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text: not just for dishes

what to clean with a dishwasher tablet (that’s not dishes).

09 Sept 2025

5 genius ways to use smol dishwasher tablets in the home (without going near a plate):

  • Unblock and deodorise your loo 
  • Remove baked-on gunk from your oven 
  • Get oven racks and BBQ grates sparkling again 
  • Say goodbye to marks on taps and plugholes 
  • Refresh limescaley sinks

No dishwasher? No problem.


We get this a lot. People try smol for the laundry, fall in love with the home bundle… and suddenly find themselves with a shiny new pack of dishwasher tablets and zero dishwasher.


Good news though: these powerful little tablets are secret multi-tasking miracles. So even if your cutlery isn’t calling, here’s how to put them to work elsewhere.


what you’ll need:

  • smol dishwasher tablets (obviously)
  • gloves (we mean business)
  • hot water
  • cloths, sponge or brush
  • tin foil (for the rack trick)
  • Sink, bath or bowl for soaking

ways to clean with a dishwasher tablet (that’s not plates).


1. fizz your toilet fresh.


  • Drop a smol dishwasher tablet into the toilet bowl.
  • Let it do its thing for at least an hour (overnight is best).
  • Scrub with a loo brush and flush.


Smells fresher. Looks cleaner. Feels good.



2. deep clean the oven door (without crying).


  • Working on a cold oven, put on gloves (always a good idea when cleaning).
  • Slightly dampen a smol dishwasher tablet (enough to keep the edges soft).
  • Rub it gently over the inside of your oven door glass.
  • The enzymes in the tablet will get to work breaking down grease and grime.
  • Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth or sponge.



3. soak oven racks.


  • Wrap each rack in tin foil (shiny side in).
  • Lay an old towel in the bottom of your bath to protect the surface.
  • Place the racks on the towel and cover them with water.
  • Pop a smol dishwasher tablet on top of each foil parcel.
  • Leave to soak overnight.
  • In the morning, drain the bath, unwrap the racks and rinse them clean.
  • Recycle the foil 



4. fix limescale marks.


Your dishwasher tab is like a tiny pumice stone that loves to eat up limescale marks!


  • Dampen a smol dishwasher tablet slightly (wear gloves).
  • Rub gently over limescale on taps, plughole surrounds, shower heads or stems.
  • Wipe with a damp cloth and dry to shine.



5. clean your sink.


  • Remove any dishes and give your sink a quick rinse.
  • Place a smol dishwasher tablet in the sink and fill with hot water.
  • Let it sit for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a super-deep clean).
  • Drain, rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth for a dazzling finish.


You can even watch our video guide here - grab your gloves and get glowing!

your questions, answered.

can I use a dishwasher tablet on metal surfaces?

Yes, but avoid aluminium or delicate coatings. Always patch test if unsure.


is it safe for toilets and drains?

Absolutely. Dishwasher tablets can help deodorise and break down grime in toilets and sinks.


can I use them on wood?

Nope. Best to stick to bathroom + kitchen deep cleans.


how often can I do these cleaning hacks?

Once every couple of weeks is usually enough to keep things fresh and shiny.


Got more dishwasher hacks of your own? We love to hear them. Tag us @smolproducts and don’t forget: just because it’s called a dishwasher tablet doesn’t mean it only belongs in a dishwasher.