Can dishwasher tablets be used to clean washing machine?

Dishwasher tablets are often used by many people these days in order to clean their washing machine.

But are they safe?

In the short run, dishwasher tablets can give excellent results due to their powerful cleaning agents.

But over time, these chemicals can damage the rubber seals and amplify the wear and tear.

Dishwasher tablets are very effective at cleaning dishwashers, so they will do a good job at cleaning your washing machine too. Having said that, in long run, it can ruin your washing machine due to the highly acidic properties of dishwasher tablets.

Instead, use a good quality washing machine cleaner like affresh, it does a better job of cleaning the washer safely.

In this post we will cover:

• Can Dishwasher tablets be used to clean the washing machine?
• Advantages and disadvantages of using a dishwasher tablet as a washing machine cleaner.
• What should you use to clean the washing machine?
• Commonly Asked Questions
• And More…

Let’s dive right into it.

Can dishwasher tablets be used to clean the washing machine?

The direct and short answer is Yes.

Dishwasher tablets can be used as a temporary solution to clean your washing machine.

However we do not recommend using it as a long-term solution for several reasons that we will touch on later in this post.

The dishwashing tablets are formulated with highly acidic properties that can break down grease and dirt effectively.

But these same properties can also be damaging to a washing machine in the long run.

Dishwashers deal with an excessive amount of grease and therefore the formulation to clean the dishwasher has to be strong enough to get rid of all that grime.

Whereas a washing machine is designed to clean clothes and therefore it tends to attract less grease.

As a result, using dishwasher tablets can be overkill for the washing machine and can cause more harm than good in the long term.

Let’s look into the advantages followed by disadvantages of using a dishwasher tablet in the washing machine.

Also Read: Can Fabric Softener be Used with Carpet Cleaner? (Answered)

Benefits of cleaning the washing machine with dishwasher tablets

The main benefit of using a dishwasher tablet is that it can clean the washing machine effectively due to its highly acidic properties.

It is also a very convenient solution as you do not have to measure or mix any solutions. All you need to do is simply pop in a tablet and run the cycle.

Another advantage is that dishwasher tablets are very affordable.

To summarize, the advantages of using dishwasher cleaning tablets in your washing machine are:

• It can clean the washing machine effectively
• It is Convenient to use
• It is Affordable
• Can be used as a temporary solution

Now that we have looked at the advantages, let’s look at the disadvantages as well.

Also Read: How to Clean a portable washing machine?

Disadvantages of using a Dishwasher tablet in the washing machine

The main disadvantage of using dishwasher tablets is that they can damage the washing machine in the long run.

This is because dishwasher tablets are formulated with highly acidic properties that damage the rubber seals, hoses, and other internal components in the long run, thereby voiding the warranty in some cases.

Some of the other major disadvantages are:

• Dishwasher tablets are formulated to perform at high temperatures that a washing machine may not be able to achieve.
• The unwanted residues that contain unsuitable chemicals will attract your clothes.
• If these dishwasher tablets are not dissolved properly, the residues will build up inside the washer over time and can cause serious damage.
• Another disadvantage of using dishwasher tablets is that they are not biodegradable and can pollute the environment.

It is advisable to use a natural cleaner like white vinegar to clean the washing machine once every month OR you can use ready-made cleaners specifically formulated for washing machines.

How to clean the washing machine with dishwasher tablets?

A quick disclaimer – Most washing machine manufacturers do not recommend using dishwasher tablets to clean the washing machine and it may void the warranty in some cases.

So the best practice is to either use a suitable washing machine cleaner OR homemade DIY solutions like distilled white vinegar.

If you still want to proceed with dishwasher tablets, you can follow the below process.

Steps to clean the washing machine with dishwasher tablets

Step 1: Take out all the clothes from the washing machine.

Step 2: Place a dishwasher tablet in the washtub.

Step 3: Run the washing machine on the hottest cycle.

Step 4: Leave the door of the washing machine open to air dry after the cycle is complete.

Step 5: Repeat the process once a month OR as needed.

While dishwasher tablets can be used to clean the washing machine, it is not advisable as they do more harm than good in the long run.

Also Read: How to Hook up a Portable Washing Machine?

Final Thoughts

It is best to either use a suitable washing machine cleaner OR distilled white vinegar to clean your washing machine on a monthly basis.

Dishwasher tablets are not formulated for washers, that’s the precise reason why washing machine cleaners exist in the first place.

Lastly, Do not fall into the cleaning hacks without going through the fact checks.

Also Read: How to troubleshoot a portable washing machine?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions that people have about using dishwasher tablets in the washing machine.