Detergent
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Different kinds of dishwashing detergent contain different combinations of the items in the list below. Not all of the ingredients below are used in some detergent.
- Phosphates
- Dissolves calcium and magnesium ions to prevent 'hard-water' type limescale deposits . They can cause ecological damage, so their use is starting to be phased out . Phosphate-free detergents are sold as eco-friendly detergents .
- Oxygen-based bleaching agents (older-style powders and liquids contain chlorine-based bleaching agents)
- Breaks up and bleaches organic deposits .
- Non-ionic surfactants
- Lowers the surface tension of the water, emulsifies oil, lipid and fat food deposits, prevents droplet spotting on drying .
- Alkaline salts
- These are a primary component, in older & original-style dishwasher detergent powders . Highly alkaline salts attack & dissolve grease, but are extremely corrosive (fatal) if swallowed. Salts used may include metasilicates, alkali metal hydroxides, Sodium carbonate etc.
- Enzymes
- Breaks up and dissolves protein-based food deposits, and possibly oil, lipid and fat deposits. Proteases do this by breaking down the proteins into smaller peptides that are more easily washed away .
- Anti-corrosion agent(s)
- Often sodium silicate, this prevents corrosion of dishwasher components .
Dishwashing detergent may also contain :
- Anti-foaming agents
- Foam interferes with the washing action.
- Additives to slow down the removal of glaze & patterns from glazed ceramics
- Perfumes
- Anti-caking agents (in granular detergent)
- Starches (in tablet based detergents)
- Gelling agents (in liquid/gel based detergents)
- Sand (inexpensive powdered detergents)
Dishwasher detergents are strongly alkaline (basic).
Inexpensive powders may contain sand, which can be verified by dissolving the powder in boiling water and then passing the solution through a coffee filter. Such detergents may harm the dishes and the dishwasher. Powdered detergents are more likely to cause fading on china patterns.
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