February 22, 2025, 3:26 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
If the dishwasher’s detergent dispenser can no longer be closed, you should not simply place the tab in the cutlery basket. Why is this the case, and what should you do instead?
Although operating the dishwasher is not a time-consuming task, sometimes you just get fed up with tidying up and cleaning. If your patience runs thin or the detergent dispenser is broken, you might mistakenly place the dishwasher tablet in the cutlery basket or just toss it into the machine. In this article, myHOMEBOOK explains the negative consequences of this for washing up.
What Happens to Dishwasher Tablets in the Cutlery Basket?
The dishwasher tabs dissolve when in contact with water, and the ingredients then become active. However, this should only happen at a certain point in time, which is why the chamber only opens at the right moment. If the tab is in the cutlery basket, for example, it dissolves during the pre-rinse cycle and loses its effect faster. The result is dirty dishes at the end of the wash cycle.

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What Should You Do with the Tablet if the Detergent Dispenser Is Broken?
If the detergent dispenser is broken, you can put the tab on the bottom of the machine instead of in the cutlery basket. However, it is then important to run a program without a pre-rinse, advises Forum Waschen. Otherwise, the same problem would occur, and the dishes may not get properly cleaned.
By the way, some manufacturers recommend using two tabs for intensive machine programs. One of them can then be placed in the cutlery basket or on the bottom of the machine. Information on this can be found in the operating instructions for your appliance. It is always advisable to take a look to achieve optimum results after the dishwasher cycle.
With material from dpa