The dishwasher cleaner you add to your arsenal should be easy enough to use that you’ll reach for it on a monthly basis. If you don’t like the idea of sprinkling a powder into your machine, for example, you might want to opt for the convenience of a pod or tablet that pops right into your detergent dispenser. It can also be helpful to find a dishwasher cleaner that you can run in conjunction with a regular load full of dishes, this way you don’t have to remember to do a separate cycle. Dishwasher cleaners are a user-friendly, effective, and safe alternative to the pesky, time-consuming task of scrubbing the inner nooks and crannies of the machine. Read on to learn what to consider when choosing a product, as well as information on a host of the best dishwasher cleaners on the market to cut through grime and leave the inside of a machine clean and fresh. As well as using reliable dishwasher tablets, there are a few steps that you can take to improve the cleanliness of your dishes if they aren’t emerging as dirt-free as you’d like. A dishwasher-cleaning routine is key to maintaining appliance performance and longevity. Those looking for a shortcut may wonder: Can you use dish soap in the dishwasher? Absolutely not! Using dish soap will create a sudsy mess that will flow out of the machine. Plus, unlike dishwasher cleaners, regular dish soap and dishwasher detergents don’t have the ingredients to actually break down residue, so they’ll fail to clean the machine adequately. The lemon-and-lime-scented tablets come in boxes made from 100% recycled cardboard and they are also cruelty-free while promising to be tough on grease and dried-on food.

The pod dissolves to clean away grease, limescale buildup, and hard-water stains while also freshening up the dishwasher interior. This formula contains surfactants and enzymes that are particularly effective for banishing stubborn grease. The cleaner washes over hard-to-reach and hidden parts such as spray arms, filters, pipes, and heating elements to remove residue. While this bottle is a one-time use, we think it’s the most effective for hard water stains. As a bonus, it has the EPA’s Design for the Environment certification, which identifies microbial products that meet the health and safety standards of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). While our dishwashing cleaner covers everything inside your dishwasher, you’ll want to clean the outside too – that is, after all, the part that everyone sees! Clean the door and any buttons with a cloth and some hot soapy water for a dishwasher that looks as good on the outside as it does inside! How often should I clean my dishwasher? The manufacturer recommends using one tablet biweekly, but some machines may only need one tablet a month, offering even more value. When run in an empty cycle, the septic-safe tablets create an effervescent foam that scrubs away gunk, limescale residue, and hard-water stains, restoring shine and eliminating odors as it goes. Because its main ingredient is citric acid, this descaling tablet is among the best dishwasher cleaners for hard water. These tablets have a fresh lemon scent for a more refreshing clean.

This dishwasher cleaner is designed to work without any dishes in the machine. This means that you’ll have to carve out the time to descale and clean your dishwasher in between its regular dishwashing cycles.

As recommended by global manufacturers, such as Whirlpool, Indesit and AEG, these tablets come with integrated rinse aid and salt, and have a built-in pre-wash system so you don’t have to waste time – or water - rinsing your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Don’t use bleach or harsh cleaners, though. This can degrade the seals and components and cause damage to the machine. The best dishwasher tablets to buy are the Finish Quantum Ultimate. They come with built-in rinse aid and salt actions, promising to cut through grease and baked-on food the first time round while protecting glasses from water spots to leave them gleaming.While you might struggle to fit the tablet in your dishwasher dispenser, the Fairy team say you can pop the tablet in the cutlery basket instead. If you deal with a sensitive nose or allergies, you can go for an unscented cleaner and use lemon juice and baking soda to get rid of any residual, unwanted smells after cleaning your dishwasher,” says Cohoon.