While they are designed for dishwashing, there are a handful of alternative uses for dishwasher pods that are worth knowing about. Their ability to break down stubborn residues and combat hard water makes them useful for a variety of household cleaning tasks!
Dishes and dishwashers are subjects I have covered thoroughly here on my blog. I’ve written about cleaning your dishwasher, using dish soap in the dishwasher, things you should know about your dishwasher, dishwasher dos and don’ts, and what you can clean in your dishwasher. The alternative uses for dishwasher pods in this post represent a worthy addition to that collection.
Note: The tips in this post are specific to dishwasher detergent tablets, not pods. Tablets are made of compressed powdered detergent, while pods or pacs typically have a liquid component. Liquid pods can be finicky (see the top dishwasher pod mistake post for more), so stick to tablets for these cleaning tips.
Table Of Contents
8 Dishwasher Tablet Hacks For A Cleaner Home
1. Clean Your Oven Door Glass
Cleaning your oven door with a dishwasher tablet is a snap with a dishwasher tablet, warm water, and a few cleaning cloths. Be sure to wear gloves when handling dishwasher tablets (and that goes for all the tips in this post!)
Soak a dishwasher tablet in warm water for a moment to soften the edges, then use it to scrub the inside of your oven door. Once you’re satisfied, wipe off the detergent residue and the loosened grime with a damp cloth.
2. Clean Grimy Pyrex Dishes
You can use dishwasher tablets and hot water to clean Pyrex in much the same way as your oven door! Soak the dish you want to clean in very hot water with a crumbled detergent tablet (or powdered dishwasher detergent) for several hours, then scrub any lingering stains with another detergent tablet.
3. Make Your Kitchen Sink Shine
Quickly eliminate grease and grime from your kitchen sink with a sponge and a dishwasher tab. Just wet the sink and use a detergent tablet to scrub the sides and bottom before rinsing thoroughly.
(While you could theoretically use a dishwasher tablet to clean a shower as well, it would be quite tedious! There are easier ways to clean a shower, so save your detergent tablets for smaller jobs.)
4. Erase Burnt Messes From Cookware
Even the most competent cooks accidentally scorch something from time to time, and those burnt-on messes can be really stubborn! Instead of spending hours scrubbing and scraping, use a dishwasher tablet and boiling water to clean burned pots and pans overnight.
Drop half a tablet in the scorched pot or pan, add some water, and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and let it sit overnight, and it will be easy to clean come morning.
5. Scrub Away Coffee Stains
Removing coffee and tea stains from the inside of cups and mugs is easy with a dishwasher tablet, and you don’t have to worry about scratching the surface of the ceramic. Gently rub a damp dishwasher tablet on the inside of the mug until the stains disappear.
6. Clean Trash Cans Effortlessly
Wondering how to clean a stinky trash can? Drop a dish tablet or two into the trash can, then fill it with hot water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, carefully dump out the water, then rinse it out and let it dry completely before adding a clean trash bag.
7. Make Toilet Bowls Sparkle
Many homemakers dread cleaning the toilet, but it’s easy with a detergent tablet! Just pop one in the toilet bowl and let it dissolve while you clean the rest of the bathroom, then scrub and flush to leave your toilet sparkling clean.
8. Clean Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture looking a bit grimy? Before your next backyard hangout, grab a dishwasher tablet and use it to clean up your outdoor furniture. Use it like a scouring pad to get your outdoor furniture clean and ready for company!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Surprising Uses For Dishwasher Tablets?
These little blocks of detergent can be used for several household cleaning tasks, from scrubbing grimy oven racks to tackling tough laundry stains. You can even dissolve a dishwasher tablet in a bucket of warm water to make an effective multipurpose cleaning solution!
Can I Use A Dishwasher Tablet To Clean My Toilet Bowl?
Yes! Just drop a dishwasher pod in the bowl, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub the bowl with your toilet brush. The detergent will help fight hard water stains and leave your toilet sparkling clean.
Can I Clean My Oven Racks With Dishwasher Detergent?
Yes! To do it, fill your bathtub or a large container with warm water, then add a dishwasher tablet and the oven racks. Let them soak for several hours before scrubbing with a brush, sponge, or scouring pad.
Can I Still Use Dishwasher Pods If I Don’t Have A Dishwasher?
Of course! You don’t need a dishwasher to enjoy the perks of dishwasher tablets. You can dissolve one in a bucket or sink of warm water to make a multipurpose cleaning solution for everything from cookware to countertops.
Can I Use Dish Soap And Dishwasher Pods Together?
Mixing cleaning products isn’t always wise, so I wouldn’t recommend it. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Can I Use A Dishwasher Tablet To Clear A Clogged Drain?
Looking for a way to unclog drains? I recommend using dish soap to prevent clogs from forming, but a dishwasher tablet and boiling water may help clear an existing clog.
Conclusion
Who knew dishwasher tablets were so versatile? You might even be inspired to make a batch of homemade dishwasher tablets — they’re easy to make using homemade dishwashing detergent powder!
Do you know any other alternative uses for dishwasher tablets?
For drain clogs, I prefer NOT to use Drano, etc. but have found that pouring 1/2 box baking soda down the drain; then pour vinegar over it. It will froth so go slowly and soon drain runs clear. Rinse with cool water-Works every time! (Even after sweet potato skins!)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can you use them for cleaning your garbage disposal?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I wouldn’t recommend them for this use. I suggest you make ice cubes made from vinegar and lemon pieces. These work great and remove odors as well.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A little bit of salt with remove coffee or tea stains on your tea or coffee cups as will Dawn with a dishcloth. I was using Dawn on clogged drains but have found that regular hand soap or other cheaper dish soaps also work just as well. Just make sure the water is hot when you put that down the drain. Dawn has gotten expensive here and cutting some corners are necessary at times. I do purchase when on sale as I do like Dawn better.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.That’s why I always stock up when Sam’s club has Dawn discounted on their Instant Savings..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.#3 And that’s why you want a stainless steel sink. #4 I find that soaking a pan that has something burned on with hot water and Dawn works great and quickly, and certainly costs less than wasting a dishwasher tablet. #5 Again, Dawn and a 3M scrubby sponge gets them clean for a fraction of the cost of a dishwasher tablet. My wifes cups always end up with stains from her chai tea that even the dishwasher won’t remove, but the Dawn and sponge make short work of them.And as for drains, I had a shower drain that was running slow and finally plugged up. Hot water and Dawn, let it sit over night, and just like that the clog was gone. Will most likely work just as well on other drains. Your dishwasher should be keeping youir kitchen sink clean unless you aren’t using the heat boosters on the machine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Tea stains are harder to clean off a mug than coffee stains. I find that if I have a cup of coffee with milk, it helps to loosen the tea stains. Failing that, when soaking dishcloths in Vanish or bleach, add the stained cup to the solution. Wash as normal after the soak and all the stains will come off. I drink green tea without milk, so it may be a different problem than for someone who adds milk to their tea.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Could you use a dishwasher tablet to clean the oven by placing it in a bowl of boiling water and having the oven at a high temperature – so no actual scrubbing?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I saw the toilet cleaner hack. Can this work to get some of the yucky crusty stuff off when you lift the seat.? We tried things and haven’t had much success.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think it would work. Give it a try and let me know how it works out. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for these! My oven door is getting hard to see through, so that’s the first one I’ll be trying out.
The easiest way to clean coffee and tea stains is to drop a denture cleaning tab in the cup filled with water before bed. When you get up in the morning, wipe away any remaining stains and rinse well.
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