9 surprising things around your home you can clean with a dishwasher tablet, including oven racks and shower doors

Most Americans probably have a box of dishwasher tablets under the sink for one purpose: to get last night’s dinner off a plate. However, according to the American Cleaning Institute, the surfactants in cleaning products work by reducing the surface tension of water so it can spread out and lift grease and dirt away from a surface, whether it’s a dish, countertop or shower door. It’s the same chemistry that allows dishwasher tablets to go after a long list of trouble spots around the house, beyond the dish rack.

Range hoods finally get grease-free
Kitchen range hoods accumulate months of airborne grease, and hand scrubbing rarely does the trick. Dissolve part of a tablet in a bucket of warm water. Wipe the hood with a soft cloth and rinse. Do not use anything abrasive, as it can scratch the glass or metal. A lot of detergent formulas contain enzymes specifically designed to help break down fats and food residue, according to the American Cleaning Institute, which is why the same tablet that can clean a greasy pan can cut through grease on a range hood.

Shower doors lose that cloudy film
That film on the glass shower doors isn't just soap. Most homes in the US get water with calcium and magnesium dissolved in it, and when that water hits soap, it creates an insoluble film called soap scum, the US Geological Survey says. Mix a tablet with a little water to make a paste, work into the glass in circular motions, leave for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and rinse well.

Trash cans stop smelling like trash
Plastic and metal trash cans hold onto grime and odor long after the bag is gone. Dissolve a tablet in a bucket of hot water, pour the solution into the empty bin, and allow it to soak for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing and air-drying. Do not use this method on painted bins, wood, or wicker.

Oven racks come out of the tub practically new
Baked-on grease on oven racks is tough to clean because heat causes the residue to set on the metal. Soak the racks in a tub or utility sink with hot water and a dissolved tablet for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse well before putting back in the oven.

Jetted tubs get the deep clean they need
Jetted tubs look luxurious, but the jets can trap soap scum and grime between uses. Add a tablet and run the jets for 5-10 minutes. Fill your tub with hot water just past the jets and add a tablet. Drain the tub, refill with cool water, and run the jets again for another 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat until water runs clear.

Garbage disposals lose the smell, not the clog
A dishwasher tablet isn’t going to clear a jam, but it can help with the food odors that build up inside a disposal over time. Drop in a tablet and run the disposal with hot water to freshen it up.

Tile grout looks bright again
The porosity of the grout is why it attracts dirt and discoloration. Dissolve a tablet in water to make a paste, then apply to the grout lines and leave for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. Discoloration is possible, so be sure to test a small hidden area first, especially on colored grout.

Stainless steel sinks shine without streaks
Dissolve a tablet in warm water, apply it with a soft sponge, and rub in the direction of the grain of the metal. Wipe and dry the sink right away to avoid water spots. This method is not recommended for granite, composite, or natural stone sinks.

Window and door tracks lose years of trapped grime
Dissolve a small piece of a tablet in a cup of warm water. Dip an old toothbrush into it, scrub along the tracks, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. According to a chemistry explainer from Compound Interest, enzymes in dishwasher tabs such as amylases and proteases work with surfactants to loosen the dust, oil, and debris that builds up in narrow window and door tracks.

A single dishwasher tablet costs just pennies, and the cleaning power of the tablet goes far beyond the dish rack. Keep a box on hand for kitchen and bathroom trouble spots, and always spot-test on delicate or colored surfaces first.