9 Things You Can Clean With a Dishwasher Tablet

Dishwasher tablets contain enzymes and surfactants that effectively lift grease, food residue, and odors from surfaces. These properties make dishwasher tablets effective at cleaning dirty dishes and utensils, but it also means they can clean other things around your home. To help you get the most out of this product, we spoke to cleaning experts who shared the unexpected items you can clean around your home with a dishwasher tablet.

Becky Rapinchuk, a cleaning expert and author of Simply Clean and The Organically Clean Home
Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean

Range Hood

Dishwasher pods are made with enzymes that help break down fat, oils, and baked-on food residue, making them a smart choice for degreasing range hoods. To do so, break off a small piece of the pod and dissolve it in a bucket of warm water. Dip a cloth or sponge into the solution, gently wipe the surface, and rinse clean with water. If you're trying this method on your range hood, avoid using abrasive pads, as they can scratch glass and metal, says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean.

Shower Doors

Glass shower doors can build up with soap scum and hard water stains over time. A dishwasher tablet can help break down these stubborn residues. Mix the tablet with water to form a paste, then apply it directly onto the doors in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, and rinse thoroughly, says cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk.

Trash Cans

The surfactants and degreasers in dishwasher tablets can lift grime, food residue, and odors from plastic and metal trash cans, says Sokolowski. For this, dissolve the tablet in a bucket of hot water, and pour the solution into the bin. Let it soak for 30 minutes to one hour, scrubbing lightly if needed. Rinse the trash can thoroughly and air dry. Avoid this method on wood, wicker, or painted bins, she adds.

Oven Racks

If your oven racks have stuck on grease and food particles that regular soap and water can't get rid of, try using a dishwasher tablet to break them down. "Place racks in a utility tub or clean bathtub with hot water and a tablet, let them soak for 30 minutes, then scrub," says Rapinchuk. "Make sure to rinse well before putting them back in the oven."

Jetted Tub

Jetted tubs offer a spa-like experience from home, but the jets can accumulate germs, soap scum, and dirt with frequent use. To use a dishwasher tablet to remove this buildup, Rapinchuk says to fill the tub with hot water so it's just past the jets, then add the tablet to the water. "Once it's dissolved, run the jets for five to 10 minutes," she says. "This will get into the jets and pipes and deep clean the tub." Drain the tub and refill it with cool water, then run the jets again for another five to 10 minutes. Repeat until the water runs clear.

Garbage Disposal

While a dishwasher tablet won't flush clogs or remove stubborn grease from the garbage disposal, it can break down lingering food odors. "Drop a tablet in and run with hot water to clean and deodorize the garbage disposal," says Rapinchuk.

Tile Grout

If your tile grout looks dirty or discolored, try using a dishwasher tablet to restore it to its former pristine beauty. Mix the tablet with water so a paste forms, then apply it to the grout lines. Let the mixture sit for five to 10 minutes, then scrub the grout with a brush. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't discolor the grout, and avoid using this method on colored grout.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Remove light grease, soap residue, and food buildup from your stainless steel sink with a dishwasher tablet. Dissolve the tablet in warm water, then apply it to your sink with a soft sponge, and rub in the direction of the grain. Rinse the sink thoroughly and dry it immediately to prevent water spots, says Sokolowski. Avoid this technique on composite, granite, or natural stone sinks.

Window or Door Tracks

The enzymes and surfactants in dishwasher tablets help loosen trapped dirt, dust, and grime from window or door tracks, says Sokolowski. Dissolve a small piece of the tablet in a cup of warm water, then dip an old toothbrush into the solution. Scrub the tacks, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry the area thoroughly.