I Ran a Dishwasher Tablet Through My Washing Machine After 10 Years — Here’s What Happened!
I honestly couldn’t believe how dirty my washing machine had become after years of everyday use.
For nearly 10 years, I had never given the inside of my washing machine a proper deep clean. From the outside, it looked perfectly normal. But once I opened the door and inspected the rubber seal, I noticed mold, mildew, soap residue, and grime hiding deep inside the folds.
That’s when I decided to try a popular cleaning hack: running an empty washing machine with a dishwasher tablet.
What I Did
I started by making sure the washing machine was completely empty. Then I placed one dishwasher tablet directly into the drum.
I selected the hottest cycle available on my machine and chose a long wash program. The goal was to give the tablet plenty of time to dissolve and allow the hot water to circulate through the drum, pipes, and other internal areas.
I didn’t add laundry detergent or any other cleaning product because I wanted to see what the tablet could do on its own.
Then I closed the door, pressed Start, and waited.
The Surprising Sight
As the cycle progressed, I began noticing the water becoming cloudy and dirty-looking. It was hard to believe that all of that residue had been sitting inside a machine that washed my clothes every week.
After the cycle finished, I opened the door and wiped down the rubber seal with a clean microfiber cloth. I also cleaned around the folds of the gasket, where years of moisture and detergent residue had accumulated.
The drum looked noticeably fresher, and the musty smell that had been lingering around the machine was much less noticeable.
Don’t Forget These Hidden Areas
Cleaning the drum isn’t the whole job. If your washing machine has been neglected for a long time, pay special attention to:
- The rubber door gasket and its folds
- The detergent and fabric-softener drawer
- The drain filter
- The area around the door
- Any standing water or residue inside the machine
These areas can collect moisture, detergent buildup, hair, lint, and grime.
My Biggest Lesson
The dishwasher tablet hack may help loosen grease, detergent residue, and general buildup, but it shouldn’t replace regular washing-machine maintenance.
For machines with visible mold or mildew, especially around the rubber seal, manually cleaning the affected areas is important. And always check your washing machine manufacturer’s instructions before using a dishwasher tablet or any cleaning product in the machine.
After cleaning, leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open whenever possible so the interior can dry properly.
The Bottom Line
After almost 10 years without a proper deep clean, my washing machine definitely needed some attention.
The biggest surprise wasn’t just how much residue came out—it was realizing how easily dirt and moisture can hide in places you don’t normally see.
Sometimes the appliance that cleans everything else needs a little cleaning itself!