Dishwasher tablets are engineered to handle hard water, remove stains, and break down grease and fats from protein-rich foods, which explains why they’re effective for cleaning more than just dishes. This means you might consider picking up some dishwasher tablets, even if you don’t own a dishwasher! (And that’s true even if you usually opt for liquid or powder detergents.)
We’ve put Finish Powerball Tablets to the test on burnt pots and pans, as well as a greasy oven door, and the results were impressive. Encouraged by this, we explored other household items that can be cleaned using dishwasher tablets. Here’s what we discovered.
Safety note: Remember, always wear protective gloves when handling cleaning products and avoid breathing in any vapors.
Credit: Ashley Poskin1. Your Oven Door
Baked on food is always difficult to deal with — especially if it’s on the inside of your oven. Use a dishwasher tablet dipped in warm water to scrub down the glass and the door of your oven with ease.
Credit: Joe Lingeman2. Scorched Pots and Pans
In the same way it works on your oven door, a dishwasher tablet cleans burnt and scorched pans with ease. While there are certainly other methods, this one works when you’re desperate.
Credit: Anjali Prasertong3. Coffee and Tea Rings
If coffee can be used to dye textiles, you better believe it’s going to do a number on your mugs if they aren’t rinsed out right away. The stains can be tough to remove and might seem like they’re here to stay, but all it takes is warm water (fill the vessel 3/4 full) and a dishwasher tablet (or a piece of one!). After an hour you should be able to rinse all the stains away using hot water. Try this handy trick with flower vases, carafes, and bottles as well!
Credit: Catherine Meschia4. The Garbage Can
Garbage bins are gross but they shouldn’t be disgusting. Immediately wiping away food debris that spills on the lid or finds its way to the bottom will keep the bin relatively clean, but it’s a good idea to give it a bath at least twice a year. The easiest way to do this: Fill the can as high as you can with warm water and drop a dishwasher tablet inside. Wait for it to dissolve, then wait an hour before rinsing out the can with hot water.
Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn5. Your Refrigerator
Did a spill go unnoticed in your refrigerator, leaving a gross sticky mess behind? All you need is a dishwasher tablet and some warm water. Start by wiping away any loose food, then dip the tablet in warm water and use the flat side to scrape away the rest. Wipe clean and rinse with warm water.
Credit: Joe Lingeman/Apartment Therapy6. The Sink
It’s amazing how quickly the bottom of your sink can start to look dingy. Scrapes from pots and pans and discoloration from dark liquids can make even the cleanest sink look dirty. Barkeepers Friend is a fan favorite, yes, but if you’ve run out, a dishwasher tablet works as both a detergent as well as scouring pad. Just run some warm water in the sink and rub the dishwasher tablet around with a gloved hand. Once it looks shiny and new, rinse with warm water.
Credit: Heather Keeling7. Oil Spills
If your car has leaked oil in your garage or on the driveway, a dishwasher tablet can help take away the stain. After all the oil has been absorbed (cat litter or cornstarch does a great job), wet the area and use a dishwasher tablet to scrub all around the stain. Depending on the size of the spill you might end up using a few tablets. Let the detergent sit on the stain for a half hour or so, then rinse clean with warm water.
Credit: I Spy DIY8. The Toilet
When it’s time to tackle the bathroom, start by dropping a dishwasher tablet into the toilet bowl. Then, do the sink, floors, and shower, and save the toilet for last. This way, the tablet will have had time to dissolve a bit and should make scrubbing the toilet bowl a breeze.
Credit: Brittany Purlee9. The Washing Machine
Bacteria and lime build up in your washing machine over time, so it’s important to clean your machine every three months or so. As with all things, there are a few different methods, but this one requires simply popping a tablet in the drawer, and letting the machine run a cycle on hot. To be super efficient, toss in a load of rags or kitchen cloths so you don’t waste the water! Once it’s finished, check to see if there is any leftover residue from the tablet. If found, simply wipe out the drawer and drum with a wet washcloth.
10. Plastic Patio Furniture
If you’ve found your patio furniture looking a little worse for the wear, dishwasher tablets are a quick and easy solution for cleaning stubborn stains. Dissolve one tablet in a bucket of warm water, or use the tablet as a scouring pad to remove tough stains. Note: This works best on plastic, and we recommend testing on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t cause discoloration.
Bay leaves, often used as a culinary herb to enhance the flavor of soups and stews, hold an intriguing secret. Read more
Nobody enjoys dealing with pesky insects invading their homes. Spiders, ants, flies, and mosquitoes can be a constant nuisance, but Read more
Bananas are a delicious and nutritious fruit that many of us enjoy on a regular basis. However, one common issue Read more
Bay leaves, commonly used as a culinary herb to add flavor to various dishes, have been cherished for their aromatic Read more
When it comes to culinary herbs, bay leaves often take a backseat to more popular options like basil, rosemary, and Read more
Strawberries are a sweet and healthful fruit cherished globally. They are abundant and inexpensive during their peak season. But how Read more
Garlic is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. It is used to add flavor and aroma to Read more
Sleep is essential for our overall well-being, and a good night's rest sets the foundation for a productive day ahead. Read more
If you adore pets but loathe pet dander, you're far from alone. A multitude of people are ready to endure Read more
Rosemary, with its delightful fragrance and distinctive taste, is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in various Read more
The battle against excess humidity and mold in your home can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet, nature has provided us with Read more
In this era of technological advancements, we often forget how invaluable the humble refrigerator is, especially when it comes to Read more
Bay leaves are a versatile and aromatic herb that is commonly used in cooking. Derived from the bay laurel tree, Read more
Mosquitoes can undoubtedly be a pesky problem, but fret not, for there's no need to resort to costly or chemical-laden Read more
A calm, soothing environment is crucial for a good night's sleep and relaxation. One way to create such a serene Read more
Purslane (Verdolaga) is no longer a garden menace but a valuable gem! This remarkable plant is reclaiming its place in Read more
Indoor plants not only enhance the aesthetics of our living spaces but also offer numerous benefits for our well-being and Read more
Garlic is a versatile and beloved ingredient that has been used for centuries in various cuisines around the world. It's Read more
Say Goodbye to Annoying Insects: Make Your Own Vinegar and Cloves Mixture for Natural Pest Control Dealing with pesky insects Read more
Cucumbers are not only a refreshing addition to salads and sandwiches but also offer a range of health benefits. These Read more
Nettle, a plant notorious for its stinging leaves that can cause discomfort, may not be the first plant that comes Read more
The wisdom and experience of our grandparents often offer us invaluable tips and tricks to make our everyday life easier Read more
Hailing from the arid landscapes of the Middle East, the pistachio tree (Pistacia vera) is a hardy desert species known Read more
Not all individuals share the same perception about certain elements of nature. A considerable amount of literature advises how to Read more
Lemons are not just a tangy citrus delight but a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. While Read more
Spices and aromatic plants are kitchen allies. They're perfect for flavoring and enhancing dishes. To infuse your sauces or broths, Read more
Welcome to the world of crochet! This timeless craft allows you to create a variety of items, from cozy scarves Read more
Pothos, with its vibrant and lush green leaves, is one of the most beloved houseplants around the globe. Its adaptability Read more
Mice, ants, spiders, cockroaches... Many pests invade our homes, and we often feel compelled to use harsh chemical insecticides to Read more
The age-old tradition of drinking tea has been a part of cultures worldwide. However, few people are aware of the Read more
Your living room is the heart of your home, a sanctuary where you and your loved ones can unwind and Read more
Sleep and rituals surrounding it have been subjects of interest and study for centuries. From drinking warm milk to counting Read more
Ah, garlic! Many of us peel it before cooking and have even developed tricks to do so quickly. But often, Read more
We all have memories from our childhood of opening our grandparents' fridge and seeing a bay leaf or two inside. Read more
Wandering through a garden, one might stumble upon a simple-looking herb, often mistaken for a common weed. This is the Read more
Lactuca serriola, commonly known as prickly lettuce, is a plant that often goes unnoticed, dismissed as a mere weed. However, Read more
Nature's remedy and wild medicinal plants surround us everywhere. They dot our meadows, woodlands, and even sprout in our gardens. Read more
The health benefits of garlic are widely known, but what happens when you burn a clove for 15 minutes can Read more
Remarkably straightforward yet astonishingly potent, domestic vinegar stands out as a multipurpose and efficient tool in your home. Were you Read more
Cloves, harvested from the bud of the clove tree, are celebrated not only for their role in culinary arts but Read more
In the United States, over 200 mosquito varieties eagerly await the chance to disrupt your summer outings, from concerts to Read more
Discover Indoor Plants that Boost Health and Elevate Home Aesthetics Dive into a list of houseplants that not only refine Read more
Rosemary, a herb celebrated not only for its aromatic qualities in the culinary world but also for its plethora of Read more
Rosemary, scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis, is not only known for its culinary uses but has a long-standing tradition of Read more
Admittedly, I'm no early bird. For me, a robust cup of java each morning is akin to a lifeline, pulling Read more
Sleep is as essential to our health as a balanced diet and regular exercise. In the quest for improved sleep Read more
When it comes to disposing of bananas, one particular part should never be tossed out because it could be highly Read more
The presence of bedbugs in gardens is a common challenge for gardeners. While chemical insecticides are effective, they can be Read more
