Different kinds of dishwashing detergent contain different combinations of ingredients. Common ingredients include:
Phosphates: Bind calcium and magnesium ions to prevent 'hard-water' type limescale deposits. They can cause ecological damage, and have been partially banned or phased out.
Oxygen-based bleaching agents (older-style powders and liquids contain chlorine-based bleaching agents): Break up and bleach organic deposits.
Non-ionic surfactants: Lower the surface tension of the water, emulsifies oil, lipid and fat food deposits, prevents droplet spotting on drying.
Alkaline salts: These are a primary component in older and original-style dishwasher detergent powders[citation needed]. Highly alkaline salts attack and dissolve grease, but are extremely corrosive (fatal) if swallowed. Salts used may include metasilicates, alkali metal hydroxides, sodium carbonate etc.[3]
Enzymes: Break up protein-based food deposits, and possibly oil, lipid and fat deposits.[4] The enzymes used are similar to the ones used in laundry.[5]
Anti-corrosion agent(s): Often sodium silicate, this prevents corrosion of dishwasher components.[citation needed]
Dishwashing detergent may also contain:[citation needed]
Anti-foaming agents:[citation needed] Foam interferes with the washing action. Foam may affect operation of the machine's water-level sensors and will leak past the door seals.
Additives to slow down the removal of glaze & patterns from glazed ceramics
Perfumes
Anti-caking agents (in granular detergent)
Starches (in tablet based detergents)
Gelling agents (in liquid/gel based detergents)
