher detergent is best to buy?

From all the categories presented, it is difficult to choose which option is needed, but a description of the characteristics of each manufacturer, nominee, its pros and cons significantly narrows the search. After conducting a comparative analysis, based on real user reviews, we can draw the following conclusions from the top list:

• Excellent cleaning of dishes made of any material – Clean&Fresh All in 1;
• The safest, well-thought-out composition – BioMio Bio-total;
• Optimal price-quality ratio – Bravix;
• The most effective remedy for grease and old stains is Finish All in 1 gel;
• An excellent budget option is Somat All in 1;
• The most convenient format is Fairy Platinum All in 1.

Most of the products presented have a similar composition, and therefore a similar principle of action. The choice is made based on the degree of safety, hypoallergenicity, consumption, and the absence of aggressive chemical elements. If there are children in the family, it is important to choose a hypoallergenic composition.