15 Must-Know Dishwasher Tablet Cleaning Hacks to Try Today

Dishwasher tablets are incredibly versatile and can be used for much more than just cleaning your dishes. 

From tackling stubborn stains to freshening up various surfaces in your home, these little tablets pack a powerful punch! 

In this article, we’ll explore 15 clever ways you can use dishwasher tablets to keep your home sparkling clean. 

You might be surprised at how many uses these handy little cleaners have!

Genius Ways You Can Use Dishwasher Tablets In Your Home

Dishwasher tablets are engineered to cut through tough grease, food residue, and stubborn stains. It’s this powerful cleaning action that makes them so useful for a variety of household tasks. 

Here are some of the best hacks that will help you achieve a cleaner, fresher home with minimal effort:

1. Oven Cleaning Made Easy

We all dread cleaning the oven, don’t we? It’s one of those jobs that often gets put off until it’s absolutely necessary. But with a dishwasher tablet, you can make this chore much more manageable. 

Here’s how:

Dissolve a dishwasher tablet in about 500 ml of warm water. Using a sponge or cloth, wipe this solution over the interior surfaces of your oven, paying extra attention to particularly grimy areas. 

Leave it for about 15 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For really stubborn, baked-on food, you might need to repeat the process or leave it for longer. Dishwasher tablets are best for your oven’s glass door, racks, and trays. 

This method is particularly effective for those regular clean-ups, helping to prevent the build-up that makes deep cleaning such a chore. 

And the best part? No harsh chemical smells that often come with traditional oven cleaners!

2. Banish Bin Odours

Is your kitchen bin starting to smell a bit… ripe? Here’s a nifty trick: drop a dishwasher tablet into the bottom before adding a new bin liner. The tablet will absorb odours and help keep your bin clean between washes.

This works particularly well in the summer months when heat can make bin odours more noticeable. You can also use this trick in outdoor bins to keep them fresh. Just remember to replace the tablet every week or so for best results.

When washing your bin, fill it with at least ¾ hot water, then put a dishwasher tablet and let it fizz. Once the water is cold, rinse the bin with water, then dry! No more nasty smells!

3. Clean And Revive The Shower

Soap scum and water stains can make even the nicest shower look grimy. But fear not! Wet a dishwasher tablet and use it to scrub shower doors, tiles, and fixtures. The tablet’s abrasive texture and cleaning agents will remove soap scum and water stains with ease.

For glass shower doors with particularly stubborn streaks, try this: wet the door, then rub the tablet directly on the glass in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly, and you’ll be amazed at the sparkle! 

This method is especially effective in hard water areas where limescale can be a real problem!

4. Scrub Away Toilet Stains

Nobody likes cleaning the loo, but this hack makes it quicker and easier. Drop a dishwasher tablet into your toilet bowl and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, give it a quick scrub with a toilet brush. The tablet will help remove stubborn stains and leave your toilet looking fresh!

This method is particularly effective for those annoying water line stains that can be hard to shift. For extra cleaning power, you can even leave the tablet in overnight before scrubbing in the morning.

5. Revive Grubby Grout

Dirty grout can make your whole bathroom or kitchen look unclean. Here’s how to tackle it: 

Mix a crushed dishwasher tablet with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply this to your grout lines, leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse. Your grout will look good as new!

This method works wonders on both floor and wall tiles. For larger areas, you can make a bigger batch of the paste and apply it with a grout brush for quicker coverage. 

Just be sure to wear gloves, as the paste can be harsh on your skin!

6. Remove Burnt-On Food From Pots And Pans

We’ve all had that moment of horror when we’ve burnt dinner to the bottom of the pan. Don’t panic! 

Fill your dirty pot or pan with hot water and add a dishwasher tablet. Let it soak for an hour or two, then rinse and wash as usual. The tablet will help loosen stubborn, burnt-on food residue!

This trick works especially well on stainless steel and enamel pots and pans. For really stubborn burns, you might need to repeat the process or let it soak overnight. 

It’s a game-changer for those pans you thought were beyond saving!

7. Remove Crayon Marks On Painted Walls

If you have little artists in the house, you’ve probably encountered rogue crayon marks on your walls. 

Here’s a solution: Wet a dishwasher tablet and gently rub it over crayon marks on painted walls. The mild abrasive nature of the tablet can help remove the marks without damaging the paint.

Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t affect your paint finish. This method can also work on other marks like pen or pencil, but be extra gentle to avoid removing paint.

8. Clean Stained Tea Cups And Coffee Mugs 

Those brown stains in your favourite mug are no match for a dishwasher tablet. 

Fill stained mugs with warm water and drop in a dishwasher tablet. Let it soak for an hour, then rinse thoroughly. Your mugs will be stain-free and ready for your next cuppa!

This method is particularly effective for those stubborn tannin stains from tea and coffee. For extra stubborn stains, you can leave the solution overnight. 

It’s a great way to revive old mugs and even tackle those stains in teapots too!

9. Lift Stains From Plastic Containers

We’ve all been there – you store spaghetti bolognese in a plastic container, and it’s never the same again. But don’t bin it just yet! 

Soak stained plastic containers in warm water with a dissolved dishwasher tablet for a few hours. The powerful cleaning agents will help remove tough stains and odours.

This trick works well on most food stains, including tomato-based sauces, curry, and even beetroot. For best results, leave the containers to soak overnight. 

You’ll be amazed at how many of your old containers you can salvage!

10. Clean Greasy Dishes

For those times when you need to hand wash exceptionally greasy dishes (think roasting trays after a Sunday dinner), try this: dissolve a dishwasher tablet in a sink full of hot water. The grease-cutting properties will make cleaning easier!

This method is particularly useful for cleaning greasy baking trays, frying pans, and even barbecue grills. It can cut through the grease much more effectively than regular washing up liquid, saving you time and elbow grease!

11. Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

When spring rolls around and it’s time to get the garden furniture out, you might find it looking a bit worse for wear. Here’s how to spruce it up: 

Mix a crushed dishwasher tablet with warm water to create a cleaning solution. Use this to scrub down your outdoor plastic furniture, then rinse thoroughly for a like-new finish.

This method is great for removing general dirt and grime, as well as tackling those green algae stains that often appear on outdoor furniture. 

It can even help to brighten up faded plastic, making your old furniture look refreshed!

12. Refresh Dirty Vases

Vases can develop a grimy film over time, especially if you forget to change the water regularly (we’ve all been there!). Here’s how to get them sparkling again: 

Fill your vase with warm water and add a dishwasher tablet. Let it soak for a few hours, then rinse well. This will remove mineral deposits and flower residue, leaving your vase crystal clear.

This method works well on glass, crystal, and ceramic vases. For vases with narrow necks, you can crush the tablet before adding it to ensure it reaches all areas. 

Your flowers will thank you for their clean new home!

13. Unclog And Freshen Up Your Sink Drain

Is your sink draining slowly? Before you call a plumber, try this: Drop a dishwasher tablet down your sink drain, followed by a kettle of boiling water. This can help clear minor clogs and eliminate odours.

This method is particularly effective for kitchen sinks that might be clogged with grease and food particles. It’s not suitable for major blockages, but it’s a great first step before trying more intensive and costly methods. 

Plus, it leaves your drains smelling fresh!

14. Brighten Up Your White Trainers

White trainers looking a bit grey? Here’s a trick to brighten them up: Dissolve a dishwasher tablet in warm water and use an old toothbrush to scrub the solution onto your white trainers. 

Rinse thoroughly and let them air dry for a brighter appearance!

This method works best on canvas and synthetic materials, but avoid using it on leather! 

It’s particularly effective for removing grass stains and general dirt. Your trainers will be looking fresh and ready for your next outing!

15. Clean Your Washing Machine

Even washing machines need cleaning sometimes. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher tablet in the drum to clean and freshen your washing machine. This can help remove built-up detergent residue and eliminate odours.

However, before you do this trick, only proceed with caution! Some manufacturers, like Bosch, do not recommend using dishwasher tablets in washing machines. 

After all, these tablets are designed for a completely different appliance, and their formulation might not be suitable for your washer.

So, what can you do instead? Fortunately, there are plenty of products designed specifically for cleaning washing machines. You can always use a washing machine cleaner tablet, or even white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda!

Will Dishwasher Tablets Remove Mould?

Now, you might be wondering, “Can these miracle tablets tackle mould too?” 

While dishwasher tablets can be effective at cleaning many surfaces, they’re not specifically designed to remove mould. 

For mould issues, it’s best to use products specifically formulated for mould removal. These products often contain ingredients that not only clean the mould but also prevent its regrowth!

If you’re dealing with a small amount of surface mould, a solution of white vinegar or a mixture of water and bleach can be effective. However, for larger mould problems or issues in porous materials, it’s advisable to consult a professional.

Remember, mould can be harmful to your health, so always take proper precautions when dealing with it. 

Wear gloves and a mask, ensure good ventilation, and consider professional help for extensive mould problems. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to mould!

Tips For Using Dishwasher Tablets For Cleaning 

Now that you’re armed with all these brilliant cleaning hacks, let’s talk about how to use dishwasher tablets safely and effectively. 

Here are some top tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets, as they can be harsh on your skin. You don’t want to end up with dry, irritated hands after all that cleaning!
• Never mix dishwasher tablets with other cleaning products, especially bleach, as this can create dangerous fumes. Stick to using the tablets on their own for safety.
• Test the tablet on a small, inconspicuous area first when using it on a new surface to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or discolouration. This is especially important for delicate or valuable items!
• Keep dishwasher tablets out of reach of children and pets, as they can be harmful if ingested. They might look like sweets to little ones, so store them safely!
• When using tablets for cleaning, ensure the area is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling any fumes. Open windows or use a fan if necessary.
• Always rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning with a dishwasher tablet to remove any residue. This is particularly important for surfaces that might come into contact with food.
• Don’t use dishwasher tablets on delicate surfaces like marble or natural stone, as they may be too abrasive. Stick to gentle, ph-neutral cleaners for these materials.
• If you’re using a dishwasher tablet to clean something you’ll eat or drink from (like mugs or food containers), make sure to rinse extra thoroughly to remove all cleaning residue.
• For stubborn stains or dirt, you might need to repeat the cleaning process. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work perfectly the first time!
• Remember that while dishwasher tablets are great for many cleaning tasks, they’re not a cure-all. Some jobs might still require specialised cleaning products or professional help.

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use dishwasher tablets for a variety of cleaning tasks around your home, saving time and money on specialised cleaning products.

Who knew that those humble dishwasher tablets could be so versatile? From brightening up your trainers to giving your oven a new lease of life, these little tablets are true cleaning multi-taskers. So next time you’re faced with a tough cleaning job, why not reach for a dishwasher tablet? You might be surprised at what it can do!

Which of these hacks have you tried – and what are the results? Let us know below!

SEE ALSO: 10 Genius Oven Cleaning Hacks You Need to Try Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Also, follow us on Pinterest ...