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Dishwasher tablets

(29 Posts)
vegasmags Thu 10-Jul-14 08:44:44

I am proud to boast that it is 37 years since I have done manual washing up - love cooking, hate washing up. I usually go for the cheapest dishwasher tablets I can find but they don't seem to be as efficient as they were. I wash everyday things at 40 degrees, and if I have to wash at the highest temperature, my dishwasher takes ages and uses lots of water, rather cancelling out the savings. I can't believe how expensive some dishwasher tablets are, but do they do a good job and are they worth the money? I should add that I live in a very soft water area so don't need to add dishwasher salt. What brands do other GNetters recommend, please?

Agus Tue 22-Jul-14 07:13:35

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dave0022 Tue 22-Jul-14 04:54:41

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sparkygran Thu 17-Jul-14 19:36:07

vegasmags like phoenix`s friend I have recently been told about Lidl`s W5 dishwasher tablets and they are simply fantastic - just as good as the much more expensive brands

HildaW Thu 17-Jul-14 19:32:36

Morrisons are good and good value..and recommended by GoodHousekeeping Magazine.

mrsmopp Thu 17-Jul-14 18:02:52

I find the loose dishwasher powder is a lot cheaper than tablets and if the pots are not too greasy you can use a bit less. Try Asda.
I'm in a soft water area too so we don't need to be so heavy handed with detergents, soap, shampoo and the like.

TwiceAsNice Thu 17-Jul-14 15:53:58

Aldi Magnum much better than expensive brands. Will use Waitrose essential if I can't be bothered to make a special trip, Aldi further away Waitrose very near.

Humbertbear Thu 17-Jul-14 07:07:42

I buy Finish Powerball when they are on offer in Costco. I think we probably have a lifetime supply in the cupboard under the stairs.

harrigran Thu 17-Jul-14 00:12:17

I always used Finish but someone gave me a free sample of Fairy platinum and I prefer that now, you can really see the difference even on short cycles.

Nelliemoser Thu 10-Jul-14 22:25:25

I also find Aldi brand dis washer tablets excellent.

Deedaa Thu 10-Jul-14 21:25:48

I always use Aldi dishwasher tablets and find them quite satisfactory. I once bought some ludicrously expensive Fairy ones which had been hugely reduced because the packaging was damaged. They worked perfectly well, but no better than the Aldi ones.

I read somewhere that Aldi's chocolate is made by one of the best manufacturers in Germany. Some of the stuff they had at Christmas was lovely!

Iam64 Thu 10-Jul-14 17:03:26

I'll try the eco ones. I' using eco washing up liquid, which is brilliant and economical.
Like so many here, I buy the more expensive ones, when they're on offer. The cheaper ones don't seem as effective. I heard on the radio that Lidl is winning the way here.

I love having a dishwasher, especially as we have 2 other adults living with us currently, with many more visitors, big meals to clear up after.

Anne58 Thu 10-Jul-14 16:16:55

Agree kitty all the choc I have tried has been lush and so cheap!

kittylester Thu 10-Jul-14 14:21:46

They don't have a gf range Nina or I might go more often. I love the nut chocolate!

ninathenana Thu 10-Jul-14 13:30:07

kitty that's exactly what I used to say. I have found however, that their range has extended although not as varied as the big names.
DH loves Aldi special features on Sundays and Thursdays when they have gardening stuff or tools etc.

ninathenana Thu 10-Jul-14 13:26:10

Aldi Magnum every time !

If I'm running low I will go to Aldi just for them. I use their 'shine' too, and their own salt.

vegasmags Thu 10-Jul-14 12:55:27

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I'll look out for a special offer, and give one of the 'posh' brands a try smile

kittylester Thu 10-Jul-14 10:40:07

Powerball - bulk bought when they are on offer. We have both aldi and lidl near but I rarely shop there are their ranges are so limited!

Gagagran Thu 10-Jul-14 10:40:04

Aldi Magnum are excellent and much cheaper than the big name brands. They came out as "Best Buy" in "Which".

felice Thu 10-Jul-14 10:38:26

I use the cheapest brand in our local supermarket, when I ran out I got some from DD, expensive ones, they did make a difference, but too expensive for me.
I found this thread when I was looking for the one on things designed by men, I just cleaned the filter on my dishwasher and it is almost impossible to clean, ended up using an old toothbrush on it and had to get a flexible filleting knife to clean one bit !!!!!!!!

Charleygirl Thu 10-Jul-14 09:52:08

I also never pay the full price, it is now ridiculous. I buy good quality like Powerball and I have never had an "undissolved" issue. Unfortunately I do not have a Lidl or Aldi near me.

J52 Thu 10-Jul-14 09:40:28

I also had un dissolved tablet issues. Now only use Fairy liquid tabs, stocked up on when on offer. Wilkinsons seem to have good offers. X

whenim64 Thu 10-Jul-14 09:22:46

I haven't got a dishwasher now, but I used to bulk buy the Powerball tablets when they were on offer, as cheaper ones just didn't clean everything. Sounds like the Lidl ones have the edge now, though - my daughter uses them even though she doesn't shop there - gets her MiL to bring them.

annodomini Thu 10-Jul-14 09:21:54

Waitrose's own brand - not as cheap as Lidl's and Aldi's, perhaps, but I keep an eye open for special offers which make them very good value. They are as effective as any others I have tried.

nightowl Thu 10-Jul-14 09:19:04

Coop or ecover every time! Not tested on animals and eco friendly. Do a good job as well. Same for their washing up liquid.

Purpledaffodil Thu 10-Jul-14 08:59:48

Might be a mug, but I do find the Fairy ones do a better job on a shorter wash as well. I try to buy them when they are on special offer, so the cost difference is not so great. Incidentally DS2 had a problem with blocked pipe in the kitchen which was caused by undissolved dishwasher tablet powder building up. He was advised to do a hot wash frequently to prevent this build up, so we cannot always be as green as we want to be.sad