Another supermarket buy, these tablets were equally strong cleaners across a range of programs. While they performed well in both our test dishwashers, perhaps unsurprisingly, they produced slightly better results in the high-end model. In our mid-range dishwasher, some mugs had a few tea stains remaining, while our Pyrex dish wasn’t free from pasta sauce either.

This was repeated on an economy cycle and on an intensive cycle, adding more difficult to clean items like pasta-stained Pyrex dishes to our standard stained load. Each of these tests was also carried out in a second dishwasher to ensure consistency. To find the dishwasher tablets that are sure to leave your dishes sparkling (no matter what’s on your dinner menu!), the Good Housekeeping Institute put 18 different tablets to the test. Showing us just how good own-brand cleaning products can be, these Waitrose tablets came a close second on test. They scored highly across all three programs, and performed better on economy than standard, so will save you money at the till and during the cleaning process.Contains subtilisin. May produce an allergic reaction. Close the bag properly. Do not pierce, break or cut. These tablets delivered an outstanding clean on test; they scored perfect marks on our standard cycle – our glassware was gleaming and cloud-free – and dropped just a few marks on economy and intensive settings. Finally, ensuring dishwasher salt is topped up will keep the machine cleaner. How we test dishwasher tablets

Modern detergents such as Finish Quantum Ultimate contain both bleach and enzymes and are recommended by dishwasher manufacturers for use without pre-rinsing. CLEAN YOUR DISHES WITHOUT PRE-RINSING: Let your dishwasher and the powerful formula of Finish Ultimate All in One dishwashing detergent take care of the dirty dishes without pre-rinsing.*** From the #1 Recommended brand*, Finish Ultimate dishwasher tablets, provides ultimate clean on your dishes and glasses, 1st time everytime. To ensure proper disposal, please drop off your empty pouch at larger stores at carrier bag collection points. See oprl.org.uk for recycling locations near you From our testing, we found there’s little difference between branded and own-brand dishwasher tablets. In fact, three of our four highest-scoring dishwasher tablets are from supermarkets, showing swapping to own-brands is well worth it if you’re looking to save money in your weekly shop.Scoring the highest of all our tablets on an economy program, this is a savvy switch to make if you’re looking to save on your energy bill without compromising on cleanliness. IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.

Finish is the most recommended detergent based on the market share of manufacturers that recommend Finish No need to! Pre-rinsing is a thing of the past. And although many British households do it, it’s time consuming and wasteful of precious resources. Reduce, reuse, refill with our powerful dishwasher tablets. Hard-working without the harsh chemicals, our plastic-free tablets are proven to lift food stains, cut grease and grime, and leave plates sparkling clean. Say goodbye to conventional plastic-wrapped dishwasher detergent pods for good! Caring for your dishwasher will also boost the cleanliness of your dishes. Stop the filter clogging by scraping off food residue from your plates and bowls before you load it. We recommend cleaning the filter regularly too, ideally after every use, but once a week should suffice.

Usage tips: Remove food scraps. Place the tablet in the dishwasher detergent dispenser and close it. To respect the environment, run your dishwasher with a full load, choose low temperature washing cycles and follow dosage instructions. 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. But if you open the dishwasher and find there’s residue left on your dishes, meaning you need to hand wash them or leave them in for another cycle, it’s time to swap brands.