The dishwasher is that magical household ally, saving us from fighting endless piles of dishes and turning what could be the most mundane cleaning task into an effortless routine. But if we had a dollar for every time someone asked, “Am I supposed to take the plastic off dishwasher tablets?”, we’d probably have our dishwashers stocked for life.
If this has been scratching your head, well do not worry you are not alone. Let us eliminate the mystery for you and have a closer look at those small sachets of cleaning power.
Table of Contents
To Peel or Not to Peel?
Short answer no, you usually never have to remove the plastic from dishwasher tablets, and here’s why:
Most of the modern dishwasher tablets have been designed to be wrapped in water-soluble film. That means it’s not really “plastic” at all but a special coating that would dissolve completely in water during the wash cycle. The coating breaks down seamlessly, mixing with water, helping your dishes to sparkle, and leaving no traces behind. Convenient?
For most brands, this savvy coating is eco-friendly, with an utter elimination of hard plastic packaging usage. It is all about being effective and going green.
But read the packaging first! The older or more unusual dishwasher tablets still require that you remove some real plastic wrappings. If the film feels stiff or doesn’t dissolve in water, here is a clue it might need peeling. Just play it safe and always follow what the box says.
Why There is Coating
You may wonder why tablets have any kind of coating at all. Well, the thin outer film serves an important purpose or two:
- Protects the tablet from moisture and crumbling prior to use we don’t want a pile of powder in your storage drawer!
- Seals in ingredients to keep detergent fresh and potent until it’s time to clean.
They are easy to handle and will not leave fingers messy after touching detergent powder.
This is probably a little feature, but still it is intended to combine both convenience and performance.
Pro Tips for Using Dishwasher Tablets
Assuming that the shells are dissolvable, here’s how you can get the most out of your dishwasher tablets:
- Dry Hands Are Your Friend: Wet hands are not ideal concerning tablets because they tend to dissolve fast with wet touches. Always use dry hands to hold them.
- Place It Right: Just pop the tablet straight into the detergent compartment of your dishwasher. Don’t just drop the thing loose into the bottom of the machine or it could dissolve too easily.
- Store Properly: Keep your tablets in a cool, dry place. Water can affect the coating and weaken the effectiveness of your tablets.
- Check Your Dishwasher Settings: Tablets are designed to work best on standard and eco-friendly wash cycles. Avoid using ultra-short cycles if you want the tablet to fully work its magic.
- Know Your Water Hardness: If you are in hard water areas, this is where a dishwasher tablet works best paired with a rinse aid.
Eco-Friendly Considerations
If you were already wondering about the dissolvable film and to what it adds to the already messed-up Earth, rest easy because most brands are using biodegradable materials. Many leading dishwasher tablet companies have welcomed this new coating to reduce waste and offer a more eco-friendly alternative.
Of course, there is always room for improvement in your green initiatives. Watch out for brands that, besides other features, use biodegradable tablet ingredients, recyclable or compostable outer packaging, and minimal dangerous chemicals in production. Choosing environmentally friendly dishwasher detergents is a small move toward cleaner dishes and a greener world!
The Final Word
Well, for most of the modern dishwasher tablets, the answer will go this way: Just don’t. It’s designed to dissolve with ease, providing a deep cleaning to your dishes without any extra steps. Just remember to check the packaging for confirmation and follow instructions carefully.
Now that the mystery of your tablet has been solved, it’s time to load up your dishwasher! It is time to say goodbye to greasy plates and hello to spotless dishes all literally with no hassle.
Got more questions about eco-friendly cleaning, or want some product recommendations? Comment below or follow us for more tips and tricks on how to make your home shine!