What is better for a dishwasher: powder or tablets?

After purchasing a dishwasher, owners often wonder which is best: tablets, powder, or dishwasher gel. It can be difficult to choose, especially if you've never used one before. Let's explore which is more cost-effective and performs better without harming our health.

Let's compare the composition of the products

The first thing consumers notice is price, but we believe the first factor in choosing a product should be its ingredients. That's why we'll compare the ingredients in powder, liquid, and tablet dishwasher detergents.

The main component of any detergent, including powder, are surfactants, which break down stains on dishes. In addition to these substances, powder contains:

• oxygen bleach;
• enzymes that improve the breakdown of stubborn stains;
• water softening soda;
• subtilisin, which breaks down protein food;
• sometimes phosphates;
• preservatives;
• chlorine;
• fragrances to give a pleasant aroma.

This composition may vary in concentration between manufacturers, and some ingredients may be absent altogether. The fewer ingredients a dishwashing detergent contains, including the absence of chlorine, phosphates, and enzymes, the more environmentally friendly it is. However, the absence of strong chemicals may impact dishwashing performance. Therefore, some powders perform better than others.

Dishwasher tablets have a similar chemical composition. However, tablets with multifunctional action, for example, 3 in 1 or 5 in 1, contain, in addition to the above substances, also agents that give the dishes a shine. Thanks to them, there are no streaks or smudges. Furthermore, one of the tablet's layers is salt, which should be added to the dishwasher to soften the water and prevent scale buildup.

As for gels, they also contain all the same ingredients, only in a viscous liquid form. Rinsing agents can be added to gels, just like to tablets.

The main difference between the gel and other products is the absence of abrasive components. Dense powder particles or tablets may not dissolve, but this does not happen with the gel.

So, tablets differ significantly from other detergents in terms of composition, as they contain both dishwasher salt and rinse aid. However, their eco-friendliness can vary. Just as there are eco-friendly products among powders, so too are gels and tablets. Everything will depend on the manufacturer.

Pros and cons

Let's look at other features of detergents, highlighting their pros and cons. So, the advantages of tablet detergents are clear:

• they include all the necessary components, there is no need to take additional salt and rinse aid;
• they are dosed in such a way that one tablet is enough for one wash;
• each tablet is individually packaged to prevent the release of substances into the environment during storage;
• They come in a variety of packaging sizes: 20, 40, and even 120 pieces.

However, consumers are often discouraged from purchasing this product by its shortcomings:

• The price is high, especially for tablets from well-known manufacturers. But compared to the cost of three separate products, the difference is negligible.
• Not all tablets dissolve equally well;
• they often contain phosphates, the harmfulness of which is discussed by many experts;
• if necessary, reduce the dosage of the drug, not all tablets are easy to break;
• Not all dishwashers have a compartment for tablets.

Despite the convenience of using tablets for PMM, powders and gels also have their advantages:

• powdered products are cheaper;

Even if you buy salt, rinse aid, and gel (powder) separately, they will last longer than tablets bought for the same price.

• the powder is universal, dissolves faster than a tablet and is suitable for any dishwasher;
• With powder, you can save on salt by not adding it every time you wash, especially if you live in a region with soft water.

As for the disadvantages, powders also have quite a few:

• The best washing results can be achieved if you use all products from the same manufacturer, which is not always easy to do;
• When poured into a tray, the powder creates dust, releasing harmful substances into the air;
• it is not so convenient to store, especially in cardboard packaging, as it can spill;
• You need to adjust the dosage carefully; if you use too much powder, the machine will create too much foam, which can lead to equipment failure.

User opinions

Elvira, Moscow

I use Sun Classik tablets; they're inexpensive and work much better than Finish powder. Another plus is that they're easy to use, and I save a lot of money because I buy a huge 105-piece package. I won't sing their praises; try them for yourself and see. After I started using these tablets, I gave all my other products to my friends.

Oksana, Moscow

I like Feed Back tablets the most. They dissolve easily, clean cleanly, are inexpensive, and can be cut in half. These tablets are Italian-made and come in packs of 15, 30, and 60. I highly recommend them!

Yana, Naryan-Mar

I have a narrow dishwasher, so I don’t use tablets, as they contain a very large dose of detergent. I prefer powder because I can adjust the dosage to suit myself. Lately, I've been using Finish brand powders, although I've been satisfied with other products as well. Tablets are always more expensive, so by buying powder, I'm saving a lot of money.

Ekaterina, Moscow

I have nothing against powder detergent, but I don't use it because it's inconvenient. When we first got our dishwasher, I didn't know any alternatives, but I'd often spill it on the floor when I poured it into the tray. Tablets and capsules are much more convenient, and they work just as well, if not better in some ways. In my opinion, powder detergent is a thing of the past!

Marina, Yekaterinburg

I don't like powders because they're ineffective and leave streaks, but I don't buy tablets either because they're expensive. The best option is Finish gel. It cleans dishes better than any other and leaves no streaks or chemical smell at all. I recommend it to all my friends!

Polina, St. Petersburg

Pills, pills, and more pills, there's no better remedy. I use Finish pills, but I tried them a little earlier. BioMio dishwasher tablets, they're also very good. Every dish comes out sparkling clean, and there haven't been any misfires during washing. Five stars!

So, there are as many opinions as there are people. It's difficult to give a definitive answer to this question; there are too many factors involved. Until you try each product yourself, you won't be able to decide which is best. Most importantly, don't forget to read the instructions for the device and check the manufacturer's recommendations; pills might not be the best option for you.

   

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