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Even the most expensive dishwasher with a wide range of functions will be ineffective without detergent. Therefore, a dishwasher needs a powder that qualitatively removes even difficult dirt. How to choose it? Our review will help you understand the differences, pros and cons of popular brands, find out which is better.
Composition of dishwashing powder
What components are included in the dishwashing detergent, are they harmful to the human body and the environment? We list the substances that are found in each powder:
- sodium citrate. A preservative that serves to disinfect.
- sodium percarbonate. Whitens and protects against germs.
- Surfactants (surfactants). They help break down fat, protein, coffee and tea deposits, and other contaminants from the surface of dishes.
- Soda. Helps soften water in the same way as acetic acid (ethylenediaminetetra). Regulates acidity.
- Isooctylglucoside. Substance of plant origin, serves as a rinse aid.
- Subtilisin. Breaks down proteins.
- sodium gluconate. Softens hard water.
- Phosphates. They also have a softening effect. However, in Europe for more than 10 years there has been a ban on their use. Phosphates adversely affect the human body and the environment.
A phosphate-free alternative can be an environmentally friendly or handmade detergent.
How to use the powder
Where and how much detergent to pour into the dishwasher? Look at the packaging: depending on the manufacturer, the dose is a little more or less. Many manufacturers put a measuring spoon or cup in the package.
It is not recommended to exceed the dosage indicated on the box. Then the particles are poorly washed out, remain on the dishes or form a lot of foam, which can lead to leakage.
Every dishwasher has a dispenser on the door. Open it and pour the granules into a special compartment. If you are using the half load mode, cut the dosage in half.
Be sure to find out in advance whether the powder is suitable for a particular dish. Abrasive particles can damage delicate products: crystal, porcelain.
Which is better: tablets or powder
Advantages of bulk products:
- Affordable.
- The best solubility.
- Profitability, the possibility of dosing.
Cons:
- It is not always convenient to pour granules into the PMM compartment.
- Substances are dusty and volatile, affect the respiratory tract.
- Be sure to use salt and rinse aid.
Many users have switched to using detergent tablets. Let’s take a closer look at their benefits:
- Tablets do not need to be dosed. It is enough to lay one in the compartment and start the sink.
- Nothing else needs to be added. According to manufacturers, the compressed components replace salt and rinse aid.
Be careful! Salt in the composition of the detergent allows you to remove stains from the dishes and soften the water, but does not protect the details of the equipment from scale. Experts recommend always pouring salt into the ion exchanger tank.
- Dissolve quickly in water.
Cons:
- High price.
- There is no possibility of dosing even at half load.
Rating funds for PMM
To make it easier for you to choose, we have reviewed popular dishwasher powders, as well as learned user reviews. Which brand do you prefer?
Finish
It is recommended to take when buying a car. Active advertising affects many buyers, they find “Finish” effective and economical. The bottle holds 2,5 kg, has a convenient dispenser.
The manufacturer promises:
- Removal of burnt fat.
- The incoming StainSoaker component copes with dried flakes, porridges without soaking.
- Removal of plaque from tea and coffee, traces of lipstick.
- Shine and shine of glass.
- Can be used for plastic, ceramic, metal utensils.
The cost of a bottle of 2,5 kg – from 600 rubles.
Daria
I decided to change the detergent and try the famous “Finish”. I immediately opted for tablets, but my attention was attracted by a huge canister of powder, and even at a discount. When I brought the bottle home, I found a convenient spout for falling asleep:
The first wash was unsuccessful, all the dishes were soapy, the product was not washed well. The next time I put a long cycle, lowered the dosage. I was pleased with the result, but I noticed that Finish is aggressive towards the patterns on the dishes, scratches remain.
After reading the contents on the label, I was not happy: bleach, phosphonates, surfactants. But it’s household chemicals. Economical consumption: a 2,5 kg canister was enough for 4 months of use.
There is an alternative to the usual “Finish” – this is an eco-friendly product made in Japan by Finish Powder. Its price is from 600 rubles for 800 g. Does not contain phosphates.
Somat
Inexpensive Somat powder, according to users, is less effective. However, the manufacturer claims that the tool removes complex and dried dirt. The effect of soda prevents streaks and plaque, provides shine and shine to appliances. Washes out well.
Ingredients: bleach, phosphonates (15-30%, which is many times higher than the norm), surfactants, enzymes.
The price of a bottle of 2,5 kg is from 500 rubles.
Olga
I was attracted by the bright Somat bottle and the ergonomic handle. I used to try “Finish”, but it’s expensive, and Somat is cheaper, especially on sale. The dispenser at the bottle is very convenient, you definitely won’t wake up by:
The packaging says that it lasts for 83 washes, but I had enough for longer. For example, shorter cycles require a lower dosage. I was pleased with the result, the dishes were washed well, without streaks.
An important point is the absence of smell after washing. I think that plates should not smell like a freshener. I will always use Somat from now on.
Clear
Austrian made product. Can be used in any dishwasher, provides a triple blow to dirt:
- Green granules cope with stubborn and dried food residues.
- White contain active oxygen, provide cleaning.
- Blue ones prevent limescale settling.
The composition, despite the place of production, is very similar to the previous version: phosphonates from 15 to 30%, bleach, polycarboxylate 5%.
A 2,5 kg package costs from 600 rubles.
Nastya
When buying a dishwasher, the seller advised me to buy 3-in-1 tablets. I tried, but in the end I stopped taking it, because the price bites. A friend at work suggested trying Claro. I can say that Claro is very economically spent. There is a measuring spoon:
With my compact model (6 sets) it was enough for 200 washes! I install only standard long-term programs, it launders well. Only on glass devices stains appear. But after adding rinse aid, the dishes sparkle. Satisfied, I will buy.
Paclan Brileo
“Paklan Brileo” Belgian production contains enzymes that allow you to cope with a strong plaque. Contains amylase – helps to wash potatoes and cereals, protease – breaks down protein products.
The cost of a package of 2,5 kg is from 400 rubles.
Marina
Initially I wanted to buy “Finish”, but mixed up the bottles (they are similar) and took “Paklan”. I had to use. Surprisingly, the result was excellent. The most problematic items were washed. Here is the porridge bucket:
The jar itself has a convenient handle and a folding spout for dosing:
Pleased that the contents are odorless. I fall asleep a full compartment, while 1 kg was enough for me for three months. Mega economical! In addition, it is much cheaper than many well-known brands.
YPLON
Has an antibacterial effect. Cleans from soot, vegetable and animal fats. Can be used for automatic dishwashers. Adds shine and brilliance to appliances.
A bottle of 3 kg costs from 900 rubles.
Alina
I was amused by the packaging, which is twice the contents. In general, Yplon does its job well. Even pans after burnt porridge washes. Three kilograms is enough for six months of use with daily loading. Be sure to add rinse aid, otherwise stains will remain on the glass. Cheap and cheerful.
Zool
The concentrated structure of the German production. Does not contain chlorine, can be used for silver with a delicate program. Contains enzymes to eliminate protein particles, dried food residues. Hypoallergenic.
Price – from 300 rubles for 750 g.
Lesya
My new dishwasher purchase is Zool. The granules look the same as usual: white and blue. Cardboard packaging without a dispenser, so pouring is inconvenient. In general, the devices are qualitatively washed. I also use salt and rinse, the combined effect leads to a positive result.
Sodasan and Ecover
They are environmentally friendly products that do not contain phosphates. The action is identical, the components are slightly different:
- “Sodasan” contains 15-30% silicates, 5-15% sodium percarbonate, 5% surfactant, alcohol sulfate.
- “Ecover”: oxygen bleach 15-30%, surfactant 5%, enzymes, sodium citrate, sorbitol.
For a pack of Sodasan 2 kg, you will have to pay from 1000 rubles, for Ecover 1,36 kg – from 800 rubles.
Users note the environmentally friendly composition of Sodasan and Ecover, but they complain that they do not cope well with persistent pollution. A white coating remains on the surface of plates and spoons, which disappears when rinse aid is used.
Fight 6-в-1
The concentrate performs six functions simultaneously:
- washes;
- rinses;
- protects against corrosion;
- gives shine;
- protects against scale (contains salt);
- breaks down proteins (using enzymes).
The packaging says that the powder “Lotta” is created on a mineral and vegetable basis. And yet, the incoming compounds are not encouraging: phosphates, phosphonates, bleaches, surfactants and other additives.
The cost of the Italian remedy 1,2 kg – from 200 rubles.
Karina
I use Lotta for the first time, in a crisis the price came up. Filling up the contents is not very convenient, since the packaging is cardboard, it opens on the side:
Often a large dose is taken. In general, enough for 60 cycles. I often run without rinse aid, but always with salt, the water in the region is hard. The plates are always clean, there is no smell from the chamber. An excellent replacement for pills if you don’t have enough money.
Top House
The formula with active oxygen copes with strong soot, protects glass products, giving them shine, and prevents the appearance of scale. With antibacterial effect.
A bottle of 1 kg will cost 400 rubles.
Tamara
Top House, though expensive, is spent economically. Washes the appliances well, no plaque remains. Only the abundance of “chemistry” upsets: more than 30% of phosphates. This is more than other manufacturers. It is produced in a convenient package with a handle, although there is no dispenser, so it is difficult to navigate with the volume. The lid has child protection, which is especially important for me.
Five Plus
Similar in composition to Top House, only slightly less phosphates – 15%. Suitable for cleaning pots, pans and other utensils.
The price for 1250 g is from 200 rubles.
Alain
Five Plus has become my favorite tool. It even washed the burnt areas that the “Finish” could not cope with, and the price is lower. Even outwardly, the bottles are similar, probably, the manufacturer wanted “5+” to be associated with Finish. But now I will buy only Five Plus.
KAO Citric Acid Effect
Powder made in Japan. Effectively breaks down dirt, preventing it from settling on the surface. Not suitable for fragile items. Produced in a small plastic box with a volume of 680 g. The cost is high – from 800 rubles.
Svetlana
I respect Japanese products, so I bought Citric Acid Effect (KAO). Of course, I was embarrassed by the high price of just 680 g, but I already know that the Japanese offer only good goods.
We were also pleased with the components: only 3% surfactant, carbonate, water softener – nothing dangerous. The tray comes with a spoon.
It is used very economically. It does not remove strong burns, but softens them so much that it is easy to remove with a brush. Glassware is sparkling clean. Enough KAO for 113 cycles.
Photo 29
Amway
This concentrate contains double enzymes, so it penetrates deeply and breaks down various impurities. Contains 5% surfactant, 5-15% oxygen bleach, polycarboxylates.
The cost of 1,4 kg – from 800 rubles.
Yana
I liked Amway in general, only the packaging is terrible. Take it with damp hands, it will immediately get wet. Have to spill. Consumed in the same way as indicated on the package. The photo shows an excellent result.
Available powders of domestic production
Noticing a cheap product on the store shelf, and even Russian-made, most buyers bypass it, choose foreign brands. Is this attitude fair? Consider domestic powders. Let’s start with the cheapest and move on to the expensive ones:
- Channel. Contains biological enzymes and active ingredients. Copes with the functions of detergent, rinse aid, protects against scale. A pack of 600 g costs from 90 rubles. Consumers were satisfied with the quality of washing.
- Tyron. Standard chemical composition, polyethylene pack. For 1 kg you will pay from 90 rubles. It is inconvenient to use and fall asleep Tyron, but the result pleased users:
- Sanit. Removes fatty and protein residues, plaque from tea. Copes with dried food, disinfects and eliminates unpleasant odors. The price of a pack of 1 kg is from 120 rubles. Judging by the reviews, it copes with soot, does not leave a white coating.
- “Cinderella”. The reviews convince us that Cinderella copes with pollution with a C grade. You have to fill up a full compartment, so you won’t be able to save. It is noted that the content of phosphates here is lower (5-15%) than that of other brands. A pack of 1000 g – from 100 rubles.
- “Eonite” praised by users and recommended for purchase. In the cardboard box there is a measuring spoon, which is convenient to dose the granules. For 1,3 kg you need to pay from 300 rubles.
How to replace household chemicals? The best way is homemade powder. How to do it, you can read in the publication “Do-it-yourself dishwasher products“. What does this give you:
- Savings. The cost of ingredients is low.
- Environmental friendliness. Soda, peroxide, citric acid are mainly used. Without chemical additives.
It is important to use homemade products correctly, otherwise you can harm the dishwasher. Of course, this option is not as effective as store-bought products.
No need to pour washing powder into the dishwasher, as some users advise. This can end badly for your dishes.
Which composition is better – environmentally friendly or chemical – is up to you. Everywhere there are advantages and disadvantages: for example, reduced efficiency, but safety for health and the environment. The choice is yours.