One homeowner who noticed a grimy film coating their dishwasher wanted to know whether cleaner tablets are actually worth buying.
They took their question to Reddit's r/Homeowners community. Many replies said the products can help, but a much cheaper fix came up just as often.
Here's what to know
The original poster asked the subreddit, "Do dishwasher cleaner tablets actually do anything?... Does anyone here actually notice a difference after using one or are they kind of a scam? Genuinely can't tell if it's worth trying."
Most commenters said dishwasher cleaner tablets are worth using, although several noted that performance depends on the brand. Users with obvious residue inside their machines were among those who said they noticed improvement.
But perhaps the most common budget-minded suggestion was using plain citric acid instead of a branded cleaner.
The top comment read, "It is significantly cheaper to just buy a small bag of powdered citric acid and run an empty load with a tbsp or so of citric acid as needed, or more regularly if you have hard water."
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Several replies emphasized that buildup may stick around unless the dishwasher itself is maintained. They pointed readers toward the filter first, with some also recommending occasional attention to the spray arms and door seals.
However, some commenters cautioned against using citric acid in every cycle, saying it can reduce how well detergent works and may encourage rust when metal items are being washed. Vinegar got negative reviews too, with others warning that it can be hard on seals and gaskets.
Commenters also noted that manufacturers such as GE recommend this type of cleaning only once in a while, not constantly.
More background
A dishwasher can start performing poorly long before it fully breaks down. Mineral deposits and old food residue can leave dishes cloudy and create unpleasant smells. And unfortunately, specialty cleaning products can get expensive quickly.
Because it is sold in inexpensive bulk bags and used in small amounts, citric acid may offer the same benefit as branded dishwasher cleaners for less money. Natural cleaning products can also help households save money while avoiding some harsher store-bought options.
If you're concerned about the cleanliness of your dishwasher, start by checking the filter. If it can be removed, clear away trapped food and scrub off residue with soap, water, and a toothbrush if needed.
From there, an empty cycle may help freshen the machine. Some people opt for a cleaner tablet, while others use a small amount of citric acid on a normal cycle, especially where hard water is common. It can also be worthwhile to look for clogs in the spray arms and wipe down the door gasket.
As one commenter put it: "Honestly. The first time I did it, I was shocked. Now I try to do it every few months."
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover other practical maintenance tips that can improve performance while cutting waste.
• A farmer shared a three-ingredient recipe for homemade dishwasher detergent that cleaned effectively.
• An appliance expert said a dishwasher may be failing before owners notice the signs.
• Advice from a real-life dishwasher scientist can mean cleaner loads with less wasted water.
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