Where to pour dishwasher gel?

Modern household appliances are easy to use: the control panel is intuitive, the algorithms are stored in the system, and all processes are automatic. However, difficulties still arise. For example, many people are confused about where to pour the dishwasher gel and whether using two compartments of the detergent drawer improves the cleaning results. Let's try to understand all the nuances.

Which dishwasher compartment is suitable for gel?

Before adding detergent to the dishwasher, prepare it for the upcoming wash. First, arrange the dishes and cutlery correctly on the rack, then close the door and select the desired program. Next, add the gel to the machine.

For a standard wash cycle, the gel is poured into the detergent compartment. This section is usually larger and marked with a spray image. But it’s better to check the compartment’s location in the instructions in advance – it varies depending on the dishwasher model.

A standard dishwasher has two compartments: one for the main cycle and one for rinsing.

For rinsing, add the rinse aid to a separate compartment. It's located next to the main compartment and always has a hinged or screw-on lid. Rinse aid is sometimes included with regular detergent, but it's best to buy it separately. This will remove carbon deposits and dried-on food residue from your dishes faster and more effectively.

When adding detergent to your dishwasher, there are a few more rules to keep in mind:

• salt is poured into the ion exchanger to soften the water;
• when half loaded, less gel is poured;
• The manufacturer's recommended dosage is often too high.

There's no need to strictly follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage. It's best to experiment and calculate your own "dosage"—it depends on your machine model, load level, and soiling. For light cleaning of dishes, 10-20 ml is usually sufficient, while 25 ml is sufficient for removing carbon deposits and dried-on food. High-temperature cycles require less product.

Which gel is best to use?

When choosing a dishwasher detergent, you should consider consumer reviews. By reviewing these opinions, you can compile a list of the best gels. The list includes both domestic and international brands at varying prices.

Finish is considered the leader—a universal gel that removes grease, carbon deposits, and other types of stains. It works in both cold and hot water without leaving streaks or soap scum. It costs between $6 and $8 for a 650 ml bottle and is economical to use. However, it does leave a distinctive odor on dishes.

Customers highly rated the "Charm" gel from the Japanese brand Lion. It effectively removes dirt from dishes without leaving streaks or odors on glass and ceramics. The composition contains a rinse aid that improves the quality of washing and rinsing. One of the advantages is the convenient packaging—half-liter bottles with a measuring cup. It costs around $3–$4. However, the concentrate is not available in mass-market stores—it must be ordered online.

Cleaning products from Finish, Lion, Sodasan, Somat and CleanHome brands have proven themselves to be excellent.

Another foreign-made gel is the German Sodasan. Its advantage is its natural composition, making it safe for allergy sufferers and children. Its concentrated formula depletes quickly and cleans faster in water of any temperature. It's available in both citrus and unscented flavors. Price: $3–$4 for 0.5 liters of concentrate.

The Somat brand also receives positive reviews. This 3-in-1 product: in addition to degreasing and descaling, it can neutralize odors. It works effectively even at high and low temperature settings. However, it does have a drawback: its non-eco-friendly formula is not suitable for children or those prone to allergies.

CleanHome is excellent at removing fresh dirt, but falls short compared to other products when it comes to removing dried-on deposits and carbon deposits. Other top-tier products include the universal TopHouse and the hypoallergenic Synergetic. Bottles are priced similarly—no more than $4 for half a liter.

How to find a good gel?

The choice of gel affects not only the frequency of washing but also the condition of the dishwasher itself. Low-quality products with poor formulations can cause clogs and scale buildup, which will inevitably lead to equipment failure. To avoid making the wrong choice, it's recommended to consider several criteria when searching.

• Ingredients. It's essential to purchase concentrates made with natural and hypoallergenic ingredients—salt, baking soda, and plant-based surfactants. These products completely decompose during the cycle, leaving no soapy residue on dishes or spilling onto food. Despite being environmentally friendly, they fight dirt well thanks to their active formula with oxygen and enzymes.
• Purpose. It's recommended to choose universal products capable of removing all types of stains. It's also best to purchase a rinse aid, softener, and scale remover separately. Combination concentrates with a "3-in-1" or "5-in-1" formula are also available.

For dishwashers, it is recommended to choose natural biodegradable gels – this reduces the risk of poisoning and allergic reactions!

• Manufacturer. When purchasing dishwashing gel and rinse aid, it's recommended to choose the same brand. This way, the liquids will complement each other, ensuring high-quality cleaning of dishes.
• Concentration. In addition to standard gels, concentrates with a more powerful formula are also available. Due to the higher concentration of active ingredients, significantly less of the product is required, making it more economical to use.

When choosing a dishwashing detergent, it's irrational to focus solely on price. Firstly, almost all gels cost roughly the same. Secondly, concentrated detergents are more expensive but are used up more slowly, while cheaper alternatives are used up quickly and purchased more frequently.

When purchasing dishwasher gel, it's important to evaluate the ingredients and customer reviews. This will make it easier to find an option with the best value for money.

   

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