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FACTS ABOUT DISHWASHING

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AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING PRODUCTS


DETERGENTS

Automatic dishwasher detergents provide the chemical energy to help remove food soil from all types of cooking and serving items. Unlike hand dishwashing products, these must be very low to nonsudsing. Suds cushion the mechanical cleaning action of the water and result in suds overflow from the machine. In addition, automatic dishwasher detergents should inhibit foam that certain protein-containing foods, such as egg and milk, create. They must also soften water to prevent insoluble deposits, loosen and hold soil in suspension, leave items clean and grease-free so they rinse and dry without spots, and be safe for a wide variety of dishes, glassware, utensils, etc.

Forms
Today's automatic dishwater detergents are available in three forms: powders, gels, and tablets. All forms perform well, so the choice is usually made on personal preference.

Powders are free-flowing granules. Most people are familiar with powders as they are the traditional automatic dishwasher detergent form.

Gels are formulated to provide controlled dispensing. Because of their form, they are less likely to be spilled than powders. Gels dissolve quickly, allowing the detergent to begin working right away.

Tablets are formulated for effective cleaning as well as convenience. Since they are pre-measured, there is no measuring, waste, or mess. One tablet contains the exact dose for a full load. Each tablet may be individually wrapped to protect it from moisture, humidity and to extend its shelf life.
   Although tablets are formulated to work in all types of water, you may need to use an extra tablet in extremely hard water.

Depending on their formulation and product form, automatic dishwasher detergents may contain the following ingredients:

Ingredients
Surfactants or surface active agents loosens soil and emulsifies fats, helps hold them in suspension, and leaves surfaces clean and free from spots and film. Specially developed surfactants having the lowest sudsing characteristic are used.

Phosphates tie up water hardness minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium) so the minerals won't interfere with cleaning or deposit on surfaces. Phosphates also help keep food soil particles in suspension after removal from the soiled surfaces and prevent their redeposition.

Chlorine or Oxygen Bleaches are added to help prevent spots by leaving a cleaner surface than would be obtained with either surfactants or phosphates alone. The very small amount of bleach helps break down protein soils and aids in removing stains such as coffee or tea.

A Corrosion Inhibitor, such as sodium silicate, helps provide protection for the dishwasher and the wide variety of materials that are washed. Some materials still should not be washed in the automatic dishwasher (see Automatic Dishwashing Procedures). The corrosion inhibitor is also a soil suspending agent and an important source of alkalinity.

Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins that help break down food and soil residue into small particles. The small particles are then washed away.

Special Additives, such as sodium aluminate, boric oxide or aluminum phosphate, may be used to inhibit the removal of overglaze and pattern from fine china. Sometimes antifoams are added to reduce sudsing.

Additional Alkalis, such as sodium carbonate, hydroxide or trisodium phosphate, may be used to aid in handling greasy food soils.

Polymers help prevent film buildup from hard water.

Thickening Agents are used in gel automatic dishwasher detergents so the product remains in the dishwasher cup(s) until automatically dispensed at the appropriate time.

Colorants are added to lend individuality and an appealing appearance to the product.

Processing Aids, generally inert materials, allow the active ingredients to be combined into a usable form.

Fragrance covers the chemical odor of the base product and stale food odors that might come from the dishwasher.

Specialty products are also available to help prevent or correct problems.

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Rinse Agents are formulated to lower the surface tension of the water, causing it to sheet off the dishes. A rinse agent helps a dishwasher rinse away residues that cause spots and film. Rinse agents are helpful for obtaining dry dishware when dishwasher energy savings switches are activated, or when dishes are left to air dry.
    Liquids are available for use in dishwashers with a built-in rinse reservoir and dispenser. Solid forms are made to attach to the upper dishwasher rack where they slowly dissolve and contribute to each water change in the cycle.

Film Removers are powdered alkaline products containing chlorine and complex phosphates. They can be used to remove build-up of hard water film and cloudiness on dishes and the interior of the dishwasher. The film remover is used in place of an automatic dishwasher detergent in a separate cycle or combined with the dishwasher detergent.
    Some dishwasher manuals may suggest the use of white vinegar or citric acid crystals to remove film and stains. When using any product not specifically made for dishwasher use, it is very important to follow the dishwasher manufacturer's instructions precisely and not substitute or vary the procedures. Make certain the product is safe for the item being cleaned.

Lime and Rust Removers are available in liquid or powder form to remove lime and rust deposits from the interior of the dishwasher. The product, a combination of acids, is added at the beginning of the main wash cycle (no dishes or other products should be present) with the dishwasher completing the rest of the cycles automatically. The dishwasher should then be put through another complete cycle using a dishwasher detergent to clean the interior of any dissolved lime or rust residue.


STORAGE

Powder automatic dishwasher detergents tend to pick up moisture and can become caked or lumpy. Moisture can degrade bleaching compounds. This is why most are packaged with moisture barriers or in bottles. Open the package carefully to avoid removing any more of the outer wrap than is necessary, and always reclose the package tightly. It is wise not to buy any packages that have been slit or torn, or more than one or two at a time to assure freshness and pourability. Store in a cool, dry place.

    Some gel dishwasher detergents may require shaking before use.

    It is important that automatic dishwasher detergent and specialty products, like all household cleaning products, be kept out of the reach of children and inaccessible to them. Storage under the sink may not only make the product too accessible to small children, but it is also too warm and damp for good storage of automatic dishwasher detergents. Do not "store" any detergent in the dishwasher where curious children may find it.


DISPOSAL OF AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING PRODUCTS

Just as you exercise care in the manner in which you use and store other household cleaning products, you should property dispose of empty dishwasher detergent containers or small amounts of leftover products by following some simple procedures.

  • Get the most for your money _ USE THE PRODUCT UP! If you find you cannot use all of the product you purchased, give it to a friend, but make sure the label with directions and precautions is still legible.

  • Always check labels for any special disposal procedures and follow instructions. Unused powder and gel automatic dishwasher detergents, liquid rinse agents, and film and spot removers can be disposed of down the drain. Tablet dishwasher detergents and solid rinse agents can be disposed of in the trash.

  • Don't mix products when disposing of them.

  • Many communities recycle the plastic containers in which gel automatic dishwasher detergents are packaged. Check local recycling program guidelines and recycle empty containers, when possible.

  • NEVER reuse an empty dishwashing product container for another purpose. The label instructions and precautions for one product may be dangerous to someone trying to use those instructions for a different product.





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