Correctly maintaining your washing machine is key to making sure it lasts as long as possible. The first, and maybe most important, step is keeping it clean inside and out, so it doesn’t grow mold. Although the market throws plenty of excellent (and expensive) products your way, you might be wondering: could you put dishwasher tablets in the washing machine?
The short answer: you can use dishwasher tablets in the washing machine, but be careful. Certain things must be done right to make it work. Doing it the wrong way may leave you with leftover residue you’ll need to clean up afterward. This article explains the effects of using dishwasher tablets this way, the pros and cons, and what other products we’d also recommend.
About this guide: Compiled by the HomeNerdy Editorial Team, this article was last reviewed in September 2026.
Scope: This guide covers using dishwasher tablets to clean the inside of a washing machine (not for washing clothes), plus vinegar and baking soda alternatives.
How To Properly Use Dishwasher Tablets in The Washing Machine
The Temperature of Your Washing Machine
The most important thing to consider is the temperature of your washing machine’s cycle. A typical wash program runs with water colder than the average dishwasher program — your dishes can withstand much higher temperatures than your clothes can.
Most washing machines wash clothes at temperatures between 90°F and 130°F (30°C–55°C), and some only go up to 120°F (50°C). Dishwashers, by comparison, can reach 140°F to 180°F (60°C–80°C).
Most washing machines do have a wash program designed specifically for cleaning the machine itself, sometimes reaching as high as 200°F (95°C). Use this program with the tablets. Water that’s too cold will keep the tablets from dissolving completely, causing the leftover residue mentioned above — left untreated, that residue builds up and can stain your clothes or block your pipes.
5 Steps to Safely Put Dishwasher Tablets in The Washing Machine
- Grab two dishwasher tablets and place them in the inner drum of your washing machine.
- Do not put any clothes in the washer during this process — this cycle is just for cleaning the machine.
- Select the right wash program. Most washing machines have one designed specifically for cleaning the machine, often called “self-clean,” “tub clean,” or “drum clean.” Otherwise, run a cycle at the highest available temperature.
- Start the washing machine and let it complete the full cycle.
- Repeat once every two months.
Pros and Cons of Using Dishwasher Tablets to Clean Your Washing Machine
Pros of Using the Tablets
- It can prevent bacteria and mold from building up in your washing machine, which in turn keeps your clothes from smelling musty after a wash cycle.
- It cleans your washing machine from the inside out — not just the inner drum, but the inner parts the water regularly flows against, and the pipes connected to the machine.
- It helps prevent issues caused by hard water, since the tablets neutralize the minerals responsible for it before they can build up over time.
Cons of Using the Tablets
- They may not fully dissolve in water that’s too cold, causing leftover residue.
- They can cause a loud, rumbling noise, though this typically lasts only about 10 minutes, until the tablets have dissolved.
Alternatives to Putting Dishwasher Tablets in the Washing Machine
If you don’t have dishwasher tablets on hand, or simply don’t want to use them in your washing machine, other products work just as well and are just as cheap.
White vinegar, with a pH of around 2.5, is highly acidic. This means it breaks down various substances you don’t want building up in your washing machine. Add one or two cups to the drum, run a cleaning cycle, and you’re done.
Baking soda, with a pH of around 9, sits at the opposite end of the pH scale from white vinegar. It’s alkaline, which makes it a good product for cleaning your washing machine too. Use around half a cup in the drum before running a cleaning cycle.
Safety note: Don’t use vinegar and baking soda together in the same cycle. They react and cancel each other out, leaving a more pH-neutral solution — the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Use only one substance per cleaning cycle.
Also read: Baking Soda in The Washing Machine | Full Guide and How to Clean a Dishwasher (Filter, Spray Arms & More).
Remember: don’t put any clothes in the washer during these cleaning cycles — all the recommendations on this page are for cleaning the washing machine itself, not for doing laundry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a normal laundry load with dishwasher tablets instead of detergent?
No. This method is for cleaning the empty washing machine itself, not for washing clothes. Never combine it with a load of laundry.
What temperature should the wash cycle be?
As hot as your machine allows — ideally using a dedicated “self-clean,” “tub clean,” or “drum clean” program if your machine has one. Cold water won’t fully dissolve the tablets.
How often should I run this cleaning cycle?
About once every two months is a reasonable baseline for most households.
Can I use vinegar or baking soda instead of dishwasher tablets?
Yes, both work as alternatives. Use one or two cups of white vinegar, or about half a cup of baking soda, in the drum before running a cleaning cycle — just don’t combine the two together.
