How do I use Dishwashing Tabs for best results?Updated 3 days ago
TL;DR: One whole Dishwashing Tab per wash. Drop it straight into the detergent dispenser for normal, auto and eco cycles. The PVA film is water-soluble, so it stays on. For quick or 30 minute programs, lay the tab flat on the tub floor under the lower spray arm instead, because the dispenser may not open in time. Keep tabs whole and handle them with dry hands. Works the same way in full-size, compact and drawer dishwashers.
Should I cut the tabs or take the film off?
✓ One whole tab, film on, every wash
Each Dishwashing Tab is pre-measured for one full wash and balanced for the cycle, so half a tab is half a dose for a full load. Keep them whole.
The PVA film stays on too. It's water-soluble and designed to open at the right point in the cycle, and until then it keeps concentrated detergent off your hands. Dry hands only, because wet fingers start the film dissolving before the tab gets to the dispenser.
Where should I put the tab?
✓ Normal or auto
Straight into the detergent dispenser. Close the flap. That's it.
✓ Quick or 30 minute
Tub floor, flat, centred under the lower spray arm. The dispenser may not open in time.
✓ Eco or low temp
Start with the dispenser. If residue turns up, move to the tub floor next wash.
How should I load the dishwasher?
✓ Loading checklist
Scrape, don't rinse. Modern dishwashers need some food residue for the enzymes to grip onto. A quick scrape is plenty.
No nesting. Bowls, cups and spoons need space, or they'll shield each other from the spray.
Dirty side down and in. Face soiled surfaces towards the spray arm, not the walls.
Dry hands only. Wet fingers start the PVA film dissolving before the tab hits the dispenser.
What if dishes are still cloudy or spotty?
✓ Try in order
Top up rinse aid. Helps water sheet off glass cleanly in hard-water areas. Dishwashing Tabs do most of the work, rinse aid finishes it.
Run a hotter cycle. Eco cycles can struggle in very hard water. Step up to normal or intensive.
Move the tab to the tub floor. If you're on quick or eco, dispenser timing may be the issue.
Refill the salt reservoir. If your dishwasher has one, dishwasher salt helps the softening system handle hard water. Dull and chalky all over usually means salt plus ongoing rinse aid. A few spots is usually a loading issue.
How should I store them?
✓ Storage rules
Keep the box sealed between washes. Store somewhere cool and dry, out of direct sunlight and away from the sink or the dishwasher, since steam and splashes start the PVA film dissolving. Dry hands only.
Check the use-by date printed on the pack. Around 2 months in an average home at one tab per wash.
Around 2 months in an average home. 10 ingredients, two enzymes, each tab sealed in water-soluble PVA film. GECA certified, Sensitive Choice approved.
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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Koh Australia