Home House & Components Appliances Dishwasher
Katelyn ChefUpdated: Dec. 04, 2023
Grace Cary/Getty Images
Dishwasher tablets may be a more efficient way to clean your dishes in the dishwasher over liquid or gel packs.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Doing the dishes is a familiar chore for any homeowner. Whether you love to neatly load your reliable dishwasher just so, or never forget to add a bit of vinegar to your load so your dishes sparkle post-wash, dishwashing preferences vary from person to person. Not only that, but dishwasher detergent is also a personal preference between using tablets, liquid or gel pods. While all three will get your dishes clean, one is really the most efficient to use: dishwasher tablets.
On This Page
Why Should You Use Tablets in Your Dishwasher?
Unlike liquid dishwasher detergents, which dissolve when the dishwasher fills with water, tablets do the opposite. In fact, dishwasher tablets offer a steady release of dishwasher detergent throughout the dishwashing cycle—meaning, cleaner dishes.
Dishwashing tabs also tend to be a more cost-effective form of detergent. Tabs do all of the hard work that liquid and gels do, but they’re better for your wallet as well as better for your dishwasher.
Tabs use fewer products per load (making them more eco-friendly), which is easier on your machine and prolongs the dishwasher’s lifespan. The fact that dishwasher tabs work well for households with hard water is another bonus. Tabs scour food residue and stains on coffee cups and grease on pots and pans.
The Difference Between Tablets vs. Liquid vs. Gel Packs
The key components of dishwashing soap are bleach and enzymes (bleach beats stains and enzymes scrub the leftover food).
Liquid Detergent
Liquid gel dishwasher detergent, according to MQ Appliance Repair, is an option for folks who like to have control over the amount of dishwashing detergent they use. In addition to the controlled amount, a liquid gel is water-based which makes for a gentler dishwashing detergent. Depending on the brand of liquid dishwashing detergent, some make leave streaks on silverware and dishes.
Gel Packs
Dishwashing gel packs are pre-measured liquid dishwasher detergent in a quick-dissolving pod. Due to the pods’ pre-measured nature, they are easy to use. However, dishwasher pods can be more costly than liquid and/or tabs. It’s worth noting that not all dishwashing detergent brands come in pack formation.
Powder Tabs
Pre-measured powder tablet dishwasher detergent offers the exact amount of detergent needed in a tablet or brick formation. There is a secret dishwashing agent hidden inside the tablet known as the power ball agent. The power ball agent acts as a rinse-aid for your dishes with little to no residue.
Other Tips for Using Your Dishwasher Effectively
Besides using dishwasher tabs, frequently cleaning the inside of your dishwasher can expand its lifespan. Wiping away any build-up on your dishwasher arm is a good place to start. Cleaning away the residue in the float switch as well as cleaning the dishwasher valve screen are all ways to have a healthy dishwasher and efficient wash cycles.
Originally Published: December 22, 2022
Katelyn Chef is a writer, blogger, DIYer, home decor enthusiast, & eyeglass lover. When Katelyn is not writing, she can be found creating creative content for her life and style blog (The Yellow Spectacles), perfecting her photography skills, seeking inspiration on her social media channels as well as setting time aside for hydrangeas and lots of ice coffees. You can keep up with Katelyn on Instagram (@Katelynchef) as well as on Twitter (Chef_Katelyn).
