September 16, 2026, 3:51 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
To ensure the washing machine operates hygienically over time and the laundry remains reliably clean, regular cleaning is essential. Over time, limescale, detergent residues, and dirt accumulate in the drum and other components. A simple home remedy trick is often recommended online: using a dishwasher tablet to effectively clean the machine. But does it really work, or could the method even cause harm? myHOMEBOOK consulted an expert on this matter.
Overview
How does the washing machine trick work?
The procedure for this life hack is simple: Place a dishwasher tablet in the washing machine, then set a wash cycle at 90 degrees Celsius. At the end, you see brown sludge in the drum. The life hack seems to have worked. But is the machine really cleaner afterward? myHOMEBOOK put the trick to an expert test.
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What does the expert say about it?
“We generally do not recommend using products contrary to their intended purpose,” says Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association in response to a myHOMEBOOK inquiry. Because anyone who does so does it at their own risk. In this context, he also advises against using vinegar for cleaning in the washing machine. Manufacturers also warn against it, as “vinegar, being a volatile acid, can damage metal and plastic parts of washing machines.”
But what about using dishwasher tablets in the washing machine? Glassl sees no problem with running a wash cycle without textiles but with dishwasher tablets instead of detergent. Even the high temperature of 90 degrees Celsius is not an issue. “Even for the textiles washed afterward in the same machine, I see no problem,” says the expert.
Additionally, various detergents (machine dishwashing detergents, all-purpose or universal detergents) in Germany often have the same components–namely, oxygen-based bleaching agents. However, there are significant differences in other ingredients: For example, fragrances in dishwashing detergents must not transfer to dishes and cutlery, as this would be disruptive when eating or drinking. “In contrast, with laundry detergents, it is usually desirable for the textiles to be scented,” the expert explains.
Where does the brown sludge come from?
In the video, the brown coloration of the water after the dishwasher tablet wash cycle is clearly visible. Glassl comments: “How brown the water becomes depends, in my estimation, on how many residues were in the washing machine. If the detergent is always added according to the dosing instructions, no brown sludge should form.” Incidentally, the brown liquid is pumped out by the machine after the wash cycle.
The expert suspects another cause: If there is frequent under- or overdosing, it can lead to the accumulation of dirt or detergent residues, which could be responsible for the brown color. Here you can learn how to properly clean a washing machine–and how often to empty the lint filter. And here you can read about what the right compartment in the washing machine is actually for.