How to use dishwasher tablets?

Dishwasher tablets are the most popular product among consumers. It is convenient to use, it does not need to be dosed, the tablets replace salt and rinse aid; in other words, it is a multifunctional product with three, five or even ten functions, as the manufacturers claim. But not all consumers understand where to put such tablets in the car, or how many of them are needed for one cycle. The instructions may not contain such information, so we will tell you everything in detail.

Where is the pill compartment?

In order not to be mistaken about where the tablet compartment is located and where to put it in a particular dishwasher model, do not be lazy, read the instructions first. If there is no such information, then carefully inspect the inside of the dishwasher. In most dishwasher models, the detergent compartments are located on the inside of the door. One of these compartments (marked F in Figure 1) is screwed on with a lid C, on which a flower can be drawn; this compartment is intended for rinse aid. Some machines may have a rinse aid indicator light D next to the rinse aid.

Compartment 2 is the main compartment intended for detergents; this is the compartment where powder is poured or gel is poured, or a tablet is placed. Compartment 3 is intended for a small amount of detergent, about 5 g of powder or gel, for the preliminary wash cycle.

In some machine models, for example, in Bosch dishwashers, the compartments are located differently Figure 2.In this figure, number 1 indicates a compartment for powder or gel, number 2 indicates a compartment for rinse aid, and number 3 indicates a compartment for tablets.

There are dishwashers in which you cannot use combined tablets (3 in 1, 5 in 1 or others) at all. But it is possible to use simple tablets; for this purpose, a small container for tablets is provided on the upper basket as in the photo below. When using regular tablets or very hard water, be sure to use salt, A how much and where to pour it we talked about it in one of our articles.

To open or not to open the package

Before using dishwasher tablets, you need to read the instructions for use indicated on the box with such tablets. There are many types and brands of tablets, so they may differ from each other. It is very important. Each tablet is wrapped in packaging, which can be soluble or insoluble. If the packaging is not soluble, then the tablet will not dissolve, so the packaging must be opened before use.

For your information! Instant packages are usually transparent and do not have cuts or strips for opening. Tablets wrapped in foil definitely need to be opened.

Here is an example of tablets with dissolving packaging:

• Finish Quantum;
• Sun All in one;
• Sodasan;
• Dish Drops.

Tablets whose wrapper does not dissolve:

• Somat;
• OXO Family;
• Frosch;
• Econta;
• Ecover.

How the tablet works

Dishwasher tablets may differ in their composition, and therefore they will have different effects. However, they all have the same basic functions.Most combination tablets contain detergent, salt and rinse aid. Additional components that may or may not be included include:

• substances that protect metal from corrosion;
• substances that protect silver tableware from tarnishing;
• antibacterial and disinfectant components;
• bleaching agents;
• defoamers;
• flavorings, etc.

After starting the washing program, at a certain point in time, a tablet falls out of the compartment and begins to dissolve layer by layer. First, a layer of salt and detergent is dissolved, the entire process lasts throughout the washing phase. Before the final rinsing stage, the third layer (red ball in Finish tablets) is dissolved. It happens that The tablet does not dissolve at all, and falls out of the compartment only after the end of the wash, when the door opens. This may be due to the fact that some dishes are preventing the opening of the compartment lid, so the tablet does not fall into the dishwasher tank.

Important! The tablet cannot be crushed, in which case it will have no effect, since the rinse aid will dissolve at the first stage.

The nuances of using tablets

Let's pay attention to the nuances of using dishwasher tablets. Many people are interested in the question of how much such a product is enough, how many tablets are needed for one wash? The answer is simple: one dishwasher tablet is enough for one wash with a full load, which is approximately 10 to 15 sets of dishes. Through experience, many dishwasher users have found that with a half load, half a tablet is enough. Also, half a tablet is enough to wash dishes in a compact (small) dishwasher.

Another nuance in the use of tablets is the correct choice of washing mode. Some modern dishwasher models indicate in what mode 3 in 1 tablets can be used. Most often, these are long modes, at least one hour.

Note! Tablets cannot be used for pre-soaking and rinsing.

It is very important to observe storage conditions when using tablets. And they must be stored in a dry place inaccessible to children. If the tablets have a soluble shell, they may stick together when exposed to moisture. Therefore, take the tablets only with dry hands.

So, using dishwasher tablets is very convenient, but it is important to know how to do it correctly, this will increase the efficiency of their use. We hope our article helped to understand this.

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