Dishwasher detergent
Dishwasher detergent is a
Uses
When using a dishwasher, the user must select a special detergent for its use.
Most dishwasher detergents are incompatible for use with
Types
![[icon]](/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (March 2023) |
There are specific examples of chemical reactions we use in our everyday lives. For example, a dishwasher detergent uses sodium hypochlorite and sodium carbonate (simple bleach) in a chemical reaction to clean the dishes. Dishes washed in cold water are less clean than dishes washed in hot water. [citation needed]
Composition
Different kinds of dishwashing detergent contain different combinations of ingredients. Common ingredients include:
- Phosphates: Bind calcium and magnesium ions to prevent 'hard-water' type limescale deposits. They can cause ecological damage, and have been partially bannedor phased out.
- Oxygen-based bleaching agents(older-style powders and liquids contain chlorine-based bleaching agents): Break up and bleach organic deposits.
- Non-ionic surfactants: Lower the surface tension of the water, emulsifies oil, lipid and fat food deposits, prevents droplet spotting on drying.
- Alkaline salts: These are a primary component in older and original-style dishwasher detergent powders[citation needed]. Highly alkaline salts attack and dissolve grease, but are extremely corrosive (fatal) if swallowed. Salts used may include metasilicates, alkali metal hydroxides, sodium carbonate etc.[3]
- the ones used in laundry.[5]
- Anti-corrosion agent(s): Often sodium silicate, this prevents corrosion of dishwasher components.[citation needed]
Dishwashing detergent may also contain:[citation needed]
- Anti-foaming agents:[citation needed] Foam interferes with the washing action. Foam may affect operation of the machine's water-level sensors and will leak past the door seals.
- Additives to slow down the removal of glaze & patterns from glazed ceramics
- Perfumes
- Anti-caking agents (in granular detergent)
- Starches (in tablet based detergents)
- Gelling agents (in liquid/gel based detergents)
Dishwasher detergents are generally strongly
Inexpensive powders may contain sand[citation needed]. Such detergents may harm the dishes and the dishwasher. Powdered detergents are more likely to cause fading on china patterns.[7]
Besides older style detergents for dishwashers, biodegradable detergents also exist for dishwashers. These detergents may be more environmentally friendly than conventional detergents.
Hand-washing dish detergent (washing up liquid) creates a large foam of bubbles which will leak from the dishwasher.[8]
Rinse aid
Rinse aid (sometimes called rinse agent) contains
Rinse aid prevents "spotting" on glassware (caused by droplets of water drying and leaving behind dissolved
See also
References
- ^ "Dishwasher detergents Overview". Consumer Reports. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Dishwasher Detergent Buying Guide". Consumer Reports. January 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
- ^ "Alkaline dishwasher detergent – The Procter & Gamble Company". Freepatentsonline.com. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ Baguley, Richard. "Appliance Science: How dishwasher detergents digest food stains". CNET.
- ^ "Dishwasher detergent for hard water". The dishwasher tips. 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Curiosities: What's the difference between dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent and dish soap? Why aren't they interchangeable?". news.wisc.edu.
- ^ "Hotpoint Service – Appliance Repairs, Spare Parts and Accessories for Hotpoint, Creda, Ariston". Hotpointservice.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2012-03-20. Retrieved 2012-06-20.
- ^ Technology Connections (20 December 2020). "Detergent packs are kinda wishy-washy (Dishwashers Explained)". YouTube. Retrieved 23 December 2020.