I've been using my mom's weird dishwasher tablet hack for years, and it's saved me so much money

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It saves money and keeps dishes clean

Dishwasher detergent capsule
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There are some things you never question, because you grew up doing them. Cutting my dishwasher tablets in half is one of them. But let me explain, because my mom's thrifty hack isn't just smart, it also keeps my machine running more efficiently.

I grew up with a half-size dishwasher and a somewhat eco-conscious mother. Her logic? Regular dishwasher tablets are designed for regular-sized dishwashers, so if you have a half-size dishwasher, you need a half-size tablet to go with it.

Half the dishes, half the detergent

Dirty dishes in dishwasher

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There are lots of people with half-sized dishwashers. They're ideally suited to smaller households, use less water and will slot into the most snug of kitchens. I could probably have had a full-size one fitted when I renovated my kitchen earlier this year, but it only has me and my partner to clean up after, so I stuck to my trusty half-size and I've not looked back.

I'll spare you the confusion: instead of buying pods of liquid detergent, my mom has always bought solid tablets. I do the same. Please, do not take a kitchen knife to your Finish dishwasher pods.

As I'm based in the U.K., I buy my tablets from a sustainable company called Smol, but Blueland in the U.S. sells a similar plastic-free product.

Blueland 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets
Blueland 100% Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent Tablets: was $15 now $12 at Amazon

These Blueland dishwasher detergent tablets are 100% plastic-free and designed to break down grease and grime on your dishes. I've been using a similar product for years, and get a sparkling result every time.

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Better for my dishes, and my wallet

Wet dishes in dishwasher

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

By chopping my tablets in half, I'm also doubling the lifespan of my box of tablets. See how that works? I get a delivery of 30 tablets every 60 days, which means I'm perfectly set up to run my machine once per day without ever running out of pods.

Not only does this make sense financially, but I also think it makes sense for my dishes. In the same way that it's possible to use too much detergent in your washing machine, if you use too much detergent in your dishwasher, the machine may struggle to rinse it all off your dishes in one cycle. At least, the machine doesn't need such a large volume of detergent, but the worst-case scenario is that by using a half-size dishwasher, you could be making your machine less effective.

Are there any weird dishwasher hacks you swear by? Let me know in the comments.

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Millie Fender
Millie Fender
Managing Editor, Homes

Millie is the Managing Editor of Homes at Tom's Guide. She's been reviewing home tech for over five years, testing everything from coffee makers to the latest vacuum cleaners.

With particular expertise in cookware and kitchen appliances, you'll struggle to find an air fryer Millie hasn't tested. She's traveled the world reporting on the latest home innovations and product launches, learning how to use pizza ovens from Pizzaiolos in Naples, and touring the De'Longhi factory in Venice. Millie is also an SCA-Certified barista.

When she's not reporting on home and appliance trends, Millie loves watching live music. She's currently learning the guitar - naturally, she plays a Fender.

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