Dishwashers have become an essential appliance in many households, making the task of cleaning dishes a breeze. However, choosing the right dishwasher soap is just as important as the appliance itself. There are three main types of dishwasher detergent available: powder, gel, and pods. So, what’s the best dishwasher soap? Let’s take a closer look at each type.
How to Choose The Best Dishwasher Soap
Here are the pros and cons of different dishwasher detergents to help you pick the best soap for your needs.
Powder Dishwasher Soap Pros and Cons
Powder dishwasher soap is the traditional form of dishwasher detergent and has been around for a long time. It is a dry, granular substance that dissolves in water and is activated when the dishwasher begins its cleaning cycle.
Powder detergent is generally the most cost-effective option and can be effective at removing tough stains and grime from dishes. However, it can be messy to handle and may not dissolve completely, which can lead to residue being left on dishes or stuck in the dishwasher itself.
If you’re using powder make sure to set the water temperature to the hottest setting to help ensure that all of the powder dissolves completely. If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning well, cheap powder detergent may not help the situation.
Liquid Dishwasher Soap Pros and Cons
Liquid dishwasher soap is a more recent innovation and is similar to liquid detergents used for hand-washing dishes. It is a thick, viscous liquid that is easy to handle and measure, and it dissolves quickly in water.
Gel detergent is generally more expensive than powder detergent, but it can be more effective at removing tough stains and food particles from dishes. It is also less likely to leave residue behind. As the most common soap, liquid detergent has many different options including kinds made specially for hard water, extra strength, and more.
We should note, you should NEVER use regular dish soap in your dishwasher. Only dishwasher soap should be used in your machine, or you’ll end up with a leaky dishwasher foam party in your kitchen.
Dishwasher Pods Pros and Cons
Pods, or capsules, are a convenient and hassle-free option for dishwasher soap. These single-dose packets contain a pre-measured amount of detergent and can be placed directly in the dishwasher without the need for measuring or handling messy liquids.
Pods are generally the most expensive option, but they are convenient and can be effective at cleaning dishes. However, they can be more prone to leakage and may not dissolve completely, which can lead to residue being left on dishes or stuck in the dishwasher itself.
If they’re not dissolving, make sure the water is set to hot and that the dispenser door isn’t getting stuck. Do not add the pod directly to the bottom of the dishwasher, as the soap won’t stick around long enough to clean.
So, which dishwasher soap is the best? The answer ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. Powder detergent is the most cost-effective option, but it can be messy and may not dissolve completely. Gel detergent is a bit more expensive, but it is easy to handle and can be effective at removing tough stains. Pods are convenient and hassle-free, but they can be more expensive and may not dissolve completely.
Ultimately, the best dishwasher soap for you will depend on your budget, personal preferences, and the cleaning needs of your dishes. Try different options to see which works best for you, and remember if you’re having issues with your dishwasher not cleaning, no matter the detergent, you can always call the appliance repair team at Moore Appliance Service!
