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

I use the Aldi basic tablets and cut them in half and remove the horrible plastic wrapping on them that doesn't dissolve properly. I use both halves of the tablet unless I'm doing a quick wash, then I only use half a tablet. I still add rinse aid and dishwasher salt.

As you have a smaller dishwasher, I'd probably try half a tablet initially.

We live in a hard water area.

I have had dishwashers since 1986 and only ever use cheap tablets now. Have tried all the expensive ones and wasn't impressed at all.

Biggest tips I would suggest is to use cheap, basic tabs such as Magnum Aldi Classic - I find 3 in 1 pretty useless - but always use rinse aid and salt separately. Also, clean your filter and spray arms very regularly as well as under the lip at the base of the door as you wouldn't believe the gunk which builds up there.

I have a Hisense dishwasher now - always had Bosch previously but quality has deteriorated over recent years - and it works fantastically well using the above suggestions. Everything comes out sparkling and like new. My DD has the Bosch slimline but she is disabled and lives alone. I take care of it for her but seems to do a good job.

I use whatever js cheapest in aldi and lidl in the cardboard box. Dp bought fancy e over ones lately they are beyond shit.

I think the cheaper ones are more gritty and knock the food off!!

Yy to the rinse aid it's crucial.

Clean the filter often I do it with that wash up spray from pink stuff or elbow grease it makes sure the grease filter is clear all the time. Clean the filter with a stiff brush.

Yy to pp. spendy tablets won't do the machine maintenance for you!

Hand washing for plastics always except when my lazy H fills it.

I have always used the cheapest I can buy. Aldi is good in the cardboard box. Morrisons too.
Soft water area here. No after taste.
You’ll just have to experiment I’m afraid.
I still top up with rinse aid but not often.
All good .

Aldi, the plain ones. All lemon ones leave a horrid taste on dishes in my opinion.

Avoid the lemon ones they are the worst. My local supermarket thinks that these are the only ones worth buying. I disagree but have to go elsewhere for them

I also use the plan cheap aldi ones called everyday essentials
£2-3 for a box of 50
When I'm going expensive I use finish
But the cheap aldi ones do the job on standard wash same as others I've tried as long as you presoak anything that's has dried on sauce