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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Alternative to dishwasher tablets

11 replies

sarahh96 · 09/02/2023 19:03

Has anyone tried putting a drop of liquid hand soap and bicarb in the dispenser instead of a dishwasher tablet?
Saw the tip on 'tiniternet but not brave enough to try it yet.
Any thoughts?
Stupid idea?

OP posts:
NewPanDrawer · 09/02/2023 19:12

I've used small amounts of washing-up liquid in the past. It's been fine, and contrary to popular belief the kitchen did not become engulfed in foam Grin

If you're trying to save money why not use dishwasher powder though? The tablets are a rip off.

GardenersDelight · 09/02/2023 19:14

Look up Nancy Birtwhistle on Instagram she does lots of green hints for cleaning including dishwasher and usually cheaper than shop bought
I've got both her books

prampushingdownthehighst · 09/02/2023 19:14

I've used the small drop of fairy in an emergency too, but as pp, powder is a real money saver

Original poster
sarahh96 · 09/02/2023 20:49

Thanks all, might give it a go, will definitely look into the powder as well. I didn't know such thing existed.

OP posts:
1990s · 10/02/2023 08:05

I just buy dishwasher tablets from Lidl, think they’re about £2 a box? And then cut them in half. Full load is fine with half a tablet even if pretty dirty! Cost is pretty low this way!

SalviaOfficinalis · 10/02/2023 08:06

Yes, as pp said, get tablets and break them in half.

nettie434 · 10/02/2023 08:50

sarahh96 · 09/02/2023 20:49

Thanks all, might give it a go, will definitely look into the powder as well. I didn't know such thing existed.

That makes me feel so old! In the old days, there were no tablets, just powder. Then the manufacturers started making tablets with added rinse aid etc. I didn't realise you could still buy powder. Alternatively, I agree with the suggestion about Lidl tablets.

AlisonDonut · 10/02/2023 08:55

If you have a dishwasher with a pre wash function, which can be seen by part of the drawer has holes in the cover - then you should be putting a teaspoon of powder in there anyway. They just don't tell you that. It is how they are supposed to work, a little powder in the pre wash is the thing that gets most of the crud off.

With the one in our house in France it doesn't have that so I use the powder if we run out of tablets.

We also use vinegar instead of the expensive wetting agent that you have to put in.

pastypirate · 12/02/2023 12:27

AlisonDonut · 10/02/2023 08:55

If you have a dishwasher with a pre wash function, which can be seen by part of the drawer has holes in the cover - then you should be putting a teaspoon of powder in there anyway. They just don't tell you that. It is how they are supposed to work, a little powder in the pre wash is the thing that gets most of the crud off.

With the one in our house in France it doesn't have that so I use the powder if we run out of tablets.

We also use vinegar instead of the expensive wetting agent that you have to put in.

Do you mean vinegar instead of the rinse aid??

AlisonDonut · 12/02/2023 12:31

Yes - the rinse aid is a wetting agent which stops the water from pooling into spheres, vinegar does the same job.

pastypirate · 12/02/2023 15:01

AlisonDonut · 12/02/2023 12:31

Yes - the rinse aid is a wetting agent which stops the water from pooling into spheres, vinegar does the same job.

Mind blown but I'm trying it tonight! Thank you

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