Where to put dishwasher tablets.

Wondering how to get the most out of your dishwasher tabs?

Laundry detergent, powder, and blue and red capsules on a white surface.

All about using dishwasher tablets.

A dishwasher relies on dishwasher tablets or other type of detergent to remove bits of food from plates, glasses, cutlery – whatever you wash in your appliance. Here we cover the basics, from where to put a dishwasher tablet to the advantages of tablets over the alternatives.

Where to put a dishwasher tablet.

In the basket? On the bottom floor of the dishwasher? If you just got a new dishwasher, or are switching from power or liquid detergent to dishwasher tabs, you might wonder where exactly to put a dishwasher tablet. A dishwasher tablet goes in the detergent compartment on the inside of the dishwasher door – the same place you put powder or liquid detergent.

Can you put a dishwasher tablet on the bottom of the dishwasher?

While placing a tablet directly in the tub is perfectly safe, using the detergent compartment helps release it at the right time during the programme. This helps the tablet dissolve properly for clean, sparkling dishes.

Hand placing a dishwasher tablet in the detergent compartment inside the dishwasher door.

What's in a dishwasher tablet.

In general, a dishwasher tablet consists of:

Builders to clean and soften the water
Enzymes to tackle starch and protein
Bleach to break down certain stains
Surfactants to remove certain residue

Pro tip: All-in-one tablets are better at softening water and removing water spots than normal tablets. Please check the packaging of your dishwasher tablets for details.

A package of Finish dishwasher tablets on the countertop of a modern kitchen.

How to use dishwasher tablets.

Dishwasher tablets in blue packaging on a kitchen counter with a silver fridge in the background.

1. Remove the tablet from the wrapper.

Dissolvable coating? Skip this step.

Women placing a dishwasher tablet in the detergent compartment of the dishwasher.

2. Place the tablet in the detergent dispenser in your dishwasher.

Designed to release it at the right time during the programme.

Hand placing detergent pod in dishwasher, cleaning appliance.

3. Close the compartment flap.

Select the programme and press start.

Making the most of your dishwasher tablets.

Dishwasher tabs, liquid dishwasher detergent and powder detergent on a light surface.

Tablets, liquid or powder: which is right for your dishwasher?Tablets are a good choice for everyday use, through some more affordable options may be harsher on delicate items. Liquids dissolve quickly but may be less effective on tough stains. Powder is easy to measure, helping you use only what you need.

The upper part of a Bosch dishwasher, showing the control panel with different programmes.

Help! I ran out of dishwasher tablets.Nearly everyone can relate to this situation, right? As tempting as it is, avoid putting washing-up liquid in the dishwasher. It's too foamy and can damage the appliance. The best thing to do: ask a neighbour for a tablet or pop quickly to the store.