Looking for the perfect dishwashing detergent? In our review, we will talk about Somat powder for dishwashers. This brand is gaining popularity, although not yet comparable to Finish. What is the peculiarity of Somat detergents, where they are produced, what are and whether they are worth buying, you will find in the article.
Somat brand history
The founder of this brand is Henkel. In 1962, the first dishwasher powder was launched.
In 1989, the first tablets were released, followed by a 2-in-1 detergent, which included a rinse aid. In 2013, Micro-Active technology was introduced: the elements penetrate the starch-containing contaminants and break them down efficiently.
Many users leave negative reviews about Somat. It is believed that it contains a lot of chemistry and does not fully cope with pollution. A plus is the low cost of production.
We will deal with the components that contain Somat products.
Dishwasher detergent composition
The Henkel company produces two types of powder, similar in composition.
"Somat Standard with a soda effect." Packing - 2.5 kg. In the composition of:
- Phosphates (15-30%). We already wrote about the harmfulness of this component in the article “Safe dishwashing detergent”. Again, the use of phosphates was banned in other countries more than 15 years ago. When released into water bodies, they lead to the development of algae, deterioration of drinking water. In large doses, lead to poisoning.
The manufacturer will say: “So what? The powder is perfectly washed off the surface, so it does not harm the body. " The problem is that rinsing is not easy. To do this, rinse the dishes under running water for at least 15 seconds.
- Oxygen bleach (5-15%). The basis of the bleach is sodium percarbonate. It breaks down in water into soda and oxygen, which dissolve pollution. The component itself is not dangerous, but the manufacturer does not indicate specific elements that may be hidden behind the name “oxygen bleach”.
- Nonionic surfactants (5%) are not dangerous per se. Only they are often replaced by anionic surfactants, which are aggressive to the human body, cause allergies, and reduce immunity.
- Enzymes Increase the washing ability of the powder.
- Perfume. Gives granules a special aroma, needed to eliminate unpleasant odors in the PMM chamber. Saturation of perfumes is of great importance for allergy sufferers. Pay attention to the packaging: if there is a note “Freshness”, this is the sharpest smell. Lemon and citrus are a mild flavor; apple fragrances are considered the lightest, as well as with aloe extract.
- Sodium citrate. It softens water and, to some extent, replaces phosphates to enhance the action of surfactants.
Somat Classic Soda Powder is safer. Its composition includes such substances:
- Oxygen bleach (5-15%).
- Nonionic surfactants (less than 5%).
- Polycarboxylate. Organic polymers are soluble in water. Environmentally friendly component.
- Phosphonates. A marketing move that hides phosphates in the composition. The effect of phosphonates on the body and the environment is no different from them.
With the composition sorted out. Now we will study the manufacturer's promises and consumer reviews about each tool.
Overview of Somat Powders
What features do detergents have?
Somat with soda effect (Standard)
Cope with complex, dried up pollution. Provides gloss of dishes without streaks. In addition, it is recommended to use a rinse aid and salt (which salt to choose, read in a separate article). Available in a bottle with a dispenser. Volume - 2.5 kg.
The cost is from 600 rubles.
Sofia
I chose Somat because of convenient packaging and affordable cost. Finish products are much more expensive, but the effect is the same. A very convenient dispenser, thanks to which the granules do not crumble and do not dust:
Enough for a long time. I managed to stretch for 5 months. The powder itself has a chemical smell, but after washing from the dishes there is no aroma. It cleans up ordinary pollution well, but it cannot cope with plaque from broth, tea, dried up areas.
It dissolves well, on the plates there is no sticky coating, stains and white marks. It is important to choose the right mode. If put on short cycles, the granules will not have time to dissolve and stains will remain on the plates.
Somat Classic with soda effect
According to the manufacturer, this is a phosphate-free product (although there are phosphonates in the composition). Thanks to the enhanced action of citric acid, it cleans surfaces of tea and coffee. It is also recommended to add salt and rinse aid.
There are packages of 2.5 and 3 kg. The price of packaging 2.5 kg - from 600 rubles.
Ekaterina
After buying a dishwasher, I tried a bunch of tools in the kitchen. So far, the powder from Somat is the most suitable choice for me. Compared to tablets, it dissolves faster and is well washed without leaving streaks. It doesn’t always remove burnt dirt, but it doesn’t matter, because I also noticed this before. Otherwise, the dishes sparkles with cleanliness.
Thanks to the bottle it is convenient to dose. Sometimes I pour less than indicated in the instructions. All the same, the result is good. Therefore, I recommend it to everyone!
Somat dosage
We are often asked how to calculate the dosage of the product. First, the dosage is written on the package. If the package has not been preserved, we present the dosage for the Somat powder product:
- Light pollution: 30 grams.
- Normal or severe pollution: 45 grams.
The only problem is that often there is no dash of the dispenser on the cork (it depends on the country of production and the batch), so measuring the right dose is not easy. Then you have to arm yourself with spoons to measure the desired weight and put a dash on the cap.
On a note! After using the spoon, rinse thoroughly several times. It is best to use disposable spoons.
So, in one teaspoon about 5 grams of powder (washing or for PMM). 25 grams is placed in a tablespoon. Measure out 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of the product, put it in the cap and put a dash with a permanent marker - this will be 30 grams for light dirt. To measure 45 grams, you can take 1 full and 1 incomplete tablespoon. Or 1 tablespoon and 4 teaspoons. Do you remember? Now there will be no problems with measuring the required dose of the product!
What to do with gel? So, for example, with the Anti-Fat Gel SOMAT Gold (GOLD) a measuring cup is not included in the kit, especially if you take the economy option - ZIP-package.
In this case, using spoons will be very inconvenient - get a measuring cup and use the gel in this dosage:
- Light pollution: 20 milliliters.
- Normal or severe pollution: 30 milliliters.
How to choose a safe powder
- Examine the labels on the package. Look at the expiration date of the goods.
- Be sure to read the composition. On the package can be written "Without phosphates", in fact, phosphonates are added. If there is no information at all about the composition, it is not safe to use it.
- It is desirable that the contents do not have a pronounced smell, especially chemical.
- If desired, you can make your own detergents.
It is up to you to choose which dishwashing powder. The main thing is that he does not harm his health and cope with the tasks assigned to him.