dishwasher powder cost effectiveness

Willowpop

Hi guys, I figured that if anyone would know then you guys would...
I have just seen some dishwasher powerd on ebay that is in a 10kg tub and is made from crushed tablets (manufacturers rejects)
Does anyone know how many washes I could expect to get in a slimline dishwasher from a tub that size, and has anyone used this kind of stuff before? I normally use the lidl own brand basic tablets (not 5in1 as I put salt and rinse aid in seperately.)
Just trying to save a few ££ if possible.
Can anyone advise?
TIA.

Mands

Willowpop wrote: »

Hi guys, I figured that if anyone would know then you guys would...
I have just seen some dishwasher powerd on ebay that is in a 10kg tub and is made from crushed tablets (manufacturers rejects)
Does anyone know how many washes I could expect to get in a slimline dishwasher from a tub that size, and has anyone used this kind of stuff before? I normally use the lidl own brand basic tablets (not 5in1 as I put salt and rinse aid in seperately.)
Just trying to save a few ££ if possible.
Can anyone advise?
TIA.

I use loose powder, scooped into the dispenser with a tablespoon measure. In the interests of science I've just weighed a scoop and it was 23g.

So your tub would do me for 400 or so washes.

Does that help at all?
Mands


Edited to add: For rinse aid I use vinegar with no problems, but significant cost savings.

lobbyludd

I use powder too (although it is getting harder and harder to find), use way less than they recommend and have as good results as when I did use tablets (initially switched because I had a table top dishwasher with a compartment too small for tablets).

I still use rinse aid, but when this last lot is used up I'll try switching to vinegar.

Willowpop

Mands wrote: »

I use loose powder, scooped into the dispenser with a tablespoon measure. In the interests of science I've just weighed a scoop and it was 23g.

So your tub would do me for 400 or so washes.

Does that help at all?
Mands


Edited to add: For rinse aid I use vinegar with no problems, but significant cost savings.

Wow, that really does help, thanks...so I would get maybe a year from the tub if I look at one load a day plus a few with an extra wash.
And vinegar is a great tip...I always get 5l of white vinegar for kettle descaling, cleaning etc, but never thought to use it in the dishwasher.

Willowpop

lobbyludd wrote: »

I use powder too (although it is getting harder and harder to find), use way less than they recommend and have as good results as when I did use tablets (initially switched because I had a table top dishwasher with a compartment too small for tablets).

I still use rinse aid, but when this last lot is used up I'll try switching to vinegar.

Interesting to know you use way less than recommended. ...I do that with washing powder, so it makes sense to do it with dishwasher powder too.

Willowpop

I've gone for it. Taken a gamble on a 10kg tub of powder made from crusher 5 in 1 tablets of various brands.
Will continue to put salt in as well though as in a hard water area, and will see about vinegar instead of rinse aid, and perhaps turn down the dial so not as much is dispensed as the powder should contain rinse aid thingies of some sort if they are 5 in 1 tablets crushed.
Hope my gamble works!