Dishwasher tablets are necessary for keeping your dishes clean, but why do they seem so expensive? It seems like every time you go to the store, the prices for dishwasher tablets have increased. What makes them so expensive, and is there anything you can do to save money?
What Makes Dishwasher Tablets So Expensive?
Dishwasher tablets and other consumer products vary in price depending on the brand, ingredients, packaging manufacturing costs, inflation, etc. Basically, all things affect the price, and companies charge more to make a profit.
You can expect to pay more for “green” or environmentally friendly products as they often cost more to manufacture.
But does it really make a difference if you use cheap or expensive dishwasher tablets? First, let’s look at the cost and the factors influencing the price. Then we’ll look at some ways to save you money.
How Much Do Dishwasher Tablets Cost?
Dishwasher tablets cost anywhere between $0.08 to $0.60 per tablet. The cost decreases if you buy them in bulk. The best part about buying in bulk is they last longer, and you don’t have to worry about running out as often.
5 Reasons Why Dishwasher Tablets Are Expensive
Here are some of the key reasons the price of dishwasher tablets has gone up:
1. The Cost of Ingredients
2. Packaging Costs
3. Marketing and Advertising Expenses
4. Inflation
5. Environmental Concerns
The Cost of Ingredients
The cost of ingredients is one of the most significant factors in the price of dishwasher tablets. The main active ingredient in most dishwasher tablets is sodium carbonate, also known as simple bleach.
Unfortunately, like several other products, the global pandemic disrupted the supply chain for cleaning supplies.
Bio Recovery, a professional cleaning company, says most cleaning products contain bleach. Therefore the shortage increased the price of dishwasher tablets.
Packaging Costs
The packaging for dishwasher tablets has to be durable enough to withstand the chemicals inside and keep them from leaking out and getting damaged from transit. Unfortunately, this usually means that the packaging is made of plastic, which can be costly to produce.
In addition, companies often use different colors and designs for their packaging to make their product stand out on store shelves. This can also add to the cost.
Marketing and Advertising Expenses
Companies spend a lot of money on marketing and advertising to get people to buy their products over the competition.
They may use TV commercials, social media, print ads, and more. All forms of advertising cost money, and the expense is passed on to the consumer through higher prices.
Inflation
Inflation is when the prices of goods and services go up over time. At the time of this writing, the current inflation for the United States is 8.2%, which is much higher than it has been in recent years.
This means that the cost of ingredients and packaging for dishwasher tablets has gone up, increasing the product’s price.
Environmental Concerns
More and more people are becoming concerned about the environment and its impact. This has led to an increase in demand for “green” or environmentally friendly products.
Dishwasher tablets that are biodegradable or made with natural ingredients often cost more because they are not as easy to produce.
In addition, the packaging for these types of products is usually made from recycled materials, which can also add to the cost.
How to Save Money When Buying Dishwasher Tablets?
Unfortunately, running a dishwasher is not cheap. The average dishwasher cycle can cost anywhere from $0.50 to $1.00 per load.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to save money when buying dishwasher tablets;
Here are a few tips:
Look for sales and coupons: This is obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. You can often find dishwasher tablets on online coupon sites such as; Rakuten, Fetch Rewards, etc.
Buy in bulk: Another great way to save money is to buy dishwasher tablets in bulk. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but you’ll also have a backup supply, so you don’t have to worry about running out.
Make your own: If you’re feeling thrifty, you can make your own dishwasher tablets. Many recipes online require only a few ingredients you probably already have in your home.
While the price of dishwasher tablets may be higher than it was in the past, there are still ways to save money when buying them. By following the tips above, you can ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Are All Dishwasher Tablets Created Equally?
Dishwasher detergent contains nonionic surfactants, which are cleaning agents that remove grease and grime from your dishes. Surfactants are added to other cleaning products, such as laundry detergent and household cleaners.
The main difference between dishwasher tablets is the amount of surfactant they contain.
More expensive dishwasher tablets often have more powerful enzymes, bleach, degreasers, and rinse aids that boost cleaning performance.
For example, dishwasher tablets with a rinse aid can help prevent streaks and spots on your dishes.
While it’s true that more expensive dishwasher tablets may clean your dishes better, you can still get the job done with cheaper tablets.
It just might take a little longer for the dishes to come out sparkling clean.
Do Dishwasher Tablets Make A Difference?
According to Good Housekeeping, there’s not much difference between branded and generic dishwasher tablets. Think of it this way, generic subscription medication is the same as the branded version, just without the pretty packaging and marketing budget.
The main difference between dishwasher tablets is the amount of surfactant they contain. In addition, more expensive dishwasher tablets often have more powerful enzymes, bleach, degreasers, and rinse aids that boost cleaning performance.
Are Expensive Dishwasher Tablets Better?
Some dishwasher detergents such as; Finish Quantum, Cascade Platinum ActionPacs, and Finish Hard Water Booster Powder are specially formulated to counteract hard water, which provides more effective cleaning.
Why Aren’t My Dishes Clean After Running Them Through the Dishwasher?
If you’re using cheaper dishwasher tablets and your dishes aren’t clean after running them through the dishwasher, here are a few tips to help you clean your dishes.
Pre-rinse the dishes: Before loading the dishwasher, pre-rinse the dishes with hot water to remove any food particles.
Scrape off any food: Be sure to scrape off any food from the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
Check the water temperature: The water should be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.
Load the dishwasher correctly: Place the dishes in the dishwasher, so they do not block the spray arms.
Use a dishwasher booster: Add a dishwasher booster, such as; white vinegar, Finish Powerball, and Cascade Platinum Platinum Power Booster, to your dishwasher cycle for an extra boost of cleaning power.
These are not meant to replace the tablets but rather supplement them.
Run the dishwasher on a longer cycle: If your dishes are still not clean, try running the dishwasher on a longer cycle.
Clean the dishwasher: Most people never clean their dishwasher, only to realize that food residue and grease have built up over time, causing their dishes to come out dirty.
We recommend cleaning the dishwasher at least once a week, depending on how often you use it.
To clean the dishwasher, add a cup of white vinegar to an empty dishwasher and run it on the hottest cycle.
Also, ensure no food particles are trapped, preventing the appliance from cleaning the dishes.
Use a different brand: Finally, consider changing to a different brand of dishwasher tablets. Unfortunately, not all dishwasher tablets are created equally.
This means you’ll need to test different brands until you find the ones that work for you.
Final Word
Dishwasher tablets can cost anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per tablet. Prices vary based on the brand, the ingredients, and the cleaning power.
The main difference between the different dishwasher tablets is the amount of surfactant they contain and the other added ingredients to boost cleaning performance.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to find the cheapest dishwasher tablets that will still get the job done.
But if you’re looking for the best possible cleaning, you’ll want to invest in reputable products such as Finish Quantum or Cascade Platinum ActionPacs + Dishwasher Cleaner action.
These are the best dishwasher tablets on the market, and they’ll clean your dishes.
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Sources
https://www.libertypackaging.com/blog/bid/97272/a-look-at-packaging-costs