What is better for the dishwasher - powder or tablets? Comparative review of cleaning products

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

We will talk about the difference between tablet and powder preparations. In the article we propose, 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.

Dishwasher preparations

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

Having chosen the form of release as a criterion, we can distinguish the following types:

• gel-like;
• powdery;
• tableted.

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

Initially, dishwasher detergents were only available in powder form, but tablets were later developed. Relatively recently, capsules for washing appliances have also appeared on the market.

Today, the most commonly used are powders and tablets, which will be discussed below.

Powdered dishwashing detergents

Such products are a loose mixture, homogeneous or containing different types of granules. It is based on surfactants (surfactants) used to break down food debris.

May include:

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

To improve the quality of washing, phosphates or chlorine are added. Additional components also include tensides that make it easier to wash off food residues in hard water; lipase, which dissolves fatty stains; protease, which serves to decompose organic protein residues.

Surfactants and other active additives are added to dishwashing mixtures in microscopic quantities. They are not harmful to healthy people, but in people with allergies they can cause itching, skin rashes and other reactions.

It is important to note that using cleaning powder alone to clean kitchen appliances in the dishwasher is clearly not enough. It must be supplemented softening salt and conditioner-rinse aid, which are added separately.

The first product 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 the devices.

Bulk formulations have long gained popularity among buyers. Their important advantage powdered formulations considered low cost.Even if we take into account that the powder can only be used 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 flow 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 taken to the SES laboratory. If you are only interested in hardness, it is better to use the test strips provided by the dishwasher manufacturer.

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

Powdered products dissolve quickly, making them suitable for short-term instrument processing. In addition, they are compatible with almost all modifications of units. The powder is easy to dose: when choosing the partial load mode, it will not be difficult to pour a smaller amount of the mixture into the compartment.

If the balance of detergent, softener and salt is incorrect, rainbow stains may remain on the surface of 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 disadvantages of such funds should be noted:

• When loading powder into the tray, it can accidentally spill, which increases consumption.
• During backfilling, particles of the mixture can enter the air, as well as onto the skin and respiratory tract of a person, which contributes to the occurrence of allergic reactions.
• Products, especially those poured into cardboard boxes, require careful storage.They can wake up, and with high humidity in the room, they can cake and lose some of their properties.
• When using powdered formulations, it is important to pay attention to the recommended dosage. Adding more will create excess foam in the machine, which can lead to leaks and breakdowns.

In an attempt to overcome these disadvantages, manufacturers have come up with other forms of detergents.

Tablet 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 “3 in 1” tablets, which combine a cleaning component, rinse aid, and softening salt.

Dishwashers have special compartments for salt/powder/rinse aid, as well as a separate container for complex tablets

A popular option are “5 in 1” tablets, which contain the following components:

1. Cleaning powder.
2. A product to protect your machine from scale.
3. Softening salt.
4. A protective product intended for dishes.
5. Rinse aid.

There are many others tablet offers, the formula of which may contain 6-10 or even more components.

These include:

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

The composition is reflected in the cost of the tablets.

Such means have a number of undeniable advantages. One capsule contains all the components necessary for carrying out dishwasher cycle. They make dosage compliance easy. Instead of pouring powder onto your eye or measuring it, you just need to put a tablet in the container.

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

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

There is a wide range of drugs of this type on sale, and the boxes can be designed for different numbers of tablets: from 20 to 100 or more pieces. Small packages allow housewives to test products from different brands. Once you have made your choice, you can purchase a larger package, which will cost much less.

However, we should not forget about the disadvantages of such products:

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

Often the manufacturer insists on additional salt even when using All-in-One products, which is especially important in areas with hard water. When using such products, automatic dosage of salt and rinse aid is impossible: you will have to add the required amount yourself.

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

In tablet forms more often than in powders. phosphates can be found. Breaking a tablet is quite a difficult task. This complicates the use of such preparations in modes that require a reduced dosage of detergent compositions, for example, in the “Partial Load” program.

Some modifications of units may not have compartments for using tablets, which is usually reflected in the operating instructions.

If you consider ready-to-use tablets an unnecessarily expensive “pleasure,” you can make them yourself. Will introduce you to manufacturing technology next article, which all thrifty housewives should read.

Environmentally friendly products

Since when washing plates, cups, and pots, their surface comes into direct contact with detergents, it is important that the latter do not harm humans.

Although conventional dishwashing detergents contain minimal amounts of hazardous substances, manufacturers also offer environmentally friendly formulations based on plant extracts. Such mixtures often contain minerals that provide an abrasive effect.

A relatively new option is capsules. They are tablets or gel, packaged in dissolving packaging, which allows you to protect your hands from irritation when in contact with highly concentrated substances

In addition, such preparations, which can be produced either in powder or tablet form, are usually completely free of fragrance and often no preservatives. One of the brightest representatives are powdered products, gels and BioMio tablets, attractive for their environmental safety and lack of allergic reactions.

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

• higher cost;
• low foaming, especially in the initial stage of processing;
• average quality of washing due to the lack of fast-acting enzymes and surfactants;
• increased consumption, which is explained by the low concentration of detergents.

However, these products can be recommended for treating dishes intended for children, people with allergic reactions, or chronically ill people.

Secrets of the right choice

There is hardly a clear answer to the question: should you use powders in the dishwasher or give preference to tablets? As a rule, the choice is made based on personal preferences and recommendations of manufacturers.

Recent research by marketers shows that leading positions in rating of specialized funds are occupied by tablet drugs.Despite the increased cost, they have won the hearts of users due to their ease of use and cost-effectiveness.

The right glass was washed with a 3-in-1 tablet, the left glass with a salt/cleaning powder/rinse aid set. 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 less dosage, or in short programs that require quick processing of dishes.

To ensure the quality of washing and lack of white plaque I was definitely pleased with the results; it is important to follow simple rules. First of all, before purchasing medications, you should carefully read the instructions to become familiar with the manufacturers' recommendations.

The quality of washing in a dishwasher directly depends on the choice of products intended for washing dishes. They should wash away stains well and be completely safe for users.

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

It is unacceptable to use products intended for hand washing in dishwashers. 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^O, the optimal choice is tablets containing enzymes that carefully clean kitchen utensils.

Preparations containing alkali and acid perfectly clean products, but in some cases they also have a bleaching effect. This must be taken into account if you plan to wash devices decorated with paintings.

Products containing chlorine are economical in price and have a powerful effect. However, they are considered insufficiently environmentally friendly, and are also not suitable for processing dishes made from fragile materials - crystal, porcelain, thin-walled glass

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

Top 5 dishwasher products

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

1st place: Grab Green eco-friendly capsules

Non-toxic and environmentally friendly product, especially recommended for allergy sufferers and children. The tablets do not contain phosphates or other harmful substances. They also do not contain abrasive components, which allows Grab Green to be used for all types of dishes. At the same time, users unanimously note the high quality of washing equipment.

If the balance of detergent, softener and salt is incorrect, rainbow stains may remain on the surface of 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 low availability 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 a conditioner, without which stains will remain on the surface.

A significant advantage of Grab Green is the absence of toxic substances and components harmful to the environment.

2nd place: popular Finish powder

A well-known brand assigned to a wide range of dishwasher detergents that have gained wide popularity among users. The product range includes dishwasher tabletswhich are popular among consumers.

The range of products produced under this brand also includes Finish Quantum tablets, which have earned high consumer ratings

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

There is also a convenient packaging of the powder, which makes it easy to pour the required dosage. This affects both cost savings and people's health.

3rd place: Fairy “All in 1” capsules

The all-in-one product, which includes salt and conditioner, comes in the form of dissolvable capsules filled with powder and liquid gel. The tablets are in stylish colorful packaging.

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

One of the disadvantages is the impossibility of separating 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 the rather high cost.

Along with products produced in capsules, the company offers effective dishwasher tablets, which our recommended article will introduce you to.

4th place: budget Pilotex powder

Powdered dishwashing detergent enjoys consumer attention due to its extremely low price. This drug contains a minimal amount of phosphates. Users also note the convenient packaging of the mixture, which facilitates comfortable storage.

Although, due to the low content of detergents, the cleaning quality of Pilotex powder can be described as mediocre, the product is quite suitable for rinsing dishes that are not too dirty.

Pilotex powder is mainly attractive due to its affordable price. It is not very effective, but it does an excellent job of rinsing.

5th place: hypoallergenic capsules Ecover

Hypoallergenic dishwasher tablets with a “4 in 1” formula. The ingredients include detergent, salt, rinse aid, and anti-scale agent. It is based on the abrasive principle of washing, which allows you to remove dirt using the smallest mineral particles.

The advantages of such a product include the exclusion of potentially harmful substances. The packaging contains a complete list of ingredients, so users can get a comprehensive understanding of the composition

Ecover brand tablets are quite easy to cut in half, which allows you to use them 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 conditioner and salt, without which a pronounced coating remains on the dishes.

In addition, due to its abrasive effect, Ecover is not suitable for cleaning glassware, Teflon-coated kitchen utensils, or utensils decorated with designs.

In addition to dishwashing products, machine owners should definitely purchase a composition for cleaning the equipment itself. We recommend reading next article, dedicated to the issues of choosing the drug necessary for care.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

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

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

It is hardly possible to give one answer to the question of what products are best to use in dishwashers. This largely depends on the composition of the preparations, kitchen appliances, and utensils.

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

Please write comments in the block below. Tell us what kind of dishwasher tablets or powder you use. Share what was the decisive criterion for you in choosing. Ask questions about unclear and controversial issues, post photos related to the topic of the article.