What You’ll Need
Though you don’t need much, having a few essentials will make using this trick even easier.
Kitchen Equipment:
- Dishwasher tablets (eco-friendly options work just as well).
- A scrubbing sponge or soft cloth.
- Warm water.
- Gloves (optional, for those with sensitive skin).
- A small bucket or container (if soaking is required).
How My Mother-in-Law Uses Dishwasher Tablets to Clean (Without a Dishwasher!)
Now let’s get to the heart of the hack. Here’s how my mother-in-law, and now I, use dishwasher tablets all over the house:
1. Cleaning the Sink
One of the best uses for these tablets is cleaning the kitchen sink. With all the food particles, grease, and grime that build up, it’s easy for your sink to become a little unsightly. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Fill the sink with warm water.
- Drop half a dishwasher tablet into the water and let it dissolve.
- Use a sponge to scrub the sink, paying special attention to the faucet and drain area.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and voila—your sink will sparkle like new.
2. Removing Stains from Pots and Pans
Have stubborn stains on your cookware? These tablets can take care of that too!
- Fill the pot or pan with hot water and drop in a quarter to half a tablet.
- Let it soak for at least 30 minutes (for heavy-duty stains, let it sit overnight).
- Scrub gently with a sponge, and the stains will lift right off.
3. Oven Cleaning
Oven grime can be tricky, but dishwasher tablets make it easier than you think.
- Wet the tablet slightly and use it to scrub the inside of your oven.
- The gritty texture of the tablet helps break down baked-on grease and food residue.
- Wipe away the loosened grime with a damp cloth.
4. Bathroom Tiles and Shower Grime
Believe it or not, these dishwasher tablets also work wonders in the bathroom. To clean tiles and remove shower grime:
- Dissolve a tablet in a bucket of warm water.
- Use a sponge or scrub brush to apply the solution to bathroom tiles and grout.
- Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel for a gleaming bathroom.
5. Laundry Aid
For tough stains on clothing (think grease, ink, or wine), dishwasher tablets can be a lifesaver.
- Dissolve part of a tablet in warm water and soak the stained portion of your clothing for about 15–30 minutes before washing.
- For extra heavy-duty stains, you can add a bit of dissolved tablet mixture directly to the wash cycle.