Washing agent dispenser for dishwashers

A method for detecting presence and/or type of a washing agent in a receptacle of a washing agent dispenser for dishwashers, comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one single detection electrode outside the receptacle, in a contiguous or side by side position with respect to a wall of a plurality of walls delimiting the receptacle,
• detecting presence and/or type of a washing agent possibly present in the receptacle as a function of a value representative of electrical capacity between the single detection electrode and the washing agent possibly present in the receptacle.

A sensor device for detecting presence and/or type of a washing agent possibly contained in a receptacle of a washing agent dispenser for dishwashers, the sensor device having at least one sensitive part that is configured for detection of electrical capacity,

• wherein the at least one sensitive part comprises at least one single detection electrode, prearranged for mounting outside the receptacle in a contiguous or side by side position with respect to a first wall of a plurality of walls delimiting the receptacle,
• and wherein the sensor device comprises a control circuit to which the at least one single detection electrode is connectable in signal communication, the control circuit being configured to detect presence and/or type of a washing agent possibly present in the receptacle as a function of a first value representative of electrical capacity between the single detection electrode and the washing agent possibly present in the receptacle.