Dishwasher tablets - how much do you use?

savingpennies

I also live in a soft water area which means that you don't need the salt to soften. What I've noticed though when buying tablets, is that a lot of these 3 in 1 tablets contain salt. When I've looked it's hard to find tablets that haven't got salt added, in fact I can't think of one I found that doesn't contain it. Somebody may be able to correct me here, but I think I read somwhere that in New Zealand they have banned the use of softeners in detergents because they are unnecessary.

Badgergal

Another vote for Lidl's powder and salt (though I found white vinegar to do an even better job than their rinse aid!)

jutecity

I use supermarket own brand, usually Tesco. If you look at the shelf edge price in Tesco, in small print under the price, there is a price per kg figure. The premium brands like Finish cost something like £10.77 per kg, own brand is about a third of this per kg. Also, last time I used one of the new, improved premium brands, it faded all the colours on my bone china mugs which had previouly been dishwashered for years with no colour loss. I also live in a soft water area which means no need for added salt. Haven't tried cutting tablets in half yet, just keep forgetting to do so!

competitionscafe

There is a guide to potentially harmful chemicals in Dishwasher tablets here:

http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/Products/Toxics/chemicalhouse.cfm?producttypeid=22

Also covers :
Floor Coverings
Multi-Surface Cleaner
Washing Powder
Washing-up Liquid
Lipstick
Perfume
Shampoo
Shaving Foam/Gel
Shower Curtains
Skincare
etc

Rachel021967

I used Sainsburys Value Biological washing powder and vinegar and it worked a treat. I used about 2 teaspoons full as I live in a hard water area. Just out of interest, I will also have a go with non-bio next time I do a wash. Thanks for the tip.

competitionscafe

Another thing with tablets is the wastage of overpackaging (each tablet individually wrapped!!)

Not tried this brand myself, but those after a powder may be interested:

" Ultra Citra-Dish Dishwashing Powder

The sad truth is that for many of us, its nearly impossible to find a more environmentally sensitive dish powder or tablet product even when we try!

After all, its all well to use the eco-friendly cycle on your AAA rated dishwasher, but why not go that little bit farther and use a soap that respects the environment, too?

For that very reason we are pleased to offer Ultra Citra-Dish dishwasher detergent, which is derived from natural, renewable and bio-degradable resources. The packaging is 100% recycled paper, and the contents are free of chlorine bleach, synthetic perfumes, dyes, phosphates, EDTA and NTA. It comes to you in a 50oz/1.41kg cardboard box with a metal spout.

Loose powder detergents use less packaging per wash than tablets, and are cheaper to use, as well....Everybody wins!

Cruelty-free and not tested on animals. "

£5.55 for 1.41 kg of the stuff sounds good value + the environmental benefits

Found it at:
https://www.waxnostalgic.co.uk/
(click on online shop)

and at:
http://www.21stcenturyhealth.co.uk/productdetail.asp?category=Household+Products&prodid=338

As it's heavy though postage is quite high, the first shop is cheapest at £8.50 for one box including delivery.

loopy_lass

i guess u cud always make the dishwasher tablets into powder n use less that way if u have a stock pile like i do.

loops

shetitasatic

Cheap, environmentally friendly dishwashing solution??

Put your dishes out on the lawn overnight and the slugs will get them clean!!

(can't take any credit for this - I read it somewhere!!)

Kazonline

Put your dishes out on the lawn overnight and the slugs will get them clean!!

Lol - and does the salt kill the slugs thus protecting your plants as a brucey bonus??

I've run out of dishwasher powder and didn't want to waste petrol going to Tesco (or pay horribly inflated corner shop prices) - I think I'll opt for the washing powder (tesco bio - but not value.... yet!) Thanks all!
Kaz x

samcat_2

Thank you all.
I can't believe this!... Well... I'm about to try out Asda's 50p washing machine powder in the diswasher....