What are dishwasher tablets made of?
Reading time 5-7 min
Understanding the tablets: the difference between the Classic and All-in-One!
> What are the ingredients of a dishwasher tablet and what do they do?
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF A DISHWASHER TABLET AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
Sequestrants, enzymes... are components found in dishwasher tablets, but what are they used for?
We’re going to decipher the labels for you!
SEQUESTRANTS
Sequestrants capture limescale and magnesium from the water, thus preventing them from staying on the dishes.
They prevent any streaking, staining or whitening effects, especially on glasses, which can lead to tarnishing over time.
ENZYMES
Enzymes are designed to attach themselves directly to stains to absorb them and make them disappear. Some enzymes are very effective on certain types of stains, therefore, they should be used in combination for maximum washing efficiency, regardless of the type of dishes being washed.
Here are two main enzymes:
- Protease: protein stain washing enzymes: e.g. meat, egg
- Amylase: this enzyme is designed to tackle all stains of a starchy nature such as rice or.
OXYGEN-BASED BLEACHES
These are often made up of sodium percarbonate and boosters. Percarbonate releases active oxygen to lift out oxidisable stains: wine, tea, coffee, etc.
Boosters are designed to activate active oxygen release.
NON-IONIC SURFACTANTS
Surfactants are cleaning detergents designed to ensure washing efficiency and improve rinsing.
ALKALINE AGENT
By increasing the pH of the water, and therefore its alkalinity, this creates the ideal and indispensable conditions for the enzymes to work.
POLYMERS
These are mainly dispersant and anti-soil redeposition agents. They guarantee effective rinsing.
EFFERVESCENT AGENTS
The role of effervescent agents is to help dissolve the tablet in contact with water. Effervescent agents ensure excellent dissolution of the tablet, as its break-down time is a major factor in washing efficiency, and therefore the presence of residues is not acceptable.
TABLETTING AND FILLING AGENTS:
These agents are vital for the success of the tabletting process, which is a critical stage, especially at high speeds. Poor compression can lead to a lot of powder waste, problems with tablet ejection, clogging of tools, repeated defects, and even line stoppage
WHY ARE THERE SOMETIMES SEVERAL LAYERS?
A tablet is a product that is made up of compacted powder. It is generally made up of several layers meaning the ingredients can be separated from one another in order to achieve better stability and therefore better shelf life over time.
The multi-layer format also helps to release the active ingredients at the optimum time, thus maximising product performance.
Each component performs its role at the right time: a question of timing!
CLASSIC AND ALL-IN-ONE TABLETS... WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
The classic tablet contains only the detergent and should be used with salt and rinse aid to protect your machine and achieve a perfect rinse.
The 3-in-1, or all-in-one tablets include detergent, rinse aid and salt making for a comprehensive product. However, if your water is very hard, you may add want to add these ingredients in addition to your tablet.
eurotab, the tablet expert
Did you know?
In 2019, Eurotab created "Green tab", the ultra-compact 12g tablet, which won the Pierre Potier prize!
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