Stores recommend purchasing a user’s “starter kit” along with the dishwasher. It includes all the necessary tools that are necessary for test washing and further operation of the PMM. Let's figure out what is needed for a dishwasher and is it worth paying for a kit for the first start?
Which brand of dishwasher detergent is best to choose?
The dishwasher is designed for effective but gentle cleaning of cutlery made from various, even the most fragile, materials. And to make her work easier, to protect the body and parts from hard water and scale, different manufacturers offer special forms of cleaning products. First you need to identify a reliable and time-tested brand for yourself. The following companies occupy leading positions in the current ranking:
- Somat is a German brand of dishwashing products that has gained popularity since 1962. Lines of detergent products are presented in the form of powders, gels, rinses, tablets and salts. Effective components in the composition help remove the most difficult stains.
- BioMio is a trademark from Russia, which belongs to. Developing Eco chemistry, it appeared on the market in 2013. Among all the products from various domestic developers, only this one has the “Leaf of Life” certificate, confirming its safety and effectiveness.
- Clean&Fresh is a trademark owned by the Russian company Lotta. A distinctive feature of household chemicals with this name is the best price solution in Russia. Work experience exceeds 16 years. The main part of the range is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, precisely dosed cleaning products.
- Bravix is a trademark owned by the German company Dreco Werke Wasch und Körperpflegemittel GmbH. The products guarantee excellent cleaning abilities, increased efficiency, affordable prices, environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity. Each product is delivered to the market in practical Euro packaging.
- Topperr is a signature brand owned by the group. This is one of the leading domestic companies producing cleaning products for home care and accessories for household appliances. Products with this name appeared on the Russian market back in 2003.
- Paclan was originally a large German company that began operations in 1977. Then it merged with the British company Poly-Lina, and is now owned by CeDo. Under this brand you can see various household goods for the home and industry.
- Finish is a brand owned by the large RB company since 1953. As soon as dishwashers went on sale, related products for it with the same name immediately appeared from a British-Dutch company. Today, the products are very popular in more than 40 countries around the world.
- Lion is a Japanese company that works closely with South Korea. Initially, these were original household chemicals for the domestic market of these countries. But very soon it began to be supplied to Europe and the countries of the former CIS. The history of the brand goes back over 100 years. It is the No. 1 oral care product in Japan.
- Fairy is a trademark owned by the large European company Procter and Gamble (Dawn in America). The brand was founded in 1929, when liquid soap with a unique formula that could float on water first appeared under this name. The main part of the products are dishwashing detergents, widely known throughout Europe.
Best water softeners
Selecting programs to work with
Just like when washing in a washing machine, the program is of utmost importance in a dishwasher. When choosing it, they are guided by the following criteria:
- degree of contamination of dishes;
- delicacy of materials;
- amount of free time;
- expected effect.
For example, intensive washing can not only remove stubborn dirt, but also whiten white plates and disinfect dishes from all types of germs. But the cycle will last a long time. If you need to quickly wash the plates for dinner, it is better to select “Quick Wash”.
The following table will help you figure out how to use different dishwasher programs:
Please note that the consumption of water and electricity differs in different modes.
Most dishwashers have the same programs. The names may be different, but the washing parameters are not much different.
How to use a Bosch dishwasher:
Soak
Used when dishes are heavily soiled:
- when the plates were dirty for a long time;
- the food remains have dried out;
- There were large sticky marks left, dough, a layer of fat.
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Pre-soaking significantly increases the efficiency of cleaning dishes.
It is worth noting that this program is not a panacea. It is better to soak dried buckwheat (a champion for marks on dishes) in the usual way in the sink.
Intensive wash
One of the longest programs. It is used primarily for washing frying pans, pots, and baking trays.
The dishwasher washes dishes at extremely high temperatures.
You need to be careful when loading the camera. Some materials may be damaged (eg plastic).
Standard mode
This program is used most often. Washing in the standard mode is suitable for different dishes. You can load plates after meals, cups, cutlery, and not too dirty pots into the basket.
The standard mode gives good results with optimal consumption of water and electricity.
Economical washing
The program is designed for washing moderately soiled dishes. During the cycle, a minimal amount of water and electricity is used. Economy mode helps to significantly save money – 20%. But not the time. The ECO wash lasts more than 3 hours.
Quick wash
Typically, a dishwasher washes dishes for a long time and thoroughly, and then dries them. A complete cleansing lasts, on average, 2 hours. Sometimes the family can't wait that long. The quick wash mode allows you to significantly speed up the process.
Dishes are washed in 30-50 minutes on average.
In this case, the drying in most models does not turn on, and the water heats up to 35-40 degrees. The program is suitable for cleaning light stains.
Delicate wash
Manufacturers of dishwashers Hotpoint Ariston, Bosch, and many others have a program designed for washing crystal, glass, and porcelain. You can wash plastic in delicate mode. The water is heated to slightly hot - 45 degrees. This is not enough to clean stubborn stains. It is better to wash very dirty dishes in the sink first.
Additional functions
Every year more and more new functions appear in dishwashers. Those who are new to technology can easily get confused. Let's clarify some points:
- Half load. Designed for washing a small amount of dishes in the top tray. During the cycle, only one sprayer works - the top one. The consumption of water, electricity and detergent is reduced by 15%, and the cycle time is reduced by 15-20 minutes.
- Self-cleaning. This function is available in all modern dishwashers (Ariston, Hansa, Electrolux). It is run once every 1-3 months to clean the machine itself. No rinse aid is added, only detergent or a special cleaner. During cleaning, the chamber must be empty, without dishes.
- Air dry. Allows you to speed up the drying of dishes and prevents them from “suffocating” when stored in the chamber. After the cycle ends, the door opens automatically. Steam escapes through a small hole and natural ventilation is provided.
The more expensive the dishwasher model, the more different functions it can perform. For example, wash dishes in “night mode” (very quietly), sterilize them with steam, and much more.
Dishwasher product rating
Considering the fact that ordinary detergent is not suitable for a dishwasher, manufacturers have developed various powders, capsules, and gels for automatic household appliances. To select the best of them, expert opinion, specialist assessments, customer reviews, as well as a number of characteristics inherent in a reliable product were taken into account. Namely:
- Type – tablet, powder, gel, rinse;
- Ingredients – cleansing component, salt, rinse aid;
- Safety – hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly;
- Effectiveness level – removal of stubborn stains, grease, dirt;
- Protection – removal of lime, plaque, scale, machine corrosion;
- Ease of use – rules of use, consumption;
- Compliance with the type/class of dishwasher.
Based on customer reviews and demand, leading brands that monitor product quality were identified. The users' point of view helped determine what products are needed for a dishwasher, their pros, and the cons of each nominee. An important criterion was the ratio of price to quality, as well as price to quantity, that is, costs and consumption of goods.
The best stain removers
Fairy
Fairy platinum - designers don’t eat their bread in vain
Fairy is a famous brand of dishwashing detergents.
Its product in the dishwasher market looks beautiful and promises a wonderful cleaning experience without adding additional products. All-in-one capsules.
Chemically, in composition, Fairy capsules are practically no different from Finish capsules or powder. There are slight differences in the concentrations of individual substances and a detailed list of flavors.
Compound:
Hidden text
- 30% phosphates - it does not say that this is tripolyphosphate, but there is every reason to believe that it is.
- 5-15% nonionic surfactants - here their possible concentration is 3 times higher than in Finish.
- Oxygen-containing bleach - what kind of bleach is unknown. But most likely it is also sodium percarbonate; why hide this fact is unknown.
- Polycarboxylates are organic water-soluble carbon compounds (polymers)
- 5% phosphonates are moderately strong acids and form salts with amines; secondary ones form adducts with Lewis acids (for example, with boron halides).
- Enzyme - reactants in a reaction catalyzed by enzymes. No more specifics.
- Flavorings : citronellol, limonene, linalool.
Minuses:
- as in other cases, “all in one”, when using only this capsule, the quality of washing is mediocre;
- high price;
- the capsule cannot be divided for partial use, the liquid part of the reagents is extremely caustic;
Pros:
- When using a full set of products, the quality of washing is close to ideal.
Subjective view
Among the products that I purchased in household chemical stores, I liked these capsules the most. It may be due to an excessive amount of conditioner, but regarding thin-walled glassware (wine glasses, glasses), the washing quality is the best among all tested samples.
The best dishwasher tablets
The most common form of release of such household products is a dishwasher tablet. Its popularity is due to its ease of use, compactness, and convenient packaging. In addition to the effective component, the composition contains salt, conditioner and rinse aid. Typically, such detergents combine a set of options - removing stains of any complexity from kitchen utensils, caring for the dishwasher, changing water hardness.
Somat All in 1
In the presented line of this manufacturer, this is the best product for the dishwasher. The advanced cleaner will not only remove stains and grease, but will also act as a rinse aid, giving kitchen utensils a new, shiny appearance. In addition to the ready-made set (soda, acid bleach, phosphonates, surfactants and carboxylates), the formula is supplemented with salt, which prevents the formation of limescale. Also, Somat dishwasher detergent has a “Power Booster” function, which allows you to remove dried food particles even without soaking. There are packages of different sizes on sale from 26 to 100 units.
Advantages
- Universal multicomponent composition;
- Ease of use;
- Compactness;
- Long shelf life;
- Careful care of sinks and appliances;
- Nice smell.
Flaws
- May leave a tea residue;
- Improper washing of heavily soiled kitchen utensils.
Reviews gave high marks for the average cost along with high efficiency. The tablets dissolve well and are compatible with different water temperatures. The downside is the fact that after washing there may be a residue on the cups and traces of heavy dirt. But this is more likely due to improper operation of the machine or an incorrectly selected dosage.
BioMio Bio-total
Another dishwasher product popular on the domestic market is Bio Mio tablets with biodegradable composition and packaging. 88% of it contains exclusively natural hypoallergenic components; thanks to this formula, the substance easily copes with frozen fat and dirt. In addition, the tablets soften the water, eucalyptus oil guarantees a pleasant fresh aroma, and the dishes will come out sparkling clean. Economical consumption allows one capsule to be loaded onto a large volume of dishes or divided into several parts. It demonstrates excellent results on devices made of glass and metal, even at low water temperatures.
Advantages
- Eco-friendly hypoallergenic composition;
- Water soluble coating;
- Natural aroma without fragrances;
- Versatility;
- Dishwasher protection;
- No streaks or plaque;
- Cost savings.
Flaws
- Oily stains and fat are not completely removed in cold water;
- Price.
This product can be used by families with allergies and children over 3 years of age. Reviews say that this is a rare case when a gentle phosphate-free composition guarantees effective fight against stains. In one cycle it is completely washed away; even half a tablet will do the job. But congealed fat and oily stains will be difficult to remove in cold water. You will have to pay extra for hypoallergenicity.
Clean&Fresh All in 1
The thoughtful formula of European quality tablets allows them to be used for working with glass, stainless steel, porcelain of different densities and even silver. One capsule has several layers, as they dissolve, each is responsible for certain functions. Green is responsible for the aroma of lemon and the protection of fragile materials from damage. The white layer fights scale and deposits on the inside of the dishwasher. Blue effectively fights pollution. The enzymes that supplement the composition are responsible for the radiance and presentable appearance. Unlike many modern products, this does not contain chlorine or other harmful chemicals.
Advantages
- Light lemon aroma;
- Versatility;
- Fast step-by-step dissolution;
- Individual packing;
- Removing dirt without streaks;
- Inexpensive price tag.
Flaws
- May require additional rinsing;
- Poor dissolution in cold water.
This product will not only help you wash dishes automatically, but will also carefully protect your equipment from scale and corrosion. Most users note excellent results if the capsules are used correctly, taking into account the features of the dishwasher.
Sometimes you will need to run an additional rinse cycle to thoroughly clean the dishes of any remaining foam. In cold water, the capsule will dissolve more slowly, which reduces its effectiveness.
Choosing environmentally friendly products for the dishwasher
Many dishwasher detergents contain various chemicals that are difficult to remove during rinsing and can be harmful to your health.
There is a way out - modern eco-products, the range of which covers everything necessary to maintain cleanliness. In addition to being completely washable, biodegradable and healthy, they are also often concentrated, allowing you to reduce the amount you use them.
Today there are many different brands of such products. Among them: Sodasan, Klar, Sonett, AlmaWin, Ecodoo, Ecover, Attitude, Freshbubble and BioMio.
Eco-friendly products are good because they wash dishes gently and carefully, completely rinsing off, and at the same time leaving them clean. They do not contain harmful chemicals and prevent the formation of scale, protecting machine parts from wear. They are also biodegradable and environmentally friendly!
Let's get to know some of them.
The best dishwasher powders
Judging by the reviews, dishwasher powder is the most economical product in terms of consumption along with an inexpensive price tag. This is due to its simpler composition, which is intended exclusively for working with dishes. There is no need to wait for caring for the machine, the powder does not soften the water or rinse, so experts recommend combining it with other appropriate products.
Bravix
One of the most popular powders, since along with an inexpensive price tag, it copes with its tasks perfectly. The main differences from many other nominees on the list are the absence of any smell at all, which indicates its safety, as well as economical consumption. After use, you can see cleanliness, shine, absence of streaks and dirt. The composition with oxygen-containing bleach is responsible for this, which gives newness to the dishes. Sold in different packages by weight - 1.8 or 2 kg.
Advantages
- No fragrance;
- Effective washing;
- Economical consumption;
- German quality;
- Inexpensive price tag.
Flaws
- Not always available in stores;
- Requires other dishwashing products.
Since we are talking about an imported product, it may not always be on store shelves. But an online store will solve the problem. In the reviews you can read that a package weighing 2 kg can be enough for 10-12 months of use due to the high concentration of the powder. But to protect the device, additional substances will be required, since they are not included in the powder.
Lotta 6 in 1
Universal powder for cleaning even complex stains. Unlike previous nominees in this category, Lotta 6 in 1 contains a water softener, rinse aid, a shine agent, and an anti-corrosion component. Salt acts as enzymes. The granular release form prevents powder from spraying. Despite belonging to a Russian brand, the production of this product is carried out in Italy. The strong point is the mineral-vegetable formula, due to which Lotta 6 in 1 is recognized as hypoallergenic and safe. Oxygen bleach returns the whiteness of dishes and cleans glasses and cups of deposits after drinks.
Advantages
- Delicate cleaning;
- Versatility;
- Multicomponent plant and mineral composition;
- No divorces;
- Shine, whitening of dishes;
- No fragrance;
- Hypoallergenic, safe.
Flaws
- Unreliable cardboard packaging;
- Price.
For a standard dishwasher cycle, 20 g of powder is enough, which guarantees economical consumption. Users have no complaints about the cleanliness of the dishes. The safe composition does not contradict the use of Lotta by pregnant women and families with small children.
The best remedies for grease in the kitchen
Dishwasher starter kit
Ready-made kits are sold with everything necessary for starting operation. It includes small packages of products for several dishwashing cycles:
- tablets or powder;
- salt;
- rinse aid;
- brief instructions.
The starter kit is convenient for the inexperienced. Set with tablets 16 pcs. enough for about 2 weeks, and with powder 1 kg. - for a month. You definitely won’t forget to download anything, and the first results will please you.
Some of the common ones you can try:
- Topperr (with tablets) - from 500 rub. on the Internet and from 700 rubles. in retail stores;
- Top House (with powder) - from 1000-1600 rubles.
There are more advanced (and more expensive) kits: with products for the first start, cleaners, and flavors.
Is it worth buying a starter kit? For convenience, you will pay 10-20% more than if you purchased everything separately. Maybe it makes sense to assemble it yourself?
The best rinse aids for your dishwasher
Initially, many buyers underestimated the importance of rinse aids for dishwashers. In fact, such a substance helps protect dishes from stains, giving them newness and shine. Concentrated detergents need to be removed as much as possible from the surface of cutlery at the end of the wash. The rinse aid protects against aggressive influences and eliminates chemical residues. The rating includes high-quality branded products with optimal characteristics and prices.
Topper
This product will help completely remove chemical residues and odors from the surface of the dishes. The composition also guarantees protection against streaks, stains, and a faster drying process. This in turn promises energy savings during operation of the device. Topperr has a pleasant, unobtrusive scent, and one package contains 500 ml of rinse aid. The main purpose prescribed by the manufacturer is to combat greasy film, stains, smudges, and protect the device from scale and rust.
Advantages
- No chemical smell;
- Multifunctionality;
- Machine protection;
- Minimum consumption;
- Inexpensive price tag.
Flaws
- Modest bottle volume;
- Inconvenient dispenser.
Compared to many rinse aids, the efficiency of cleaning, protecting dishes from stains and darkening is much higher. One bottle is enough for approximately 250-300 cycles with a small volume, which confirms the cost-effectiveness. Some buyers complain about the inconvenient dispenser, which is why pouring takes some getting used to.
Paclan Brileo
The world-famous CeDo brand offers high-quality, easy-to-use and environmentally friendly detergents, among which Paclan rinse aid received the highest praise. Its effective formula contains non-ionic active-surfactants, preservatives, as well as a component with antibacterial biocidal activity. Regular use will protect the device from scale and deposits, completely remove detergent residues, stains, and greasy shine from cutlery, giving them shine and newness.
Advantages
- Unobtrusive smell;
- Antibacterial action;
- Versatility;
- Unique formula;
- Inexpensive price tag;
- Convenient bottle shape.
Flaws
- Far from being the safest composition;
- Need for dose adjustment.
Users most often approve of how shiny and clean their dishes come out of the sink. Since the composition contains preservatives and non-ionic surfactants, some buyers are wary of this.
If you are prone to allergies, it is better to include an additional rinse to ensure that all the ingredients are removed from the dishes. In case of overdose, excess can damage the device and cause harm to health.
In powders or tablets?
Of course, washing dishes in a machine requires detergent. And here the usual liquids and gels that you are used to washing dishes under the tap will no longer suit you.
They are:
- Powder.
This loose product is similar to washing machine powder, but with a different composition. They are easy to dose depending on the size of your washing machine and the length of the wash cycle. Some powders may scratch dishes due to the abrasive particles they contain. - In tablets.
Products compressed into tablets cannot be scattered, they are very convenient to use - you throw in a tablet, and there is no need to measure the dosage. Due to this, they are also successful. However, if you have a very old dishwasher model, they are not recommended. Better choose powders.
The best gels for the dishwasher
If we consider dishwasher gels, we must take into account that they only affect cutlery, but do not protect the machine from scale, plaque, or corrosion. But they do an excellent job with even the most difficult stains, without having aggressive destructive elements in the formula. Some modern gels include water softening agents and anti-scale components. The most popular and in-demand products are included in the current rating.
Finish All in 1 gel
One of the most popular products is Finish Gel for dishwashers from a German manufacturer. The main purpose is to combat fat of varying degrees. The instant formula allows for short cycles even with cold water. The universal product is supplemented with all the necessary components to prevent glass corrosion. After washing there are no streaks, unpleasant or strong odors left. A convenient bottle allows you to correctly dose the gel depending on the volume of the dishes. Finish tablets for dishwashers are also produced under this name and are trusted by millions of customers around the world.
Advantages
- Availability;
- Protection of glass surfaces;
- Prevent scratches;
- Ergonomic consistency;
- Good results with short programs;
- Fight fat.
Flaws
- Doesn't always cope with tea stains;
- Price.
Judging by the reviews, one package of concentrated gel is enough for about 24 procedures. The finish performed well in the fight against grease even in a quick wash with cool water. But he doesn’t always manage to deal with tea stains the first time. And not every housewife benefits from such an expensive purchase.
Lion Charm gel
A well-known Japanese manufacturer, famous all over the world for its original household chemicals, has proposed an effective gel-like liquid with the effect of quickly washing away any stains. Successful removal of stains can be observed even without pre-soaking; in addition, the composition suppresses any unpleasant odors on the surface of dishes and machines. The composition contains salt to soften the water, as well as a rinse aid to give a dazzling shine. At the same time, the gentle formula carefully protects fragile dishes and effectively dissolves fatty deposits. At the end you can get an excellent result with a pleasant citrus aroma.
Advantages
- Complete removal from devices;
- Efficient even with fast washing;
- Washing complex contaminants;
- Fighting foreign odors;
- Ergonomic packaging;
- Inexpensive price tag;
- Reducing water hardness.
Flaws
- Not available for sale everywhere;
- Liquid consistency that may leak from the compartment.
There are not many reviews about this product due to the fact that it is not often found on store shelves in Russia. Those who have tried it first-hand praise the large bottle volume of 840 ml and economical consumption. The gel can be fully used after 130-140 procedures. But it is important to get used to the liquid consistency, as it can flow out of the machine compartment in case of pre-washing.
Gifts with purchase
Often, the device comes with a promotional package with samples of detergents.
This is how marketers promote products, and this set is like a salvation for beginners. For example, Bosch dishwashers come with Finish brand products: a couple of tablets and a bottle of rinse aid.
For the first wash this is enough:
- pour the rinse aid into the special compartment;
- place the tablet in the dispenser;
- Place the dishes and turn on the machine.
It is profitable to buy household appliances during promotions of electronics hypermarkets and online stores - you will receive detergents as a gift.
The best capsules for the dishwasher
The most convenient form is capsules that do not require dosage determination. On top they are covered with a water-soluble shell, which allows you to quickly activate all components for cleaning and care. Inside there can be either a powder in a solid free-flowing state or a gel-like consistency. After analyzing customer reviews, expert assessments, and modern products on the market, the best nominee in this category was included in the rating.
Fairy Platinum All in 1
One of the most effective products is Fairy dishwasher capsules. Inside the water-soluble shell there is a highly concentrated gel that can quickly break down the most difficult stains and volumes of fat. The unique formula is supplemented with a special rinse aid, which gives sparkling shine and newness to accessories. Salt will reduce water hardness, protecting the device from scale, plaque, and corrosion. The versatility of the capsules allows you to use them independently without additional products. Each time before the start of the cycle, one capsule is placed in the machine compartment, once inside, the shell completely dissolves.
Advantages
- Thoughtful formula;
- Versatility;
- Ease of use;
- Highly effective fat removal;
- Rinse;
- Dishwasher protection.
Flaws
- Pronounced perfume scent;
- Large capsule size that does not fit into the compartment.
These capsules received the maximum number of positive reviews. Unlike other similar products, Fairy is distinguished by its increased effectiveness in removing serious contaminants. The downside is that a large pillow with filling does not always fit into the compartment, so it can be placed in the compartment for spoons/forks. And the fragrance here is powerful, which cannot be considered an indicator of the safety of the composition.
How to care for your dishwasher?
Like any other appliance, a dishwasher needs care. You need to regularly:
- Remove and clean the filter (after each cycle).
- Remove the nozzles and remove plaque in the holes (every 2-4 weeks).
- Use the self-cleaning function (every 1-3 months).
- Rinse the rinse aid container (every time before filling).
Note. Using short cycles, eco-friendly detergents and delicate programs can cause your machine to get dirty more quickly.
It is recommended to occasionally use intensive cleaning with strong chemicals. More information on how to care for your dishwasher:
Regenerating salt
Special salt must be in the dishwasher at all times. It softens water and prevents scale from appearing on parts.
The use of regenerating salt directly affects the service life of the dishwasher.
In most regions, water is hard, and the heating element quickly becomes overgrown with limescale. Then it overheats and fails. In addition, a machine without salt washes dishes worse. Detergents in hard water are ineffective. Plaques and stains may remain on the surface of the plates.
Popular brands of regenerating salt:
- Finish;
- Topper 3309;
- Topperr 3317 (improved).
Regenerating salt differs from table salt in its larger granule size and purity. It dissolves evenly and does not stick together into a lump. You cannot put regular salt in the dishwasher!
The regenerating salt compartment is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. You need to find the round cap and unscrew it. Fill the tank through a funnel, after pouring 1 liter of water inside. After this, the cycle is started.
The drug is added to the tank every 1-6 months. The frequency of manipulations depends on the hardness of the water and the regularity of use of the machine. If the compartment becomes empty, the dishwasher notifies you with an indicator. Salt is indicated by two arrows (wavy lines).
Which dishwasher detergent is best to buy?
From all the categories presented, it is difficult to choose which option is needed, but a description of the characteristics of each manufacturer, nominee, its pros and cons significantly narrows the search. After conducting a comparative analysis, based on real user reviews, we can draw the following conclusions from the top list:
- Excellent cleaning of dishes made of any material – Clean&Fresh All in 1;
- The safest, well-thought-out composition – BioMio Bio-total;
- Optimal price-quality ratio – Bravix;
- The most effective remedy for grease and old stains is Finish All in 1 gel;
- An excellent budget option is Somat All in 1;
- The most convenient format is Fairy Platinum All in 1.
Most of the products presented have a similar composition, and therefore a similar principle of action. The choice is made based on the degree of safety, hypoallergenicity, consumption, and the absence of aggressive chemical elements. If there are children in the family, it is important to choose a hypoallergenic composition.
What does the starter kit consist of?
The name was invented by advertisers for a reason - this kit contains everything you need for the first launch. The potential audience buying kits for connecting and running the PMM are users without experience using a dishwasher.
Important! Remember: when buying a starter kit, you risk overpaying for the idea. The cost of the combined funds is often increased by 15-20%.
What you will find in the kit:
- Tablets or capsules - simple or universal (“3-in-1”, “7-in-1”, etc.).
- Salt. We described its specifics and purpose separately.
- Rinse aid.
Budget options use regular washing powder or gel instead of universal capsules. Manufacturers manage to “insert” the entire line of their products for PMM into more expensive kits. In addition to tablets and rinses, these may include the following accessories:
- Cleaners: from grease, scale, fungus or mold.
- Powder for the first start of the dishwasher.
- Absorbent or block with a pleasant smell for the bunker.
You will find in the kit everything you need to add to the dishwasher when you first start it and in the future.
Fact! In some cases, manufacturers who combine products into first-time kits deliberately reduce their cost as a "bait." The user purchases everything together at a reasonable price, and when something runs out, he has to buy it separately and at a different price.
What can't be washed in the dishwasher
Almost everything can be washed in the dishwasher - from fragile glass glasses to frying pans and baking sheets. But there are exceptions to any rule: you can wash some items in the machine only once – the first and the last. Not every material can withstand a long stay in water, high temperatures, exposure to aggressive chemicals, or forced drying with hot air.
Let's figure out what dishes cannot be washed in the dishwasher, especially if the latter has a limited selection of washing modes.
Tree
If you don't plan on sending your favorite rolling pin or wooden spoon to the landfill anytime soon, refrain from putting it in the dishwasher. The result of this action is predictable. With prolonged contact with water, wood tends to swell - the fibers, saturated with moisture, increase in size.
Subsequent drying leads to a sharp compression of the wood fibers and, as a consequence, to the breaking of the strong bond between them. As a result, the wooden object is deformed, its surface becomes rough, cracks appear, in a word, the product loses its appearance.
Let us hasten to dissuade those who believe that nothing bad will happen in the short time the dishes are in the dishwasher chamber. In fact, the tree begins to swell after lying in cold water for only 30-40 minutes. What can we say about hot water, in which detergent is still dissolved... What do you think will happen to your wooden bowls, spoons, cutting boards, rolling pins, pancake spatulas that will be in such conditions for 2-3 hours?
Plastic
You can wash plastic in the dishwasher, but with one caveat - it must be heat-resistant (in this case, the product has a symbol that allows automatic washing).
However, it is not advisable to place dishes even made of heat-resistant plastic in the lower basket, i.e. near the heating element. Under no circumstances should there be disposable plastic cups, plates, spoons or forks in the car chamber.
Separately, I need to say a few words about vacuum-sealable dishes. Plastic containers, from under the lids of which air can be pumped out to create a vacuum inside, should also not be placed in the dishwasher. Even slight deformation of the plastic as a result of exposure to high temperatures will cause the vacuum container to lose its seal, and air will penetrate into it.
Porcelain
Do not auto-wash porcelain items, especially thin ones. Under the influence of hot water, porcelain can quickly become covered with a network of small cracks; turbo drying is completely destructive for this material. In addition, after several washes, the painting will fade if it is not protected by a layer of varnish. If you do decide to put porcelain in the dishwasher, select the “Delicate Wash” mode with a low temperature and a short cycle.
Crystal
Crystal is also not for those who like to take hot baths. He is afraid not so much of high temperatures as of their changes. As with porcelain, the “Delicate Wash” setting is recommended for crystal. It is better to wash especially valuable specimens by hand.
Noble and base metals
Automatic washing is contraindicated for products made of certain metals. For example, you should not load silver cutlery into the dishwasher: silver turns black from contact with some other metals (stainless steel, from which the inner walls of the chamber are made, is especially dangerous for it).
Under the influence of detergents, the surface of items made of silver, brass, tin, bronze becomes dull, and it can be very difficult to achieve the original shine.
Copper also does not tolerate prolonged exposure to hot water and detergent: in such aggressive conditions, copper objects tend to darken and lose their appearance.
Aluminum is a chemically very active metal, although in ordinary life we do not notice this due to the protective oxide film on its surface. However, sometimes this film is not able to protect against the effects of a solution of detergent in hot water: after being in the dishwasher, aluminum products often acquire a dark gray coating.
After the second or third wash in the dishwasher, cast iron cookware will become covered with a corrosive coating and lose its appearance.
Other
Sharp kitchen knives have no business in the dishwasher. Professionals wash their knives under running cool water because otherwise they will quickly become dull. If you practice washing kitchen knives in the dishwasher, you will have to sharpen them almost every day.
Do not put unglazed pottery and art objects in the dishwasher: microclay particles will quickly clog the filters.
If the manufacturer of your thermos or thermal mug has not provided its product with a machine washable symbol, you will have to manually polish it. Plastic items, the individual elements of which are connected with glue, also have no place in the dishwasher.
We tried, as best we could, to answer the question of what dishes should not be washed in the dishwasher. Of course, the full list of “prohibited” items and materials is much wider. But we hope you understand the principle and, therefore, will not make fatal mistakes.