Dishwashers are now commonly used in households because of their convenience and water economy. They significantly save time and effort you spent on washing dishes by hand. There are some common questions regarding dishwashers and detergent pods among the users, like “Where to put dishwasher tablets?”.
So, should I put the dishwasher detergent on the bottom of the dishwasher? No, you shouldn’t do it. Because it will dissolve during the prewash period and will not remain to the main wash cycle. You can do it only when your dispenser is broken, the little amount of detergent is better than nothing.
It is better to explore the main principles of the machine work and the rules of using it to make sure your dishwasher will serve you well, and the hygiene quality of the washing will remain high.
Dishwasher pods
Top used products for dishwashers nowadays are dishwasher tablets. Let’s see how they work and where do you put dishwasher pods.
What are dishwasher pods
A dishwasher is usually filled with dishwashing gel or pods that work as a detergent while the machine continues it’s washing cycle.
Detergent in capsules is covered in dissolvable material, Polyvinyl alcohol.
When it contacts with water it starts to dissolve and the detergent begins to work. The pods contain more concentrated detergent than the gel does.
Varieties of dishwashing pods

The dishwashing pods are very comfortable solution. There is plenty of varieties of dishwashing pods. Some of them are eco-friendly and organic, some are made including harsh chemicals. Every consumer may find a product that fits its needs.
Regardless of how organic your washing tablets are. They still contain some chemicals and should be stored and used properly. Keep the pods away from children and pets.
Dishwasher tablets are now more preferable by customers as they are easier to use than powder or gel solution. No need to measure it and the tablets take care of both of the dishes and the machine.

Dishwasher pods how to use
There is nothing easier than this instruction:
- Take one pod with dry hands to avoid dissolving of the cover
- Place it to the “main wash” compartment of your machine
- Close the lid and start the cycle
Very simple! It can’t be comparable to washing the dishes by hand! Tablets make the process even easier than the washing liquid.
Problems that may occur with the dishwasher and tablets
The reason why putting dishwasher tablet straight into a machine is a bad idea
Despite the fact the instruction for dishwasher tablets is absolutely simple, one of the common mistakes that leads to the breaking of the machine is the wrong use of the pads. People try to reinvent the wheel and put the pods directly to the dishwasher.

Let’s try to explore why it is wrong and what may be the consequences.
The cycle of washing starts with rinsing. The machine fills with water to rinse the food leftovers then release the water. After that, the washing is started.
As we remember, the pod is covered with soluble ingredient and contacting with water it dissolves releasing the detergent. So, when the rinsing begins, the pad gets into reaction with water and all the detergent gets gone with the water after the first step of the cycle.
So when the actual washing begins you don’t have most of the detergent in the machine.
The conclusion is when you get your dish pod straight between the plates you will get dirty dishes in the end and will have to repeat the cycle.
Can you use 2 dishwasher tablets?
If you put the pod to the dispenser and still have some issues with the quality of washing you have to examine your machine.
Try to figure out if the soap pod is enough for the full cycle of washing. Usually, the dishwashing machine uses all or most of the washing solution during the main cycle. If it uses too much of the detergent in the first part the dishes may remain dirty.
To check the process by yourself load the pod into the dispenser, close the lid and start the cycle. When the small cycle is over, open the lid and see if the pod is still there and how much of it is left.
If it was used completely or most part of it, then consider adding the second tablet.
This may be the problem of your machine programming. Try to get qualified maintenance for your dishwasher.

Dishwasher not dissolving tablet
Another common problem is dishwasher pods don’t dissolve during the cycle. This may happen when there is some problem with your dispenser work.
A low temperature of the water may also be the reason. Most of the pods need 110F and above to dissolve. If your machine does not provide the required temperature for some reasons then dishwasher leaves soap in the dispenser.
The low quality of the tablet may also be the reason. Try to use tablets of another manufacturer or use gel or powder for washing. If it doesn’t help then reach the service.
Some other mistakes that may cause damage to the kitchenware or the dishwasher

Maybe you use the washing solution properly and still have some problems.
Check yourself for making these common mistakes customers do when using their machines.
- Do not overload the machine. It may lead to bad quality of washing and breaking of the kitchenware and dishes. It is not a hygienic way of washing if not all the items can be washed properly.
- Wash the handmade cups, wooden items and precious porcelain by hand. Follow the instructions for the items you bring to your kitchen.
- Do not put into the dishwasher any washing products that are not made specially for use in the dishwasher.
- Keep the glasses from breaking by putting them inside according to the instruction.
- Don’t let the dishes to stay inside for too long.
A dishwasher invention is a pure blessing. When it comes to household problems it can be called one of the most useful machines ever created. It saves a huge amount of time that you may spend with your dear ones or treating yourself.
A high-quality machine will serve you long if used properly. Follow the instruction to be sure it will do it’s work the best way.
Where do you put the dishwasher tablet? I have never used them, and now, since we bought a dishwasher that uses only the tablets, I can’t figure out where to place them. I know you can say I need to check out the instructions, but it seems we lost it when we were moving to a new apartment. So please, help me figure this out!
Where do you put the dishwasher tablet? I have never used them, and now, since we bought a dishwasher that uses only the tablets, I can’t figure out where to place them. I know you can say I need to check out the instructions, but it seems we lost it when we were moving to a new apartment. So please, help me figure this out!
Hi there! Well, it is all simply here. The tablets go to the detergent dispenser section. If you place them at the bottom of the device (just like I did once), the product will be dissolved way too fast during the pre-wash stage and leaving nothing for the main cycle.
What happens if you put the dishwasher tablet directly in the dishwasher? Will that make the washing process any better?
I would not recommend you doing that since, according to my own experience, if you do so, the washing product will be dissolved much faster than usual. See, the washing cycle always starts with the rinsing stage also called a pre-wash stage. That means, if we place a detergent in the dishwasher directly from the very beginning, it will start dissolving way too early and there will be nothing left for the rest of the process.
Hi everyone! I recently learned that dishwashing tablets are harmful because of the chemicals they contain. So what can I use instead of a dishwashing tablet? Are there any safer alternatives?
Hi there! I can share with you the method I created (well, at least I think I did!). What I do to avoid using those chemicals is that I put several drops of any liquid dishwashing soap like Dawn or Fairy into the soap slot of the machine, and then I fill the rest of it with ordinary baking soda. You won’t believe it but the dishes come out clean and squeaky!
How to clean a glass oven door with a dishwasher tablet? I heard it is possible to do so but I can’t find an exact instruction. Did anyone try this method?
Hey! Yeah, I do it quite often. You just need to take any dishwashing tablet, dip it into warm water, and then rub it along the glass of the oven door. All the filth will come off immediately, but be prepared and have a couple of wipes or paper towels to clean all that!
My question may sound silly and childish, but I have always wondered: how does a tablet work in a dishwasher?
Well, that’s the question! Really, dude, I have no idea, and I guess nobody does since people usually do not bother about such things. I suppose you could ask the guys in a store where you bought the machine. They might know.
Water dissolves the outer layer of the tablet. The detergent works the same as laundry detergent. When it reacts with water, it releases enzymes that break down food and dirt. This makes the “dirt” wash off of the dishes. The water uses such force that it “scrubs” the dishes. Then there’s a rinse cycle where all of the soap and detergent is rinsed off.
Oh Christine thanks a lot!) You are really into all these chemistry-cleaning stuff=)!
My kid is having a science project next week, and he needs dishwashing tablets for that (don’t ask, I haven’t asked for the details!). Which dishwasher tablet is the best for a science fair project, what do you think?
Hey! It is just my guess, but I suppose that any famous brand like Finish will do.
Please, somebody, help me out! Why is the dishwasher tablet not dissolving? I load the machine correctly, I use fine tablets, and the dishwasher is not old! But it still doesn’t work and the tablet remains undissolved. Did anyone have this issue? How did you cope with that?
I had that several times with my old machine. The problem was in the tablet section: its lid didn’t close properly and the tablet could not be placed properly and fixed, it always fell out the second the machine started working. Maybe, you have the same issue?
Hi! I never used a dishwasher before so I do need your advice! Where does a dishwasher tablet go?
Hey there! There is a special section for it. My dishwasher has it on the inside of the door, it looks like a small grey box with a lid. I assume all the dishwashers have it attached more or less the same way.
I noticed recently that the washing tablet remains in its box even when the dishwasher is working, so all the dishes remain dirty. Why does my dishwasher not release the tablet? Does anyone know?
Hi! I would recommend you asking the specialist, but if you need to know other users’ opinions, mine is that the water might not be hot enough. It has to be between 120 and 160 F for the tablet to start working.
My detergent dispenser door latch is broken. Is there a basket or similar that is available to place a pod in and set it in the top shelf of the dishwasher?
You probably should check directly with the manufacturer of your dishwasher, even if there is one, it should fit the model.
WHAT TO DO TO MAKE THE DISHWASHER POD FIT INTO THE DISPENSER AND CLOSE ITSLID?
buy ones that fit