If you’re not a fan of strong-smelling cleaning products, suffer from allergies or just want to avoid the odour that can be left behind on dishes or glasses, then Finish 0% Dishwasher Tablets could be your solution. However, some cleaning experts say this tip could do more damage than good to your machine, which is why we’d suggest a specially designed washing machine cleaner for the job instead. What are the best dishwasher tablets to buy? The lemon-and-lime-scented tablets come in boxes made from 100% recycled cardboard and they are also cruelty-free while promising to be tough on grease and dried-on food. With built-in rinse aid and salt, you don’t have to mess around adding other elements to your dishwasher, and the tablets can even work at lower temperatures. They also come in a 100% biodegradable wrapper. This statement is true to a great extent, which is why there are dozens of dishwashing solutions that promise to pretty much the same thing.

ALDI Magnum Dishwasher Tablets keep cropping up on the Mumsnet forums, with many Mumsnetters saying how effective these tablets were. And at 11p a tablet, they’re budget-friendly to boot. Dishwashing tablets come in various formations and combinations that you may have a hard time chowing the best for you.

Why you should trust us

After placing a dishwasher tablet in the dispenser (or in the bottom of your dishwasher) and selecting the wash cycle you want, many of us don’t spare a thought for how dishwasher tablets actually work. But here’s how those small tablets get your dishes, cutlery and pans sparkling. You’ll find a variety of Finish dishwashing products around, but the Quantum Ultimate Dishwasher Tablets have been designed to achieve impressive results. The Miele Ultra Dishwasher Tablets have been designed with Miele dishwashers in mind, but can be used in any dishwasher make or model. They are pricey but promise to deliver shining results, even on the toughest of stains. As well as using reliable dishwasher tablets, there are a few steps that you can take to improve the cleanliness of your dishes if they aren’t emerging as dirt-free as you’d like.

The dishwasher tablet you use will also depend on the results you want from your wash, the type of water in your area, and the types of stains you need it to clean.

How do I choose the best dishwasher tablets?

If you’re trying to make your home more environmentally-friendly, Ecover’s Classic Dishwasher Tablets are made with renewable plant-based and mineral ingredients.

No matter what dishwasher tablets you use, if your machine is dirty you’ll never get the best results. Some dishwasher cleaners require you to put the dishwasher on empty, which can be frustrating when you have piles of dirty plates waiting to go in. However, Finish has developed the In-Wash tablets so that you can clean your dishes at the same time. Dishwasher tablets come in liquid or tablet form, or a capsule containing both. While each product is different, they are generally made up of a combination of builders, bleaches, enzymes and surfactants. Some are designed to work better at a high temperature while others are more successful at removing tough stains or cutting through grease when set at lower temperatures. Eco-friendlyEco-friendly dishwasher tablets often substitute bleach and other chemical ingredients for more natural cleaning agents, such as sodium citrate and sodium percarbonate. Are more expensive dishwasher tablets worth it?