Dishwashers have become a saving grace in the kitchen over the years, cleaning dishes with little to no effort from people. Dishwasher detergents have also changed the way we clean dishes. With different types and formulas, it can be tough choosing which one suits your dishes and dishwasher. This guide will give you the breakdown you need on dishwasher detergents, and which might be the right one for your dishwasher.
Dishwasher Powder
Dishwasher powder, as the name suggests, is a powder that can be poured or scooped into the detergent dispenser in the dishwasher. It is a slightly coarser powder so is best for removing larger stains off pots or pans but can potentially damage delicate glassware.
Benefits of dishwasher powder
There are a number of benefits of using dishwasher powder including:
- Cheaper than other detergents
- Lasts longer as you don’t need to use lots each load
- Greater flexibility for dosing depending on the items in the dishwasher
How much does dishwasher powder cost?
Dishwasher powder can cost as little as $5 for generic brands up to $25 for a more premium product. It is a cheaper option of dishwasher detergent but does pose the issue of using too much in a single wash costing you more in the long run.
Dishwasher powder brands
Shine Dishwasher Powder
Shine is a cheap and cheerful dishwasher powder brand retailing for under $5. It boasts a streak free shine, grease cutting power and active enzymes for a truly clean result. It’s an entry level product that offers the basics for dishwasher powder and only requires a capful of powder per wash for the best results.
Dishwasher Tablets
Dishwasher tablets are one of the most popular choices of dishwasher detergent coming in small bricks of concentrated dishwasher powder. They can be placed in the detergent dispenser or simply placed in with the dishes to dissolve for a wash.
Benefits of dishwasher tablets
There are a number of benefits that make dishwasher tablets a great choice, including:
- Deliver a precise detergent dosage
- Some brands offer a rinse aid element as well as detergent to help improve the quality of the clean
- Can also provide elements like pre-wash and de-greasing so you can spend less time soaking dishes
- Offer a number of fragrances
How much do dishwasher tablets cost?
Dishwasher tablets can range from $10 to $50 depending on the brand, the added elements and size of the pack being purchased. For generic brands you can expect to spend up to $20 and for name brands with added rinse aid or dishwasher cleaning elements you can spend close to $50 for a standard pack.
Dishwasher tablet brands
Finish Dishwasher Tablets
Finish is a popular brand of dishwasher detergent that comes in tablets, pods and powder retailing from $15 to $30 and up. Finish tablets are said to provide an everyday clean the first time, every time so there’s no re-washing required. It features a Supercharged Powerball to cut through grease and a lemon fragrance to add freshness to every wash.
Dishwasher pods
Dishwasher gel pods are similar to tablets, however they feature a gel detergent as opposed to a powder. Like tablets, the pods can be placed in the detergent dispenser or on the rack with the dishes themselves. They have an easy dissolvable casing so you can avoid the mess of using a free pour gel.
Benefits of dishwasher pods
Gel dishwasher pods offer a number of benefits including:
- Non-abrasive make up, avoiding small scratches to dishes unlike a powder
- Easily dissolves once the wash starts leaving no streaks on dishes
- Consistency with a measured dose for each wash
How much do dishwasher pods cost?
Gel dishwasher pods sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, but this can vary dependent on the brand. They generally retail between $20 and $40 for standard sized packets but can reach upward of $50 for bulk packets and more expensive name brands.
Dishwasher pod brands
Fairy Dishwasher Pods
Fairy have become a popular name brand of dishwasher pods and tablets that retail between $15 for basic pods up to $60 for more advanced formulated tablets. Many of its range feature pre-wash systems, ultra shine technology, built in rinse aid and is said to blast through baked on foods.
What type of dishwasher detergent should I choose?
Which type of dishwasher detergent you choose will come down to the type of dishwasher you have and individual preference. Some dishwashers cannot use specific detergents like powders, so always check the user manual on your dishwasher before purchasing a specific type of powder.
Original Author: Veronika Hleborodova
Share this article