Dishwashers are such hardworking sidekicks in the kitchen, but they need a good detergent to get everything squeaky clean.
Dishwasher detergents come in many forms, but if you want convenience and effectiveness? Dishwasher tablets are your best friend.
Just put the tab in the dispenser and run a wash cycle – it’s that easy.
With so many options, though, finding the best dishwasher tablets in Australia can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve loaded up all our favourites right here to give you clean dishes every wash.
Best Overall | Best Value | Best Eco-Friendly | Best for Tough Stains | Best for Delicate Dishes | Best for Sensitive | Best for Dishwasher Cleaning | Best Homemade
How to Choose a Dishwasher Tablet
A good dish tab ensures your dishes are completely clean, leaving little to no residue.
Here are key considerations when picking the right dish tab for your machine, so its cleaning efforts don’t go down the drain (ha!).
BUDGET: Dishwashing tablets typically cost more than other types of detergents, so make sure you’re choosing good value – within your budget.
CLEANING POWER: Quality dish tabs should be able to tackle baked-on grease, food stains, and other residue. And all without leaving any residue.
COMPATIBILITY: Be sure the tabs are compatible with your dishwasher model. If your model doesn’t accommodate tabs in the dispenser(s), opt for other dishwasher detergents.
WATER: If you live in a hard water area, look for dish tabs that contain salt or water-softening ingredients. Otherwise, you may have to use other forms of detergent or install a water softener.
INGREDIENTS: If you’re eco-conscious, look for dish tabs with biodegradable, plant-based, and/or vegan ingredients. Avoid ingredients like chlorine, bleach, or phosphates.
PACKAGING: Given how much waste is associated with dish tabs, look for brands with plastic-free or biodegradable packaging. Many brands even use water-soluble films instead of plastic wrappers.
SENSITIVITY: If you have sensitive skin, choose an allergy-friendly tablet!
If you’ve booked a kitchen cleaning service, add on the dishes and ask your cleaner to pop a dish tab in when they run a load.
Top Picks for Best Dishwasher Tablets in Australia
Dishwashing tablets are gaining popularity for ease of use and convenience!
But since they’re less common than powders and liquids, it may be harder to know which ones to buy.
We’ve scoured (get it?) your different options and rounded up our recommendations for the best dish tabs you can get.
Best Overall: Finish Ultimate Pro Dishwasher Tablets
Finish Ultimate Pro tablets take the #1 spot for tackling all types of food particles and grease.
These internet cult favourites can take on days-old stains, baked-on grease, and stuck-on food – even without pre-rinsing!
The Finish Ultimate Pro tabs use ActivBlu technology with powerful cleaning enzymes. Their improved formula dissolves faster than ever, making them effective even in short and eco wash cycles.
Plus, the tabs are wrapper-free; instead, they use a water-soluble film. That means no unwrapping and throwing out plastic – just pop a tab in and go.
Then when the dishes are done, you’re left with a dishwasher smelling fresh!
Best Value: Logix All-in-One Dishwasher Tablets
Scour the internet forums and you’ll find lots of frugal Aussies recommending the Logix All-in-One as the best value dishwasher tablets!
These phosphate-free tablets are great value for money. One pack costs $6.29 for 45 pieces, which comes out to 14c per wash – with the same results as bigger brands.
Logix’s enzyme formula delivers a “complete, everyday clean” that’s effective at removing dried-on stains. It can even tackle tricky foods like dried egg yolk and baked-on cheese.
They’re also packaged with 100% biodegradable, water-soluble film for less plastic so you save money and the environment.
Best Eco-Friendly: Ecostore Dishwasher Tablets
Ecostore has a commitment to natural performance, helping the environment one home at a time.
Their dish tabs are non-toxic, plant-based, and cruelty-free. Moreover, the formula has no phthalates, artificial perfumes, synthetic dyes, and other nasty chemicals.
Instead, the dish tabs rely on active oxygen and natural ingredients to cut through grease, stains, and dried-on foods. There’s also a built-in rinse aid for a streak-free finish.
And yes, their products are septic and greywater-safe!
Best for Tough Stains: Fairy Platinum Plus Dishwasher Tablets
You can never go wrong choosing this dishwasher tablet when you’re faced with the dirtiest dishes.
It boasts a built-in prewash power that breaks down and lifts off all sorts of dirt, and a tri-active formula that works even in eco or short cycles.
And since you don’t need to pre-rinse, you get to save on water and energy costs.
Fairy’s Platinum Plus tabs are so powerful, they even include your dishwasher’s filter when cleaning! That helps maintain your dishwasher between deep cleans.
Best for Delicate Dishes: Somat Excellence 4-in-1 Dishwasher Capsules
Wondering how to wash off the red wine from your glasses? Enter the Somat Dishwasher Capsules.
Somat uses “unique German gel technology” for gel capsules formulated to protect delicate dishes like wine glasses, mugs, and other glassware.
The fast-dissolving capsules can deep clean stubborn stains while leaving a brilliant shine. Moreover, they’re compatible with low-temp, eco, and short cycles.
Somat’s 4-in-1 detergent capsules even have preventative-care ingredients that protect your dishwasher and avoid corrosion.
Best for Sensitive Users: Koh Dishwashing Tablets
If you have skin sensitivities or respiratory conditions, it can be tricky to find cleaning products you can use.
Thankfully, Koh’s Dishwashing Tabs are eco-certified and allergy-friendly, with a natural formula approved by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program.
Koh doesn’t use any harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes, or irritating fragrances! There are no added colourants and the tabs limit VOC vapours, which can cause adverse reactions.
These dish tabs are also septic, greywater, and BioCycle-safe. They also come in biodegradable wrappers with kerbside recyclable packaging.
Best for Dishwasher Cleaning: Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
It’s right in the name – these Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner tabs are built to handle a much bigger load than your dinner plates: the dishwasher itself.
These powerful tabs are formulated to remove limescale and mineral build-up in most dishwasher brands and models, including top brands like Whirlpool and KitchenAid.
Affresh tabs “clean where you can’t see,” such as the pump, valve, and even drain. They’re also U.S. Safer Choice certified, so they’re safe for septic tanks.
Use once a month to clean your dishwasher, keeping it efficient and in good working condition.
Best DIY Dishwasher Tablets
If you’re saving money or love a bit of DIY, homemade dishwasher tablets can be a fun and cost-effective solution.
Plus, you can control the ingredients, ensuring they are free from harsh chemicals.
Here’s a recipe to make homemade dishwasher tablets:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup washing soda
- 3/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1 cup kosher salt or any ground salt
- Ice cube tray
- Large bowl
- Spoon
In a large bowl, combine your baking soda, washing soda, and kosher salt. Stir well to ensure they are evenly mixed. You can use your hands to break up chunks.
Gradually add lemon juice to the dry mixture, stirring continuously until saturated. It will fizz a little, but it’s part of the process – so don’t worry.
Once the fizzing stops, spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray, pressing it down firmly to form compact tablets.
Allow the tablets to dry at room temperature overnight or at least 12 hours. Once they are completely dry, pop them out of the tray and store them in an airtight container.
Homemade dish tabs can be a cheaper option than store-bought, while still achieving amazing results. You can even customise them to your own preferences!
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Dishwashing Tablets
There are many ways to get the best cleaning performance from your dishwasher tablets! Here are a few tips.
Use the right cycle: Each dishwasher cycle is designed for a different load, so choose the appropriate one. That ensures clean dishes and keeps the machine in good condition.
Don’t overload the dishwasher: Overloading is a common cause of the dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly. Ensure there is enough space for water and detergent to circulate.
Pre-rinse when necessary: While many modern tablets are designed to work without pre-rinsing, heavily soiled dishes may benefit from a quick rinse before loading.
Store tablets properly: Keep your dishwasher tablets in a cool, dry place to prevent them from crumbling, clumping, or becoming less effective.
Clean your dishwasher regularly: Dishwasher cleaning helps maintain its performance. You can either use tablets with dishwasher cleaning agents or a specialised cleaner every month.
Use for other cleaning tasks: Dishwasher tablets are so versatile that they can help clean your oven, toilet, and even your refrigerator, so make the most out of them!
Keep Tabs on These Dish Tab FAQs
We’ve put together answers to common questions people have about using dish tabs!
Are dishwasher tablets safe for septic tanks?
Some dishwashing tablets are safe for septic tanks, but not all. You’ll have to look at the packaging or manufacturer’s website to ensure the tabs are septic-safe.
Chemicals like phosphates and surfactants are commonly found in dish tabs, and they can heavily impact your septic tank. These chemicals can also affect your local waterways.
Environmentally friendly brands like Ecostore, Koh, and Affresh have certified their dish tabs as septic-safe.
Are cheap dishwasher tablets ok?
Yes, many cheap dish tabs are effective even at a lower price!
Lots of Aussies online swear by the more affordable store-brand dish tabs from Aldi, Woolies, or Bunnings.
Since they’re usually available in bulk, these dish tabs come out cheaper per wash compared to other brands.
However, inexpensive options may not efficiently tackle tough stains and greasy dishes. They may also contain harsher chemicals, which can damage your machine and dishes over time.
What to avoid in dishwasher tablets?
When choosing dishwasher tablets, avoid those with high phosphate and chlorine content.
Phosphates are effective in breaking down food particles and removing stains, but they can harm the environment.
When they enter our waterways, they can promote algae growth and harm local wildlife.
Meanwhile, chlorine is a great disinfectant but can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. It can also react to other substances to create toxic fumes.
If you have skin or respiratory sensitivities, avoid dish tabs with artificial dyes or fragrances. They may leave a residue on your dishes and potentially cause allergic reactions.
Instead, look for dish tabs that have biodegradable and/or plant-based ingredients.
Which Finish dishwasher tablet is the best?
Choosing the “best” Finish tablets depends on your cleaning and dishwashing needs!
For example, the Finish Ultimate Pro tabs at the top of our list are best for deep cleaning dishes.
If you’re looking for affordable, everyday cleaning, try the Finish Powerball All-in-One tabs or the Finish Classic. On the other hand, for delicate glassware, use Finish Powerball Ultimate Plus Material Care.
Which dishwasher tablets does Miele recommend?
The best dishwasher tablet for Miele dishwashers is their very own Miele UltraTabs All-in-1.
Miele has formulated their UltraTabs specifically with their dishwashers in mind. They contain no phosphates and come in water-soluble wrapping.
The tabs feature rinse aid, dishwasher salt, and glass protection additives that clean and protect your plates and glasses at the same time.
The brand recommends you use the UltraTabs in combination with the QuickPowerWash program to leave your dishware sparkling clean.
Which dishwasher tablets do Bosch recommend?
Bosch recommends dishwasher detergents from the Finish brand, whether in powder, liquid, or tablet form.
But when it comes to tablets, the best dishwasher tablets for Bosch dishwashers are Finish’s Powerball and Quantum tabs. Be mindful that the Quantum tabs contain a bleaching agent!
