Guide to Choosing the Best Dishwasher Detergent for You
Your dishwasher keeps meal time moving and lets you spend your evening with family and friends rather than hand-washing dishes.It’s important to understand the different types of dishwasher detergent so your appliance can consistently deliver a clean load.
Read this comparison guide on the different types of detergent and their benefits and learn how each works.
3 TYPES OF DISHWASHER DETERGENT
Choosing the best dishwasher detergent depends on the cycles you commonly use and the messes you rely on your dishwasher to clean.
Let’s review the three types of dishwasher detergent.
1.LIQUID DISHWASHER DETERGENT
The most traditional kind, liquid, or gel, dishwasher detergent is easy to use and usually packaged in a compressible bottle, so you can control the dosage per load and prevent over-pouring.
With liquid dishwasher detergent, you must always follow the instructions on the detergent bottle to avoid adding too much or too little detergent to a load.
2. DISHWASHER DETERGENT PODS
Dishwasher detergent pods, or tablets, are single-dose containers that break down throughout a full wash cycle. Simply load your dirty items, add a pod to the dispenser, select a cycle and you’re done.
PRO TIP: If you have a KitchenAid® dishwasher, it’s recommended to use high-quality premeasured tablets or pods.
3. POWDER DISHWASHER DETERGENT
With its spot-free formula and ability to prevent streaks, powdered detergents are often the first choice to clean clear glass.
Similar to liquid dishwasher detergent, powder detergent lets you pour the desired amount into a dispenser. Be careful to not exceed the recommended fill line in your detergent dispenser.
LIQUID DETERGENT VS. DISHWASHER PODS: WHICH IS BETTER?
Deciding between liquid dishwasher detergent or dishwasher pods should be based on the detergent brand, your home’s water hardness and how you use your dishwasher to clean a load.
Compared to liquid or gel detergents, dishwasher pods are typically more adept at minimizing white film buildup on dishes.
LIQUID DISHWASHER DETERGENT VS. POWDER DETERGENT: WHICH IS BETTER?
Liquid detergents are a popular choice thanks to their chemically composed cleaning ability and ease of use. Powder detergents, on the other hand, may have enzymes and bleach to help eliminate food residue and tough stains.
Deciding between liquid or powder detergent comes down to which option is right for you and how you like to clean your dishes, cutlery, glasses, mugs and bowls.
WHICH DISHWASHER DETERGENT CAN PREVENT CLOUDINESS?
Any detergent with a streak-free dry can help avoid the appearance of cloudiness on clear glass. Another way to prevent cloudiness is to never fill the dispenser above the fill line. Adding too much detergent to a load can result in residue buildup on the items being washed and the interior of a dishwasher.
WHICH DISHWASHER DETERGENT SHOULD YOU USE FOR HARD OR SOFT WATER?
Most dishwasher detergents are compatible with various levels of water hardness.
Powder detergent is considered the most capable of removing limescale deposits, cloudiness and white spots, which are often caused by hard water buildup. Pod and liquid detergent options are typically the best for soft water.
PRO TIP: Use a water softener if you own a KitchenAid® Dishwasher and the water in your home has a hardness level of 15 grains or more.
CAN YOU USE DISHWASHER DETERGENT TO HAND WASH DISHES?
Dishwasher detergent should be exclusively used with a wash cycle. To hand wash dishes, you need a soap that can produce suds and lather, something that dishwasher detergent doesn’t do. For hand washing, liquid dish soap is your best bet.
PRO TIP: Always follow the package instructions on dishwasher detergent and dish soap.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A DISHWASHER DETERGENT?
Give thought to these factors to find the right dishwasher detergent for your household.
Dish Type : Certain detergents, like powder, offers optimal performance on clear glass dishes compared to other alternatives.
Wash cycle temperature : Powder detergents have trouble disintegrating in cold water. You should consider another type of detergent if you often wash dishes with cooler water temperatures.
- Hard water or soft water : Learn more about your home’s water hardness as this will help you select the right dishwasher detergent. If your home has hard water, you should probably choose powder detergents. If your home has soft water, liquid and pod detergents might be the better choice for you.
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EXPLORE KITCHENAID® DISHWASHERS
KitchenAid® Dishwashers help keep your dishes, cutlery and glasses clean, so you can concentrate on creating your family’s favourite meals. Learn more about the exciting features on select dishwasher models like the FreeFlex™ Third Rack, which offers additional dish storage, or the ProWash™ Cycle which employs a soil sensor to alter wash time and water temperatures as needed.
