**10 Surprising Uses for Dishwasher Tablets You Probably Haven’t Thought Of** Dishwasher tablets are little powerhouses packed with grease-fighting agents and powerful cleaning ingredients. Most people just toss them into the dishwasher and call it a day—but did you know these tiny tablets can do *so* much more? From freshening up funky-smelling appliances to tackling tough household grime, here are **10 clever and unexpected uses for dishwasher tablets** that go way beyond dishes: — ### 🧽 1. **Clean Your Washing Machine** Over time, your washing machine can collect detergent build-up and mildew smells. Pop a dishwasher tablet directly into the drum (not the detergent drawer), run a hot cycle, and voilà—fresh, clean, and deodorized! **Why it works:** The tablet’s degreasing power breaks down residue and kills bacteria hiding in the drum. — ### 🚽 2. **Deep-Clean the Toilet Bowl** Got tough stains or buildup in the toilet? Drop a dishwasher tablet into the bowl and let it dissolve for about 15–30 minutes. Scrub with a toilet brush and flush—your porcelain throne will sparkle like new. **Bonus:** It also helps eliminate odors and limescale! — ### 🛁 3. **Remove Soap Scum in the Bathtub** Dishwasher tablets can cut through soap scum and grime like magic. Just wet the tablet slightly, then rub it directly onto stained areas of your tub or shower. Rinse well after scrubbing. **Caution:** Wear gloves to protect your skin—these tablets are tough! — ### 🍳 4. **Clean Greasy Oven Doors** Oven doors can be one of the grimiest spots in the kitchen. Use a damp dishwasher tablet to scrub away baked-on grease and stains. The abrasive texture works wonders without scratching the glass. **Tip:** Place a towel under the door to catch any drips or residue as you clean. — ### 🛋 5. **Lift Stains from Outdoor Furniture** Plastic or metal outdoor furniture looking weathered or grimy? Dissolve a dishwasher tablet in a bucket of hot water, dip in a sponge or brush, and scrub away. It works especially well on white plastic chairs! — ### 🏡 6. **Unclog and Deodorize Drains** If your sink drain is slow or starting to smell funky, break up a dishwasher tablet and drop it into the drain, followed by hot water. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before flushing with more hot water. **Why it works:** The tablet breaks down grease and residue that often cause clogs. — ### 🔥 7. **Freshen Up Your Trash Can** Even after emptying the trash, odors can linger. Dissolve a tablet in a bucket of hot water, pour it into the bottom of the trash can, and let it soak for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. No more mystery smells! — ### 👟 8. **Whiten and Deodorize Sneakers** Need to bring dingy white shoes back to life? Fill a tub with warm water, dissolve a tablet, and soak the sneakers (non-leather) for an hour. Scrub gently, rinse, and air-dry. Great for gym shoes! — ### 🧱 9. **Clean Grout and Tile** Dirty grout? No problem. Rub a dampened dishwasher tablet directly onto the grout lines, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse well and enjoy your fresh-looking tiles. — ### 🍳 10. **Degrease Pots and Pans** For pots and pans with stubborn, burnt-on food, fill them with hot water and drop in half a dishwasher tablet. Let it soak for an hour or overnight. The grime will lift right off with minimal scrubbing. — ### ⚠️ A Few Quick Notes: – Always wear gloves when using dishwasher tablets for cleaning outside of the dishwasher—they’re strong! – Avoid using them on aluminum, natural stone, or non-stick cookware, as the chemicals may damage finishes. – Always test on a small area first if you’re unsure how a surface will react. — ### ✨ Final Thoughts Dishwasher tablets are more versatile than you think! These budget-friendly cleaning bombs can save you time, effort, and even money on specialty cleaners. Whether you’re tackling kitchen grease, bathroom grime, or outdoor messes, there’s a good chance a dishwasher tablet can handle it. So go ahead—grab one from under the sink and start transforming your home, one clever clean at a time! 💪🧼