Not all stains can be completely cleaned by a dishwasher "in one go." There are 5 types of stains considered the "toughest" in Vietnamese kitchens. This article guides you on how to deal with each type using Largo dishwasher tablets – and suggests some simple "pre-treat" techniques.
1. Caramelized fish/meat stew residue stuck to the bottom of pots
Why is it hard to clean?
Stew sauce containing caramelized sugar + grease + protein adheres firmly to the bottom of the pot after cooking. When dry, it forms a hard crust.
How to handle it:
- Pre-soak for 5 minutes in warm water + 1 spoonful of baking soda before placing it in the dishwasher.
- Use Largo All In One tablets with powerful protease and lipase enzymes.
- Select the Intensive 70°C program if the stain is very dry.
2. Dried egg yolk
Why is it hard to clean?
Egg yolk contains albumin protein, which, when dry, sticks extremely firmly to ceramic surfaces. Using excessively hot water will coagulate the protein, making it even harder to remove.
How to handle it:
- Rinse quickly with cold water immediately after eating.
- Use dishwasher tablets with protease enzymes (Largo Classic or All In One).
- Avoid the "Pre-heat" program for dishes with egg.
3. Yellow tea and coffee stains on ceramic cups
Why is it hard to clean?
Tannins in tea and coffee combine with the glaze in ceramic, forming an acidic yellow stain.
How to handle it:
- Before placing them in the machine, lightly spray vinegar + fine salt into the cups.
- Use a dishwasher tablet with stain-removing function, such as Largo All In One (contains mineral removers).
- Use Largo rinse aid to prevent new stains.
4. Fried oil residue stuck to pans
Why is it hard to clean?
Oil at high temperatures oxidizes, forming a short polymer layer that is not soluble in regular water. This is the "number 1 enemy" of pans.
How to handle it:
- Wipe away excess oil with a paper towel before putting it in the machine.
- Use Largo All In One with lipase enzymes + use the Intensive program.
- Note: do not wash non-stick pans at high temperatures (see article "Washing non-stick pans in the dishwasher").
5. Rice stuck to the bottom of the rice cooker pot
Why is it hard to clean?
Dried starch adheres firmly to the pot's coating. Additionally, not many people know that not all pots can be washed in the machine.
How to handle it:
- Check for the "Dishwasher safe" logo on the bottom of the pot. If not present, wash by hand.
- Soak the pot with warm water + 1 Largo Classic tablet for 30 minutes → the rice crust will peel off on its own.
- Then place it in the machine with another Largo tablet.
6. Bonus: Lipstick and fish sauce stains on glasses
Two particularly "annoying" types of stains on glassware:
- Lipstick contains wax + mineral oil → requires lipase + high temperature. Gently rub with a piece of toasted bread before washing.
- Fish sauce contains salt + protein → rinse immediately before placing in the machine to prevent glass corrosion if left overnight.
7. Golden rules for stubborn stains
- Act early: don't let stains dry. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
- Use quality tablets: the right enzymes determine effectiveness.
- Sufficient salt + rinse aid: two often overlooked factors that determine final cleanliness and dryness.
- Choose the correct program: ECO for regular dishes, Intensive for stubborn stains.
8. Combo to help you conquer stains
To effectively deal with all stubborn stains, you need the complete trio:
Purchased individually, the total cost is 593,000 VND. Buy the Largo Savings Combo 3 for only 555,000 VND – saving 38,000 VND.
9. Conclusion
Stubborn stains are not something to "just accept" – with the right dishwasher tablet, the correct program, and the right preparation steps, your dishwasher can handle almost anything. Largo, imported from Germany with a European enzyme formula, is powerful enough to tackle Vietnamese kitchens that are "heavy on grease and sauce."