How to save a bob or two .......?

[mrs.chappie]

I've just been reading on MoneySavingExpert, some folk use cheap washing powder (eg Tesco Value range) in their dishwasher to save money, rather than buy the expensive tablets. I wouldn't have thought of that - would be worried it'd knacker up the dishwasher.

Has anyone ever tried it?

[hollie1586]

yes...i use the value dishwasher tabs and they do a great job! saves a hell of alot of money too.

[237SJ]

All the same as the expensive brands without paying for the name. Sometimes supermarket own brands are actually made by the big names so you get the same thing at a lower price.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks hollie but I meant that they use cheap clothes washing powder, rather than actual dishwasher powder or tablets. Apparently clothes washing powder is cheaper than cheap dishwasher powder. (Clear as mud?)

[:o)

[JB]

I've used washing powder when I've ran out of dishwasher tabs/powder and no ill effects. Mum in law tried 'a little squirt of fairy liquid' once when she ran out. Not recommended - that really did knacker the machine.

[237SJ]

Sorry mrs c I didn`t read your question properly either. No. I wouldn`t use washing powder in a dishwasher. I would be worried about any traces of residue that could be left behind that arn`t meant for human consumption

[mrs.chappie]

My fault 237 as I didn't word it correctly. I'd be worried as well but the folk on the thread commented that they get a good rinse in the dishwasher. I'm tempted to give it a go but I tend to buy loads of dishwasher tabs when they're on offer, so I'm usually well stocked up.

Hey JB, one person on the thread mentioned they had put a drop of Star Drops in, and it worked well. I'm not sure but I think Star Drops is a kind of washing up liquid.

One thing I have done is to chop the dishwasher tablet in half. Seems to work just as well, but I only have a slimline dishwasher.

[mrs.chappie]

Many moons ago I put some Fairy Liquid in the washing machine. VERY bad idea. {:o(

[JB]

I've used stardrops too - its not soapy like a washing up liquid, so was ok, but the results weren't great. I am a big stardrops fan otherwise though.

[mrs.chappie]

I might give Stardrops a go then, as my dishes are often only lightly soiled.

[mrs.chappie]

I'm also thinking of giving these a go ......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk...c1e6003#ht_2086wt_991

Mind you, I'll end up with so many dishwasher tabs, I'll need an extension built onto my extension! [:o)

[wendilla]

Not a good idea that would be asking for trouble.Yes Mrs Chappie that's what I do buy them when on special offer .But I must admit they do go over the top a bit with the price of the brand named ones.

[Jemisa]

I used Tesco cheapo DW tablets once but everything came out looking cloudy, so after that I put 2 in and hey-presto we had 'sparkle' but that doesn't work out cheap. I went back to Tesco 5 in One & only get 'Finish' if on offer.

jem

[joeluke]

My dishwasher always brings me a cup of coffee when she's finished

[B00]

Why dont you be totally money saving and get rid of the DW? ;)

Incidently, the MSE forum is excellent, I spend ages browsing round there.

[carrot99]

I too buy the brands when on special offer but how are you supposed to know which is the best? In the cupboard at the moment I have both Finish Max-in-One and Finish All-in-One but am actually using Finish 10-in-One..... The only difference as far as I can see is that some go in the dishwasher with their wrapping on.

I wouldn't use washing powder tablets as I wouldn't want to eat off scented plates.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks for replies folks. x

Hey B00, I used to be against the idea of a dishwasher (being a Yorkshire lass, got palpitations thinking about the water meter spinning off the wall) until I moved into a house with one already in situ. Now I wouldn't be without one. I think it's great. And they don't cost a bomb to run (if you're a canny lass like wot I am).

Carrot, I too thought it not nice to eat off scented crockery, but, according to the MSE thread, those cheap washing powders have very little scent in 'em - unlike the expensive powders, where you're paying for the perfume.