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What’s the difference between liquid and powder laundry detergent? It’s not just the obvious

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> When shopping for a laundry detergent, the array of choices is baffling. All of the products will likely get your laundry somewhat cleaner. But what gets the best outcome for your clothes and your budget? Do you want whiter whites? Do you need enzymes? And what’s the difference between a powder and liquid detergent? As is often the case, knowing more about the chemistry involved will help you answer those questions. <h2>What is a detergent?</h2> The active ingredients in both laundry powders and liquids are “surfactants”, also known as detergents (hence the product name). These are typically charged or “ionic” molecules that have two distinct parts to their structure. One part interacts well with water and the other interacts with oils. This useful property allows surfactants to lift grease and grime from fabrics and suspend it in the water. Surfactants can also form bubbles. Metal salts dissolved in your water can limit the performance of the surfactants. So-called hard water contains lots of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts which can readily form soap scum. Modern laundry detergents therefore contain phosphates, water softeners and other metal “sequestrants” to stop the formation of soap scum. Phosphates can cause algal blooms in fresh water environments. This is why modern detergent formulations <a href="https://accord.asn.au/sustainability/phosphorus-standard/">contain smaller amounts of phosphates</a>. Many products also contain optical brighteners. These chemicals absorb ultraviolet light and release blue light, which provides the “whiter white” or “brighter colour” phenomenon. Laundry detergents typically contain fragrances. These aren’t essential to the chemistry of cleaning, but give the impression the clothes are fresh. Lastly, some laundry detergents contain enzymes – more on those later. <h2>What’s in laundry powder?</h2> While detergents and ingredients to avoid soap scum are the most important components, they aren’t the most abundant. The main ingredients in powders are salts (like sodium sulfate) that add bulk and stop the powder from clumping. Another common salt added to laundry powders is sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda. Washing soda (a chemical cousin of <a href="https://theconversation.com/vinegar-and-baking-soda-a-cleaning-hack-or-just-a-bunch-of-fizz-225177">baking soda</a>) helps to chemically modify grease and grime so they dissolve in water. Laundry powders also frequently contain oxidising agents like sodium percarbonate. This is a stable combination of washing soda and hydrogen peroxide. An additive known as tetraacetylethylenediamine activates the percarbonate to give a mild bleaching effect. Chemically, powders have an advantage – their components can be formulated and mixed but kept separate in a solid form. (You can usually see different types of granules in your laundry powder.) <h2>What’s in laundry liquid?</h2> The main ingredient of laundry liquid is water. The remaining ingredients have to be carefully considered. They must be stable in the bottle and then work together in the wash. These include similar ingredients to the powders, such as alkaline salts, metal sequestrants, water softeners and surfactants. The surfactants in liquid products are often listed as “ionic” (charged) and “non-ionic” (non-charged). Non-ionic surfactants can be liquid by default, which makes them inappropriate for powdered formulations. Non-ionic surfactants are good at suspending oils in water and don’t form soap scum. Liquid detergents also contain preservatives to prevent the growth of microbes spoiling the mixture. There are also microbial implications for inside the washing machine. Liquid products can’t contain the peroxides (mild bleaching agents) found in powdered products. Peroxides kill microbes. The absence of peroxides in liquid detergents makes it more likely for <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/1/195#B15-molecules-27-00195">mould biofilms to form</a> in the machine and for bacteria to be transferred between items of clothing. As an alternative to peroxides, liquids will typically contain only optical brighteners. Liquids do have one advantage over powders – they can be added directly to stains prior to placing the item in the wash. A recent “convenience” version of liquid formulas are highly concentrated detergent pods. Colourful and bearing a resemblance to sweet treats, these products have been found to be <a href="https://poisoncenters.org/track/laundry-detergent-packets">dangerous to young children and people with cognitive impairment</a>. Pods also remove the option to add less detergent if you’re running a smaller load or just want to use less detergent in general. <h2>So, what about enzymes?</h2> Enzymes are naturally evolved proteins included in laundry products to remove specific stains. Chemically, they are catalysts – things that speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes are named for the molecules they work on, followed by the ending “-ase”. For example, lipase breaks down fats (lipids), protease breaks down protein, while amylase and mannanase break down starches and sugars. These enzymes are derived from organisms found in cool climate regions, which helps them function at the low temperature of washing water. Running an excessively hot wash cycle can damage or denature the enzyme structure, stopping them from assisting in your wash. Think of an egg white <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-pavlova-according-to-chemistry-experts-196485">changing from translucent to white while cooked</a> – that’s protein denaturing. If your detergent contains enzymes, the washing temperature should be neither too hot nor too cold. As a guide, temperatures of 15–20°C are used in <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/document/download/557d8ab5-4e75-41a4-a901-1548be7f685d_en">standard laundry tests</a>. <h2>Is powder or liquid better?</h2> We make consumer choices guided by performance, psychology, cost, scent, environmental considerations and convenience. It’s worth experimenting with different products to find what works best for you and fits your needs, household budget and environmental considerations, such as having <a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-can-some-plastics-be-recycled-but-others-cant-229270">recyclable packaging</a>. Personally, I wash at 20°C with half the recommended dose of a pleasant-smelling laundry powder, packaged in recyclable cardboard, and containing a wide range of enzymes and an activated peroxide source. Knowing a little chemistry can go a long way to getting your clothes clean. However, laundry detergent manufacturers don’t always disclose the full list of ingredients on their product packaging. If you want more information on what’s in your product, you have to look at the product website. You can also dig a little deeper by reading documents called <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-new-tiktok-trend-has-people-drinking-toxic-borax-an-expert-explains-the-risks-and-how-to-read-product-labels-210278">safety data sheets</a> (SDS). Every product containing potentially hazardous chemicals must have an SDS.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239850/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-liquid-and-powder-laundry-detergent-its-not-just-the-obvious-239850">original article</a>. </div>

Home & Garden

Mysterious liquid turns popular rock pool green

A mysterious liquid has turned a popular public rock pool at Cronulla beach fluorescent green. The liquid, believed to be a natural fluorescent dye, fluorescein, was seen pouring into the usually clear waters of the pool on Friday. The dye is often used to help experts track the flow of water to identify any leaks and has low toxicity, which means it is harmless despite the daunting colour. “We believe the discolouration is likely to be fluorescein dye, which is commonly used in plumbing/drain testing and dissipates quickly once diluted,” a spokesperson for the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority said. According to Australian dye manufacturer, Tintex, the dye is also used to “locate leaks in plumbing, tracing pipe locations, detect drain damage and water pathways,” and is odourless and non-toxic to the environment. However, in a safety data sheet, Tintex has also warned about the potential health effects which include eye irritation, skin irritation, irritation of the digestive tract and respiratory tract irritation. Many locals are cautious despite the claim that the dye is mostly harmless. One user wrote on a Facebook page for Cronulla locals that dye was “legal to use in a stormwater drain”. “Doesn’t look good whatever it is,” another responded, while other cautious residents replied that they wouldn’t swim in the area until the dye fully dissipates. Images: Facebook

Travel Trouble

How healthy are your dishwasher habits?

Are you one of those people guilty of cramming as much as possible into the dishwasher or perhaps you don’t rinse the scraps off your plates before loading them in? Either way, both of these habits can mean that a wash cycle is a waste of time, water and power. To ensure that you don’t have two-day-old muesli stuck on your bowls post-wash, we’ve compiled four top tips for maximising your dishwasher’s cleaning powers. Rinse off Rinsing off any crumbs, scraps, sauces and so on not only makes it much easier for your dishwasher to run properly, but it also promotes a healthy environment. For example, if you don’t put your dishwasher on everyday and you don’t rinse then you are leaving food to fester for days. Stack right But neatly stacking or arranging the things that go into your dishwasher you will reep a few benefits. The most simple of these is that you will be able to fit more in (without overcrowding) if you stack things cautiously. For instance if bowl and plates are all facing the same way, they stack more efficiently. Secondly if you arrange things well in your dishwashing it will allow the waters and cleaner to get to every surface of every item in your dishwasher. Usually, large bowls and plates go on the bottom facing inwards, with saucepans and large pans stacked around the edges of them, glasses and small bowls go up top, as do long utensils. Knives face downward in the cutlery holder. Remember though, not everything should go in the dishwasher. For instance, some things like good knives and metal utensils such as pewter are not dishwasher safe or can become damaged by being put through a wash and are better suited to being hand washed. Don’t overcrowd We’ve all been there before – after cooking up a big meal for the family all of the plates, pots and pans simply won’t fit in the dishwasher well. So you end up packing it all in. Don’t do it. It’s simply not worth it and it will NOT wash properly. It’s better to either hand wash some or put two loads on. Dishwasher TLC Every now and then you should clean out your dishwasher – especially the seals. You may find bits if grime you can wipe away or every strewn cutlery or that Tupperware lid you’ve been searching high low for. A little bit of TLC every once in a while will ensure your dishwasher cleans more effectively and it may even make it last for longer. Some people suggest using a cup of vinegar in an empty dishwasher and to run a cycle to get rid of lime and soap build up. In any case before cleaning, consult your instruction manual to see it comes with any cleaning tips. If you’ve misplaced your manual – check to see if it’s available online. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Three signs it's time to clean your dishwasher

The dishwasher is often one of the hardest working appliances in the house. While it's regularly filled with hot water and detergent, you’d be forgiven for thinking it's a clean environment. However, with all the dirt and food waste that goes into a dishwasher, it’s important to keep it maintained so your dishes come out sparkling every time. Here’s three things to look out for that mean it’s time to clean your dishwasher. Your dishes are coming out cloudy and dirty Food left on your dishes, or a white powdery substance is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to clean your dishwasher. It’s recommended that your dishwasher gets cleaned once a month to keep it in good condition. If you notice cloudy spots on your drinking glasses, the simplest solution is to place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle, which acts as a rinse aid to help combat hard water. It’s a good idea to check your manual before doing this, as some manufacturers advise against using vinegar in a dishwasher. There’s a funny smell coming from your dishwasher If you have a terrible smell from your dishwasher, the problem could be food particles getting caught in the filter. Check and clean your filter after each use to avoid nasty smells in your kitchen. Also, dishwasher cleaners that run through a cycle with no dishes in the racks can help clean food debris out of hard to reach places. Water isn’t draining out of your dishwasher properly If water is still pooling in the bottom of your dishwasher after running a cycle, or if you see water bubbling out of the sink, you might have a clog in the plumbing. If you clean the filter and check for obstructions and you are still finding pools of water, it might be time to call an expert to look at your dishwasher. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

8 things you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher

Some items commonly placed in the dishwasher should never be put there. Wooden utensils – Hot water can cause your wooden utensils to wear and warp. Vintage plates – Detergent and hot water can wear at trims and painted details on old china. Aluminium cookware – Harsh conditions in your dishwasher can cause your aluminium cookware to grow discoloured. Insulated travel mug – Unless stated otherwise on the label, avoid putting travel mugs in the dishwasher. The water can get in between the cup’s layers and destroy the insulation, rendering your cup useless. Cheese graters and garlic presses – Most dishwashers aren’t powerful enough to fully clean a cheese grater. Wash it by hand exclusively or give it a scrub before putting it in the washer. Chef knives – Detergent can damage the sharp edge of your knives, and in turn your knives can damage other dishes if they’re not safely secured in your washer. Crystal – Some crystal can be put in the dishwasher, but to be safe your best bet is washing your best pieces by hand with a gentle soap or shampoo. Copper cookware – Like your aluminium cookware, the dishwasher can cause your copper goods to lose their coveted copper shade.

Home & Garden

The real reason liquids over 100ml can’t be brought onto international flights

One thing most people keep in mind when setting off on an international holiday is to condense any liquids in their carry-on to 100ml or less, or run the risk of it being thrown out by security. This goes for bottles of water, makeup, skincare, and other liquid toiletries, as well as big bottles of hand sanitiser or the coffee you bought on the way to the airport. While we accept this is a part of boarding an international flight, a lot of people don’t know the reasoning behind the strict rules. So, why can’t we take liquids over 100ml in our carry-on on an overseas flight? A Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/why-liquids-over-100ml-need-to-be-tossed-for-international-flights/news-story/385fc9198465d82812f04d000c4f339c">news.com.au</a> restrictions on the volume of liquids, aerosols and gels were introduced in many countries around the world, including Australia, following the disruption of a terrorist plot in the UK back in 2006. The 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot targeted various aircrafts with specific liquid explosives. “[And as such] screening measures restrictions on what can be carried on board an aircraft have been enforced to ensure the safety and security of travellers,” the spokesperson said. Even if you have a 100ml or more bottle of liquid that is only half filled, it will still be thrown away by security. The only exceptions to this rule are some baby products and medications, but these must be presented to security officials along with a doctor's letter. While these rules are non-negotiable for international flights, domestic flights around Australia don’t have the same level of restriction. Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Adding space to your dishwasher just got easier

Looking for more space in your dishwasher? Perhaps you’ve even considered upgrading – but before you do, take a moment to consider this genius solution one eager Kmart shopper has come up with – using only a $10 item. Posting in the Kmart Home Decor & Hacks Australia Facebook group, the woman revealed she had purchased the store’s Over Sink Dish Drying Rack, which is intended to sit over your sink to dry plates and utensils, as well as defrost food. “Got this for my sink, however, it also works great as an extra rack for the large utensils in the dishwasher,” the shopper wrote, also sharing a photo of the drying rack set up in her dishwasher. A word of warning: Kmart doesn’t explicitly state that their drying rack is dishwasher-safe, meaning there’s an off chance your particular dishwasher model may not like it. The dishwasher hack comes as Kmart released its own range of budget white goods online last month. “The new white goods range was seen as a gap in the market for us to service in this way and provide our customers with everything they need at the lowest prices,” a Kmart spokesperson told news.com.au. Image: Facebook / Kmart hacks group

Home Hints & Tips

“Horrific” dieting invention slammed online

A newly-invented weight-loss tool that stops people from eating by holding their mouths shut has been criticised and labelled as “horrific” by many online. Researchers from The University of Otago in New Zealand have claimed the DentalSlim Diet Control is a “world-first weight-loss device to help fight the global obesity epidemic”. Fitted by a dentist, the device only allows people to open their mouth 2mm, which the university has said restricts “them to a liquid diet”. “It allows free speech and doesn’t restrict breathing,” they clarified on the University’s website. In a trial of people based in the city of Dunedin, the university said subjects lost an average of 6.36 kilograms in two weeks while using the device. Professor Paul Brunton, the lead researcher and University of Otago Health Sciences Pro-Vice Chancellor, said the invention was “effective, safe, and affordable”. “The main barrier for people for successful weight loss is compliance and this helps them establish new diets, allowing them to comply with a low-calorie diet for a period of time,” he said. “It really kick-starts the process.” But, the announcement of the invention on Twitter has seen commenters call the invention “horrific” and compare it to a medieval torture device. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Brilliant, I'd like to submit my idea for a device to help short people be taller. <a href="https://t.co/5WYp26VbJ3">pic.twitter.com/5WYp26VbJ3</a> — Ika Makimaki (fish monkey) (@pezmico) <a href="https://twitter.com/pezmico/status/1409378892935176196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote> Additionally, the British Dental Journal reported that some of the seven participants in the trial “had trouble pronouncing some words” but “felt tense and embarrassed only occasionally”. It also noted: “One patient admitted to ‘cheating’, consuming melted chocolate and fizzy drinks.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> After two or three weeks they can have the magnets disengaged and device removed. They could then have a period with a less restricted diet and then go back into treatment. This would allow for a phased approach to weight loss supported by advice from a dietician. — University of Otago (@otago) <a href="https://twitter.com/otago/status/1409368110402990089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2021</a></blockquote> Following the backlash online, the University clarified that the device could be removed after two or three weeks and was aimed to help people lose weight for surgery rather than act as a long-term weight loss tool. Image: The University of Otago / Twitter

Body

The most bizarre dishwasher hack you’ll ever see

Dishwashers are arguable one of the most useful appliances in the home, let alone the kitchen. Thankfully, there are cleaning prodigies who have some of the most useful tips and the most recent one to go viral has left users in a head spin. Aussie mum <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@carolina.mccauley/video/6968596608103533825?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank" title="Carolina Mccauley">Carolina Mccauley</a> has shared her odd but crucial tip to get sparkling silverware – and it involves a ball of aluminium foil. She says all you need to do is a throw a ball of aluminium foil in with your cutlery before turning on the dishwasher. "This dishwasher hack will leave your silverware sparkling," she captioned the video on <a rel="noopener" href="https://9now.nine.com.au/the-block/tiktok" target="_blank" title="TikTok">TikTok</a>. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841619/aluminium-dishwasher-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/7349503acbde497b8ea9187fb2fcded0" /> If you roll some tin foil into a ball and place in the cutlery holder of your dishwasher, your forks, spoons, and knives will come out sparkling like new. It's definitely an odd tip, but the results show it does make a difference. The video has been watched over 123,000 times so far. "Why does my brain think it's not okay to put aluminium foil inside appliances because of the microwave," one TikToker wrote. Another said, "What the scientific magic is this?" The magic behind the foil has been revealed, with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dashingmaids.com/aluminum-foil-cleaning-hacks/" target="_blank" title="">Dashing Maids</a> writing that the chemical reaction from the foil and a dishwasher tablet is what gives cutlery its incredible shine.

Home & Garden

Why you NEED to put your fruit and veggies in the dishwasher

A woman has gone viral after sharing her food hygiene hack – washing fruit and vegetables in the dishwasher. In a TikTok clip, the user @smilelop showed how she removed dirt and bugs from her produce. She arranged a variety of fresh food products on the top shelf and bottom drawer before pouring in a capful of distilled white vinegar in the detergent compartment. She then set the machine running, and the video cut to seemingly washed and clean crops. <blockquote style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="6824889367530704133"><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@smilelop" target="_blank" title="@smilelop">@smilelop</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleanvegetables" target="_blank" title="cleanvegetables">##cleanvegetables</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cleanfruit" target="_blank" title="cleanfruit">##cleanfruit</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tiktoktips" target="_blank" title="tiktoktips">##tiktoktips</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/vinegar" target="_blank" title="vinegar">##vinegar</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/PONETE-ASÍ-6792622683843513093" target="_blank" title="♬ PONETE ASÍ - melojnico">♬ PONETE ASÍ - melojnico</a></blockquote> The video has now been viewed more than a million times, but some viewers on the comment section were sceptical of the hack. “I literally don’t know why this would be necessary,” one wrote. “I mean a light vinegar solution is good to kill bacteria and some fruit has wax film on it, but dishwasher? Come on girl,” another replied. According to <a href="https://foodsafety.asn.au/fruit-and-vegetables/">the Food Safety Information Council</a>, washing fruits and vegetables under running water and drying them can help remove loose soil and remove many bacteria and viruses. The council also advised practicing safe hand washing and hygiene before preparing food or cooking.

Food & Wine

Relax into the new year with a berry margarita

<div class="article-body"> Deliver a delightful, refreshing concoction - it's the perfect way to welcome guests at a dinner party. 14.4% alc/vol 1.8 standard drinks Ingredients <ul> <li>45ml white tequila</li> <li>15ml Cointreau</li> <li>60ml fresh lime juice</li> <li>4 fresh strawberries (diced)</li> <li>Fresh strawberry</li> </ul> Directions <ol> <li>Prepare a margarita glass with a sugar-frosted rim.</li> <li>Pour tequila, Cointreau and juice into a blender over a large amount of crushed ice then add diced strawberries.</li> <li>Blend until slushy and pour into prepared glass. Garnish with a strawberry and serve.</li> </ol> Recipe and image from The Margarita Guide by Steve Quirk (New Holland Publishers RRP $24.99), available from all good bookstores or online <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.newhollandpublishers.com/" target="_blank">newhollandpublishers.com</a> </div> <div class="social-media-column"> <div class="addthis_sharing_toolbox" data-url="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/berry-margarita.aspx" data-title="Berry Margarita | WYZA" data-description="Deliver a delightful, refreshing concoction - it's the perfect way to welcome guests at a dinner party - wyza.com.au"> <div id="atstbx3" class="at-share-tbx-element addthis-smartlayers addthis-animated at4-show" aria-labelledby="at-84d7078e-1f0f-4c28-ac3a-868b6bc5b67a">Written by Wyza. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/recipes/berry-margarita.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

8 things you never knew you could put in your dishwasher

<div id="page1" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> You’d be surprised just how many household items can be given a thorough cleaning in your humble dishwasher. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher">1. Small plastic toys</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher"> Germs can linger on your kids’ toys for months. Disinfect them by putting them in a mesh lingerie bag on the top shelf of your dishwasher. Then just let the normal cycle run. 2. Hairbrushes Your hairbrush can hold almost 3,500 colonies of bacteria, according to University of Arizona research. Remove any stray hairs and drop your brush in the silverware tray for a thorough cleanse. Remember: Only plastic brushes or combs. Wooden or boar-bristle brushes will get ruined. 3. Potatoes <div id="page5" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Making mashed potatoes for your next big family gathering? Cut your preparation time and wash your spuds on a rinse-only cycle – no detergent! – on the top shelf. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher">4. Refrigerator shelves</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher"> Between leaking meat juices and spilled food, your fridge can get really gross really fast. Instead of scrubbing every last inch clean, throw those shelves in with your other dishes. 5. Penholders <div id="page8" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> When it comes to cleaning, common desk items like penholders and trays for scrap paper often get overlooked. If they’re metal or plastic, toss them in your next dishwasher load. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher">6. Bathroom stuff</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher"> <div id="page10" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Your bathroom is a haven for bacteria, from soap dishes to bathtub drain plugs to toothbrush holders. Luckily, all of them can be cleaned on the top rack with your other dishes. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher">7. Nail clippers and tweezers</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher"> <div id="page11" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Most cosmetic tools like nail clippers and tweezers are dishwasher safe. You can even wash plastic makeup brushes. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher">8. Razors</div> <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher"> <div id="page13" class="slide-show"> <div id="test" class="slide"> <div class="slide-description"> Razors can get dirty from more than just hair. They also pick up the chemicals in your shaving cream and salts from the water. When you wash them in a dishwasher, use liquid detergent. Tablets can leave grit on the metal. <div class="at-below-post addthis_tool" data-url="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher">Written by Claire Novak. This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/13-things-you-never-knew-you-could-put-in-the-dishwasher" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRA93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Home & Garden

The ultimate guide to stacking your dishwasher

Believe it or not but there is an art in stacking your dishwasher. While some may just throw the dishes in whichever way they deem fit, there are a few rules to follow to ensure your using space to its full potential. Consumer advocacy group Choice Australia has revealed some of the best tips and tricks when it comes to stacking your dishwasher to help achieve the cleanest dishes possible. Never place wood, aluminium or copper in the dishwasher While most items are safe to stack, there are a few exceptions. It’s recommended that anything made of wood, such as chopping boards, rolling pins and wooden spoons should not be placed inside a dishwasher, as the material tends to absorb odours and flavours of the surrounding dishes. Good quality knives and fine china should also be avoided, as the water pressure can damage the cutlery and ruin the detailing. Anything that consists of a “reactive metal” should be handwashed, which means items made from aluminium and copper should stay away from the dishwasher. Don’t bother pre-washing dishes It’s a habit that most people fall into before loading up their dishwasher, but your favourite dishwashing tablet has enough power to remove all surface stains without you having to give it a pre-wash. Just be sure to scrape any excess food scraps beforehand, to avoid the filter from clogging up. Make sure the dirtiest dishes go in the middle The answer to squeaky clean dishes is placement so write this next part down. Plastics should always go on the top shelf to reduce the risk of melting, the same applies for anything made of glass. Sometimes the spinning fan can miss the corners of the dishwasher so it’s a good idea to put the dirtiest dishes right in the middle for the most effective clean. Lastly, place each and every plate and bowl downwards to avoid dirty water and don’t stack them on top of each other.

Home & Garden

No scrubbing necessary! Genius way to remove stains from stainless steel pots

Unfortunately, dirty pans and pots with impossible to remove stains are sentiments we know all too well in the kitchen. After a few uses or even after one bad mix up in the kitchen, our stainless steel appliances can become scorched and stained, and require a muscle workout to get them looking sparkling clean and brand new again. However, there is a solution that has become extremely popular on social media that has proven to work wonders – and the best part is the cleaning trick requires no elbow grease and zero scrubbing! To get a pot or pan back to its glorious original condition, all you need is a dishwashing tablet, a little time and boiling hot water. By placing a dishwashing tablet in your dirty pot with boiling hot water, the dirt, grime and hard-to-remove stains will lift and instead be replaced with a sparkling, unscratched surface. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7826196/dirty.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/666454068f4e41649065b66095be0cab" /> Dishwashing tablets have proven to be a magic trick in the kitchen – and not just for the dishes. Not only are they reported to do wonders on your stainless steel kitchen appliances, cleaning whizzes say they're also able to transform a dirty oven door and also your clothes as a replacement for laundry detergent. Will you be using this simple trick in your kitchen anytime soon? Let us know in the comments below.

Home & Garden

Big W launches massive online flash sale in light of liquidation rumours

Big W has launched a massive two-day flash sale, with prices slashed on over 2,000 items site-wide. The sale, dubbed the “Click Bonanza” launched at 7 am this morning and will run until midnight on March 20th – or while stock last. There are huge price drops on homeware items, including a Dyson V6 Handstick, which is down from $529 to $349. A Breville Nespresso machine is also being offered at almost half price, which is ideal for espresso lovers everywhere. Toys are on offer at an amazing 25 per cent off, so there’s never been a better time to snag those gifts for the grandkids at a discount. But if toys aren’t your thing, there are discounts on electronics, with 30 per cent off on all Cygnett products. Clothing is on offer for just $1, and even the Harry Potter range of clothing, which is highly sought after, is on offer with a 25 per cent discount. Big W told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/big-w-launches-massive-online-flash-sale-on-homewares/news-story/85eac8abab234afe91a72afa5d902b52" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>: “There was a sale for every room of the house, from the living room to the kitchen and right through to the bedrooms — even the kids’ rooms.” With Macquarie Wealth Group recommending that up to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/struggling-to-stay-afloat-big-w-could-be-forced-to-shut-down-a-third-of-its-stores" target="_blank">a third of stores be shut down</a> in order to return Big W to profitability, this sale comes as a welcome surprise. Are you planning to get your hands on anything? Let us know in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Cook tonight’s dinner in your dishwasher!

Many of us use our dishwasher to, well, clean our dishes. Especially after a meal. But there’s a new trend on the horizon that involves the opposite of this. It’s called ‘dishwasher cuisine’ and it is not a joke. Many people have decided that their oven is no longer up to scratch and are opting to give their dishwasher a try. So far, the most popular dish seems to be salmon. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsY73EHh4tn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsY73EHh4tn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Verlasso Salmon (@verlasso)</a> on Jan 8, 2019 at 2:02pm PST </div> </blockquote> The trick is wrapping your ingredients up in foil (so the food doesn’t get saturated by the water or have other bits of food ending up in the final meal) and letting the dishwasher do the rest. Consumer advocacy group <a href="https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/kitchen/dishwashers/articles/can-you-cook-dinner-in-your-dishwasher">Choice</a> has recommended that you put your ingredients that you want to cook in plastic zip lock bags so no extra food gets in there as well as loading up the dishwasher to keep the temperature stable. Keeping the temperature stable is ideal as this ensures your food is cooked properly. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/dZqjZdLZoE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/dZqjZdLZoE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Forget the grill, here's how to cook salmon in the dishwasher. #howto #dishwashercooking #yum #nprlife</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/mstarbard/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Maggie Starbard</a> (@mstarbard) on Aug 24, 2013 at 8:30am PDT </div> </blockquote> However, as a dishwasher can reach temperatures of up to 62 degrees in a cycle, smaller portions of protein and vegetables are best. Choosing food that has a bit of wiggle room when it comes to time and temperature being a little bit out is ideal, as again, you’re cooking food in a dishwasher. Experts have compared it to the sous vide method. This method is a French style of cooking which involves vacuum sealing food in a plastic bag, submerging it in a bath of warm water and waiting for it to cook over time. Some have found it to be a productive way of cleaning up the mess they’ve made while preparing the meal whilst also getting a meal out of it. Is this something you’re willing to try? Have you heard of it before? Let us know in the comments.

Technology

Man discovers dishwasher trick that will change your life

An Irishman who shared the moment he realised dishwasher trays could be height adjusted on Twitter has gone viral – as thousands of others admit they had no idea about this dishwasher feature. Mike McLoughlin, from Ireland, tweeted that he'd lived in his present house for 10 years and assumed his dishwasher just couldn’t take his largest dinner plates. Instead, he had been handwashing his bigger plates for a decade. <img width="500" height="358" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7267656/dishwashing-hack-art4_500x358.jpg" alt="Dishwashing -hack -art4 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> But in fact, the dishwasher tray was simply set too high, and if he had known to adjust the height his plats could have fitted in easily. While many people couldn’t believe McLoughlin didn’t know this simple dishwasher feature, many thousands of others confessed they had no idea either and thanked McLoughlin for sharing the revelation.

News

Best and worst dishwashing liquids revealed

CHOICE has released its list of the best and worst dishwashing liquids on the Australian market, slamming numerous detergent brands which the consumer watchdog claims are “worse than water” when it comes to cleaning dishes. The consumer advocacy group put 30 common commercial products to the test, scrubbing a marked white tile, and found seven brands were less effective than warm water. “Most people would find it shocking to hear that regular tap water and a bit of elbow grease works better than some of the common detergents found at the supermarket,” Choice spokeswoman Stefanie Menezes told <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank">news.com.au</a>. The consumer watchdog tested a variety of stains on the white tiles which were left overnight before they came into contact with the different detergent varieties, with each product tested multiple times for consistency. “CHOICE put 30 commercial detergents and two D.I.Y. recipes to the test in its latest review and found seven performed worse than water,” Menezes said. “That’s because the detergents are slippery and can actually lubricate your sponge so it glides off your plate, meaning they don’t work as well when you’re trying to scrub off those tough bolognaise stains from dinner.” Earth Choice dishwashing liquid, Coles Smart Buy dishwashing liquid and Coles Super Strength Dishwashing Liquid fared worst out of the detergents, tested, with Morning Fresh Ultra Concentrate Ultimate, Kin Kin naturals Eco Dishwash Liquid, and Woolworths Select Shine Super Concentrate Antibacterial were the top performers. TOP SCORES Morning Fresh Ultra Concentrate Ultimate — 80 per cent Kin Kin Naturals Eco — 75 per cent Morning Fresh Ultra Concentrate Advanced (fast dry technology) — 70 per cent LOWEST SCORES Earth Choice — 28 per cent Coles Smart Buy — 29 per cent What are your thoughts? Do you think this will change which dishwashing liquid you go with in the future? Let us know in the comment section below!

Home & Garden

Best dishwasher tablets revealed – and they're under $10!

With so many dishwasher products on the market, it can be hard to know which product will leave your dishes with the cleanest results. CHOICE Australia has put that confusion to rest by compiling a list of the best dishwashing tablets. According to the report, the most effective dishwasher tablets on the market are Earth Choice All in 1 Dish Tablets. The product received an overall score of 79 per cent and costs $16.79. <img width="246" height="190" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40893/1.jpg" alt="1 (204)"/> The study compared 32 different detergents along with plain water and observed how effectively they could remove egg yolk, rice starch, baked-on cheese, red wine and coffee from crockery. The Earth Choice detergent got a score of 91 per cent in egg yolk removal and 89 per cent for removing baked-on cheese. For consumers who want to get the best value for money, the detergents that came in at second, third and fourth are all sold for under $10. Coles Ultra With Active Oxygen Dishwasher Tables for $6, Coles Ultra Plus Dishwasher Power Pods for $7 and Aldi Logix Complete 10 in 1 Dishwashing Tablets for $4.90 were the next best products. The detergent which received the lowest score at 35 per cent was Northfork Dishwashing Powder, which was also the most expensive product retailing at $42.97. Which dishwasher tablets do you use? Tell us in the comments below. To find your home essentials <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/?utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_medium=in-article-link-o60shop&utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank">head to the Over60 Shop for high-quality offerings</a>. <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/collections/living?utm_source=Over60&utm_medium=in-article-banner-living&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.oversixty.com.au/images/EditorialAddon/201706_Shopnow_EditorialAddon_468x60_Living.jpg" alt="Over60 Shop - Living Range"/></a>

Home & Garden

Should we wash dishes before putting them in the dishwasher?

To ensure your cutlery, crockery and glassware come out sparkling, it is important to make sure your dishwasher is kept clean. From cleaning filters to loading correctly, here is how you can get the best use out of your machine. 1. Pre-rinsing isn’t necessary all the time If you are carefully rinsing your plates and cutlery before putting them in the dishwasher then you can cut that task down by only rinsing the items that need it the most. Verity Mann, Head of Testing at Good Housekeeping, told HuffPost Australia, “Don't worry about rinsing off every plate, pot and pan before it goes in the dishwasher. But at least scrape off excess food.” Melissa Maker, author of Clean My Space: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster and Loving Your Home Ever Day, said, “It's worth pre-soaking stubborn dried-on stains, such as grease, before loading and running the dishwasher." 2. Clean the filter after each use "Think of all the food residue that gets trapped down there," Verity said. "Every couple months, it needs more of a deep clean. Do this by running a cup of white vinegar through the machine on a normal cycle – simply place a cup on the top rack with the vinegar in it." You can also use a dishwasher cleaning product that is available at most supermarkets. "Spray arms should be cleaned in a solution of washing-up liquid – run water through the inlet of each spray arm to ensure that holes are not blocked with food debris. You can even use a toothpick to clear them," Verity said. Melissa advises doing this DIY trick for an easy overnight clean. “Clean out the dishwasher filter first, and then just add a cup of baking soda to the base of the dishwasher and allow to sit overnight. Then run through the next morning with a cup of white vinegar sitting on the top rack," Melissa said. 3. Load correctly To get the most out of your dishwasher, it is important that you load it correctly. "First things first, adjust the dishwasher racks," Verity said. "Move the top rack up or down (most newer models let you do this) to fit odd-sized items you're always washing but never fit correctly. "Don't overfill it – you can put too much in and that's just going to make it less efficient as the water won't have as much room to circulate. The same applies to cutlery." Melissa advises not to nest cutlery so food residue isn’t trapped. "Load cutlery stem side down, and stagger small and large dishes to get maximum coverage for your load," Melissa said. "Keep sharp knives facing downwards as the detergent is abrasive and can blunt them. Ideally, we say wash good knives by hand," Mann added. "We don't advise putting wooden utensils in the dishwasher as it will swell and crack and the surface will become very rough." 4. Select the right program Although it may be tempting to set the dishwasher to “eco” or “fast”, this may waste more time if the dishwasher contents are dirty. "Also ensure that you use the right program. Using the economy setting is a false economy if the load is really dirty. So choose your cycle carefully," Verity explained. 5. Use rinse aid "It is necessary to use proprietary products to get the best out of your dishwasher, but they don't have to cost you a small fortune," Verity told HuffPost Australia. "Rinse aid and salt is important. Rinse aid makes dishes shiny and helps dry them. Salt protects your machine from lime-scale and softens the water for better cleaning." "Check there is enough dishwasher salt and rinse aid before running. Most dishwashers have indicator lights on the control panel, so you can see when these need refilling." 6. Use vinegar and bicarb soda "There are items in your cupboard that can also help you get the best out of your machine. As mentioned previously, vinegar is great for providing a deep clean and removing a build-up of limescale (prevalent in hard water areas)," Verity said. "Another good home remedy is bicarbonate of soda. You can get rid of any nasty smells coming from the dishwasher by sprinkling a couple of tablespoons of it onto the bottom of the machine before running a load." 7. Unload correctly Be sure to unload the dishwasher correctly so that items don’t drip over one another. “And finally, ensure you unload in the right order. Empty the bottom rack first so the top rack doesn't drip below," Verity said. To find your home essentials <a href="https://shop.oversixty.com.au/?utm_source=over60&utm_campaign=Over60Shop&utm_medium=in-article-link-o60shop&utm_content=over60-shop" target="_blank">head to the Over60 Shop for high-quality offerings</a>.

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