I ran a dishwasher tablet through my empty washing machine for the first time in 10 years. This is what happened

For many of us, the washing machine is a household staple that quietly performs its duty day in and day out. We load it with clothes, add detergent, and expect it to deliver fresh, clean laundry without much thought.

But how often do we consider the cleanliness of the machine itself? After a decade of constant use, I realized my trusted appliance needed some serious attention. Inspired by online cleaning trends and popular home hacks, I decided to try a unique experiment. I ran a dishwasher tablet through my empty washing machine to see if it could refresh my long-standing appliance.

The dishwasher tablet method is touted by some as an effective way to combat the grime and buildup that accumulates over time inside washing machines. The idea is pretty simple: dishwasher tablets are made to cut through heavy grease and dissolve tough food stains. In theory, they should easily break down the sticky soap scum and leftover detergent residue hiding inside a laundry machine.

Curious about the results and potential benefits, I decided to give it a try and document what happened.

Why I Turned to a Dishwasher Tablet After a Decade

After ten years of consistent use, my washing machine had developed a faint but persistent musty odor. I had already tried several different commercial washing machine cleaners from the store, but the results were always disappointing. While looking for a better solution, I noticed that online forums and cleaning blogs frequently mentioned the use of dishwasher tablets as a secret weapon against washer grime. Supporters argued that the strong cleaning ingredients in these little tablets could dissolve old detergent buildup and hard water minerals.

Since I was eager to get rid of the annoying smell, I decided to give this viral method a chance. Dishwasher tablets contain enzymes and specific cleaning agents designed to break down tough grease, which sounded like exactly what my machine needed. I wanted to see if this cheap and easy trick could actually bring my old appliance back to life.

Prepping a 10-Year-Old Washing Machine for the Experiment

Before I started the wash cycle, I wanted to make sure the machine was completely ready. I took out all the laundry and checked around the inside of the drum for any loose items, coins, or stray debris. I also looked closely at the rubber door seal, which had collected a lot of lint and dirt over the past ten years. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removed most of the surface grime.

Next, I pulled out the detergent drawer and found a shocking amount of old, hardened soap buildup. I used a simple mix of vinegar and baking soda to scrub the drawer completely clean. This helped ensure that no old residue would interfere with the dishwasher tablet. With everything wiped down and ready, I was excited to see how the tablet would work.

Dropping in the Tablet: Cycle Settings, Water Temp, and Timing

I chose a hot water wash cycle, which on my appliance runs at 60°C. This high heat is important because it helps the dishwasher tablet dissolve quickly and activates the cleaning ingredients. I selected a standard, full-length cycle that runs for about one hour so the tablet would have plenty of time to work its magic.

Once the settings were ready, I tossed the dishwasher tablet directly into the bottom of the empty washing machine drum. I chose not to put it in the soap drawer because I wanted to make sure it dissolved fully and moved through every single part of the machine. I hit the start button and waited to see what would happen.

The Surprising Smells (And Sounds) During the Wash

Shortly after the cycle started, I noticed a very pleasant change in the air. A clean, citrus-like aroma started coming from the machine, which was likely from the scent built into the dish tablet. This was a fantastic upgrade from the usual musty odor that I normally smelled whenever I used the machine.

The sounds coming from the laundry room were a bit different too. I heard more splashing and bubbling than usual, which was probably caused by the tablet dissolving and creating extra foam inside the drum. The noises were not scary or loud, but they definitely let me know that a deep cleaning process was underway.

What the Drum Looked Like When I Opened the Door

As soon as the timer went off, I opened the door to check out the results. The first thing I noticed was that the inside looked incredibly shiny. The stainless steel drum had regained some of its original luster and looked brighter than it had in years. Even the rubber door seal looked much cleaner than before.

The surfaces that used to look dull and slightly dirty now had a refreshed appearance, and the air inside the drum smelled significantly fresher. The visual change was clear, proving that the dishwasher tablet had actually done some heavy lifting.

The Hidden Gunk the Tablet Flushed Out

When I looked closer at the bottom of the drum, I saw small pieces of debris and dark flakes that had been broken loose during the wash cycle. These tiny pieces were likely an old mix of hard water minerals and leftover laundry soap that had been stuck in the hidden parts of the tub.

I also checked the coin filter at the bottom of the machine and found more debris than usual. This meant the tablet succeeded in loosening and flushing out hidden filth from deep inside the appliance’s internal plumbing. Seeing all that hidden dirt wash away was a huge relief.

Did It Actually Get Rid of That Musty Washing Machine Odor?

Once the machine finished airing out, I did a quick smell test. The musty odor that had plagued my washing machine for months was noticeably diminished, replaced by a fresh, clean scent. It felt great to see that this simple trick worked where expensive store-bought cleaners had failed.

While the musty smell was not completely gone, it was much weaker than before. This told me that the tablet had successfully targeted the root cause of the odor. The massive improvement convinced me that this method is definitely worth considering for home maintenance.

How the Next Load of Laundry Turned Out

To test if the cleaning actually helped, I immediately threw in a normal load of laundry. I used my regular clothes and my usual amount of everyday laundry detergent. The machine ran smoothly through the whole cycle, and I couldn’t wait to see how the clothes would turn out.

When I took the clothes out, they felt slightly softer and smelled much cleaner than usual. The annoying musty background smell was completely gone, and the fabrics looked wonderfully clean. It was clear that cleaning the machine had a direct, positive impact on the quality of the wash.

What Appliance Experts Say About Using Dishwasher Tablets

Because I wanted to be safe, I decided to look into what professional appliance repair experts think about this trend. The general consensus among pros was cautious optimism. While they agree that dishwasher tablets are excellent at breaking down grease and film, they remind us that these tablets are not specifically formulated for this purpose.

Many experts warn against doing this too often. The powerful cleaning agents inside dishwasher tablets are highly concentrated and might damage delicate internal parts, rubber hoses, or seals over time. However, they did agree that using one as an occasional deep cleaner should be fine if you do it carefully.

Risks, Warnings, and What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Thinking back on my little experiment, I realized there are a few risks to keep in mind. The biggest worry is that the harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergents could cause the rubber parts and seals inside the washer to dry out or crack if you use them too frequently.

Next time, I will probably stick to a professional washing machine cleaner specifically designed for the appliance to avoid any risk of long-term damage. It is also a good idea to read your appliance manual, as using alternative cleaning products can sometimes void your manufacturer’s warranty.

Will I Use Dishwasher Tablets in My Washer Again?

Even with the risks involved, the great results from this trial proved to me that a dishwasher tablet can be a helpful tool for fighting bad odors and soap buildup. While I definitely will not make this a weekly or monthly habit, I would consider doing it about once every six months for a deep clean.

Overall, this experiment was a success and offered an easy solution to a frustrating household problem. If you are dealing with a smelly washing machine, this method can be a helpful backup option, just remember to use it sparingly and always put safety first!