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> Citation for dishwashers that don't wash. After switching back to dishwash powders (away from tablets -- which I learnt through a Technology Connections video basically don't work since it gets dissolved in the 10mins rinse cycle of most dishwashers) I've yet to have a bad dishwasher experience using powders which gets inserted into the wash cycle (and not the rinse cycle).

I don't understand how the tablets could be in rinse cycle but powder in wash cycle? They both go to the same container that fully flips open during the wash cycle. Or do you have a device that has some different compartment for powder?

Most machines have two containers, one that is exposed immediately and one with a flap that pops open. And if they don't you can just chuck some powder in loose in the machine.

Yes, but that's not what the parent was talking about. They said the tablet dissolves in the rinse cycle. Only way that would happen is if someone chucks the tablet inside the machine, instead of the detergent container where it should go.

Most tablets I've seen recommend putting it inside the washing machine, normally in the area where you put your knifes forks etc. This means it gets dissolved in the rinse cycle. Most machines I've used have dispensers that are too small for tablets to fit into so these can only really be used with powder.

Colour me 'confused', as well. I expect that Rinse happens after Wash. So, if you put a tablet directly in the machine, it should be gone before rinse. Or maybe people mean some kind of Pre-wash Rinse?

I watched the video out of interest and it seems like that would only happen if you didn't use the dispenser flap. If you use tablets the only thing you miss is pre-washing. The argument is that cheap powder is just as good and it's got the same ingredients.

It sounds like a more important step (if you're plumbed into the hot line) is to run your water just before the first cycle so that the machine fills with the hottest water it can get, as not all of them will heat initially.

I don't do the hot water trick and it still works fine for me. Not 100% sure but I think my dishwasher heats it's own water rather than relying on an external hot water supply so possibly that is why.

I've never had a problem with the tablets. The ones I use look like the powder is just compressed into tablet form. I do have a more expensive model, the only reason I go for the pricier ones is the noise level - don't really care for any of the other "features".

You should watch the whole video. It is not that long and definitely worth a watch.

I've watched it, I watch all his stuff. I like his humour.

I don't live in the US. He does talk about some differences. For example, I've never had a dishwasher here that didn't heat it's own water.

I did live briefly in the US and I recall that there were a bunch of subtle differences around appliances. Europe, Australia and New Zealand use the same models and the US gets different models.

Neither do I, I live in New Zealand. Agree that I found it odd that US dishwashers don't heat their own water but the rest of the video still seem relevant to NZ. The powder recommendation being the biggest take home for me.

To be fair I don't even know where to buy dishwasher powder or gel. I am in the EU and have literally never seen it in any supermarket. I'd buy it if it was available but I don't think I can anywhere.

They are always available next to tablets in supermarkets here in New Zealand. Interesting to see this regional variation. Normally powders are in bottles. We get both the global Finnish brand here as well as local brands.