Dishwasher Detergents

General Information :
Automatic dishwasher detergents are available in different forms and varying costs:

-Powders vary in price - name brand vs. store brands – and do a good job in most cases. A problem often arises when undissolved powder remains in the detergent compartment. Besides being wasteful, having detergent present throughout the dishwasher cycles and final rinse can leave a film or deposit on the clean dishes.
-Liquids, on the other hand, will always be used up but often too quickly for all the wash cycles.
-Gels avoid both of the above problems but are often much more expensive.

All dishwasher detergents are hard on china, glazed items, silver and crystal. Hand dishwashing is certainly recommended. In addition, regular glassware will over time, be etched by automatic dishwasher detergents. This is unavoidable.

Rinse agents will help with water spotting where hard water is a problem. The sheeting action of water – the ability to rinse off –is enhanced when the minerals in hard water are neutralized with the agent.

Recommendation:
Powders and gels are both very effective when used properly. Do not over use powder to avoid undissolved deposits. Gel is more expensive but easier to use. Powders, especially store brands are the most cost effective. Rinse agents will help in areas of hard water.

Environmentally Friendly Solution :
Unfortunately automatic dishwashing is not too environmentally friendly. All products need phosphates to work effectively, although they contain less now than in the past. Dishwashers use a lot of energy for operation and the hot water they require. Hand dishwashing is your only alternative.

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