In the realm of household chores, dishwashers have revolutionized the way we approach the tedious task of washing up after meals. They're the unsung heroes of the kitchen, saving time and water, and generally making life easier for families across Australia. However, what happens when this staple of modern convenience becomes a source of concern and confusion?

Recently, an Australian mum's alarming discovery about her dishwasher has sparked a nationwide conversation about the effectiveness and safety of dishwasher detergents. The mum shared her experience online, posting a photo of her dishwasher filter coated in a mysterious papery residue after using a Finish dishwasher tablet. 'This is what a Finish tablet does to a dishwasher filter in 2 weeks. Wondering how much plastic is actually landing on the dishes? Anyone experienced this?' she queried, seeking answers from fellow Aussies.

Dishwashers require maintenance to keep them clean and functional. Image Credit: Pexels/Castorly Stock

The post quickly became a hot topic, with responses pouring in and opinions divided. Some users were quick to defend their own practices, stating they had never encountered such an issue despite using the same product. 'This doesn’t happen to mine,' one member commented, while another added, 'I’ve used Finish tablets for years and never seen anything like that.'

On the other hand, some suggested that the residue was a result of fat and oil build-up, recommending hotter wash cycles and regular filter cleaning to prevent such occurrences. 'That’s fat and oil build-up, not plastic. If you put oily stuff in there you need to use the hotter wash option and clean the filter afterwards,' one user advised.

The debate didn't stop there, with some offering DIY cleaning solutions like a bicarb clean, while others speculated on technical issues such as the dishwasher's temperature settings or the quality of the tablets themselves.

To shed light on the situation, Chris Barnes, a home appliance expert from CHOICE, weighed in on the matter. According to Barnes, the gunk observed could be a mix of partly dissolved plastic wrapper, undissolved detergent, and general kitchen grease and dirt. He emphasized that such residue is not typical and could potentially be redeposited onto dishes, posing a health risk.

Barnes also pointed out that this kind of build-up could have long-term detrimental effects on the dishwasher itself, potentially clogging the filter and drainage pipes, and reducing the machine's effectiveness. He suggested several factors that might contribute to the problem, including inappropriate program settings, issues with automatic sensing programs, a dirty filter, incorrect loading, or simply poor quality of the dishwasher or detergent tablet.

For our senior readers who rely on dishwashers for their convenience and efficiency, this news might be particularly concerning. It's essential to ensure that your dishwasher is not only cleaning your dishes but also operating in a safe and hygienic manner. Here are some tips to keep your dishwasher in top shape:

1. Regular Maintenance: Clean your dishwasher filter every week or two with hot water to remove grease and debris. An occasional deep clean of the entire dishwasher can also help maintain its performance.

2. Choose the Right Settings: Make sure you're using the appropriate wash cycle for your load. If you're dealing with heavily soiled dishes, a hotter and more intensive cycle may be necessary to fully dissolve detergent tablets.

3. Avoid Overloading: Ensure that your dishwasher is not overloaded and that items are stacked correctly to allow for proper water circulation and spray arm movement.

4. Quality Counts: Invest in a good quality dishwasher and detergent tablets. Sometimes, the problem may lie with the products themselves.

5. Pre-Rinse with Caution: If you pre-rinse dishes, be aware that it might affect the automatic sensor in your dishwasher, leading to less effective wash cycles.

The dishwasher debacle serves as a reminder that even the most reliable appliances require attention and care. By following these guidelines, you can help prevent unwelcome surprises and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• An Aussie mum discovered a puzzling residue on her dishwasher filter after using Finish dishwasher tablets.
• The residue was initially thought to be plastic but was identified as a combination of undissolved tablet wrapper, detergent, grease and dirt that could affect health.
• Social media users debated the cause, with suggestions ranging from oil build-up to incorrect dishwasher usage and settings.
• A home appliance expert advised checking the program settings, cleaning the filter regularly, ensuring correct loading, and considering the quality of both the dishwasher and the tablets used.

We'd love to hear from you, our Seniors Discount Club members. Have you ever encountered a similar issue with your dishwasher? What are your go-to solutions for keeping your dishwasher clean and functional? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other keep our kitchens safe and sparkling!

 

[Jo Piper3]

Maybe take the plastic wrapper from the tablet? My husband did not and the load needed another cycle.

 

[Pommyoz]

As with all household appliances, they need regular cleaning. They are not magicians. I use Woolworths own brand tablets, and can’t complain about my dishes. I clean the filter fortnightly, and dishwasher is great. It could depend on the brand of dishwasher also.

 

[Veggiepatch]

@DLHM has a Bosch dishwasher and has never cleaned the filter in two years. She has always used Finish or Fairy dishwasher tablets. She also strongly maintains that thoroughly rinsing plates, bowls, utensils, etc BEFORE using the dishwasher which I totally agree with.

Ten minutes ago, I removed the filter and found one thin piece of residue about one centimetre long along with a few flecks of fluffy material. Nothing to worry about!

 

[Ezzy]

Never had this problem & we have used both plastic covered washes & unwrapped & always wash on the hottest cycle which takes 2 hours & 10 minutes.

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Never had a dishwasher in my life besides my own 2 hands

 

[BeautifulMousey]

Never had this problem & we have used both plastic covered washes & unwrapped & always wash on the hottest cycle which takes 2 hours & 10 minutes.

Sounds like that would use more water thank a sink to wash your dishes in

 

[Ezzy]

Sounds like that would use more water thank a sink to wash your dishes in

I wouldn't know but it only goes on perhaps on average 6 days in a fortnight totally filled.

 

[Penny4]

I have a Bosch dishwasher. The only issue I had was using Aldi's tablets. The suds clogged it up, and I needed a repairman to replace an expensive part. Cheap fillers in them apparently. I stick with Finish powder and Finish rinse aid and never have any issues. Because it's a premium product, it uses less and it's economical. It's easy to wipe dishes before placing in the dishwasher. I realise the manufacturers tell us not to, but I find it easier in the long run. Also, my dishwasher doesn't use much water ie. about 7 litres, much less than hand washing and rinsing. Although, I do need to hand wash saucepans and good knives.

 

[GrannyJA!]

We stopped buying the dishwasher tablets and switched to the Woolies brand dishwasher powder that comes in a plastic bottle for $3:50. The measurements are in the lid. We have a 2 door/draw dishwasher that doesn't need a whole tablet. Our dishes are as clean as they've ever been, our dishwasher needs a cleaning cycle less often and we save money. We also use Woolies $3:50 denture tablets for cleaning the kettle and other appliances.