What is better for the dishwasher and/or better for cleaning dishes: powdered or liquid dishwasher soap?

Question

Is powdered or liquid dishwasher detergent better for the good functioning and maintenance of a dishwasher? Specific brands of dishwashers or not? If I use one or the other for the good of my dishwasher, will I have to sacrifice clean dishes? Does one or the other clean dishes better?

Answer 1

I prefer the gel dishwasher detergent as to liquids, packs, or powders. I find it dispenses more thoroughly, cleans and leaves little to no residue, and my dishwasher does not pick up a dirty water odor. I don't even buy namebrand gel either. I also make sure I use a disposal cleaner at least once a week, which also helps keeps the lines clean and the standing water in the dishwasher fresh. I run my dishwasher empty about once a month just to give a fresh cycle of standing water in the filtration system.

Answer 2

Liquid dishwashing liquid tends to work better. Because sometimes powder is left on the dishes from the powdered kind. The powdered kind sometimes tends to stick to the dispenser meaning all that you poured in is not being used.

Answer 3

It just depends on your dishwasher. I prefer the Electrosol tabs, but not the gel tabs. My dishwasher just does better with them than with liquids. Also, I have found that if I run the water in my sink until it gets hot and THEN turn on the dishwasher, my dishes come out cleaner.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Liquid.

Answer 5

well either one will work down side to powder it has a tendency to leave spots so if you choose to use powder make sure your dish washer has a jet dry hole and make sure you use it. My wife uses powder and jet dry and our dishes come out cleaner than a whistle every time

Answer 6

I use those little itty bitty packages...it's like power/liquid in a little pouch. They work just fine. They kind of blow up in there and everything comes out cleaaaaan as can be.