09/27/201902/19/2021 Maria Ivanova 2 comments
You have to wash plates, pots and cutlery every day, and hot water doesn’t always remove grease, so you simply can’t do without dishwashing detergent.
Which one is the best, most effective and economical? A rating based on customer preferences will help us answer these questions.
What does regular dishwashing detergent consist of?
Dish detergent most often consists of the following components.
- Surfactants (surfactants). This is the main active ingredient, which is responsible for the quality of washing. Surfactants are divided into four types. Anionic ones are the most effective and cheapest, but very dangerous, capable of accumulating in the body and causing various diseases. Unfortunately, 70% of all detergents contain these components. Cationic - have bactericidal properties and are less toxic, but cope much worse with fat. Nonionic - completely dissolves in water and has a beneficial effect on the skin, but does not form foam well, so they are used only in combination with anionic substances. Amphoteric - have a gentle effect on the skin, have good cleaning and bactericidal properties. They are obtained from natural raw materials, so they are quite expensive components.
- The solvent is most often ordinary water.
- Enzymes are enzymes that act as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions. With their help, it is easier to remove hard-to-wash organic contaminants.
- Foam stabilizers that maintain high soapiness. The more foam is formed, the more effective the product.
- Abrasives. Tiny solid particles (silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, crushed pumice) that mechanically remove heavy dirt.
- Oxidizing agents responsible for bleaching, disinfection and destruction of organic compounds.
- Thickeners that increase the viscosity of the product.
- Dyes are responsible for beautiful color.
- Fragrance – for a pleasant smell. The less aroma, the better - allergy sufferers will definitely appreciate this.
- Preservatives . Preserves all ingredients for a long time.
- Protective components. Reduce the impact of “chemicals” on the skin of the hands. These include aloe vera, glycerin, pH regulator, natural extracts and plant extracts.
Be sure to use gloves when washing dishes using chemicals. Detergents have a detrimental effect on the skin of the hands, destroying the protective lipid layer, as a result of which all the harmful “chemistry” penetrates the body, causing irritation, itching, allergies, skin diseases - eczema, psoriasis and others.
Types of detergents
Dish detergents are divided into the following types according to their consistency.
- Powders and pastes. Thanks to the abrasive particles they contain, you can cope with complex stains. The main drawback is that if you force it too hard, the coating on the dishes will be damaged.
- Liquid products - gel, balm, liquid and others. They destroy fat perfectly, they can be used in both hot and cold water, they wash off well, but they can cause allergies and dry out the skin of the hands.
- Tablets and capsules. They are used to wash dishes in dishwashers.
- Concentrate. It has an enhanced concentrated composition. Before use, the product is diluted with water according to the instructions.
Did you know that if you mix one tablespoon of liquid detergent with a glass of salt and 120 ml of nine percent vinegar, you can get a cheap weed killer. It is enough to spray unwanted plants with a spray bottle. The salt and vinegar will dry out the leaves, and the detergent will act as Velcro.
What is better to buy
Each buyer selects household cleaning chemicals according to individual requirements. It can vary both in composition and consistency. Let's highlight the main options for dishwashing detergents:
- liquids;
- gels;
- powders;
- pills;
- balms;
- capsules;
- concentrates;
- rinse aids.
The chemical composition, as well as precautions and features of use are always indicated on the label. When choosing a product, you need to carefully study the information.
Varieties
Liquids are perhaps the most sought-after kitchen utensil care products available. They are sold in all stores and at an affordable price. The consistency of the substance is liquid, so in order to foam it well, you will need to spend at least a teaspoon, which indicates a large consumption of the product. The most popular liquids are Somat, Gala, Fairy.
Gel for caring for dishes is more practical than liquid or powder. It dissolves well in water and foams profusely. Due to its thickness, it does not leak out of the container in large quantities, thus, one bottle will last for a long time. The most common gels are AOS, Prodo, FINISH, Helper, Fairy.
Concentrated household chemicals cannot be classified as budget chemicals: their price is high. But, nevertheless, one bottle will last for a long time. Before use, such products should be diluted with water. Popular concentrates are Barbuda, Sodasan, Denkmit.
What cleans better - simple products or balm?
The main difference between balm and liquid detergents for kitchen items is the composition. Cleaning liquids contain more artificial additives and harmful substances compared to balms, which contain only natural ingredients and oils.
The balm is characterized by abundant foaming, thanks to which a small amount of the substance will be enough for a lot of dishes. The liquid product is characterized by uneconomical consumption.
The most popular brands and manufacturers
The following brands are best known on the domestic market.
- Fairy. A high-quality, effective and very economical remedy from the well-known.
- Sarma. named its products after the strong Baikal wind that sweeps away everything in its path.
- Frosch. An economical, environmentally friendly and excellent cleansing product from a German manufacturer, made on the basis of plant ingredients.
- Pril. A distinctive feature of the detergent from the German company Henkel is its good efficiency and complete absence of dyes and some other harmful substances.
- A.O.S. Inexpensive but high-quality dishwashing detergent from a domestic manufacturer.
- "Eared nanny." Safe and non-toxic, designed specifically for washing children's dishes.
Are they safe?
Many consumers have doubts about the safety of dishwashing detergents. Allegedly, they are toxic, irritate the hands, etc. We would like to dispel doubts - all the dishwashing detergents studied are non-toxic and do not irritate the skin of the hands. Therefore, marketing phrases on the packaging like “gel-balm is gentle on the skin of the hands” or “formula for protecting the skin of the hands” are not empty words after all.
In addition, all the studied products met the GOST standards for pH levels (according to them, it should be from 3 to 11.5). The pH indicator tells about the acidity of the solution. Neutral pH (5.5–8) coincides with the pH of our skin and is harmless to the skin of the hands; high pH creates an alkaline environment, low pH creates an acidic environment. However, it is assumed that it is better for people to protect their hands with gloves when washing dishes, so GOST standards for the pH of detergents go beyond the boundaries of neutral pH.
You can see the pH levels of all dishwashing detergents tested HERE
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Also, in the dishwashing detergents examined, experts did not find heavy metals, pathogenic bacteria, including, for example, staphylococcus, as well as yeast, mold and fungi. Only one brand of detergent – SHINY LUX – had an increased number of bacteria (mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms). And although they are not pathogenic, it is still a violation of the standards of the Unified Sanitary-Epidemiological and Hygienic Requirements.
After re-examination
Among the reexamined products, AOS is not the only product in which experts found an increased number of microorganisms. The same violation was recorded in the Cinderella dishwashing detergent. Plus, it still doesn’t deal with stains very effectively and washes only a few dishes (previously 6, now 7). The result is that the product’s rating dropped from 3.313 to 1.7 points.
Alexey Rodyunin, head of the laboratory of the Research Center for Household Chemicals (NITSBYTHIM).
. – Microorganisms can get into the product due to the use of contaminated water in its preparation or from the environment (insufficient air purification, non-compliance with sanitary standards, etc.).
The best dishwashing detergents - rating of popular products
Nobody likes to wash dishes, especially when there are a lot of them and they are greasy. The situation becomes more complicated if only cold water is available. You can't do without detergent here. But which one is the best will be determined by the TOP-12 user favorites.
12th place. Sorti Washing balm with aloe vera
Liquid detergent with aloe aroma will not only help you wash dishes efficiently and effectively even in cold water, but will also protect your hand skin from dryness and irritation.
Contains 15% anionic surfactants and 5% nonionic.
The average cost is 40 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- thick consistency;
- nice smell;
- foams well;
- economical, lasts a long time.
Flaws:
- high consumption if the dishes are greasy.
Sorti Washing balm with aloe vera
11th place. Zero% Dishwashing gel Baking soda and lemon juice
An excellent product made from soda and other natural ingredients. It does not contain harmful and dangerous substances; it can be used to wash children's dishes and disinfect fruits and vegetables.
Does not harm hands, suitable even for sensitive and irritation-prone skin. Contains antibacterial substances, foams well, is biodegradable - the gel is safe for health and the environment.
The average cost is 85 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- natural substances in the composition;
- smells nice of lemon;
- does not dry out the skin on your hands;
- You can wash baby dishes.
Flaws:
- does not foam well;
- dear, it’s easier to wash dishes with soda;
- does not cope with fat 100%;
- not economical.
Zero% Dishwashing gel Baking soda and lemon juice
10th place. Mama Lemon Dishwashing liquid Fresh citrus
The concentrated substance with the aroma of citrus fresh juice can even be used to wash baby plates and bottles. The composition contains antibacterial substances and mineral extracts that quickly neutralize fat and unpleasant odors. Even in cold water, fat doesn't stand a chance.
The average cost is 255 rubles per 1 liter.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- very economical and efficient;
- copes with fat with a bang;
- foams well;
- degreases even in ice water;
- convenient bottle with dispenser;
- unobtrusive aroma.
Flaws:
- the dispenser dispenses too much;
- expensive, but high quality;
- sulfates in the composition.
Mama Lemon Dishwashing liquid Fresh citrus
9th place. BabyLine Dishwashing liquid, vegetables and fruits
A safe detergent for washing children's dishes has long been known to parents of children. It foams well, does not contain fragrances, has antibacterial properties, and does not harm the sensitive skin of the hands.
The average cost is 170 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- washes off without residue;
- large volume, lasts a long time;
- no smell;
- removes grease and food residues well;
- good composition;
- economical dispenser.
Flaws:
- price;
- You can't buy it everywhere.
BabyLine Dishwashing liquid, vegetables and fruits
8th place. Frosch Concentrated dishwashing gel Grapefruit
Dishwashing gel with a pleasant aroma contains natural ingredients that are not harmful to health. Users invariably note its effectiveness and ability to cope even with very dirty and greasy dishes.
It does not have a negative effect on the skin of the hands. Contains 15% anionic and nonionic surfactants, as well as 5% amphoteric ones.
The average cost is 170 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- excellent cleansing properties;
- foams well;
- smells good;
- does not cause allergies;
- washes off quickly and leaves no marks or streaks.
Flaws:
- despite the concentration, the consumption is high;
- expensive, but worth it.
Frosch Concentrated dishwashing gel Grapefruit
7th place. BioMio Unscented with cotton extract
The concentrated liquid product from the Russian manufacturer has long been a worthy competitor to famous brands that produce gels and balms for dishes. It is made on the basis of natural, environmentally friendly substances, which not only have excellent cleaning properties, but also do not cause allergies.
The gel is completely washed off without leaving any traces and is suitable for washing baby items, vegetables and fruits. Does not contain fragrances or fragrances. Does not harm sensitive skin of hands.
The average cost is 130 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- no smell;
- washes well and is washed off without problems;
- non-aggressive composition;
- environmentally friendly and safe gel;
- biodegradable packaging;
- does not cause allergies.
Flaws:
- It doesn't lather well, so it costs a lot.
BioMio Unscented detergent for washing dishes, vegetables and fruits with cotton extract
6th place. SoonSaem Dishwashing liquid Bamboo charcoal
The new product from the South Korean manufacturer will definitely please our housewives, as it is a high-quality detergent of the highest category. It contains no artificial colors or harmful chemicals. With its help, you can quickly wash the dishes, while they will be clean and sparkling, without streaks, which is especially important for glass products.
The container is equipped with a dispenser. One press, and a mountain of dishes will be squeaky clean.
The average cost is 330 rubles per 1 liter.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- does not leave streaks on the glass;
- neutralizes unpleasant odors;
- has antibacterial properties;
- pleasant aroma;
- very economical;
- does not dry out hands;
- It foams well and rinses off.
Flaws:
- the price is scary.
SoonSaem Dishwashing liquid Bamboo charcoal
5th place. Fairy Dishwashing Liquid Tea Tree and Mint
The unique formula and powerful foam formation allows one drop to wash a mountain of dishes - fat is broken down from the inside even in cold water.
The gel is highly concentrated, therefore it is economical and produces a thick and dense foam that is quickly washed off under running water. Soft on hands.
The average cost is 95 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- economical, lasts a long time;
- foams well;
- has a refreshing aroma;
- perfectly washes even frozen fat;
- washes off quickly.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Fairy Dishwashing Liquid Tea Tree and Mint
4th place. Synergetic Antibacterial dishwashing gel Juicy watermelon
Dish detergent from a domestic manufacturer is made on the basis of European technologies. It has good concentration, forms a thick foam and, due to its natural ingredients, rinses off perfectly.
Effectively cleans even strong stains, neutralizes odors, completely decomposes in water and does not harm the microflora of septic tanks. Suitable for washing children's equipment, as well as some types of products. Does not cause allergies or irritation.
The average cost is 70 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- does not dry out hands;
- suitable for allergy sufferers;
- pleasant watermelon aroma;
- foams beautifully;
- washes off well, does not leave a smell on the plates;
- safe for children.
Flaws:
- uneconomical.
Synergetic Antibacterial dishwashing gel Juicy watermelon
3rd place. Mama Lemon Dishwashing liquid Lemon
An effective gel that will not only get rid of grease and food debris, but also washes off perfectly from any surface. Contains antibacterial components, disinfects against viruses and bacteria.
The bottle is equipped with a dispenser, thanks to which you can use the product economically and control its consumption.
The average cost is 280 rubles per 1 liter.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- contains natural ingredients;
- safe for children's toys and dishes;
- foams well;
- makes it easier to wash dishes at the dacha - there is no hot water there, and you are too lazy to heat it;
- convenient dispenser.
Flaws:
- a bit expensive;
- I wouldn't recommend washing fruits.
Mama Lemon Dishwashing liquid Lemon
2nd place. AOS Washing balm Chamomile and vitamin E
In second place is a product from a domestic manufacturer. Effectively and efficiently removes even heavy stains thanks to active foam that quickly neutralizes fats even in cold water. Perfectly removes unwanted aromas of fish, smoked meats, and onions. Thanks to chamomile extract and vitamin E, the balm has a gentle and gentle effect on the skin of the hands.
It washes off well under running water, does not leave streaks on glass and porcelain, and protects metal surfaces from corrosion. The bottle has a convenient shape, does not slip out of wet hands, and closes hermetically.
The average cost is 60 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- the balm is effective even in cold water;
- washes off completely, leaves no streaks;
- economical, thanks to its concentrated consistency.
Flaws:
- the letters on the label are too small;
- the composition is questionable.
AOS Washing balm Chamomile and vitamin E
1st place. Fairy Pure & clean dishwashing liquid
This is the best dishwashing detergent, according to experienced housewives. It is economical and effective. Literally one drop is enough to wash a whole mountain of dirty dishes. In addition, it can be used to clean ovens, stoves, sinks, microwaves and other household appliances.
Does not contain fragrances, is suitable for washing in cold water, has a beneficial effect on the skin of the hands.
The average cost is 95 rubles.
What are users saying?
Advantages:
- The only thing better than “Fairy” is “Fairy”;
- smells absolutely nothing;
- cleans well;
- no flavors or dyes;
- foams well;
- removes fat efficiently.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Fairy Pure & clean dishwashing liquid
Questions and answers
Are regular baby dishwashing detergents suitable?
No, such products cannot be used. For children's dishes, special products or products with natural composition are recommended.
How to choose a hypoallergenic dishwashing detergent?
Usually the manufacturer puts a mark on the label - hypoallergenic. However, you can also focus on the composition - it should be free of fragrances and chemical dyes.
Which dishwashing detergent is better – liquid or concentrate?
Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. So, the concentrate lasts longer, and the liquid is cheaper.
Can I use powder detergent to wash dishes?
Yes, this product can be used to wash dishes. However, please note that it may leave scratches on the surface of the cookware.
Can concentrates be used in dishwashers?
Yes, if the product is labeled accordingly. The label should be marked - for dishwashers.
Dishwashing liquid is a product that should be present in every kitchen. Expert advice and ratings will help you choose the right option.
What parameters should you pay attention to?
What criteria are important when choosing a dishwashing detergent?
Washability
This factor is one of the decisive ones, since even a minimal residual trace of “chemicals” on plates can be harmful to health.
Dishwashing liquid must be easily washed off from any surface, be it glass, porcelain or enamel.
Safety
Always pay attention to the composition. Cheap products consist entirely of harmful synthetic substances that are poorly washed off from dishes, then enter the body with food and can cause a number of serious diseases.
It is better to buy an expensive but high-quality product than to save money and use a cheap and dubious one.
The presence of citric acid, alcohol, sugar, plant extracts and other natural ingredients is welcome.
Efficiency
Even the dirtiest and greasy plate or pan should be washed quickly and easily. This is exactly what every housewife dreams of.
The product should foam well. The more foam, the more effectively and efficiently dirt can be removed. In addition, the “foam” factor affects efficiency - the consumption of such detergent will be several times less.
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/tableware-washing-dishes-t-rinse-237798/
Environmental friendliness
Study the composition. The more natural substances a detergent contains, the safer it will be for health and the environment.
An environmentally friendly product must be biodegradable, not contain surfactants, phosphates, formaldehydes, and not have a negative effect on the skin and respiratory system. And at the same time, it effectively removes dirt and grease without leaving behind odors or traces.
Such products are not cheap because they are made from natural raw materials. The packaging will be marked ECO.
Other options
- Label. The first step is to read the information on the label. It indicates the manufacturer, release date, shelf life, composition of the product, precautions for use, method of application.
- Package. Evaluate the appearance of the bottle, volume, integrity, transparency. Large bottles are more affordable, but are inconvenient to use. In transparent ones, you can evaluate the thickness and color in the store. An important factor is the shape of the bottle. All kinds of notches on the sides or a ribbed surface are better than a flat and smooth one, since it is much more convenient to hold with wet or oily hands.
- Smell. Fragrances are designed to destroy persistent food odors from the washing surface, for example, fish or onions. The most popular scents are sea freshness, lemon, and aloe vera.
Nowadays you can buy any detergent in thick plastic packaging and pour it into a convenient bottle or dispenser at home. Thus, there is an opportunity to save at least a little.
How to choose
Your health, washing efficiency, and results depend on the correct choice of cleaning agent for washing dishes and pots. Before purchasing, evaluate a number of parameters that will help you choose a quality product:
Consistency | The most popular among housewives and the most effective in terms of results are liquid detergents. They foam well, effectively wash away food residues and stains, and are easily washed off. Gel cleansers have a thicker texture. Characterized by economical consumption. Concentrates are intended for large volumes of dishes. It should be diluted in a special container. |
Compound | It is not recommended to choose a detergent that contains a large number of aggressive chemical compounds. It’s great if it contains caring ingredients that have a positive effect on the skin. |
Aroma | It depends on the preferences of the hostess. If you cannot stand the smell of cleaning products, you can choose a product that does not contain fragrances. |
If you are prone to allergic reactions to cleaning products, then choose dishwashing liquid marked “hypoallergenic”. To wash dishes and toys for children, give preference to special detergents designed for this purpose. They are guaranteed to have a non-aggressive composition, are harmless to use, biodegradable, and have an antibacterial effect.
DIY dishwashing liquid - popular recipes
Household chemicals, unfortunately, are completely unsafe. It can cause allergies, breathing problems, and also dry out the skin of your hands if you wash dishes without gloves. The problem can be solved using homemade remedies.
Recipe No. 1
Ingredients:
- baby or laundry soap, grated on a fine grater - a quarter cup;
- liquid olive soap - a quarter cup;
- soda ash - 1 tablespoon;
- essential oils for scent (optional) – 15-20 drops;
- water – 300 ml.
Boil water and pour it into the crushed soap. Stir well until completely dissolved. Add baking soda and stir again. Now it's time for liquid soap. Once the mixture has cooled, add essential oil - it is best to take tea tree oil, as it has powerful disinfectant properties. Pour the product into any convenient container and use for its intended purpose.
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/water-flow-static-wash-the-dishes-2464417/
Recipe No. 2
Ingredients:
- brown laundry soap - 0.5 bars;
- water – 1 l;
- baking soda and dry mustard - 3 tablespoons each;
- ammonia (ammonia) – 4 tbsp.
Dry laundry soap is rubbed on a fine grater and dissolved in hot water. The mixture must be cooled, then add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly until smooth. Close the resulting product with a lid and let it brew for two hours, after which you can use it.
Recipe No. 3
Ingredients:
- grated brown laundry soap - 2 tbsp.
- water – 1 l;
- glycerin – 8-10 tablespoons.
Soap shavings are dissolved in hot water and then mixed with glycerin. If desired, you can add any essential oil for scent.
Useful tips
- If you want to save money, do not squeeze the detergent onto the sponge - it is better to dissolve it in a bowl of water and wet the sponge with this soapy solution from time to time. Thanks to this life hack, your detergent consumption will be significantly reduced.
- Try to use the one soap sponge rule. Wash dishes until the sponge foams.
- Liquid detergents can be used as an effective stain remover. Even the oldest stains will disappear from clothes, carpets, tiles, hobs, furniture and household appliances if you apply a few drops to the contaminated area, rub with a sponge, wait half an hour, and then rinse.
- Use synthetic detergents only when absolutely necessary - if the dishes are too greasy or there is no hot water.
- Under no circumstances mix different products in one bottle - the consequences can be completely unpredictable.