Dishwasher detergent

Dishwasher detergent is a detergent made for washing dishes in a dishwasher. Dishwasher detergent is different from dishwashing liquid made to wash dishes by hand.

When using a dishwasher, the user gets a special detergent for its use. All detergents are designed for use after the user scrapes leftover food from the dishes before washing. To function, the user places dishes in the dishwasher in such fashion that the surface of all dishes is open to the flow of water.

Most dishwasher detergents are incompatible for use with silver, brass, cast iron, bronze, pewter, and goldleaf. They can also harm disposable plastic, anything wood, knives with hollow handles, and fine glassware.

The best dishwasher detergents would be those that clean dishes the best, leave the least cleaner after rinsing, have versatility in cleaning various types of dish surfaces and food, are easiest to use, and the best value for price. There is variation in how effective different detergents are in removing dried food from glass and baked-on sticky food from pots. In the course of washing, a better detergent will both prevent washed-away food from redepositing on the dishes, and also prevent mineral accumulation or discoloration of the dishes.

Different kinds of dishwashing detergent contain different combinations of ingredients. Common ingredients include:

Dishwashing detergent may also contain :

Dishwasher detergents are strongly alkaline (basic).

Inexpensive powders may contain sand. Such detergents may harm the dishes and the dishwasher. Powdered detergents are more likely to cause fading on china patterns.

Besides older style detergents for dishwashers, biodegradable detergents also exist for dishwashers. These detergents may be more environmentally friendly than conventional detergents.

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