Dishwasher Detergents: Granules vs. Liquid vs. Pods – Which One is Best?

After a long day at work or entertaining loved ones in your home, having a dishwasher can make life a little easier when the dishes are piled in the sink. A dishwasher can help with the push of a button.

Granular Dishwasher Detergent

Pros:

✔ Cost-effective: Granular detergents tend to be more affordable than their liquid counterparts. They typically come in larger containers, providing more washes per package and better value for your money.

✔ Longer shelf life: Granules have a longer shelf life than liquid detergents, as they are less likely to break down over time or lose their cleaning power.

✔ Customizable dosage: With granular detergents, you can easily adjust the amount used based on your dishwasher’s load size and soil level, giving you more control over the cleaning process.

Cons:

✘ Dissolving issues: Granular detergents may not dissolve as quickly or completely as liquid detergents, especially in colder water or shorter wash cycles. This can lead to residue on your dishes or clogs in your dishwasher.

✘ Abrasiveness: Some granular detergents can be abrasive, which may cause damage to delicate dishes or glassware over time.

Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

Pros:

✔ Fast-dissolving: Liquid detergents dissolve quickly and thoroughly, even in colder water or shorter cycles, ensuring optimal cleaning performance and minimizing the risk of residue or clogs.

✔ Gentle on dishes: Liquid detergents are generally less abrasive than granules, making them a better choice for delicate items or glassware that may be prone to scratching or etching.

✔ Pre-treating capabilities: Some liquid detergents can double as pre-treatment solutions for stubborn stains, such as baked-on food or grease, allowing you to tackle tough spots before running a dishwasher cycle.

Cons:

✘ Higher cost: Liquid detergents typically cost more than granules, both in terms of the initial purchase price and the cost per wash.

✘ Shorter shelf life: Liquid detergents have a shorter shelf life than granules, as they can break down or lose their effectiveness over time.

Pods Detergent

Pros:

✔ Pods are the considerably more convenient to use.

✔ You can’t add to much or too little as these pods are pre-measured for single use.

✔ Pods dissolve quickly so you don’t have to worry about streaks or spots.

✔ They also pack more cleaning punch than powder or gel dishwasher detergent, combining bleach, enzymes, and even rinse aid for maximum effectiveness.

Cons:

✘ Pods are the most expensive.

✘ You can’t change the quantity per a load making it hard for larger heavily soiled loads or delicate items.

Consider factors such as the type of dishes you wash, the hardness of your water, and the specific features of your dishwasher when making your decision. Experimenting with both granular, liquid and pod detergents can help you determine which one works best. The decision is up to you!