I ran out of dishwasher tablets today

[3littlefrogs]

So I filled up the salt and the rinsaid, and filled the washing powder dispenser with washing soda (about 30p for a 1Kg bag). The dishes came out spotless.

Have I been wasting my money all these years, buying tablets?

[RiaParkinson]

i use all sorts!

used fairy ( for the washing machine) the other day - squeaky clean

[CandleQueen]

Those tablets probably ARE washing soda/soda crystals/whatever!!
With a bit of fragrance thrown in.

[BuckBuckMcFate]

yeah I think its a bit of a con really, sometimes use a bit of clothes washing powder.

Although my dishwasher protested very loudly at not having any salt for 8 months!

[llareggub]

I'm going to give it a whirl, thanks for the tip.

[blossomsmine]

Going to give that a go then, need to save money wherever i can! Thanks

[Furball]

I found the washing soda not so hot on really dirty stuff.

I buy the Tesco cheap tablets £1.70 for 30 and cut them half and everythings fine with those.

[MaureenMLove]

I am always suggesting Soda Crystals on here for any sort of stain and dirt, the dishwasher is a new one to me though. Plenty of uses listedhere

[bronze]

and vinegar for the rinse aid.

It all comes to so much less.
I use soda crystals for laundry too

[LightShinesInTheDarkness]

Can you just go into Tesco and buy a box of 'Soda Crystals' or is it called something else?

[bronze]

tescos ones are in a green packet if I remember right

[bronze]

here

[LightShinesInTheDarkness]

Star-like, Bronze - thanks! Will add to my shopping list.

[3littlefrogs]

at riven.

Well - I was away all weekend, and my dh and sons left the house for 2 days and left the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

I still haven't had time to do a shop, so used the same process, and everything spotless.

I don't think I will bother with tablets any more.