Dishwasher detergentDishwasher detergent is a detergent made for washing dishes in a dishwasher. Dishwasher detergent is different from dishwashing liquid made to wash dishes by hand. UsesWhen using a dishwasher, the user must select a special detergent for its use.[1] All detergents are designed for use after the user scrapes leftover food from the dishes before washing.[2] To function, the user places dishes in the dishwasher in such fashion that the surface of all dishes is open to the flow of water.[2] Most dishwasher detergents are incompatible for use with silver, brass, cast iron, bronze, aluminum, pewter, and goldleaf.[2] They can also harm disposable plastic, anything wood, knives with hollow handles, and fine glassware.[2] Types
There are specific examples of chemical reactions we use in our everyday lives. For example, a dishwasher detergent uses sodium hypochlorite and sodium carbonate (simple bleach) in a chemical reaction to clean the dishes. Dishes washed in cold water are less clean than dishes washed in hot water. [citation needed] CompositionDifferent kinds of dishwashing detergent contain different combinations of ingredients. Common ingredients include:
Dishwashing detergent may also contain:[citation needed]
Dishwasher detergents are generally strongly alkaline (basic).[6] Inexpensive powders may contain sand[citation needed]. Such detergents may harm the dishes and the dishwasher. Powdered detergents are more likely to cause fading on china patterns.[7] Besides older style detergents for dishwashers, biodegradable detergents also exist for dishwashers. These detergents may be more environmentally friendly than conventional detergents. Hand-washing dish detergent (washing up liquid) creates a large foam of bubbles which will leak from the dishwasher.[8] Rinse aidRinse aid (sometimes called rinse agent) contains surfactants and uses Marangoni stress to prevent droplet formation, so that water drains from the surfaces in thin sheets, rather than forming droplets.[citation needed] Rinse aid prevents "spotting" on glassware (caused by droplets of water drying and leaving behind dissolved limescale minerals), and improves drying performance as there is less water remaining to be dried, and a thinner sheet of water has a much larger surface area than a droplet of the same volume. See alsoReferences
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