We do the dishes (almost) every day, but did you know that there is a big difference between dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent? Both are designed to clean your dishes, but they work in different ways and are made with different ingredients. In this article, we explain the difference between dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent, discuss the best ways to use them, and give you tips on choosing the right products.
What is dishwashing liquid?
Dishwashing liquid is a cleaning agent that is specially designed for washing dishes by hand. That is why it is also called hand dishwashing liquid. It is a liquid soap that - in the case of Marcel's Green Soap - is gentle on the skin and at the same time effective in removing grease and food residue from dishes, cutlery and pans. Dishwashing liquid contains surfactants that help to loosen grease and dirt so that it can be easily rinsed away.
When choosing a dishwashing liquid, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients. For example, check whether the product does not contain dyes, parabens, phosphates, chlorine, ammonia or acid. These harmful ingredients are really not necessary to get your dishes clean. Instead, choose a product that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Marcel's Green Soap dishwashing liquid, for example!
What is dishwasher detergent?
Dishwasher detergent, also known as dishwasher tablets or dishwasher capsules, are specifically designed for use in dishwashers. This product is more powerful than dishwashing liquid and contains ingredients that help remove stubborn dirt and stains. Dishwasher detergent is not intended to come into direct contact with the skin. Many dishwasher products contain strong chemicals that can cause skin irritation. Marcel's Green Soap dishwasher tablets and dishwasher capsules do not contain dyes, parabens, phosphates, chlorine, ammonia or acids. They are made with natural ingredients and are 99% biodegradable. Fun fact: our dishwasher capsules are the first eco dishwasher capsules in the Netherlands!
Some dishwasher tablets also contain salt and rinse aid to get the dishes extra clean and streak-free. These dishwasher tablets and dishwasher capsules are also called all-in-one . You no longer need extra salt and rinse aid. The dishwasher tablets and dishwasher capsules from Marcel's Green Soap are both all-in-one. Now that's handy!
Dishwashing liquid:
- Specially developed for hand washing
- Contains surfactants that loosen grease and dirt
- Often mild and gentle on the skin
- May contain additional caring ingredients such as aloe vera or glycerine
Dishwasher detergent:
- Specially developed for dishwashers
- Contains strong ingredients to remove stubborn dirt.
- May contain salt and rinse aid for extra cleaning power
- Available in tablets, powders, capsules and gels
Use and application
The uses of dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent vary greatly, due to their different purposes.
Dishwashing liquid: Used by dissolving a small amount of the product in warm water and scrubbing the dishes with a brush. It is important to ensure there is plenty of suds and to rinse the dishes well to remove any soap residue. Hand dishwashing liquid is ideal for cleaning delicate items such as crystal and china, which may not be safe for the dishwasher. Check out our article on how to choose the best dishwashing liquid for your dishes here.
Detergent: Used in the dishwasher, usually in a special compartment. The detergent works together with the hot water and the spray arms of the dishwasher to thoroughly clean the dishes. Modern dishwashers often have eco programs that use less water and energy, making the use of detergent more efficient and environmentally friendly.
| Tip from Marcel: do you often wash on the eco-setting? Then set a program once a month at a high temperature (around 70 degrees). If you wash more often at a lower temperature (such as the eco-setting), there is a big chance that grease and dirt will remain. Washing occasionally at a high temperature can prevent this. |
Frequently asked questions about dishwashing detergents
- Can I use dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher? No, dishwashing liquid is not suitable for use in the dishwasher. Doing so can lead to excessive foaming and flooding. Therefore, always use a dishwashing liquid that is specially designed for dishwashers.
- Should I pre-rinse my dishes before putting them in the dishwasher? Pre-rinsing costs extra energy and water. Therefore, scrape the food residues off your dishes instead of pre-rinsing them. Pre-rinsing is unnecessary in many cases. Do you have a very dirty, caked-on oven dish? Then it can help to soak the dish overnight in dish soap. Simply place the dish in the sink for a while and put it in the dishwasher the next day, or wash it by hand.
- How can I make my dishwashing routine more sustainable? Choose sustainable detergents and limit energy and water use. More tips can be found here.
