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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List of requirements for detergents
Despite the extensive range of household chemicals in domestic stores, it is not so easy to choose the best dishwasher detergent that will be the most effective.
Quality dishwasher detergents must meet the following criteria:
- Minimal foaming;
- Anti-corrosion properties;
- Easy to wash off;
- Increased cleaning properties.
All requirements boil down to the fact that they must be effective, balanced and safe.
All requirements boil down to the fact that they must be effective, balanced and safe.
High-quality compositions must have not only excellent washing and rinsing properties, but also prevent the retention of liquid on the surface, which will affect the drying of dishes.
Not all detergent compositions for dishwashers are suitable for washing silverware or Chinese porcelain, for this reason it is worth paying attention to the packaging, which indicates the composition of the product.
High-quality compositions should not only have excellent washing and rinsing properties, but also prevent the retention of liquid on the surface, which will affect the drying of dishes.
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.
What products are needed for high-quality operation of the dishwasher?
The modern market of detergents intended for dishwashers pleases with its variety, but which one should you choose so that the price is affordable and the dishes are washed well? Currently there are 5 types of detergents:
- Powdered product. The most popular option. However, this dishwasher detergent has its drawbacks, for example, when using it, you will have to calculate the dosage taking into account the volume of the dishes, otherwise the powder may not dissolve well or not be washed off. On average, one load of dishes requires 30 g of powder. There is a risk of spilling powder or scratching the dishes. Experts recommend using Somat powder; Powdered product is the most popular option.
- Pills. With the help of this universal product, washing dishes is greatly simplified, because they are dosed. The tablets contain not only detergent components, but also conditioner, as well as protective compounds that protect against scale. But sometimes, with an accelerated mode, the tablets do not completely dissolve, and it becomes more expensive to use the tablets. The most suitable in terms of price-quality are Fairy, all in one and Iherb tablets with basil aroma;
The tablets contain not only detergent components, but also conditioner, as well as protective compounds that protect against scale. - Helium compounds. Gel is the most convenient, economical and safe preparation for washing equipment and dishes. Since the special liquid does not contain abrasives, it will not harm porcelain and silver. A high-quality concentrate will remove dried dirt and completely dissolve even in fast mode. The washed dishes will sparkle clean because they contain substances? water softeners that prevent streaks. According to experts? the best are PROSEPT Splash Hard and PROSEPT SplashLime;
Gel is the most convenient, economical and safe preparation for washing equipment and dishes. - Universal means. This dishwasher detergent is a unique product that contains 3-5 components in addition to the detergent itself, a water softener, rinse aid, and fragrance. The best of which is Fairy Platinum Lemon in capsule form;
A dishwasher capsule is a unique product that contains 3-5 components in addition to the detergent itself. - Eco-products. These compositions are distinguished by the absence of toxins and various chemicals in the form of fragrances; they are completely washable and hypoallergenic, for example, BIO-TOTAL 7-in-1 BIOMio tablets.
Eco-products are distinguished by the absence of toxins and various chemicals in the form of fragrances.
In addition to dishwashing compounds, the dishwasher will need additional preparations in the form of water softeners, cleaners and fresheners. They are necessary for high-quality washing and long-term operation of equipment. Among the cleaners we can highlight Finish d/DW 250 ml. The best rinse aid for housewives is called Topperr.
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.
What other products are needed for the dishwasher?
In addition to dishwashing detergents, you need to use others that will help you keep your machine in working condition longer.
What kind of means are these?
- Rinse aid.
Rinse aid is needed to completely remove detergent residues not only from the dishes (otherwise there will be stains on them), but also from the inner surface of the machine itself. It will also help get rid of food contaminants that could remain in hard-to-reach places of this household appliance. The rinse aid itself is completely washed off with water. - Regenerating salt.
This product is necessary to soften tap water. Neglecting this component can threaten not only the appearance of limescale stains on the dishes, but also scale inside the machine, which will shorten its service life. Salts also help to better deal with heavy stains.
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.
Selecting programs to work with
Just like when washing in a washing machine, the program is of utmost importance in a dishwasher. When choosing it, they are guided by the following criteria:
- degree of contamination of dishes;
- delicacy of materials;
- amount of free time;
- expected effect.
For example, intensive washing can not only remove stubborn dirt, but also whiten white plates and disinfect dishes from all types of germs. But the cycle will last a long time. If you need to quickly wash the plates for dinner, it is better to select “Quick Wash”.
The following table will help you figure out how to use different dishwasher programs:
Please note that the consumption of water and electricity differs in different modes.
Most dishwashers have the same programs. The names may be different, but the washing parameters are not much different.
How to use a Bosch dishwasher:
Soak
Used when dishes are heavily soiled:
- when the plates were dirty for a long time;
- the food remains have dried out;
- There were large sticky marks left, dough, a layer of fat.
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Pre-soaking significantly increases the efficiency of cleaning dishes.
It is worth noting that this program is not a panacea. It is better to soak dried buckwheat (a champion for marks on dishes) in the usual way in the sink.
Intensive wash
One of the longest programs. It is used primarily for washing frying pans, pots, and baking trays.
The dishwasher washes dishes at extremely high temperatures.
You need to be careful when loading the camera. Some materials may be damaged (eg plastic).
Standard mode
This program is used most often. Washing in the standard mode is suitable for different dishes. You can load plates after meals, cups, cutlery, and not too dirty pots into the basket.
The standard mode gives good results with optimal consumption of water and electricity.
Economical washing
The program is designed for washing moderately soiled dishes. During the cycle, a minimal amount of water and electricity is used. Economy mode helps to significantly save money – 20%. But not the time. The ECO wash lasts more than 3 hours.
Quick wash
Typically, a dishwasher washes dishes for a long time and thoroughly, and then dries them. A complete cleansing lasts, on average, 2 hours. Sometimes the family can't wait that long. The quick wash mode allows you to significantly speed up the process.
Dishes are washed in 30-50 minutes on average.
In this case, the drying in most models does not turn on, and the water heats up to 35-40 degrees. The program is suitable for cleaning light stains.
Delicate wash
Manufacturers of dishwashers Hotpoint Ariston, Bosch, and many others have a program designed for washing crystal, glass, and porcelain. You can wash plastic in delicate mode. The water is heated to slightly hot - 45 degrees. This is not enough to clean stubborn stains. It is better to wash very dirty dishes in the sink first.
Additional functions
Every year more and more new functions appear in dishwashers. Those who are new to technology can easily get confused. Let's clarify some points:
- Half load. Designed for washing a small amount of dishes in the top tray. During the cycle, only one sprayer works - the top one. The consumption of water, electricity and detergent is reduced by 15%, and the cycle time is reduced by 15-20 minutes.
- Self-cleaning. This function is available in all modern dishwashers (Ariston, Hansa, Electrolux). It is run once every 1-3 months to clean the machine itself. No rinse aid is added, only detergent or a special cleaner. During cleaning, the chamber must be empty, without dishes.
- Air dry. Allows you to speed up the drying of dishes and prevents them from “suffocating” when stored in the chamber. After the cycle ends, the door opens automatically. Steam escapes through a small hole and natural ventilation is provided.
The more expensive the dishwasher model, the more different functions it can perform. For example, wash dishes in “night mode” (very quietly), sterilize them with steam, and much more.
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.