9 Clever Ways to Use Dishwasher Tablets for Cleaning Just About Anything

No need to stress if you overdid it at Costco and ended up with way more dishwasher tablets than you'll ever use for dishes. These modern wonders are capable of tackling so much more than just cleaning your plates and silverware.

There’s a wide variety of dishwasher tablets on the market, but they all generally share the same basic ingredients and purpose. These compact tablets are designed to slip right into the detergent dispenser compartment, typically on the inside of the dishwasher door. Once it’s time in the cycle, the compartment door opens and the tablet dissolves, blending cleaning detergents with the water for effective cleaning power.

Sure, that’s already a pretty amazing use by itself. But there's so much more untapped potential in this modern cleaning wonder. Here are some of our top picks, all of which, unsurprisingly, involve making things shine.

1. Clean the Toilet

Everyone dreads cleaning the toilet, but with dishwasher tablets, it becomes a breeze. Just drop one in the bowl, let it start dissolving, grab your toilet brush, and begin scrubbing. Once it’s gleaming, simply flush and you’re done!

2. Wash the Washing Machine

Few appliances take more of a beating than the washing machine, which can become quite smelly over time due to mold, mildew, and bacteria. To clean and deodorize this essential household machine, drop two dishwasher tablets (four if it’s extra dirty or a large machine) into the drum. Run a hot cycle, then enjoy a fresh-smelling, spotless washing machine.

3. Restore Your Whites

If your white towels, sheets, and clothes are starting to look a little faded, dishwasher tablets can help rejuvenate them. Just toss a tablet into the wash along with your usual detergent. The bleach in the dishwasher tablet works to lift stains and brighten your whites, making them look fresh and new in no time.

4. Eliminate Marker and Crayon Stains

All parents have experienced the moment when they turn away for just a second, only to find a wall or floor covered in their child’s "artwork." To clean it up, dissolve a dishwasher tablet in a bucket of warm water. Soak a sponge in the solution, then wipe the affected surfaces until they’re spotless.

5. Clean the Oven

Oven doors often get caked in baked-on food and grease, which detracts from the overall cleanliness of your kitchen. To restore the sparkle to your oven door, a dishwasher tablet can do wonders! Opt for a powder tablet instead of a gel pack for best results. Start by wearing rubber gloves and filling a spray bottle with plain water, or use a bowl of water. Wet both the tablet and the surface of the oven door, then scrub with the tablet. Clean the entire door, then wipe it down first with a dry paper towel and then with a damp one to remove any chemical residue. For any stubborn spots, scrub again. Don't forget to repeat the process on the rest of the oven, including the racks, bottom, and sides!

6. Refresh Your Patio Furniture

Even when kept under a protective cover, your plastic and metal patio furniture can still accumulate dirt, pollen, and other natural debris during the cold months. When spring and summer arrive, revive the shine of your outdoor furniture with a quick clean using a dishwasher tablet. There are two ways to do this: either scrub the furniture directly with a damp tablet or dissolve the tablet in warm water and dip a sponge to apply the solution. Either way, be sure to wear gloves. For wood or wicker furniture, use an oil-based soap to nourish it instead.

7. Soften Burnt Pots and Pans

Had a dinner disaster? Don't waste your energy scrubbing those burnt pots and pans. Instead, fill the cookware with water, add a dishwasher tablet, and bring the water to a boil. Let it simmer on low for ten minutes, then drain it. Wipe away the stains with ease, and repeat the process if the burn marks are particularly stubborn.

8. Freshen the Kitchen Trash Can

Even if your kitchen trash cans appear clean, they still need a regular refresher. The most straightforward method is to carefully fill the can with boiling water, then add a dishwasher tablet. Let it dissolve and soak for about ten minutes. Once the time has passed, carefully pour out the liquid and wipe down the inside as needed.

9. Remove Oil and Gas Stains

Stubborn oil and gas stains can make a driveway or garage look worn out. To clean them, moisten a dishwasher tablet until it softens into a paste. Apply the paste directly to the stained area and let it sit for a couple of days. Afterward, rinse off the grease and enjoy a cleaner surface!

Dishwasher tablets are far more powerful than many realize. They’re the perfect example of how small things can have a surprisingly big impact!