What To Use Instead of Dishwasher Tablets

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to run the dishwasher but are out of dishwasher tablets, don’t worry. Here’s what you can do as an alternative.

Yes! Use these things

The best dishwasher tablet alternative

Fill the tablet dispenser three-quarters full of baking soda (also known as bicarbonate of soda). Add two to three drops of washing-up liquid (only three drops, no more – refer to the warning below). Ensure your dishwasher salt is topped up and then run your dishwasher.

White vinegar

If you don’t have baking soda, place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of the dishwasher. The acid in the vinegar can help cut through grease on your dishes. While not a perfect solution, it’s better than leaving dirty dishes and allowing your dishwasher to develop unpleasant odors.

It’s important to use vinegar only in emergencies as frequent use can cause damage to the rubber components inside the machine, including the gasket around the door.

Absolutely don’t use these things

Washing-up liquid

Under no circumstances should you fill your dishwasher reservoir with washing-up liquid. Washing-up liquid creates a lot of foam, unlike dishwasher detergent which is designed to be low-foaming. The excess foam can escape around the door during the cycle, leading to a messy clean-up.

If you’ve already made this mistake, follow these steps:

1. Stop the dishwasher immediately.
2. Remove as much sudsy water as possible from inside the dishwasher.
3. To break down the bubbles, use a bar of soap. Lather your hands with the soap and run them through the bubbles to create a defoaming reaction.
4. You can also sprinkle sea salt on the bubbles on the floor to help break them down.
5. Run the dishwasher again on a cool setting with a cup of vinegar inside.

Borax

While Borax is often suggested as a dishwasher tablet replacement, it is not recommended for use in dishwashers. Borax has been banned in Europe and the US due to concerns about its effects on reproductive health. Instead, consider using Borax Substitute if you can’t find baking soda.

Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda

Some sources suggest making your own dishwasher tablets using vinegar and baking soda. However, this combination may not be effective as the initial fizzing reaction can diminish the cleaning power. It’s best to use each ingredient individually for optimal results.

For more tips on dishwasher maintenance and other home appliances, be sure to check out our guides on how to load your dishwasher correctly and how to keep it in good condition. We also have recommendations for the best air fryers and vacuum cleaners to buy.