Tablets are the most popular form of dishwashing detergent. They are convenient to use and store, versatile and multifunctional. But there is a drawback: it is not always possible to choose a high-quality drug the first time.
We will tell you which tablets for a dishwasher are better, and which ones should be avoided. The article proposed by us lists the main guidelines for choosing the optimal means. Reviews of users who have tested in practice different types of tablet chemistry for dishwashers are given.
Features of the use of tablets
Along with the technical improvement of dishwashers, new detergents for equipment are improved and offered. A popular washing powder is gradually being replaced by more effective drugs: tablets and gels.
The typical composition of household appliances is approximately the same. As active ingredients of cleaners, surfactants are used that break down impurities in kitchen appliances. In addition, manufacturers can add phosphates, perfumes, bleaches, enzymes, soda and other components to improve the quality of washing.
Each type of detergent has both pros and cons. If we talk about the price, then the most budget option is powder
However, it has several disadvantages: the likelihood of scratches, stains on the dishes, uneven use of the product. Often, the powder wakes up past the hopper - microparticles trapped in the lungs adversely affect health.
Gel-like preparations are deprived of these shortcomings. They do not have abrasives; they are great for washing fragile dishes made of glass and porcelain. The absence of volatile components makes the product relatively safe and reduces the risk of allergic manifestations.
Minus of gels - the need to calculate the dosage. An alternative is capsules with a gel-like composition. Piece preparations are convenient to use, but are more expensive than similar detergents.
Dishwasher tablets have gained popularity among users. Manufacturers of equipment reacted to the wishes of the consumer and launched the production of units with a separate compartment for the tool
The main advantages of cleaning tablets:
- Multifunctionality. In addition to cleaning elements, many products include the necessary salts, rinse aid and minor components.
- Convenience. There is no need to calculate the dosage, one tablet is enough for a full washing cycle; a solid, compressed preparation cannot be accidentally spilled like a powder;
- The presence of an individual shell. Each tablet is placed in a separate stick, which means that during storage volatile components do not enter the environment;
- A wide range of. On sale are sets of different packaging for 20-120 pieces.
The price of the products also differs. Cost is determined by the manufacturing brand and quality composition.
It is worth noting the disadvantages of using tablets:
- as a rule, tabletted products do not completely solve the problem of water hardness and still have to add salt;
- phosphates are often added to the composition of the tablets, provoking allergic reactions;
- older dishwashers do not accept compressed solids;
- the inability to reduce the dosage - some products are so compressed that they are very difficult to break.
Not all drugs dissolve well. With a short mode, part of the tablet may remain in the compartment.
Likely causes of poor solubility: overdue use of the drug, non-compliance with storage rules, insufficient water pressure or clogged tablet compartment
What to look for when choosing?
In order not to be disappointed in the purchase, you must make sure that the machine is adapted for working with tablets. When choosing, you need to look at the composition of the drug, evaluate the environmental friendliness and reputation of the manufacturer. The quality of the wash is characterized by user reviews.
The number of layers per tablet
On packages with tablets for a dishwasher, you can often find inscriptions like: three in one, five in one, ten in one, etc. The most enterprising manufacturers indicate - all in one. We are talking about the number of active ingredients and the versatility of the tablets. But is that so?
Basic set of “ingredients”: cleaning powder, salt, rinse aid. Three-component options are relatively low cost and adequately cope with the task.
On sale there are effective pills with a basic "filling". If the quality of the wash suits, then there is no point in overpaying for the advertised multicomponent analogues
Of the really necessary additives, in addition to the standard composition, two positions can be distinguished:
- Protection of dishes from clouding. Especially relevant when washing glass plates, cups and glasses. A special component prevents premature clouding of transparent dishes.
- Protection of equipment from scale. If the salt component softens the water, reducing the likelihood of deposits on the details of the dishwasher, then special active additives fight the previously formed sediment.
Five-component tablets are enough for normal dishwasher care and high-quality washing. Anything added in excess of the above increases the cost of the cycle and slightly affects the efficiency.
The choice of supercomponents depends on personal preferences and needs. In six-in-one tablets and above, active substances are added to give shine to steel tableware, flavors, “additives” to remove juice and tea stains.
Some consumers prefer antimicrobial tablet options. They cope with the disinfecting treatment of dishes without increasing the temperature of the water - the energy efficiency of the cycle increases
Composition and safety of components
The main selection criterion is not the number of components, but the quality of the detergent composition. On the back of the package is a list of chemicals and other additives. The dishes are rinsed with clean water, but the likelihood of active substances entering the human body is present.
The ability to “recognize” the composition, determine the necessary and extremely undesirable components will help to choose an effective and safe drug.
The following items can often be seen on labels:
- Phosphates The sodium tripolyphosaphate compound softens water, activates the action of surfactants, and reduces the consumption of detergents. In addition, phosphates are involved in the degradation of dirt and protect the elements of the dishwasher from scale. Less substance - unsafe for the environment. In European countries, this component is prohibited.
- Oxygen bleach. The active substance is sodium percarbonate. The component was obtained by evaporation of sodium carbonate with peroxide to a crystalline form. It is considered an environmentally friendly substance.
- Chlorine. Used for whitening and cleaning dishes. Due to the harmfulness of chlorine, many manufacturers of detergents abandoned it.
- Phosphonates. A “lightweight” phosphate alternative. The action of phosphonates is less aggressive, therefore its use is permitted in Europe.
- Surfactant. Surfactants combine the incompatible - water and oil. Thanks to their action, fat is removed from the dishes.
Most often, three types of surfactants are used: annionic, cationic and neonogenic.
Anionic surfactants - cheap, effective, but harmful, cationic have a disinfecting effect, neonogenic components - environmentally friendly and biodegradable
In addition to the main components, the composition is enriched with additives and flavorings. Enzymes are used to quickly break down contaminants. Range of actions: protease - the remains of protein food, amylase - starch, lipase - greasy spots.
For families with young children and people prone to allergies, it is better to choose environmentally friendly offers. They do not contain phosphates, chlorine, phosphonates, anionic surfactants, or genetically modified products.
"Stuffing" safe Ecover dishwasher tablets. The composition is dominated by sodium derivatives, which stimulate foaming, fight pollution and bleach dishes
Experts restrainedly assess the harm caused by washing tablets with aggressive components. According to them, in the consumed water and air of megacities contains no less dangerous substances. For the adult body, with proper use and quality rinsing, tablet chemistry is safe.
Release form and price
Trying to simplify the use of the dishwasher as much as possible, manufacturers of household chemicals placed cleaning tablets in a polymer soluble capsule. In addition to ease of use, this solution avoids skin contact with concentrated components.
The contents of the briquette are reliably protected by a shell that dissolves in contact with water. Given this feature, it is necessary to store such tablets in a dry place.
Cost is not a very informative indicator. Popular manufacturers often overcharge their products. Whereas little-known companies offer similar tools at a more loyal price.
Tablets from different companies usually have a similar “recipe” of manufacture and the same cleaning effect. Therefore, it makes no sense to overpay for the name of the manufacturer.
Specific Terms of Use
When choosing a dishwasher, you must take into account the hardness of the water, the class of the dishwasher and the capacity of the hopper. It is optimal to have several types of tableted preparations for washing different dishes in the house. The decisive factor of choice is the composition of the detergent.
When thinking about which dishwashing tablets it is better to choose, you can follow these points:
- Chlorine-containing preparations - for periodic washing of cutting boards, removing old pollution from pots, baking trays and pans.
- Alkaline alkaline tablets with enzymes - for daily washing. They gently wash the dishes at a temperature of 40 ° C.
- Compounds with oxygen clarifiers - to preserve the snow-white plates and cups. With regular use, a whitening effect is noticeable.
The rule for children and allergy sufferers remains unchanged - tablets made from natural ingredients are suitable.
Optimally, if the detergent composition is enclosed in a soluble wrapper. There is no contact with the skin, and microparticles of the active components cannot enter the air during storage of the capsule.
Overview of tools: description and reviews
Consider the composite features of the popular tablets for dishwashers, note their strengths and weaknesses, referring to user reviews.
Variety of Finish Wash Briquettes
Polish products are the most popular among users.
The company offers several options for Finish tablets to choose from:
- Finish Quantum;
- Finish all-in-one
- Finish All in Turbo;
- Finish Classic.
We will analyze the features and pros with the minuses of these tablet preparations.
Finish Quantum. Three-component tablets in soluble packaging. The composition of the tool includes:
- White powder - granular components with enzymes aimed at removing persistent contaminants;
- red gel - a means for splitting fat, making the dishes shiny;
- blue, yellow or green powder - components for purifying and softening water.
The manufacturer claims the versatility of the tablets, giving them the ability to protect the filter technology, prevent scale formation, remove tea plaque, grease and give shine.
Most users are happy with the result. The main advantages include: soluble packaging, good cleaning quality, no stains on dishes
Among the minuses are: high cost, high concentration of detergents for one cycle, chemical smell. Estimated price of Finish Quantum - 12 cu / 60 pcs.
Finish All in One. Amylase, zinc oxide, sodium percarbonate, citric acid and other components are present in the composition. In general, the "filling" of All in One tablets is simpler than in Quantum, but the effectiveness does not deteriorate.
The tool is universal - it perfectly cleans any type of dirt, suitable for silver and glassware. The average cost is 17 cu / 65 pcs.
Finish all in turbo. The product is designed for express washing in the temperature range of 40 ° C. The composition uses instant components - the active substances are mixed with water during the first minutes of washing.
Finish Classic. The simplest option, in fact, is the usual Finish dishwasher powder, compressed into tablets. They contain the patented StainSocer additive for the effective breakdown of dried contaminants.
The main advantages of Finish Classic: relatively inexpensive, pleasant smell, good quality of washing. Cons of tablets: the absence of a soluble shell, the need to additionally use a rinse aid and salt. Price benchmark - 12 cu / 90 pcs.
You can find out what is better to use in a dishwasher, which is more convenient for a housewife and for the equipment itself, tablets or a powder composition from the article recommended by us.
Sustainability BioMio
The tablets received positive reviews from consumers due to the safety of use and high efficiency.
The main components of the composition:
- Nonionic surfactant type;
- oxygen bleach (up to 30%), the active substance is sodium percarbonate, which, when reacted with warm water, decomposes into hydrogen, oxygen and soda;
- polycarboxylates (5%) - a protective element against corrosion;
- Eucalyptus oil;
- low concentration enzymes;
- limonene - a citrus fragrance.
With individual intolerance to eucalyptus, it is better to refrain from buying BioMio - an allergic reaction is possible.
Advantages of the drug: soluble shell, environmental friendliness, easy rinsing, good washing result. A barely perceptible aroma of eucalyptus remains on clean dishes.
The disadvantage of BioMio is that glass products may have light streaks. To neutralize the consequences when washing glasses and glasses, it is better to use the additional rinse mode. Estimated price of BioMio tablets is 8-9 cu for 30 pieces.
Econta Tablet Availability
Domestic pills are not inferior in effectiveness to the products of famous brands. Attractive for consumers with low cost - the price of packaging for 30 pieces is 3-4 cu
The washing powder is pressed into a single or three layer type. The active components of the composition are phosphates and oxygen bleach. Additives are relatively safe, these are eximes, polycarboxylates and nonionic surfactants.
According to the manufacturer, the tablet has a “7 in 1” effect: removal of fat, tea plaque, softening water, anti-scale, citrus aroma, low temperature effect
In practice, Econta tablets have proven their worth. Most consumers noted a high degree of purification, complete dissolution. Cons of use: they behave poorly in water below +45 ° C, leave stains on dishes with a shortened cycle.
Effective remedies from Fairy
A popular brand in the dish care product line offers several options for tablet formulations. On sale are: PowerDrops, PowerDrops All in 1, Platinum All in 1.
Tablets are similar in composition, the difference is in the additional components and the form of release. The active ingredient of Fairy tablets is phosphates and nonionic surfactants.Three-component tablets All in 1 are popular - capsules consisting of three substances: a cleaning powder and compartments with multi-colored gels.
Strengths of the drug:
- action at any temperature;
- removal of pollution and gloss;
- protection against a scum;
- universality - applicable to any dishes;
- efficacy against old fat, dried food debris;
- soluble packaging;
- beautiful view of the pressed product and packaging.
Feature of the tablets - Fairy is suitable for water with a hardness within 21 dH. To determine the indicator, you can use a test strip.
Briquettes are packaged in soft packaging with a fastener, capacity - 26-65 pcs. Estimated price - 8 cu for 50 pieces
Maximum Somat Efficiency
Almost all users put the highest score on the quality of cleaning Somat tablets from the German brand Henkel. All varieties are three-component, they contain a washing ingredient, rinse aid and salt.
Active ingredients Somat:
- complexing agent (15-30%) - this role is played by phosphates or silicates; on the packaging, the manufacturer did not indicate the type of component;
- inorganic salts;
- oxygen-containing bleach;
- phosphonates;
- nonionic surfactants, enzymes and perfume.
In fact, the traditional "hodgepodge" of active substances, but a competent percentage ratio allowed to achieve maximum effect.
Most consumers noted the performance of Somat. Additional advantages: protection of glassware from cloudiness, anti-scale effect, elimination of burnt marks, versatility
The composition can not be called absolutely harmless. Not everyone likes the smell of Somat tablets - after washing, we smell a specific aroma. Additional cons: no soluble shell, high cost - for 100 pieces you will have to pay about 15 cu
High-quality and inexpensive Clean & Fresh
90% of users described German Clean & Fresh tablets as an affordable and highly effective product. The price of a package of 28 pieces starts at 3 cu
The tablets are three-layer: green color - active substances for glass protection and flavoring, blue - oxygen bleach and detergents, white - anti-scale. They are placed in an insoluble airtight shell.
Clean & Fresh Composition:
- sodium tripolyphosphate - breakdown of fats;
- sodium carbonate and bicarbonate - soda to improve washing and bleaching;
- sodium percarbonate - bactericidal and cleansing effect;
- phosphonates.
An important advantage of Clean & Fresh is that it does not smell after washing.
Positive reviews prevail. Among the negative aspects, insufficiently quality washing of pans with burnt traces and the appearance of stains on the glass are noted. The last problem is neutralized with the additional use of rinse aid.
Gentle cleaning with Ecover
Ecover tablets are considered one of the most effective phosphate-free detergents. The cleaning function is assigned to the complex of sodium derivatives and non-ionic surfactants, natural fragrances are responsible for the pleasant smell.
Characteristic features of Ecover:
- hygienic and safe - applicable for children's dishes;
- without synthetic flavorings - make up a fresh smell on plates;
- plant and mineral base;
- fairly easy process of dividing the tablet in half.
Despite the completely plant and mineral base, the tablets proved to be excellent in action. The dishes are washed efficiently, there are no stains on the glasses, cutlery shine. Among the minuses, we can distinguish the absence of a soluble wrapper and the limited supply on the market.
Ecover tablets are hard to find in stores; you have to order online and overpay for shipping. Reference for the price - 9-10 cu for 70 briquettes (without transportation costs)
You will find detailed information about what kind of product is recommended for use in a dishwasher in the next article, which details technical characteristics and advantages with disadvantages.
The aggressiveness of the "child" means Ushasty Nyan
Russian-made tablets are positioned as a detergent for children's dishes. However, the composition contains phosphates and phosphonates - more than 30%. So, we are not talking about the environmental friendliness of the product, and the safety of the composition for the child's body is doubtful. What is not in the composition is fragrances and dyes.
Despite the apparent dissonance of the “filling” and the intended purpose, the tablets show a good quality of washing. Eared Nyan copes with various kinds of pollution, does not leave stains and is well washed off.
Tablets are not recommended to wash children's dishes if the child is not yet 3 years old. The advantage of the product over truly environmental preparations such as BioMio and Ecover - availability in stores
If the cost of factory-made tablets seems unnecessarily overpriced, you should try to make the drug with your own hands. Homemade pill recipes are listed here, we recommend reading a very useful article.
Video review of tablet detergents for cleaning kitchen utensils and various appliances in the dishwasher. Among the pills are the above Somat and Finish:
Testing of detergents from different manufacturers, including Fairy, presented in the rating above. Comparison of the appearance, price and effectiveness of the tablets:
No matter how high-tech and functional a dishwasher may be, without effective detergents, it is useless.
The effectiveness of the tablets primarily depends on their composition. Additional selection factors: hardness of water used, form of release and individual preferences of the user.
And what kind of tablets do you use for processing dishes in your typewriter? Tell us which cleaning products you chose, share why. Please leave comments in the block below, post photos and ask questions about the topic of the article.