Dishwashing liquid. What is it made from?

The body's contact with dishwashing detergent does not end at the sink. The particles remain on the dishes - by the way, it is believed that we ingest an average of 0.42 mg of detergent. It also evaporates and enters the air, and then into the human lungs. Therefore, it is useful to know what we use to wash dishes at home. In this article, we will understand what dishwashing detergents are made from.

What types of dishwashing detergents are

There are many different dishwashing detergents on the market. They differ, for example, in their consistency and shape. They producepowdersorpastes—these formulas contain abrasive elements that work under mechanical influence. But the most popular are gels, which are created on the basis of water, which makes them easier to wash off from the surface of the dishes.

In turn, there are different types of gels. Thus, a distinction is made betweennon-concentratedandconcentrated. In the latter, the proportion of active components is higher, due to which the effectiveness of the product increases, and consumption, on the contrary, decreases.

• • Biodegradable dishwashing detergents.These are gels that can disintegrate in nature. They do not contain, for example, phosphates, which are harmful to the environment, dyes and other components.
  • Hypoallergenic dishwashing detergents. Such gels are suitable for allergy sufferers and can be used for children's dishes. They do not contain aggressive chemicals or other components that “irritate” the skin.
  • Universal dishwashing detergents. Suitable for washing all types of dishes. Depending on the manufacturer, they may be hypoallergenic, suitable for children's dishes and not harmful to nature.

What are dishwashing detergents made from

All dishwashing detergents consist of a detergent base, which is responsible for fighting dirt, and additional components. They, for example, can make the formula thicker or further soften the effect of the gel on the skin of the hands - after all, on average, skin contact with the product lasts from 10 minutes while washing dishes. Let's take a closer look.

They make up the washing base, they are responsible for cleansing and foam formation. By the way, the amount of foam does not affect the fight against pollution - sometimes manufacturers specifically add components that form foam, but this is more of a “decorative effect.”

surfactants seem to envelop contaminants, making them easy to wash off with water. They are anionic (sulfonic acid salts, fatty acids, etc.) and nonionic (polyethylene glycol ethers). The latter are considered softer and more environmentally friendly, and they also form a small amount of foam, unlike anionic surfactants.

Almost all dishwashing gels use anionic and nonionic surfactants simultaneously. They enhance each other’s action, due to which the products show the best effect.

They make the product thicker and stabilize the formula - this way the components do not disintegrate. Most often, sodium chloride is used as a thickener - the main component of ordinary table salt.

Prevent the growth of microorganisms in the product - mold, bacteria and others. Gels are produced on a water basis, which is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria. This is why preservatives are needed - to ensure the safety of the product.

In addition to protecting against mold and mildew, preservatives perform another important function - they extend the service life and effectiveness of products.

They are used to give products a pleasant look and smell. Sometimes fragrances are added to cover up unpleasant odors, for example, in products containing enzymes.

Water forms the basis of dishwashing gels; it is in it that surfactants and other components of products are diluted. The proportion of water in modern gels usually varies from 45% to 90%.

In addition to these components, dishwashing detergents may contain many more substances. For example, abrasives or solvents that help break down stubborn stains. You can also find antibacterial substances, skin care ingredients or whitening reagents in the gels.

What should not be in dishwashing detergent

Formula differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is useful to know not what should be in the dishwashing detergent, but which components are best avoided.

The first place in the anti-rating of components is chlorine. It can literally be dangerous, causing irritation and even burns. You should also avoid phosphates and phosphonates, which are harmful to the environment and sometimes cause irritation to human skin.

The concentration of nonionic surfactants should not exceed 5%- if the norm is exceeded, they can be harmful. For example, in the composition of YokoSun dishwashing gels, the proportion of nonionic surfactants does not exceed 5%, and anionic surfactants vary from 5 to 15%. This concentration allows you to maintain a balance between effectiveness and safety for the skin.

YokoSun dishwashing detergents do not contain chlorine, phosphates and dyes - therefore they are hypoallergenic and safe for children's dishes. They are concentrated and thick, which means they provide economical consumption. Test YokoSun dishwashing gels - you can easily find them on marketplaces, in large retail chains and convenience stores.