Dishwasher tablets question

[decorecor]

We recently got our first dishwasher (having only briefly used one in a rented place before). It's a slimline Bosch in case it's relevant.

I checked Which and got the best buy dishwasher tablets which are the Fairy Platinum Plus ones, and they do clean well. However, if we put plastic (e.g. kids bowls and spoons, tupperware), silicone (spatulas, baby suction bowls, etc), or oven trays (Neverstick which is dishwasher safe) then it tastes completely of dishwasher tablet - an overpowering flowery taste and spoils whatever food touches it, including anything baked on the baking tray etc. It sometimes happens to normal plates and bowls too.

I've tried using different settings in case it was due to using eco mode but it hasn't changed. I can only assume either it's the type of tablet, or possibly tablets are too powerful for a slimline? But tablets come recommended in the booklet...

Can anyone recommend what tablets give a great clean but no aftertaste? I really want to start putting everything in as I'm currently doing so much handwashing it defeats the purpose!

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If you’ve landed on this thread looking for suggestions, we’ve compiled a guide to the best dishwasher tablets that are loved by Mumsnetters.

However, if you’re short on time, here’s a summary of the dishwasher tablet brands MNers are recommending on this thread:

🧼 Finish Quantum Infinity Shine Dishwasher Tablets, £16 for 100

🧼 LIDL W5 Dishwasher Tablets, £4 for 50

🧼 ALDI Magnum Triple Chamber Dishwasher Tablets, £4 for 37

We hope these are useful
MNHQ

Anyone?

I had the exact issue with the Fairy capsules!
I use the plain Finish tablets. They work well.

We used to get the same problem. We now use the Lidl ones that come in a cardboard box with no extra wrapping, and they're fine. We prefer the mainly unscented ones, but the lemon ones are OK too.

Buy cheap dishwasher tablets, not pods, then cut in half? The expensive ones are no different at all in my experience.

Agree with the above!

I always used the finish power balls but have switched to lidl (no fragrance) and they are every bit as good and no aftertaste

Finish or Tesco - non-lemon ones

Could definitely cut in half if it's a slmiline dishwasher too

I use aldi. No problems here

We use finish with no problems like that: I find cheaper ones generally don’t wash as well though

I use the Lidl ones (like others) and just Chuck them in the bottom of the dishwasher don't put them in the thing in the door and I've never had an issue.

Lidl, cheap as chips and do the job well.

Could you buy powder and measure out a bit less? Probably cheaper too

I get whatever's on offer, also slimline, never had an issue.

I use finish as well.

Regardless of what the packet says you absolutely need to add rinse aid to the dishwasher if you want plastics to dry. You'll know when it's running out because everything will come out wet. I have never been a fan of fairy dishwasher tablets - finish quantum all the way in our house but still use finish rinse aid.

If Costco is an option Finish rinse aid is massively cheaper there and dishwasher tablets often are too (but do a price comparison first)

Have you checked the manual to check on the dosing as a whole tablet might be too much.

Buy the cheapest, plainest dishwasher tabs you can find. Basics/Aldi own/Jack's, the type where you get 40 for £2.50.

They work really well for us, but I don't know if this is because we have really soft water.

Thank you! I was convinced by the Which testing that the cheaper ones wouldn't work well!

Definitely sounds like a Fairy issue then. Could anyone provide a picture or screenshot of the ones you recommend? Just I found there are so many Finish ones, even various own brand ones in each shop, I'll get there and forget which one I'm supposed to get! If I can save a picture, it helps, especially if I'm sending DH!

FWIW I have been keeping the rinse aid topped up, and added the free sample of dishwasher salt but then read the manual and basically had to switch that part off as we have soft water. I do have powder I tried and could still taste it but wasn't sure if it's just because it already tasted from the Fairy and hadn't washed away fully (very likely).

Every day is a school day. I always end up with a pile of wet Tupperware on the draining board. Will give it a go. Thank you!

Another vote for the cheap tabs, especially in our slimline which goes on a lot.

I have the same dishwasher (although it's a few years old) I use Tesco own brand tablets and they're fine.

I’ve got a slimline but never had any issues with fairy, I dislike the chalky tablets. Try Aldi, they are a rip off from fairy, might be more suitable.

I think your problem is you've put rinse aid in! No need if you're using all in one tablets as they have rinse aid in them.

And if you are in a soft water area you don't need as much rinse aid

Hmmm. The instructions seemed to suggest it was best to add rinse aid regardless, but that I wouldn't necessarily need any salt!

But the taste is of the tablets, not the rinse aid, I'm sure.

So I was using those as well, and when my dishwasher needed servicing, the dishwasher man said don't use those, they clog up and damage dishwashers because they are too soapy. Same goes for your washing machines as well. Use old fashioned cheap powder.

He recommended the bog standard Lidl/Aldi jobs. The standard chalky basic ones.

Also always use extra salt, especially if in a hard water area, which I was already doing thankfully.