Are you only using your dishwasher tablets in, well, your dishwasher? Those little cleaning powerhouses can do a lot more around the home, from lifting stubborn stains to freshening up the bin and clearing a slow drain.
And the best part? You probably already have some in the cupboard. So here are 16 unexpected ways to put dishwasher tablets to work on your toughest cleaning jobs.
A quick tip before you start: pop on some rubber gloves, test a small hidden spot first and rinse well afterwards. It's also best to skip aluminium, natural stone and delicate fabrics.
1. Removing Stain From Clothing
Whether it's a red wine splash or a grease stain that just won't budge, a dishwasher tablet can come to the rescue. Dissolve one in a bowl of warm water, soak the stained clothing for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash as you normally would using Skipper's laundry detergent sheets. It's best on whites and colourfast fabrics, so check the care label first
2. Clean the washing machine
Even your trusty washing machine needs a clean now and then. The classic hack is to toss a dish tablet into the empty drum and run a hot cycle, which helps break down built-up grime.
For a proper deep clean, though, we'd reach for our Machine Cleaner. It's a deep-descaling powder made to clean the things that do the cleaning, so one sachet in an empty machine every month or two helps tackle limescale, residue and funky odours in both your washing machine and your dishwasher. It's Aussie made, septic and grey water safe, and comes in a kerbside recyclable paper sachet.
3. Brighten those whites
Are your white clothes looking a little lacklustre? Dishwasher tablets can help with that too! Just add a tablet to your load of whites, along with your regular laundry detergent. The tablet will help to brighten your whites, making them look whiter and brighter than ever before. It's a simple and inexpensive way to keep your white clothes looking new without resorting to harsh bleaches or chemicals.
4. Cleaning the Toilet
Who knew dishwasher tablets could help keep your toilet sparkling? Drop one into the bowl and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush and flush. It helps break down stains and buildup, leaving the bowl fresh and clean.
To keep it that way between cleans, pop a Toilet Block in the cistern. Your flush runs blue with no bleach or optical whiteners, each block lasts around one to two weeks, and they're septic tank friendly.
5. Cleaning Shower Screen
Soap scum can make shower screens look grimy and dull. But dishwasher cleaning tablets can help remove the buildup and make your shower screen sparkle. To do this, wet the screen with water, then rub a tablet over the surface, focusing on the areas where the soap scum is most concentrated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub it with a sponge or cloth. Finally, rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth. Your shower screen will be clean and clear in no time!
6. Cleaning the Trash Can
Trash cans can get pretty gross pretty quickly, but dishwasher tablets can help. First, fill the trash can with hot water and drop in a tablet. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then dump out the water and rinse the trash can. The tablet will help to break down any odours or buildup in the can, leaving it fresh and clean. Plus, it's a great way to use old or expired dishwasher tablets instead of throwing them away!
7. Unclogging Drains
Got a clogged drain? A dishwasher tablet might be able to help. Just drop a tablet into the drain, then pour in some hot water. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then run some hot water down the drain. The tablet will help to break down any fats or oils that may be clogging the drain, helping to clear it and eliminate any bad smells. Note that this method will only work for temporary blockages, but it's a practical and easy solution for regular maintenance of your drains.
8. Scrubbing the Oven
Ovens can be notoriously tricky to clean, but dishwasher tablets can help. First, make a paste by crushing a tablet and mixing it with water. Then, spread the paste over the inside of your oven and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Finally, wipe away the paste with a damp cloth.
9. Scrubbing Grout and Tiles
Grout and tiles can be tricky to clean, but dishwasher tablets can make the job easier. If your grout and tiles are looking a little grimy, try using a dishwasher tablet to clean them. Wet the tiles and grout, then rub a tablet over them until it dissolves. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub it with a brush or sponge.
10. Degreasing Engine Parts
If you're a car enthusiast or mechanic, you might be surprised to know that dishwasher tablets can be used to clean and degrease engine parts. Simply dissolve a tablet in hot water and use a brush or cloth to apply the solution to the parts you want to clean. The tablet will help to break down any grease or grime on the areas that need cleaning, leaving them spotless and shiny.
11. Removing Crayon Marks from Walls
If you have kids, you know how stubborn crayon marks can be on walls. But dishwasher tablets can help remove them! Dissolve a tablet in hot water and apply the solution to the crayon marks using a cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it away with a clean cloth.
12. Polishing Metals
If you have metal objects that have lost their shine, dishwasher tablets can help bring them back to life. Dissolve a tablet in hot water and soak the metal objects in the solution for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
13. Cleaning the Cat Litter Box
Cleaning the litter box is not the most enjoyable chore, but dishwasher tablets can make it easier. Start by emptying the litter and rinsing the container with water. Dissolve a tablet in hot water and pour it into the litter box. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub the box with a brush or sponge. Rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth. This will help to break down any bacteria and odour-causing buildup in the box, leaving it fresh and clean for your feline friend.
14. Clean Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can get pretty dirty, but dishwasher tablets can help. Dissolve a tablet in hot water and apply the solution to your outdoor furniture using a sponge or cloth. This will help remove any surface buildup or stains, leaving your furniture looking clean and refreshed. Next, rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth.
15. Eliminate Gas and Oil Stains
Got some tough gas or oil stains on your driveway or garage floor? No worries! You can get rid of the stains using your dishwasher tablets. Just dissolve a tablet in some hot water and pour it over the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub it with a brush or sponge.
16. Burned Pots and Pans
We've all done it — leaving a pot or pan on the stove too long and burning the food. But don't worry because the best dishwashing tablets can help. Fill the burned pot or pan with hot water and drop in a tablet. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then dump out the water and scrub the pot or pan.
Get The Best Dishwasher Tablets at Skipper!
So there you have it, 16 surprising uses for dishwasher tablets. And if you're after the best dishwasher tablets for the day job too, ours are the first Aussie-made dishwasher tablets, ever, formulated for Australian water and conditions. They're naked, which means no plastic wrapper or PVA, with a plant and mineral-based formula, no fillers or food dyes, and up to 50% more concentrated than regular tablets at just 12g each. They also clean effectively at low temperatures and in eco modes.
Refill-only orders ship free, so topping up is easy, and our Sample Pack of five tablets is a low-risk way to try them first (it ships free too).
Shop Naked Dishwasher Tablets · Try the Sample Pack
