That Dishwasher Tablet Is a Small Yet Mighty Cleaning Tool

In the 14 years that I have owned a dishwasher (and loved it every single day), it never once occurred to me that a dishwasher detergent tablet could be used for anything other than washing dishes. But then I started digging around on the internet—and my approach to cleaning has been revolutionized. 

It makes sense, of course. Dishwasher tablets are soap that has been specially formulated to tackle the toughest, greasiest gunk, so why wouldn't they work in other scenarios? Still, my mind was blown to discover that those small, hard dishwasher tablets are one of the best and most versatile cleaning tools in your home.

1. Clean Your Washing Machine
   
   A washing machine's job is similar to a dishwasher's—to get rid of stuck-on dirt and stains. Even though it is technically a clean space, the drum does get gross with build-up over time, and manufacturers recommend running it through a cleaning cycle on a regular basis. Instead of buying a special cleaning tab, you can toss in a dishwasher tablet and run it on a hot water cycle. You will end up with a sparkling clean drum.
   
   
2. Clean Your Toilet
   
   Pop a tablet into the bottom of a dirty toilet and let it dissolve fully. This can take a while in cold water, so consider leaving it overnight and then scrubbing it with a toilet brush in the morning. It will work away at those stains while you sleep.
   
   
3. Clean Your Stovetop
   
   Set a tablet in a bowl with hot water and break it up with a spoon. Meanwhile, remove any grates and burners from your stovetop to reveal old food spills. Once the tablet has fully dissolved, soak a sponge in the soapy liquid and scrub your stovetop until clean and shiny.
   
   
4. Clean Your Oven
   
   Remove the racks from your oven. Wearing rubber gloves, dip a dishwasher tablet into a bowl of hot water and then use the flat side to tackle baked-on food and other gunk. As you scrub, the tablet will break down and dissolve. Add water as needed to get a good lather. Eventually you may need a sponge to keep working, but soon the oven will be gleaming like new. Don't forget the greasy oven door!
   
   
5. Refresh Your Trash Can
   
   Got a smelly trash can? Start by removing the bag of garbage and giving the can a good scrub. Crumble half a dishwasher tablet into the bottom and add hot water. Dissolve and scrub. Rinse and set outside to dry and naturally disinfect in the sunshine. Deter future odors and pesky flies by crumbling the other half tablet into the bottom, particularly during summer. (This works similarly to baking soda.)
   
   
6. Remove Mug Stains
   
   If your coffee mugs or tea cups are looking a bit worse for wear, crumble a dishwasher tablet and put one chunk in each mug. Top with hot water and let sit for an hour before scrubbing each by hand with a clean scouring pad. They will be gleaming before long.
   
   
7. Clean Your Microwave
   
   Pop a tablet into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with hot water. Let it dissolve. In the meantime, remove the rack and any crumbs from the microwave. Then use a cloth to apply the cleaning solution all around the interior. Scrub until all food residue has been removed. You will be surprised at how much grease this pulls out.
   
   
8. Whiten Bed Sheets and Towels
   
   This might be the most surprising tip on the list. Because dishwasher tablets contain bleach, they are effective at cleaning and brightening white bedding, towels, and other linens. Drop a tablet in your washing machine and see the difference. Just stick with whites, so you do not accidentally bleach something that is not supposed to be.
   
   
9. Scour Patio Furniture
   
   Patio furniture gets dirty after sitting outside all season (not to mention dusty when stored all winter). Add a dishwasher tablet to a bucket of hot water and tackle that furniture with a cleaning cloth. A good scrub will transform it at the start and end of patio season.
   
   
10. Clean Walls
    
    Walls need regular washing too! Especially if you have pets or children in the house, they can get grimy and gross. Giving them a good scrub will brighten up a space and almost make it look like you have repainted. Use a dishwasher tablet dissolved in hot water to do this effectively.