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Looking for the perfect dishwasher detergent? In our review, we will talk about Somat powder for dishwashers. This brand is gaining popularity, although it cannot be compared with Finish yet. What is the peculiarity of Somat detergents, where they are produced, what they are and whether they are worth buying, you will learn in the article.
History of the Somat brand
The founder of this brand is Henkel. In 1962, the first dishwasher powder was released.
In 1989, the first tablets were released, followed by a 2-in-1 detergent that included rinse aid. In 2013, Micro-Active technology was introduced: the elements penetrate starch-containing contaminants and effectively break them down.
Many users leave negative reviews about the Somat tool. It is believed that it contains a lot of chemicals and does not completely cope with pollution. The advantage is the low cost of production.
Let’s deal with the components that Somat products contain.
Ingredients of dishwasher detergent
Firm “Henkel” produces two types of powder, similar in composition.
Somat Standard with soda effect. Packaging – 2,5 kg. Composed of:
- phosphates (15-30%). We already wrote about the harmfulness of this component in the article “Dishwasher safe“. Again, the use of phosphates was banned in other countries more than 15 years ago. When they enter water bodies, they lead to the development of algae, the deterioration of drinking water. In large doses lead to poisoning.
The manufacturer will say: “So what? The powder is perfectly washed off the surface, so it does not harm the body. The problem is that it is not easy to wash off the product. To do this, rinse the dishes under running water for at least 15 seconds.
- Oxygen bleach (5-15%). The basis of bleach is sodium percarbonate. It breaks down in water into soda and oxygen, which dissolve impurities. The component itself is not dangerous, but the manufacturer does not indicate the specific elements that may be hidden behind the name “oxygen bleach”.
- Nonionic surfactants (5%) are not dangerous in and of themselves. Only they are often replaced by anionic surfactants, which are aggressive to the human body, cause allergies, and reduce immunity.
- Enzymes. Increase the washing power of the powder.
- Odor. It gives the granules a special aroma, it is needed to eliminate unpleasant odors in the PMM chamber. The saturation of the fragrance is of great importance for allergy sufferers. Pay attention to the packaging: if there is a “Fresh” mark, this is the most pungent smell. Lemon and citrus – moderate aroma; apple flavors are considered the lightest, as well as with aloe extract.
- sodium citrate. Softens water, to some extent replaces phosphates to enhance the action of surfactants.
Somat Classic powder with soda effect is safer. It contains the following substances:
- Oxygen bleach (5-15%).
- Nonionic surfactants (less than 5%).
- Polycarboxylate. Organic polymers dissolve in water. Environmentally friendly component.
- Phosphonates. A marketing ploy that hides phosphates in the composition. The effect of phosphonates on the body and the environment is no different from them.
Dealt with the composition. Now let’s study the manufacturer’s promises and consumer reviews about each product.
Overview of powders “Somat”
What are the characteristics of detergents?
Somat with soda effect (Standard)
Tackles tough, dry dirt. Provides shine to dishes without streaks. In addition, it is recommended to use rinse aid and salt (which salt to choosesee separate article). Produced in a bottle with a dispenser. Volume – 2,5 kg.
The cost is from 600 rubles.
Sofia
I chose “Somat” because of the convenient packaging and affordable cost. Products “Finish” is much more expensive, but the effect is the same. A very convenient dispenser, thanks to which the granules do not crumble and do not generate dust:
It takes a long time. I managed to stretch it out for 5 months. The powder itself has a chemical smell, but after washing from the dishes, the aroma is not felt. It washes off ordinary dirt well, but it can’t cope with a raid from broth, tea, and dried areas.
It dissolves well, there are no sticky deposits, streaks and white marks on the plates. It is important to choose the right mode here. If you put on short cycles, then the granules will not have time to dissolve and stains will remain on the plates.
Somat Classic with soda effect
According to the manufacturer, this is a phosphate-free product (although it contains phosphonates). Thanks to the enhanced action of citric acid, it cleans surfaces from tea and coffee deposits. It is also recommended to add salt and rinse aid.
There are packages of 2,5 and 3 kg. The price of a package of 2,5 kg is from 600 rubles.
Catherine
After buying a dishwasher for the kitchen, I tried a bunch of products. So far, Somat powder is the most suitable choice for me. Compared to tablets, it dissolves faster and rinses out well without leaving streaks. It does not always remove burnt-on dirt, but this does not matter, because I also noticed this before. Otherwise, the dishes are sparkling clean.
The bottle makes it easy to dose. Sometimes I rash less than indicated in the instructions. Still, the result is good. Therefore, I recommend it to everyone!
Dosage of Somat
We are often asked how to calculate the dosage of the drug. First, the dosage is written on the package. If the packaging is not preserved, we give the dosage for the Somat powder product:
- Light soiling: 30 grams.
- Normal or heavy soiling: 45 grams.
The only problem is that often there is no dispenser dash on the cork (depending on the country of production and batch), so measuring the right dose can be difficult. Then you will have to arm yourself with spoons to measure the desired weight and put a dash on the cap.
On a note! After using the spoon, rinse thoroughly several times. It is best to use disposable spoons.
So, in one teaspoon there are about 5 grams of powder (washing or for PMM). A tablespoon holds 25 grams. Measure out 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of the product, pour it into the cap and draw a dash with a permanent marker – this will be 30 grams for light dirt. To measure 45 grams, you can take 1 full and 1 incomplete tablespoon. Or 1 tablespoon and 4 teaspoons. Remember? Now there will be no problems with measuring the required dose of the remedy!
How to deal with the gel? So, for example, a measuring cup is not included with SOMAT Anti-Fat Gel Gold (GOLD), especially if you take an economical option – a ZIP package.
In this case, it will be very inconvenient to use spoons – get a measuring cup and use the gel in this dosage:
- Light soiling: 20 milliliters.
- Normal or heavy soiling: 30 milliliters.
How to choose a safe powder
- Study the labels on the packaging. Look at the expiration date of the product.
- Be sure to read the ingredients. The packaging may say “No Phosphates”, in fact phosphonates are added. If there is no information about the composition at all, it is not safe to use it.
- It is desirable that the contents do not have a pronounced smell, especially chemical.
- Optionally, you can make your own detergents.
It’s up to you which dish powder to choose. The main thing is that he does not harm his health and copes with the tasks assigned to him.