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Do I need to scrub pots and pans before the dishwasher?Updated a day ago

TL;DR: Usually no. Dishwashing Tabs are designed to lift dried egg yolk and baked-on food, and most pots come out clean without scrubbing. For heavily burnt or greasy cookware, a 15 minute pre-treat with Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner does the heavy lifting before the wash. Scrape off large scraps either way, and don't pack the machine so tight that water can't reach every surface.

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Baked-on food lifting off cookware after a wash with Koh Dishwashing Tabs
Cookware before and after a wash with Koh Dishwashing Tabs

When should I prep first?

For everyday dishes and lightly soiled pots, no scrubbing is needed. Koh Dishwashing Tabs lift dried egg yolk, baked-on food and most cookware residue in the wash cycle. Heavy soiling is the exception. For thick burnt-on food, scrape off the large bits before loading. For stubborn grease or baked-on grime, spray the cookware with Koh Kitchen Grease and Oil Cleaner and leave it 15 minutes before running the dishwasher. The pre-treat does the heavy lifting so the wash cycle finishes the job.

✓ Quick prep for heavy soiling

Thick, baked-on or burnt food benefits from a quick scrape before loading. Take out the bigger bits, loosen anything carbonised, and don't overload the machine, since water needs a path to every surface.

Remove large scraps Loosen burnt areas Leave room for water

✓ 15 minute pre-treat

For stubborn grease or baked-on grime, spray the cookware with Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner and leave it 15 minutes before starting the cycle.

Spray the surface Wait 15 minutes Run the dishwasher

Which scrubbing tool should I use?

For spots that need hands-on attention, work from the gentlest tool up. Koh Dish Brush suits everyday dishes and lightly stuck residue. Koh Scrubby Pads handle medium grime including baked-on food and dried sauces. Koh Diamond Sponge is the heavy-duty option, built for burnt cookware, oven racks, grill plates and glass bakeware. It cleans by abrasion, so it belongs on bare metal, glass and enamel. Use Scrubby Pads on coated, non-stick and delicate surfaces instead.

Work through these in order, gentlest first.

✓ Gentle

Dish Brush for everyday dishes and lightly stuck residue.

Daily use

✓ Medium

Scrubby Pads for baked-on food and dried sauces, and the one to reach for on coated or non-stick pans.

Baked-on food Coated and non-stick

✓ Heavy duty

Diamond Sponge is built for burnt cookware, oven racks, grill plates and glass bakeware. It cleans by abrasion, so it belongs on bare metal, glass and enamel.

Burnt cookware Oven racks Bare metal and glass
Koh Dishwashing Tabs

Dishwashing Tabs

Around 2 months in an average home. 10 ingredients, two enzymes, each tab sealed in water-soluble PVA film. GECA certified, Sensitive Choice approved.

No loose powder to handle
Add to cartView productRead reviews
Koh Kitchen Grease and Oil Cleaner

Kitchen Grease & Oil Cleaner · for the pre-treat

Around 6 months in an average home. 15 ingredients, two enzymes. GECA certified, Sensitive Choice approved. Spray, wait 15 minutes, then dishwash.

Add to cartView productRead reviews
Koh Diamond Sponges for burnt cookware

Diamond Sponges

The heavy-duty scrubber, built for burnt cookware, oven racks, grill plates and glass bakeware. Use Scrubby Pads on coated and non-stick surfaces.

Add to cartView productRead reviews

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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Koh Australia

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