If your dishwasher is still producing "oatmeal artwork" on your bowls after a cycle, it’s often not the machine’s fault – but rather the combo of tab/gel + salt + rinse aid + settings.
Here is the smart guide for dishwasher tabs, detergent tabs and dishwasher gel – so your dishes finally look as clean as you've always imagined they would. 😉
Tabs or gel – which is better?
Dishwasher tabs
If you like things simple: pop one in, close the door, done.
Our dishwasher tabs are an eco-oriented alternative: free from synthetic fragrances, made from sustainable materials and Ecogarantie-certified – and they are designed to tackle grease & stubborn stains.
Dishwasher tabs in the shop:
Dishwasher gel
If you prefer precise dosing (e.g., for light loads or delicate dishes): gel is often more relaxed.
Our dishwasher gel, made from soap nuts with organic orange extract, relies on soap nut extract, is boosted with sodium bicarbonate to fight food residue, is considered skin-friendly & environmentally safe, and has a gentle scent of organic orange oil.
Dishwasher gel in the shop:
Salt & rinse aid: The two things many people forget (and then complain about)
For truly great results, most machines always need:
Dishwasher salt
Salt keeps the water softening process running → less limescale → better cleaning & less of a "white film".
(And yes, limescale is like glitter: once it’s there, it doesn't leave voluntarily.) 😄
Dishwasher salt in the shop:
Rinse aid
Rinse aid ensures fewer water spots, fewer streaks, and often better drying – especially for glasses.
Rinse aid in the shop:
If you want it convenient: In the Dishware Saver Set you get tabs + gel + salt + rinse aid all together (everything for the dishwasher, eco-orientedly coordinated).
How to set your dishwasher correctly (so that tabs/gel actually work)
Here are the 5 points that make the biggest difference – and are surprisingly often "forgotten":
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Adjust water hardness
Check your machine's manual and set the water hardness correctly (you can usually get your water values from your utility provider). Incorrect hardness = salt/rinse aid work only "halfway". -
Refill salt
If the salt indicator light is on: don't argue. Refill. 😄 -
Dose rinse aid
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Streaks? Increase rinse aid setting slightly.
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Greasy film? Decrease setting slightly (or check: too much detergent / too low temperature).
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Choose program wisely
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Eco/Standard: perfect for daily use (takes longer, but cleans thoroughly)
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Intensive/Hot: for pots, grease, dried-on food
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Short program: only for "lightly soiled", otherwise it becomes a lukewarm compromise
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Load correctly
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Spray arms must spin freely
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Plates not "packed as tight as sardines"
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Mix cutlery (otherwise it nests)
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Glasses stable, not rubbing against each other
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Bonus: Rinse out your filter regularly – it's your silent hero in the background.
Quick recommendation: What do you really need?
If you don't feel like testing:
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Dishwasher tabs + salt + rinse aid = worry-free setup for most households
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Dishwasher gel + salt + rinse aid = if you want to dose yourself or have more delicate washing needs
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All in one go: Dishware Saver Set
AVAILABLE HERE
If you would like more recipes and cleaning hacks, check our blog or Instagram regularly, where you can find more videos and tips.
