To use Affresh dishwasher cleaner: remove all dishes, place one tablet in the bottom of an empty dishwasher (not the detergent dispenser), and run a hot water cycle with no dishes inside. Do this once a month for regular maintenance, or more often if your dishwasher has heavy buildup or odor issues.
Read More: How to Use Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets Correctly
Step-by-Step: How to Use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner
- Empty the dishwasher — no dishes, utensils, or racks removed, just an empty machine.
- Remove the tablet from its wrapper just before use, since the tablet dissolves and loses effectiveness if exposed to air for too long.
- Place the tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher tub, not in the detergent dispenser. This lets it dissolve directly during the wash rather than being released mid-cycle.
- Select the hottest, longest cycle available on your dishwasher (often labeled “Normal” or “Heavy”).
- Run the full cycle without interrupting it, allowing the tablet to fully dissolve and clean the interior.
- Wipe down the door seal and edges afterward with a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.
Where Do You Put Affresh Tablets?
In the bottom of the tub — not the detergent cup. This is the most common mistake people make. The detergent dispenser is designed for regular dish detergent, and placing the tablet there can cause it to release too early or not dissolve properly during the cleaning cycle.
How Often Should You Use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner?
- Standard maintenance: Once a month
- Heavy use (daily dishwasher use, hard water areas): Every 2–3 weeks
- After noticing odor or film buildup: Run it immediately, then return to your regular monthly schedule
Using it too frequently isn’t necessary and won’t provide extra benefit beyond regular monthly use.
Can You Run Affresh With Dishes Inside?
No. Affresh tablets are designed for empty dishwasher cycles only. Running it with dishes inside won’t damage them, but it also won’t clean the appliance effectively, since the tablet is meant to target grease and mineral buildup on the machine’s interior — not your dishes.
What Cycle Should You Use With Affresh?
Use the hottest and longest cycle your dishwasher offers. Cooler or shorter cycles may not generate enough heat to fully dissolve the tablet or loosen built-up grease and limescale. If your dishwasher has a “Sanitize” or “Heavy Duty” setting, that’s typically the most effective choice.
Why Does My Dishwasher Still Smell After Using Affresh?
If odor persists after a full cycle, the issue may not be inside the tub itself. Common causes include:
- Clogged filter — most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom that traps food debris and needs manual cleaning
- Buildup in the drain hose — grease and residue can accumulate outside the reach of a tablet cleaner
- Door seal grime — food particles and mold can collect in the rubber gasket around the door
- Hard water mineral deposits — in areas with hard water, limescale buildup may need a vinegar rinse in addition to Affresh
Fix: Clean the filter manually (check your manual for its location), wipe the door seal, and run a cycle with white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack if odor continues.
Is Affresh Safe for All Dishwasher Brands?
Yes. Affresh dishwasher cleaner is formulated to be safe for stainless steel and plastic dishwasher interiors across major brands, including Whirlpool, GE, Maytag, Samsung, LG, and Bosch. Always check your dishwasher’s manual if you’re using a specialty or unusually old model, since some manufacturers have specific cleaner recommendations.
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner: Quick FAQ
Do you put Affresh tablets in the detergent dispenser?
No, place the tablet directly in the bottom of the tub, not the dispenser.
How long does an Affresh cycle take?
It depends on your dishwasher’s settings, but using the longest available cycle (often 1.5–2 hours) ensures the best results.
Can I use Affresh in a dishwasher with dishes inside?
It’s not recommended. Run it as a separate, empty cycle for full effectiveness.
How many Affresh tablets should I use per cycle?
One tablet is sufficient per cleaning cycle. Using more doesn’t improve results.
Does Affresh remove hard water stains?
It helps with general grease and odor buildup, but severe hard water stains may need an additional vinegar rinse for full results.
Conclusion
Keeping your dishwasher clean isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Affresh works best when it’s used as part of a routine — not just when you notice a smell. Set a monthly reminder, run it on an empty, hot cycle, and pair it with occasional filter and seal cleaning for a machine that stays odor-free and runs efficiently long-term. A five-minute habit each month is far easier than dealing with a dishwasher that’s stopped cleaning properly.