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?
Doing so won't harm your appliance. However, putting the tablet in the compartment ensures it's released at the most effective time in a programme. That's why we advise putting it in the designated compartment.
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.
Tablets vs liquid dishwasher detergent. Powder dishwasher detergent vs liquid.
Tablets are not the only detergent option available: there are also liquid and powder versions. Here's a closer look at your options.
Tabs
Just pop in a tab and push start – done! Choose high quality: some budget-friendly dishwasher tabs might corrode delicate items and don't always dissolve properly.
Liquid
Liquid detergents are poured into the dispenser. A word of caution: liquid detergents often decrease the cleaning performance, especially for bleachable stains, such as tea or coffee.
Powder
A budge-friendly and effective alternative to tabs is powder detergent. Adjust the dose to suit the load size, which is also gentler on the environment.
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.
All-in-one dishwasher tablets and dishwasher salt.
Many all-in-one tabs contain dishwasher salt. So, you might wonder: do I need dishwasher salt if I use tablets? It depends on your water hardness. If you live in a hard water area, adding dishwasher salt is essential. In areas with soft to slightly hard water, it might not be necessary.
Finish Quantum Ultimate Plus
Finish Ultimate Plus, for our intensive clean and diamond shine 1st time, every time. Its advanced chemistry is effective at breaking down all types of food residues, even stubborn 48 hour burnt-on stains, without pre-rinsing. The tabs help protect your glassware and cutlery*, maintaining their shine wash after wash. Plus they’re wrapper free, with biodegradable and 100% water-soluble film. Be confident your dishes will come out sparkly clean with Finish Ultimate Plus.
*Contains agents known to help protect glasses against corrosion and clouding. This product does not protect from mechanical damages or restore already damaged items.
Finish Quantum All in 1 Max
Finish Quantum tablets remove stubborn dried-on stains to provide you with a deep clean and everyday shine first time, every time. Its compact 3-chamber chemistry is effective at breaking down all types of food residues – even without pre-rinsing. Finish Quantum tablets are wrapper free, with biodegradable, water soluble film. Save time in the kitchen knowing your dishes will come out clean and shiny with Finish Quantum dishwasher tablets.
Finish Power All in One
Finish Power All in One, your All in One solution for your dishes. Our Powerball supercharges the tablet for everyday clean 1st time, every time. Our Finish Power All in One dishwashing tablets cuts through dried-on stains effectively without having to pre-rinse or soak your dishes. Finish Power All in One tablets are wrapper free, with water-soluble film. You can save time in your daily wash, knowing your dishes will come out clean and shiny with Finish Power All in One dishwasher tablets.
