The Smartest Ways to Use Dishwasher Tablets for House Cleaning
Did you know that dishwasher tablets can be used in more than just the dishwasher? Turns out we’ve all been dreaming about the lesser-known uses for these compact cleaners. Because they’re formulated with bleach and enzymes to remove stains, fight hard water and eat away grease, these little capsules can deliver a powerful cleansing punch to non-dishwasher areas of your home.
Where to use dishwasher tablets outside the dishwasher
Clean out the bin: If your kitchen (or outdoor) bin smells bad or looks crusty, give it a “bath” with a dishwasher tablet. Fill it with several kettles of boiling water, drop a tablet into it and let it soak for an hour before lightly scrubbing (if necessary) and rinsing.
Wash the washing machine: It’s counterintuitive, but washing machines do need to be cleaned. Place two to four dishwasher containers in the drum and run a hot water cycle to fight mold, bacteria, fungus and the general black residue that builds up in its grooves over time. (If you don’t want to waste water, throw in a bunch of rags, sheets, or other white items you’d like to lighten.)
Clean the toilet bowl: You can get rid of the fumes of most toilet cleaning powders by simply tossing a dishwasher tablet into the toilet bowl, waiting for it to dissolve, then scrubbing and flushing as you normally would.
Remove oil stains: If unsightly gas or oil stains are ruining your garage or driveway, try removing them with dishwasher paste. Moisten a pod (or several, depending on the size of the stain), apply it liberally on the affected area, and leave it on for a few hours – up to two days. Then rinse. Although the marks may still be visible, this should noticeably reduce the size and concentration of the stain.
Clean the oven door: If the oven door looks dark and dirty, put on these rubber kitchen gloves, take a dishwasher tablet, dip it in warm water, and wipe the glass and door to a shine with it.
Clean up refrigerator spills: The next time hardened, sticky substances of unknown origin suddenly appear on one of your refrigerator shelves, use a pod dipped in warm water to break up the dirt.
Removing coffee, tea and water stains: The bleach inside dishwasher tablets eats away stubborn stains inside coffee mugs, flower vases and carafes. Simply fill the stained container with warm water and a dishwasher tablet and let it soak for an hour before washing.
Shine up your sink: sinks endure daily onslaughts of food waste, dark liquids, and jingling pots, pans and sharp objects vying for space. With a gloved hand, rub the tablet around the sink to remove stains and scuff marks on the surface.
Plastic patio furniture. When those plastic patio chairs start looking like they’ve lived under a bridge all winter, decorate them with a dishwasher bin. Either let the capsule dissolve in hot water and apply with a sponge, or use the tablet itself as a dishwashing sponge.
Remove brown crusts from pots and pans : We’ve all let a pot or pan accidentally burn on the stovetop. To burn inside a pot, fill it with water, add a dishwasher tablet, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes. If a stubborn crust forms on the bottom of the dish, put on a glove and use a tablet soaked in warm water as a dishwashing sponge.