What is the difference between detergent and rinse aid for commercial dishwashers? What are their uses?

Friends who have used commercial dishwashers should all know about detergents and drying agents, two types of dishwashing agents. Do you know what special effects they have besides washing dishes? What is the difference between them? What are their uses? Why must they be used together regardless of whether there is drying? Today, let SHINELONG, an editor with many years of experience in the research and development of commercial dishwashers, popularize science for everyone. The role and characteristics of detergents The detergents in commercial dishwashers are mainly used to remove various stains on tableware. It can decompose dirt such as grease and food residues. Compared with traditional dishwashing liquids, which have stronger cleaning ability, the surfactant components in the detergent will wrap up the grease molecules, so that the grease is dispersed and dissolved in the water, thereby achieving the purpose of cleaning. It can also remove protein stains, such as tableware with egg liquid and milk stains. The alkaline components in the detergent can denature the protein, making it difficult for various stains to adhere to the surface of the tableware, thereby achieving the effect of removal. It should be noted that detergents require a certain temperature to maximize their cleaning ability, and high temperature can better dissolve stains. Therefore, commercial dishwashers on the market will produce hot water at a higher temperature for washing tableware. The characteristics of the ingredients generally include surfactants, which are the core components of detergents. One end of the surfactant molecule is hydrophilic and the other end is lipophilic. During the cleaning process, the lipophilic end will absorb oil stains, while the hydrophilic end will combine with water and carry away the oil stains through the flushing of water flow. In addition to the surfactant, it also contains alkaline substances, such as sodium hydroxide, which are used to enhance the decontamination ability, especially for the neutralization and removal of acidic stains. At the same time, some detergents also add enzyme preparations, such as amylase, which can decompose starchy food residues, and protease, which can decompose protein stains, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency. It should be noted that general detergents are delivered in concentrated liquids. At this time, the detergent is strongly alkaline and should not be contacted by the human body. Please dilute it according to the instructions for use. The role and characteristics of the drying agent The drying agent is mainly used to accelerate the drying process of tableware. After the dishwasher is finished, water stains will remain on the surface of the tableware. The drying agent can reduce the surface tension of water, making it difficult for the water droplets formed on the surface of the tableware to adhere to the surface of the tableware and easier to roll off. At the same time, the drying agent ingredients can make the tableware brighter and cleaner. During the cleaning process, it will also react with the residual detergent to remove the residue. This is why all commercial dishwashers require customers to use detergents and drying agents together. Ingredient characteristics The main component of the drying agent is surfactant, but it is different from the surfactant in the detergent. The surfactant in the drying agent is usually low-foaming and has a good balance of hydrophilicity and lipophilicity. It can quickly play a role at the water-air interface and the water-tableware interface. At the same time, the drying agent may also contain some organic solvents, such as ethanol, which can help water evaporate faster and further speed up the drying speed. Through the above popular science, I believe that everyone has some understanding of detergents and drying agents. When using them, you need to strictly follow the use requirements of the dishwasher manufacturer and the detergent manufacturer. At the same time, you need to pay attention to the purchase of detergents and drying agents. You need to give priority to well-known brands or original dishwasher brands, so as to ensure the cleaning effect and food safety. Okay, that’s all for today’s sharing of commercial kitchen equipment. I hope it will be helpful to everyone. If you are a commercial kitchen practitioner and are interested in commercial kitchens, you might as well follow us. Of course, if you have a need for a commercial dishwasher and don’t know what kind of dishwasher to choose, you can also send us a private message to get help and official special offers.