“My mother-in-law buys these tablets even though she doesn’t have a dishwasher: Thanks to her tip, I also bought 1 pack for the whole year!”

If you thought dishwashing tablets were just for dishwashers, you might want to think again. These compact tablets pack a punch for cleaning tasks all over the house. My mother-in-law, who doesn’t even own a dishwasher, swears by them, and after hearing her recommendations, I decided to give them a try. Here’s why I’m now fully stocked with a year’s supply—and how these little powerhouses can simplify your cleaning routine, too.

1. Eliminate Odors in Your Washing Machine

Did you know that your washing machine can accumulate dirt, detergent residue, and moisture over time, leading to unpleasant smells? These dishwashing tablets are remarkably effective at dissolving stubborn residues. To freshen up your washing machine, place two tablets directly into the drum, and run an empty hot wash cycle. This simple trick will leave your washer smelling fresh and clean, removing even the most lingering odors.

2. Remove Grease and Stains from Kitchen Walls

Kitchen walls are prone to grease buildup and unsightly stains, particularly around cooking areas. A dishwashing tablet can work wonders on these surfaces. Simply dissolve one tablet in a bowl of hot water, soak a cloth in the solution, and gently wipe down the walls. This method effectively removes grease, oil, and even some pencil or pen stains left by little hands or notes on the wall.

3. Restore Shine to Baking Pans

Baking and cooking can leave pans dull and tarnished, especially if residues have built up over time. For stubborn stains on baking pans, fill a pot with hot water and drop in a dishwashing tablet. Let the pan soak overnight, and in the morning, rinse it off. The tablet’s cleaning agents will have dissolved much of the baked-on residue, leaving the pan looking almost as good as new.

4. Neutralize Unpleasant Pipe Smells

Kitchen and bathroom pipe odors can be difficult to eliminate, especially in sinks with frequent usage. Dishwashing tablets offer a surprisingly effective solution for this. Drop one tablet directly into the sink drain and carefully pour a liter of boiling water over it. This will break down accumulated food and grease buildup within the pipe. Follow up with a rinse of white vinegar to boost the cleaning power and eliminate any remaining smells.

5. Deep Clean Your Oven

Cleaning the oven can be a time-consuming chore, but a dishwashing tablet can make it easier. First, remove any loose crumbs from the oven. Then, fill a spray bottle with hot water and lightly spray the surfaces inside the oven. Wearing gloves, take a dishwashing tablet, dampen it slightly, and gently scrub the interior. This will lift baked-on grime and stains without harsh fumes. Wipe down the oven with a damp cloth afterward to reveal a sparkling clean interior.

6. Brighten White Laundry

Dishwashing tablets are a great solution for revitalizing white clothes that have become dingy over time. Add a single tablet to your laundry’s drum (only for white fabrics), and proceed with a regular wash cycle. These tablets can help break down stains and brighten whites, giving them a fresh, clean appearance. Avoid using this method on colored clothes, as the tablets can cause fading.

7. Effortlessly Clean the Toilet

For an easy, hands-off approach to cleaning toilets, drop a dishwashing tablet into the tank before you go to bed. Allow it to dissolve overnight. When you flush the next morning, the tablet will help break down limescale and any mineral deposits that might be clinging to the bowl. This simple trick keeps the toilet cleaner for longer and helps maintain a hygienic, sparkling appearance.

Dishwashing tablets offer a versatile, effective, and affordable solution to various household cleaning needs, even if you don’t own a dishwasher. These unexpected uses make it easy to see why my mother-in-law swears by them and why I keep a supply stocked all year long.