What is the chemical composition of dishwashing detergents?

The composition of dishwashing detergents is subject to fairly high quality requirements.

These products must be very effective, but at the same time safe, as they are used to clean surfaces in contact with food.

The degree of harmlessness of such products is very important and is determined by the composition.

What are detergents made of?

Requirements for the properties and composition of dishwashing detergent differ depending on the purpose of use. If a drug is chosen for a child or adult with allergies, the choice of composition should be especially picky.

Store-bought dishwashing detergents always consist of several components. Among them we can distinguish basic and additional. Children's dishwashing preparations must be marked accordingly.

Basic substances

The cleaning effect of household chemicals is achieved due to the inclusion of surfactants in the composition. These surfactants are the main active ingredients.

They come in several types:

• nonionic – quite safe, as they are biodegradable;
• ionic (ampholytic, cationic, anionic).

Potentially dangerous are surfactants, which not only promote good cleaning of dishes, but can accumulate when they enter the body.This affects the condition of various human organs.

The higher the percentage of surfactants in the composition, the greater the cleaning power of the product. The second side of the coin is that a product with a high percentage of surfactants ceases to be safe.

In order for the gel to be considered safe, surfactant concentration should be within 5%. Read more about surfactants in detergents in this article.

Additional components

In addition to the basic substances, detergents also contain additional ones. They serve to maintain the consistency of the gel, for a pleasant aroma, to give color, etc.:

1. Glycerol. Glycerin is a colorless, viscous substance that can dissolve in water. It is added to gels to soften the skin of the hands when washing dishes, as it forms a protective film and prevents the evaporation of moisture from the skin.
2. Plant extracts. Plant extracts can be added to the composition to soften the skin of the hands, lightly aromatize and disinfect. These can be extracts of chamomile, other flowers and medicinal herbs.
3. Table salt. Sodium chloride is often added to gels as a thickener. This component allows you to give the gel a suitable consistency for more convenient and economical use.
4. Preservatives. Since dishwashing detergents made industrially have a fairly long shelf life, it is necessary to introduce additional components into the recipe that prevent the product from deteriorating. They also prevent pathogenic microorganisms from developing.
5. Water. Water is a clear liquid that serves as a solvent for the components of the gel detergent.It is responsible for the liquid consistency and makes up about a third of the volume in most preparations.
6. Dyes. Dyes are used to give the gel a more attractive appearance and hide the not very advantageous original shade.

   Eco-friendly products may not contain them at all, or they may use harmless food products.

7. Enzymes. The introduction of enzymes into the composition of products makes it possible to more efficiently eliminate various types of contaminants. Certain enzymes work on specific types of stains. For example, amylase removes carbohydrate marks on dishes, etc.
8. Fragrance. Fragrances are used to give products a pleasant aroma. They are included in almost all dishwashing detergents. An exception may be eco-products and preparations. Which are intended for washing children's dishes.
9. pH regulators. Detergents are initially alkaline. To adjust their pH level, additional ingredients can be used, most often citric acid.
10. Complexing agents (chelates). Polycarboxylates, zeolites and other substances that soften water and prevent the deposition of salts often act as complexing agents. Some complexing agents additionally serve to better remove contaminants.
11. Antibacterial substances. Such components prevent the development of microorganisms. These additives make cleaning more hygienic.
12. Phosphates. The introduction of phosphates into detergents increases the toxicity of surfactants. These substances are harmful to the body, as they can penetrate into it even through the skin.

Safe composition: myth or reality?

High efficiency and safety of dishwashing detergents requires precise selection of the composition of the preparations.The safest are those designed for children's dishes and environmentally friendly.

But these funds have their own characteristics:

1. They don't foam so well.
2. They have an inconspicuous whitish, yellowish or grayish tint, as they do not contain dyes.
3. They do not emit a pleasant aroma, since they contain no fragrances.
4. They may not be able to cope with long-standing complex stains, as they have a fairly mild composition in terms of components.

If you plan to use the product without gloves, then it should contain plant extracts, glycerin and other components that will soften the skin and protect your hands.

In addition to purchased ones, homemade products are eco-friendly and natural. Using folk recipes, it is quite possible to make a high-quality paste or gel yourself. In addition, it is possible to use pure soda, mustard powder and regular lemon to clean dishes.

Conclusion

The composition of dishwashing detergents must be of high quality - effective and safe. Therefore, the choice of products must be approached very responsibly. The most harmless to the body include eco-products and preparations that are intended for children's dishes, pacifiers, toys and bottles.