Dishwashing liquid, particularly liquid dishwasher detergent designed for automatic dishwashers, often has a notable viscosity. The primary reason for this characteristic, as highlighted in functional requirements, is tied directly to how it is dispensed in older or standard dishwasher models.
The high viscosity is crucial so that it will not run out of a loosely sealed dispensing cup meant for powders, when the dishwasher door is closed.
This practical requirement ensures the detergent remains in its designated compartment until the appropriate stage of the wash cycle, preventing premature release and inefficient cleaning.
Ensuring Proper Dispensing
Many automatic dishwashers, especially older designs or basic models, feature a dispensing cup designed primarily for powdered detergents. These cups may have a simple lid that is not completely airtight or sealed. When a liquid is placed in such a cup and the dishwasher door is closed, the movement and angle can cause a low-viscosity liquid to leak out before the wash cycle even begins.
- Problem: Low-viscosity liquids flow easily.
- Scenario: Liquid detergent in a powder dispensing cup.
- Risk: Leaking out when the door is closed or before the main wash starts.
By increasing the viscosity of the liquid detergent, manufacturers ensure that the product stays put. It resists the urge to flow out of the dispensing cup through minor gaps or during the loading process.
Practical Implications of Viscosity
Beyond just staying in the cup, appropriate viscosity offers other practical benefits related to dispensing and handling:
- Controlled Pouring: A more viscous liquid is easier to pour and measure without spills.
- Suspension of Ingredients: It helps keep various active ingredients, like enzymes or cleaning particles, evenly distributed within the product rather than settling at the bottom.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Often, higher viscosity can contribute to a perception of richness or concentration.
However, the fundamental engineering requirement, as per the reference, focuses specifically on compatibility with existing dispensing mechanisms designed for powders. The viscosity prevents premature escape from these cups during the initial phase before the wash cycle properly begins.
In essence, the viscosity is a design choice driven by the need for the product to function correctly within the historical and current design constraints of dishwasher detergent dispensers.
