Dishwasher detergent

Dishwasher detergentis adetergentmade forwashing dishesin adishwasher.Dishwasher detergent is different fromdishwashing liquidmade to wash dishes by hand.

AFinishdishwashing detergent tablet

Uses

When using a dishwasher, the user must select a special detergent for its use.All detergents are designed for use after the user scrapesleftoverfood 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 withsilver,brass,cast iron,bronze,aluminum,pewter,andgoldleaf.They can also harmdisposableplastic,anythingwood,knives with hollow handles, and fineglassware.

Types

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.

Composition

Different kinds of dishwashingdetergentcontain 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 beenpartially bannedor phased out.
• Oxygen-basedbleaching agents(older-style powders and liquids contain chlorine-based bleaching agents): Break up and bleach organic deposits.
• Non-ionicsurfactants: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.Highly alkaline salts attack and dissolve grease, but are extremely corrosive (fatal) if swallowed. Salts used may includemetasilicates,alkali metal hydroxides,sodium carbonateetc.
• Enzymes:Break upprotein-based food deposits,and possibly oil, lipid and fat deposits.The enzymes used are similar tothe ones used in laundry.
• Anti-corrosion agent(s):Oftensodium silicate,this prevents corrosion of dishwasher components.

Dishwashing detergent may also contain:

• Anti-foaming agents: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 stronglyalkaline(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,biodegradabledetergents 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.

Rinse aid

Rinse aid (sometimes called rinse agent) containssurfactantsand usesMarangoni stressto prevent droplet formation, so that water drains from the surfaces in thin sheets, rather than forming droplets.

Rinse aid prevents "spotting" on glassware (caused by droplets of water drying and leaving behind dissolvedlimescaleminerals), and can also improve drying performance as there is less water remaining to be dried. A thinner sheet of water also has a much larger surface area than a droplet of the same volume, which increases the likelihood of water moleculesevaporating.

See also

• Dishwashing liquid
• Cleaning agent
  • List of cleaning agents
  • List of cleaning products
• Soap
• Green cleaning
• Washing