Quick & Effective Toilet Cleaning: The Dishwasher Tablet Trick

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You know those days when you’re knee-deep in chores and just want an easier way to get things done?


That was me last weekend. I was tackling the usual Saturday morning clean-up when I noticed my toilet wasn’t as fresh as I’d like. Then, I remembered reading somewhere about using dishwasher tablets for tough grime.


That’s when I thought—why not try it on the toilet? Spoiler alert: It worked wonders!

Tools and Materials:

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How to clean a toilet with a dishwasher tablet

1. Prep Your Toilet 🚽

First things first—make sure your toilet bowl is ready for cleaning.


Flush the toilet to start with a clean slate. This will ensure that the tablet can get right to work without any excess water diluting its power.

DIY toilet cleaning hacks with dishwasher tablets

2. Drop the Tablet In 💧

Now for the fun part—drop that dishwasher tablet right into the toilet bowl.


You’ll notice it starts to fizz and dissolve pretty quickly, which is exactly what we want! The fizzing action helps lift stains and breaks down any buildup around the bowl.

Easy toilet cleaning with kitchen products

3. Let It Sit 🕒

Patience is key here! Let the dishwasher tablet sit in the bowl for about 15-20 minutes.


This gives it time to work its magic on all those hard-to-reach spots. If your toilet is particularly dirty, you can leave it for a bit longer—up to 30 minutes.

Target those tough spots with your toilet brush

4. Scrub Away 🧼

After the tablet has had some time to do its thing, grab your toilet brush and give the bowl a good scrub.


Pay special attention to any areas with visible stains or buildup. You’ll be amazed at how easily the grime lifts away!

Toilet bowl cleaning idea

5. Flush and Polish ✨

Once you’ve scrubbed to your heart’s content, flush the toilet to rinse away the residue.


For an extra touch of shine, use your microfiber cloth to wipe down the seat and exterior. Your toilet should now be sparkling clean and smelling fresh!


Looking for more eco-friendly toilet cleaning methods?

Sparkling clean toilet

DIY Toilet Cleaning Made Simple: The Power of Dishwasher Tablets

I was genuinely surprised by how well this worked. The bowl was cleaner than it’s been in ages, and there was no lingering chemical smell—just a fresh, clean scent.


Plus, the whole process was so simple that I’m definitely adding this to my regular cleaning routine.


So, If you’re looking for a quick way to freshen up your bathroom, give this toilet maintenance hack a try, I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 11 questions
  • Lisa Lisa 6 days ago
    Can you still use if you have a septic tank?
  • Laf122068876 Laf122068876 6 days ago
    Environmentally these pods are a disaster. I am cycling down from them and back to the powder only.I suspect a plumber might offer that the pods will eventually clog up the pipes after several uses. Have you checked with a plumber?
  • She31423333 She31423333 5 days ago
    can you put the pod in the tank? Would this clean with each flush? OR not safe
Comments
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3 of 17 comments
  • Mat113496706 Mat113496706 on Sep 01, 2024
    Dishwasher tablets have plastic in them - PFAS - the forever chemical. Suggest you NOT use them in DW or toilet.
    • Lori Ward-Laatsch Lori Ward-Laatsch 6 days ago
      1st you are flushing it. 2nd the plastic disintegrates otherwise it would have backed up dishwashers across the globe. 3rd you clean your dishes with it but you don't want to use it in a toilet that you would never drink or eat out of. Seriously? Think about it.
  • Erica Erica 7 days ago
    chinese cartoon
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