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I ran a dishwasher tablet through my empty washing machine for the first time in 10 years.
As the cycle began, I noticed a subtle yet distinct scent emerging from the machine. It was a clean, citrus-like aroma, likely from the fragrance added to the dishwasher tablet. This was a welcome change from the musty odor that typically accompanied my washing cycles.
Interestingly, the sound of the wash cycle was slightly different. There was a bit more splashing and gurgling than usual, perhaps due to the tablet dissolving and frothing inside the drum. The noises were not alarming, but they did make me more aware of the cleaning process taking place.
5. What The Drum Looked Like When I Opened The Door
Upon completion of the cycle, I eagerly opened the washing machine door to inspect the drum. The interior looked noticeably shinier, and the stainless steel drum appeared to have regained some of its original luster. The rubber door seal, which I had only wiped down superficially, seemed cleaner as well.

The once dull and slightly grimy surfaces now had a refreshed appearance, and the air inside the drum smelled significantly fresher. The visual change was subtle but definitely noticeable, suggesting that the dishwasher tablet had indeed made a difference.
6. The Hidden Gunk The Tablet Flushed Out
As I examined the drum, I noticed small bits of debris and gunk that had been dislodged and expelled during the cycle. These remnants, likely a mix of detergent residue and mineral deposits, were evidence of the deep cleaning action taking place.
The filter at the bottom of the machine also contained more debris than usual, indicating that the tablet had loosened and flushed out hidden filth from the machine’s inner workings. I was relieved to see these results, as it confirmed that the dishwasher tablet had effectively tackled the buildup I was hoping to remove.

7. Did It Actually Get Rid Of That Musty Washing Machine Odor?
After the cycle ended and the machine had aired out, I performed a quick smell test. The musty odor that had plagued my washing machine for months was noticeably diminished, replaced by a fresh, clean scent. It seemed that the dishwasher tablet had succeeded where other cleaning methods had failed.
While the scent was not completely gone, it was significantly less pronounced, suggesting that the tablet had addressed the root of the problem. The improvement in odor was enough to convince me that this method was worth considering as a regular maintenance routine.