Restaurant dishwashing chemicals should be selected according to the washing method. Manual dishwashing and commercial dishwashing machines require different types of chemicals.
Even within manual dishwashing, the appropriate product can vary depending on the operating environment and cleaning requirements, such as washing dishes, kitchen utensils or additional hard surfaces in the kitchen area.
Before selecting a product, first identify how the items will be washed and what needs to be cleaned.
What Is the Difference Between Manual and Machine Dishwashing Chemicals?
With manual dishwashing, staff wash dishes and utensils directly in the washing area. Chemicals are selected according to the items being cleaned and how the washing process is organised.
With a commercial dishwasher, chemicals must be specifically designed for the machine system and its operating conditions.
| Criteria | Manual Dishwashing | Commercial Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|
| Washing method | Staff wash items manually in the washing area | The machine performs the washing cycle |
| Chemicals | Products for manual dishwashing | Chemicals for commercial dishwashers |
| Product examples | Suma Sink Det EasyPack / SUMABRITE Dishwashing Liquid / NOBLA LIQUID | SUMA NOVA L6 / SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8 |
Do not use manual dishwashing chemicals in a commercial dishwasher, or machine dishwashing chemicals for manual washing, unless the product is specifically designed for that application.
Chemicals for Manual Dishwashing and Utensil Cleaning
Within the manual dishwashing category, the products below have different applications and operating methods. The product should therefore be selected according to the cleaning task, rather than simply comparing package size or price.
Suma Sink Det EasyPack – for Sink Dishwashing
Suma Sink Det EasyPack is a dishwashing detergent designed for manual washing of dishes and utensils.
Each EasyPack is diluted with 38 L of water, making it easy to prepare the washing solution and control the amount of product used.
Basic process:
Remove food residue → Pre-rinse → Soak & scrub → Rinse thoroughly
Food residue and other loose soil should be removed from dishes and utensils and the items pre-rinsed before soaking and washing. This allows the solution to make better contact with the remaining grease and soil.
The product is suitable for sink dishwashing processes where the washing solution is prepared in batches.
SUMABRITE Dishwashing Liquid – Concentrated Detergent for Manual Dishwashing
SUMABRITE Dishwashing Liquid 1L is a concentrated dishwashing detergent for manual washing of dishes and utensils.
The product is supplied as a concentrated liquid and is suitable for conventional manual dishwashing rather than the pre-portioned EasyPack format.
NOBLA LIQUID – for Kitchen Utensils and Hard Surfaces
NOBLA LIQUID 5L is a concentrated cleaning chemical that can be used for manual washing of dishes and kitchen utensils using a process similar to Suma Sink Det. Dilute 1–2.5 mL of product per 1 L of water, then soak and scrub the utensils before rinsing thoroughly.
The product also has a broader range of applications and can be used to clean a variety of suitable hard surfaces in food preparation areas.
The main distinction of NOBLA LIQUID is its broader range of applications beyond dishwashing alone.
Which Manual Dishwashing Product Should You Choose?
If you are unsure which product is appropriate, start with the intended application:
| Cleaning Need | Product to Consider | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Sink dishwashing with solution prepared in batches | Suma Sink Det EasyPack | 1 pack diluted with 38 L of water |
| Manual dishwashing with concentrated dishwashing liquid | SUMABRITE Dishwashing Liquid 1L | Concentrated liquid for manual dishwashing |
| Washing kitchen utensils plus additional hard-surface cleaning | NOBLA LIQUID 5L | Broader range of applications |
The choice should be based on what needs to be cleaned, how the washing area is organised and how the chemical will be used, rather than package size alone.
Chemicals for Commercial Dishwashers
Commercial dishwashers require chemicals specifically designed for machine dishwashing systems. Manual dishwashing detergents and household dishwashing liquids should not be used in commercial dishwashers.
Depending on the system, SUMA NOVA L6 can be used as the main wash detergent, while SUMA CRYSTAL A8.8 can be used as the rinse aid.
Chemical selection and dosing should be appropriate for the dishwasher type, dosing system and actual operating conditions.
Are Cleaning and Sanitising Dishes the Same Step?
No. Cleaning and sanitising perform different functions.
Dishwashing removes food, grease and soil from surfaces. If the restaurant's process requires an additional sanitising step, an appropriate product should be used according to its instructions.
A sanitising chemical should not be used as a substitute for dishwashing detergent where the process requires both cleaning and sanitising.
Restaurants can also explore suitable sanitising products for dishes, utensils and food preparation areas at Hi-Clean Express.
What If Dishes Are Still Stained, Cloudy or Have Residue After Washing?
If dishes still have grease, water marks, white residue, stains or cloudiness after washing, do not immediately increase the amount of chemical being used.
These problems can result from several different factors within the washing process. With commercial dishwashers, results can also depend on the equipment, chemicals, dosing system and other operating conditions.
Identify the cause before adjusting chemical dosage to avoid increasing costs without addressing the actual problem.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Restaurant Dishwashing Chemicals
Using the Wrong Chemical for Manual or Machine Dishwashing
Manual dishwashing chemicals and commercial dishwasher chemicals are designed for different operating conditions.
Always check the intended application before using a product.
Comparing Products Only by Bottle, Can or Pack Price
The package price alone does not represent the full cost of actual use.
For products that require dilution or dosing, also consider the amount of working solution that can be prepared and the amount used during the washing process.
For example, with Suma Sink Det EasyPack, knowing that 1 pack is diluted with 38 L of water provides a more practical basis for evaluating the product than looking only at the price of an individual pack.
Increasing the Chemical Amount When Washing Results Are Poor
Using more chemical does not necessarily produce better washing results.
If dishes still have grease, marks or residue, check the cause and product instructions before changing the dosage.
Confusing Cleaning with Sanitising
Dishwashing chemicals and sanitising chemicals do not perform the same function.
If the process requires both, clearly distinguish between the cleaning step and the sanitising step, and use the appropriate product for each.
Not sure which product is suitable? Contact Hi-Clean Express for assistance selecting dishwashing chemicals based on your washing method, dishes and utensils, and the system used in your restaurant.
