I messed up. You're using too much detergent.

New rule: instructions on how to use the consumable thing from those who are incentivized to keep selling it to you ought not be trusted.
Links 'n Stuff
Previous video:
This channel is supported through viewer contributions on Patreon. Thanks to the generous support of people like you, Technology Connections has remained independent and possible. If you'd like to join the amazing people who've pledged their support, check out the link below. Thank you for your consideration!

Oh, and look at these wonderful patrons!
Ross James, Lillian Fleming, Kevin McClaning, Keith Ditchman, ventusignis, Michael, Skoddie , bd_, The Media Ward, Ryan Doucet, Billy, Sean Crocker, Phillip M, Robert Cole, iain , Ross Carter, Robert Fares, Neptunium Fluoride, Fangzahn Aviation Studios, Aaron Binns, Matthew Yu, Johannes Wüller, Adam Golden, Rustmane Skytrekker, Jon Aumann, John J Yang, Matthew Hilder, leastbad, Alex Conner, Colin Williams, Jim Gilsinan, Kohana Coyote, Ed Torres, Jon-Håkon Røli, Matt Wright, Gunplumber , Bane Williams, vinny rapisarda, Manuel Garcia, Matthew Lucas, Doomerdinger , Jonas Strassel, Jonathan Polley, I'm Gonna Pay For This, Robert Valdimarsson, Alex Canna, Blythe Rathi, Brian Beck, Billiam, Robert Haynes, David Nelson, Eli Youngs, Paul Hackett, Alex H., Dan Cortes, Vy-let Cybra, Joseph Fickus, Raymond Ernesto Colón, Mike Berman, Kay Ohtie, Cysioland, Pathite , Frode Hauge, Stu Kabakoff, Carmichael Keane See, Steven V, Brian & Laura, Brian Holder, NoFriendsThatSlav , Jeremy Whaling, Nathan Walters, Massimo Fierro, Grant Blayney, Jake Sanders, Ville T, William McKinnerney, Elizabeth, Eve Weaver Cable, Rafael De Los Santos, heyitsleo , Paul Sutton, Timothy Dunn, Duncan Sanford, Jack Alderson, Eric Kalenak, Lukas Svec, Mike Nichols, Blake Robinson, Roman~1, Ari Kestenbaum, Sean Harding, Bryan Helmig, Luis Calvo Mayo, Felix Huang, 0x0013, Isaac Evavold, TJ Kilen, William Willing, Vincent McBeigh, Ramon Perez, Xtr3m3 , Steve Fallon, Punkey , Sascha Strauß, Scott Kuker, Shane Chambers, Jacob Oost, Donald Garwood, CyborgHobbit, Dan Basterfield, Casey Keeney, James FitzGibbon, MegaZone , Aaron Carson, Erik T, Gregg Medley, Zackary Wojtan

00:00 Intro
00:29 A Quick Overview
01:26 Why I'm making this video and an apology
02:02 Testimonials
02:38 No pre-wash spot doesn't mean no pre-wash happens
03:09 A note about Express/Quick/Eco/Whatever settings
04:28 MY TERRIBLE MISTAKE (I'm sorry!)
06:27 Detergents and Hard Water
08:02 You can use way less detergent than the box says
09:29 When to use more
10:46 Tests! Experiments!
14:31 "No Pre-Wash!" on the box doesn't mean what you think it means
15:51 What about independent lab tests?
16:57 My varied dishwasher life experience
18:06 Co-marketing agreements of doom
20:16 Chemicals in detergent pacs vs powder
23:39 Cost comparison
26:02 A quick note on packaging waste
26:24 The Downside to Gels
29:08 But Gels aren't all bad
31:18 Do powder detergents have abrasives in them?
32:14 Rinse Aids (use them!)
33:38 Dishwasher cleaning and maintenance (do it!)
34:58 Dishwasher salt
36:16 Mostly snarky rants from here on out
46:34 Bloopers

[defenestrated]

*cracks knuckles* Chemistry expert and former detergent chemist here, chiming in. Modulo some small semantic differences, you're 100% spot on. Functionally, there is zero difference in the formulations. Every powder dish detergent on the market comprises the same functional components, though the exact chemicals selected may vary. It's always some combination of detergent, anti-deposition agent, water conditioners, strong base, oxidizers, enzymes, buffers, "processing aids", and what I call "foo foo juice" - colors and fragrances.


The Purpose section is annoyingly vague so I'm going to break down each of the categories and give their examples. These aren't strict categories, in fact many of these chemicals perform double or even triple duty.


*Detergent/Surfactant* - Allows water to bind grease molecules by virtue of having two halves, hydrophilic (water loving) and hydrophobic (water hating or grease-binding). These can be basic/anionic (negative charge): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS); neutral: isotridecanol ethoxylated, PEG C10. Acidic/cationic (positive) are uncommon in dish detergents but you may see them in rinse aids. Bonus fact: rinse aids are typically mild acids ( pH about 3) which helps dissolve calcium deposits and soap scum. Because of this, they have to use neutral or cationic surfactants.


*Anti-deposition agent* - Once you dissolve the grease, you don't want it to deposit back onto the dishes. Cascade calls this "boosts shine" but it's basically film prevention. The line between detergent and anti-deposition agent is blurry, and many chemicals can fulfill both roles. Acrylic copolymers are the best example here, but the PEGs (polyethylene glycol) also help in this regard, as do any neutral detergents. They tend to be weak detergents on their own, but their big advantage is they don't create soap scum (calcium fatty acids, more on that later).


*Water conditioners and chelators* - Hard water means calcium, iron, and other large positive ions in solution. Calcium reacts with anionic surfactants (aka soaps) to form insoluble scum. This both reduces cleaning power and makes extra goop that needs to be cleaned! Water conditioners exchange sodium for calcium, binding it so it doesn't form scum. This category includes polycarboxylates, citric acid, sodium phosphate (discontinued), EDTA, and our friend sodium acrylate/maleic/carboxylate copolymers again (yes it doubles as both anti-deposition and water conditioner. Synergy!).



*Strong base* - Anionic detergents work best at a high pH (alkaline/basic). Alkali also saponifies grease, giving it a hydrophilic group and turning it into soap! Lye (sodium hydroxide), bleach (sodium hypochlorite), sodium percarbonate aka sodium carbonate peroxide aka "OxyClean", sodium silicate, and sodium phosphate are all strong bases. See all that sodium? They also help condition water as well!


*Oxidizers* - These react with staining molecules such as tomato sauce, berries, tea, and coffee, as well as natural polymers like proteins (cheese) to break them apart. Sodium hypochlorite and percarbonate are oxidisers. "Transition metal catalyst" has a similar role, except instead of being consumed, it facilitates the bleaching action.


*Enzymes* - Starch and protein when heated and hydrated form a natural glue of sorts. Anyone dealing with stuck-on cheese or rice knows what I'm talking about. Enzymes are natural molecules that break these polymers down so they unstick from surfaces. Amylase specifically digests amylose (starch) and Subtilisin (protease) breaks down protein. Pro-tip: any time in biology you see _whatever_-ase, that breaks down _whatever_.


*Buffers* - prevent the base from being _too_ basic and etching glassware. I think this is what zinc carbonate is doing, but I'm not 100% sure.


*Processing Aid* - Any time you see "processing aid" or "enables liquid processing" - that just means it's an inert bulk transport, because either the active ingredient is too viscous, or cakes easily, or whatever. Glycerin and Dipropylene glycol act as liquid solvents in those colorful liquid sections of the gel packs, since too much water would dissolve the pack. Sodium sulfate is just an inert powder.

[rhkips]

Your previous video on the subject has garnered the adoration of my 76-year-old mother, as she proudly reclaims 20-30 minutes a night by shoving dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher without allowing them anywhere near the sink. She even goes so far as to "challenge" the dishwasher by intentionally creating scenarios that put it at a disadvantage, just to see if she can make it falter. Thus far, the dishwasher always wins, and she's ecstatic.

Thank you. <3

[obct]

Laundry detergents: YES....make an entire series about every household consumable like this, I've wanted this sorta thing for years.

[michaelbenham]

The line about the design flaw where a plate blocks the dispenser from opening SAVED ME I thought something was broken but I realized I had a big cutting board right up against the dispenser when it closed. I was getting said clumpy powder mess. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[Darthwill]

“through the magic of buying way too much f*cking dishwasher detergent” almost felt like it was a planned out punchline, that you only made the reoccurring “through the magic of buying two” as a buildup to it… I know that’s probably not how it happened but it just was delivered so perfectly.

[FirstLast-pooz]

oh man, as a 30-something homeowner, this is exactly the content I need right now. This is why I don't pay for cable, can't get this anywhere else.

[EpicBenjo]

He may suggest we click on different chapters to skip parts, but we all know we’re watching this 48 minute video from start to finish lmao

[brettbigs]

Wow. I have spent half my life working on dishwashers, 1000's of dishwashers of all brands over two decades. I also use a dishwasher at least 3 times a day because I have a huge family. I am embarrased to say that I have learnt something new, adding a bit of detergent for the prerinse. Makes a lot of sense, lol. Subscribed and liked. Thank you sir.

[Qallyx]

"There's also sodium hydroxide in here, not gonna lye" made me kinda sad, because it made me realize just how many of your jokes are probably going right over my head

[felipe]

If you had an entire Netflix season over dishwashers I would spend all day binge watching it. I have no idea how you are making this so interesting but I absolutely love it.

[hastypete]

"I'm not gonna lye" I would have missed this gem without the closed captioning. Thank you for a good punny laugh.

[muthanuka]

I gotta say i really appreciate the lack of annoying music or constant sound effects in your videos. Just straight facts and some dry humor mixed in with intelligent analysis of technology and such. Well done

[JosephCatrambone]

From a Minnesota born, Chicago raised kid, I want to highlight "I'm a Midwesterner. I'm no stranger to principled suffering, " as a high point in your writing career. It belongs on a cross-stitch on the narrow stairway to the too-warm upstairs. Or prominently on your CV.

[Salsmachev]

Okay let's just appreciate that we got a better apology from the internet toaster and refrigeration guy for accidentally misleading a handful of people about detergent, resulting in a few incompletely rinsed dishes than we usually get when people actually do real bad things that hurt people.

[kidney]

I'm not gonna miss a video about dishwashers for any reason in the world. Bring it on!

[michaeltorrez]

your video auto-played next from something i was listening to while i was grocery shopping with my son. i didn't change away because i wanted to 'not be picky' and let it also because my phone was zipped into my jacket. i am now home, finished putting away my groceries, rewatched your video, about to explore the rest of your channel, and am now sad i JUST left my local Walmart without getting non-tablet detergent powder. Thank you sir.

[willwt]

“We’ve got to talk about dishwashers again”

Me - You have my full attention, go on.

[chubbichicken]

I'm one of those that thought my dishwasher was just crappy at it's job until I saw the original video. Getting great results now, thank you!

[shandrafischer]

Pro tip from a pro 50 year old housewife. Take the cheap powder detergent and place in an airtight tub/container and find a suitable small scoop. Eliminating mess. These videos are genius and I love them! Household mechanics are my life.

[WilliamDeanHamilton]

I wanted to add two comments as a former appliance salesperson.

1. most dishwashers have a rinse only option that uses half of the water of a regular cycle and you can run that if you don't have a full load instead of rinsing by hand and then wait until you have a full load until you run the regular cycle.

2. The worst place to store laundry detergent is under the sink because it will lose its effectiveness if it gets humid.