Dishwasher tablets are not just for dishes. They’re very handy for various cleaning tasks around the house. In this post, we’ll explore the surprising uses of dishwasher tablets that can make your cleaning routine faster.
So say goodbye to the cluttered cabinet of cleaning supplies! Make household chores easier with these dishwasher tablet cleaning hacks.
Table of Contents
1. Eliminate build-up dirt in the toilet
If you have hard water in your living area, then you probably know that it contains high mineral levels. When this water evaporates, the minerals are left behind, creating limescale.
This is a chalky residue composed of calcium carbonate which builds up in toilets and is quite hard to remove. Limescale looks unsightly and is a haven for bacteria, so removing it is important. Still, scrubbing may not be enough to get rid of the thing.
To give your toilet a good clean, you can try dropping a dishwasher tablet inside of it and leaving it in for as long as possible. The powerful cleaning agents in the tablet should be able to break down the limescale. This will make it easier to scrub away stains with the toilet brush afterwards.
For best results, leave the dishwasher tablet in the toilet overnight. You can also drop it in the morning before leaving for work. This will allow the tablet to do its thing uninterrupted for maximum effectiveness.
2. Remove bathroom stains
Stains in the bathroom are most likely to accumulate in areas in contact with water and soap. These include the bathtub and shower head. The primary causes for these marks are hard water deposits, soap scum, and residue from personal care products. As these substances build up, they cause significant and stubborn stains.
To effectively eliminate them, you can rely on a dishwasher tablet. This technique effectively removes soap scum and limescale.
Once you are finished bathing, dissolve two or three dishwasher tablets into the tub. Let them sit for as long as possible. Then, drain and rinse using your shower attachment.
As noted before, shower heads also accumulate limescale. This can occur even in areas with soft water. To successfully remove the collected grime, put a dishwasher tablet in a bowl of hot water and soak your shower head for 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse and dry with a clean cloth. You don’t even have to scrub your shower head to remove the limescale, soaking should be enough to make the dirt disappear.
3. Deep clean and unclog drains
If your sink drain smells bad or drains slowly, using a dishwasher tablet can help thanks to its ability to dissolve grease and fat. The tablets can also prevent blockages and improve water flow.
Just drop a dishwashing tablet into each drain around your home to neutralise odours. Pour boiling water down the drain to further dissolve any remaining blockages or grease buildup.
4. Polish silver items
Restore the shine of tarnished silver accessories with dishwasher tablets. Jewellery, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and silverware can benefit from this method. You can try it on cutlery and serving trays, as well.
- Dissolve a dishwasher tablet in warm water.
- Put the silver items into the solution and let them soak for a few minutes. The cleaning agents in the tablet will break down tarnish and dirt.
- Rinse the silver accessories thoroughly with very hot water. This will remove any residue from the dishwasher tablet. This ensures that the accessories are clean and ready to use or display without any lingering cleaning agents.
- Wipe away with a soft cloth or sponge. This process cleans and brightens silver, leaving it looking fresh and gleaming.
5. Brighten outdoor furniture
Patio furniture are constantly exposed to the elements, making it tough to maintain their good looks. Even when covered, patio furniture made of plastic and metal can accumulate dust, pollen, and other debris.
Don’t worry, though, as you can easily restore your outdoor furniture’s pristine appearance with a dishwasher tablet. To do so, directly moisten a tablet and scrub any tough stains. You can also dilute a tablet in warm water and use a sponge to gently clean the surfaces.
6. Make the BBQ grills shine again
If you want to make your barbeque’s removable grills shiny and clean again, you can rely on a dishwasher tablet. However, since it’s a cooking appliance, we recommend you get the eco-friendly types of tablets. They are free from chemicals and don’t leave residue.
Then proceed to wrap the BBQ racks in aluminium foil and put them in a bathtub filled with hot water. Then, add two dishwasher tablets to the water. Allow them to react with the foil for several hours.
Drain the tub and remove the foil. Any grease and burnt-on food should be gone or be easily removed with a sponge.
7. Deep clean the sink
It’s remarkable how quickly your sink’s bottom becomes dingy. Scuffs and discolourations can ruin even the best sink. As a solution, you can try a deep cleaning with a dishwasher tablet.
Before you do, though, once again we need to warn you that this may not be applicable for all types of sinks. Some are made of delicate materials such as porcelain or ceramic, which could be easily damaged through scrubbing. Dishwasher tablets’ contents can cause scratches or dull the finish over time. Just to be on the safe side, it’s advisable to test on a small area first before applying this method.
As for the method itself, it’s all quite simple. Start by filling the sink with warm water. Then use the dishwasher tablet to gently scrub around. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water once you cover every area.
8. Lift grease and other stains from walls
Walls can accumulate various types of grime over time. This includes grease obviously, but also dust, dirt and occasional drink spills or splashes. Dishwasher tablets can help freshen up walls effectively.
As you have probably already guessed, not all walls are suitable for this method. For instance, walls with matte paint finishes, as well as other delicate paints or wallpapers may be damaged by moisture. Before trying this technique, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the wall to ensure compatibility.
- Dissolve the dishwasher tablets in hot water.
- Use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub the affected areas. It is crucial to avoid over-saturating the wall. Excessive moisture could lead to the growth of mould.
- After cleaning, rinse the treated areas with a damp clean sponge. Then dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel, or you can get the hair dryer involved if necessary.
9. Erase coffee and tea rings
Failing to clean your coffee mugs promptly will lead to stubborn stains. These persistent stains can be easily removed.
To do so, fill the vessel to three-quarters capacity with tepid water. Introduce a dishwasher tablet or a fragment thereof. After an hour, rinse the mug with hot water. The stain should vanish. This trick also works on flower vases, carafes, and bottles!
10. Freshen up the bin
Keeping your bin clean is essential. Clean the lid or bottom regularly to get rid of food residue. For a deep clean, fill the bin with warm water. Add a dishwasher tablet. Allow the tablet to dissolve, wait an hour, then rinse the bin with hot water.
11. Remove burnt-on food from saucepan
Burnt food clings to a saucepan but a dishwasher tablet can help lift it off. To do so, fill the saucepan with water. Drop a dishwasher tablet and heat it on medium for ten minutes. This gentle simmering will loosen the burnt-on remnants and you can easily scrub them away afterwards.
12. Get rid of oil stains on the driveway
Your car left oil stains on the driveway? A dishwasher tablet can be handy.
Wet the stained area and scrub on it with a dishwasher tablet. You might need a few tablets depending on the spill size. Let the detergent sit on the stain for an hour. Rinse well with warm water.
13. Clean the extractor fan
Ever taken a close look at your extractor fan? You might be shocked by the grime lurking on your extractor hood! It can all be eliminated quickly.
Boil some water, just enough to cover the filter in the sink. Remove the filters from the extractor fan. Place them in the kitchen sink. Pour the boiling water over the filters and add a dishwasher tablet. Let this sit for two hours. You’ll see the water becoming a yellowish-brown.
Can you use dishwasher tablets in the washing machine?
This one has become a popular hack on social media. However, keep in mind that it comes with risks you need to be aware of.
Dishwasher detergents are formulated to work at higher temperatures. When used in a washing machine, however, there’s a high chance that they won’t dissolve properly. Therefore, they may leave residue behind.
Additionally, dishwasher tablets also contain chemical agents that create excessive foam. This can lead to overflow and potential damage to your washing machine. Some well-known appliance companies explicitly advise against using dishwasher tablets in washing machines. They highlight that it can reduce the machine’s efficiency and potentially damage it.
If you still need to give your washing machine a good clean, you can try using products like vinegar and baking soda.
Add 2 cups of white vinegar and then run an empty cycle on your washing machine. Once it’s done, sprinkle 1/3 cup of baking soda inside the drum and run another hot water cycle. This combination effectively removes odours and residues.
Also, using products specifically designed for washing machines is also a safe option. They are formulated to break down residues and clean effectively the appliances without damaging them.
Can you wash clothes with dishwasher tablets?
You may be tempted to use a dishwasher tablet to wash clothes as well, since this hack has also gained lots of popularity on the internet. However, this method poses significant risks, starting with skin irritation.
Dishwasher tablets contain specific enzymes and chemicals which are not meant for direct skin contact, potentially instigating irritation or allergic responses.
The chemical composition of dishwasher tablets are also not formulated for fabrics. Instead, they are designed to tackle grease and food residues on dishes. So it is possible that these ingredients may be harmful for fabrics. They can stain or even cause discolouration on your clothes, especially those of a delicate nature.
Furthermore, dishwasher pods are engineered to produce lots of suds to efficiently clean dishes. This excessive frothing can induce overflow within a washing machine, particularly within high-efficiency models, leading to possible harm to gaskets, hoses, and sensors.
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In conclusion, dishwasher tablets are great for cleaning tasks around the house but they still need to be used with caution. These powerful tablets can make some household chores easier. They can unclog drains, polish silver, and brighten outdoor furniture. You can use dishwasher tablets to freshen up walls and driveways. Use these hacks, as they will simplify your cleaning routine and keep your home sparkling.
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