We are often asked by our customers what we think about dishwasher sheets and how they compare to dishwasher tablets. We love a deep dive, so come with us into the depths of your dishwasher (okay, not literally) where we will compare the pair in terms of environmental impact, machine compatibility and performance so you can decide which is best for you.

Performance: Dishwasher Sheets vs. Dishwashing Tablets

Sheets are newer to the game than trusty dishwasher tablets and have gained some popularity in recent years for being an eco-friendly dishwashing detergent alternative that can be used for hand washing and machine use. Their ability to be used for hand washing removes the need to purchase a separate dishwashing liquid, which is a plus. However, a recent study by Choice revealed that dishwasher sheets are no better than plain water, in fact, one particular brand performed worse in Choice’s testing than plain water, for egg yolk and red wine removal on dishes. Plain water is also biodegradable, plastic-free, gentle on skin and low-allergenic….oh, and free. 

Having visited sheet factories and challenging their formulas ourselves, this result reported by Choice makes a lot of sense. Dish sheets often lack enough sodium percarbonate, robust alkali agents, and sodium citrate to remove stains, cut grease, and prevent hard water stains. Clothing is generally easier to wash with less intensive surfactants as you aren’t trying to wash off baked-on grime from dinner; this is why we designed our laundry sheets but avoided using the same product format for your dishwasher. 

When you’re putting everything in the dishwasher and aren’t manually giving everything a scrub, you’re really relying on the efficacy of the ingredients to get the job done properly. The nature of the sheet manufacturing process means more of these key ingredients cannot be added. A 2.5-gram sheet is simply no match for a tablet that is 5 times bigger and packed with more power. 

Dishwasher tablets performed the highest in Choice’s testing, making us wish they had tried Skipper's, as we believe they would have ranked amongst the best dishwasher tablets. Even though ours look plain and simple, they pack a powerful punch.

We don't add dyes and filler ingredients like other companies, which aim to alter the appearance to simply "look effective." They aren’t sticky or messy and don’t come with water inside (which is an unnecessary addition in any case). They’re simply composed of powerful (but kinder to the planet) ingredients that get your dishes sparkling clean with no harsh chemicals or elbow grease required. Our biodegradable dishwasher tablets are sourced from Australia and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards, so you’re guaranteed an effective clean every time, even on egg yolk and red wine.

Compatibility with Dishwashing Machines

A common concern that people face when it comes to dishwasher sheets is their incompatibility with certain machines (Fisher & Paykel Dish Drawers, for example) due to their high-sud level. Dishwasher sheet suppliers often note on their websites that for this very reason, their dishwasher sheets should not be used in Fisher & Paykel Dish Drawers. 

The build-up of foam from these sheets can cause the machine to malfunction and may even render the machine inoperable, so be sure not to make that mistake. Dishwasher tablets and sheets need to be just soapy enough to clean your dishes without becoming a big foamy mess - it’s a fine line to walk. If you’ve ever put dish liquid in the dishwasher thinking it’ll give it a good clean, you’ll know what this can look like - we don’t suggest this!

Dishwasher tablets have always been a crowd favourite, working well in all machine types. Check out this video that Fisher and Paykel released, showing users how dishwasher tablets can still be used with their dish drawers. They’re easy to use in any dishwasher, whether that’s in a tray or a sliding compartment or popped onto the little holder on the top rack of your dishwasher. While powder is another alternative, it can be messier, and you need to measure it out each time you’re ready to put the dishwasher on. Tablets take away the guesswork and the mess - just pop one in, press the start button, and you’re good to go.

Eco-friendly dishwasher tablets like Skipper’s dissolve quickly and efficiently, preventing any build-up of foam and ensuring that your dishwasher operates smoothly. This compatibility makes our tablets a safe and dependable option for maintaining the performance of your dishwasher.

Environmental Impact: A Closer Look

At Skipper, we are committed to sustainability. Our dishwasher tablets are not only biodegradable but also free from harmful chemicals. We have developed a naked (no plastic wrapper) Australian-made dishwasher tablet that is free from PVA, a material that has raised environmental concerns in recent years. Although we stand strong in the belief that PVA is safe for the environment, we are continually striving to improve our products to meet the highest eco-friendly standards and customer expectations.

In contrast, all dishwasher sheets are manufactured in China, the manufacturing capability to produce sheet products doesn’t exist in Australia. Skipper’s Australian-made dishwasher tablets are the first of its kind and join our growing list of Australian-made products. Our journey to build first-of-its-kind products in Australia includes our universal cleaner, face wash, and body wash. 

Along with making products that work, the environmental impact of everything we produce is always at the forefront of our minds. You can still get sparkling dishes without the harsh additives and without the excess waste that many cleaning products come in. When you order a dishwashing tablet starter kit, you’ll get a beautiful humidity-proof tin to match. Everything is packaged up neatly and ready to go - perfect for putting under the sink or displaying on your kitchen countertop. 

When you need more, we’ll also ship every refill-only order to you for free. With less weight and less packaging, we pass the shipping savings on to you. It’s never been easier to take the hassle out of getting the dishes done and doing a little bit extra for the planet. By choosing Skipper for your dishwashing needs, you are supporting a brand dedicated to innovation and sustainability in the Australian market.

You can shop Skipper’s affordable dishwasher tablets here.