Dishwasher tablets

[sp1214]

The price in the supermarket for these has increased exponentially where they are now charging over �9 for a small box. Is there a better alternative than to using these? Only today I tried putting in some washing up liquid and the plates came out sparkling. You have to make sure not too much is put in otherwise it froths out though. Is there any other disadvantage to using washing up liquid?

[buildersmate]

Have you tried 'own brand' dishwasher powder instead of expensive manufactured tablets?
The powder is more agressive in cleaning than liquid (because it doesn't need to be kind to your hands), but if it works for you then the only downside I know of is that the froth might get out and into the gubbins of the machine.

[Sammy Snake]

Have you tried washing by hand and using fairy liquid? It only costs 99p, lasts ages and now hands that do dishes can feel soft as your face!

[Toureman]

I don't know if it's any cheaper to go back to the old way of buying salt for the resovoir in the bottom, glass shine fluid, and then cheap basic washer tablets that don't have the 5 in 1 formula.

Could price it all up and see.

[SickThings]

Buy them from Aldi or Lidl. They work out at around 6p per wash. There are Tesco value ones too, but they are as hard to find as hens teeth. The dishes come out clean however much (or little) you spend!

[sp1214]

Personally I think most of the tablets are not fit for purpose as the dishes come out smeared even the cheaper variety. Even when drinking from a cleaned glass you can taste the chemicals that the tablets leave behind.

[windywillow]

How much washing up liquid did you use? A teaspoon? Tablespoon? I've never thought of giving that a go, would be scared to damage the machine - but think I might try it now (lol).

I sometimes use dishwasher powder instead of tablets. Use only half of the quantity it tells you to use, and the results are still good.