Dishwasher tablets are used only for dishwasher, right? Yes, but they can totally be hacked for many other purposes around the house. These modern marvels are capable of much more than just cleaning your cutlery, there are many other untapped potentials for this modern cleaning wonder. Here are a few of our favorites, which, unsurprisingly, are all about making things shine.
- Cleaning the toilet
Everyone’s least favorite chore is made much easier by dishwasher tablets. All you have to do is drop one in the commode, let it start to dissolve, then grab a toilet brush and start scrubbing. Once it’s perfectly clean, just rinse and you’re done!
- Wash the washing machine
Few appliances take more abuse than the washing machine, which can get pretty stinky from time to time due to mold and bacteria buildup. Easily clean and deodorize this very important household tool by placing two dishwasher tablets (four if you have a really dirty or oversized machine) in the drum. Run the cycle on high heat, then enjoy a delightfully odor-free machine.
- Brighten up those whites
If your white towels, sheets and clothes are looking a little dirty, just use dishwasher tablets and give them new life. All you have to do is add a tablet to the wash, in addition to your regular detergent. The bleach in the dishwasher tablets will remove the stains and usually restore those whites to “like new” status in no time.
- Remove marker and crayon stains
Every parent has, at some point, turned their back for just a moment and then turned around to find a wall or section of floor covered in toddler “art.” To get rid of such an exhibit, put a dishwashing tablet in a bucket of warm water. Let it dissolve, then get a nice, damp sponge with the stuff. Wipe the walls and floors until they are clean.
- Scrub the oven
Oven doors are covered in all kinds of baked-on gunk and goo, which totally ruins the aesthetics of the kitchen as a whole. Get a clean oven door in the mix with a little help from a dishwasher tablet! For this purpose, it’s easier to choose a powdered tablet rather than a liquid gel pack. Put on rubber gloves, then fill a spray bottle with plain water (a bowl of water also works well). Wet the pad and the surface, then rub the pad directly on the oven door. Do the whole thing, then wipe the surface with a dry paper towel, then a wet towel to remove the chemicals. Go over stubborn areas as needed. Repeat on all parts of the oven , including racks, bottom and sides!
- Revitalize patio furniture
Even when kept under cover, plastic and metal patio furniture collects dirt, pollen and other natural grime during those long winter months. Give your outdoor furniture a shiny, like-new look for spring and summer by giving it a good look with a dishwashing tablet. This can be done in two ways. Scrub the furniture directly with a wet tablet or dissolve the tablet in warm water, then soak a sponge to get the good stuff. Either way, be sure to wear gloves. Wood and wicker furniture should be cleaned with a nourishing oil-based soap.
- Burnt pots and pans
Has dinner gotten out of hand? Don’t hurt yourself by scrubbing and scouring those burnt pots and pans. Instead, fill the affected cookware with water. Add a dishwasher tablet, then bring the water to a boil. Simmer on low heat for ten minutes, then drain and easily wipe away stains as needed. Repeat if the stain is very stubborn.
- Deodorize the kitchen garbage can
Even relatively clean kitchen trash cans need a good look every now and then. The easiest way to do this, which doesn’t require you to dive into such an unpleasant space, is to carefully fill the can with boiling water. Then simply drop in a dishwasher tablet and let it dissolve and soak for about ten minutes. Carefully pour out the contents afterwards and wipe down as needed.
- Removing gas and oil stains
Unsightly oil and gas stains really ruin the look of a driveway or garage. To solve this problem, moisten a dishwasher paste until it becomes nice and crumbly. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it soak in for a few days. Then rinse the grease off!
