Where to Place Finish Dishwasher Cleaner: The Ultimate Guide to a Cleaner, Fresher Wash

Alright, so you’ve got your hands on some Finish Dishwasher Cleaner—maybe after seeing it in an ad or hearing your friend rave about it. Now, you’re probably wondering, Where do I even put this stuff? Do I just toss it in the bottom, or is there a secret spot?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This is a question I get asked a lot, and today, we’re gonna break it all down so your dishwasher can be sparkling clean and work like a charm.

Let’s Start with the Basics


So, what is Finish Dishwasher Cleaner anyway? If you’ve never used it before, think of it as a magic potion for your dishwasher. It’s designed to clean out all the gunk, grease, and grime that builds up inside over time. And trust me, a clean dishwasher means cleaner dishes. Who doesn’t want that, right?

Now, back to the real question: where does this cleaner go? The short answer is… it depends. But don’t worry, I’ll explain.

Where Does the Finish Cleaner Actually Go?

Alright, now we’re getting into the good stuff. Here’s the deal: you’ve got a couple of options for where to place that shiny bottle of Finish Dishwasher Cleaner. And no, you don’t just throw it in randomly. There’s a method to this madness!

1. The Bottom of the Dishwasher

This is the most straightforward option. All you have to do is place the Finish Cleaner bottle upright on the bottom rack of your dishwasher. The dishwasher cleaner will slowly release as the wash cycle runs. This option works really well, especially for those deep cleans, because it lets the cleaner hit all the surfaces directly and scrub away any leftover grime.

Pro Tip: Make sure the cleaner isn’t blocking any spray arms or jets. You want the water to be able to circulate freely around it. If the cleaner bottle’s in the way, you might end up with an uneven wash.

2. The Dishwasher Detergent Tray (If You’re Feeling Fancy)

If you want to go the extra mile, you can pop the Finish Dishwasher Cleaner into the detergent tray. This is ideal if you want a more thorough clean. The detergent tray is designed to slowly release detergent throughout the wash, so why not have the cleaner do the same? This method is a bit more hands-off and might get you a deeper clean.

How Often Should You Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?

Alright, now that you know where to put it, you’re probably thinking, How often should I use this stuff? Well, here’s the deal: you don’t need to go overboard with it. You want your dishwasher clean, not flooded with cleaner every time, right?

The General Rule of Thumb

For most people, using the Finish Dishwasher Cleaner once a month should be more than enough. This gives it time to break down all that gunk without overwhelming your dishwasher with too much product. But if you’re someone who uses their dishwasher every day (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you might want to bump it up to every two weeks or so.

The “When It Feels Right” Method

But, hey, if you’re more of the “I’ll do it when I think it needs it” type, no judgment here! If you start noticing funky smells or if your dishes aren’t coming out as fresh as they should, it might be time to give your dishwasher a good clean. It’s kinda like giving your car a wash; you don’t do it every day, but when it gets dirty enough, it’s time to scrub.

Bonus Tip: If you’re seeing any build-up or residue around the edges of your dishwasher, that’s another good sign it’s time for a clean. It’s basically like when you notice your bathroom sink starting to get soap scum. Ew.

Why Should You Even Bother with Dishwasher Cleaner?

Okay, so now we’re at the “why should I bother?” part. You might be thinking, My dishwasher seems fine, why go the extra mile with a cleaner? Fair question! But let me tell you, the benefits are totally worth it.

1. Cleaner Dishes, Every Time

You’ve probably noticed that sometimes your dishes don’t come out quite as clean as you’d like, even though you’ve loaded them right and used the right detergent. That’s where the Finish Cleaner steps in. It helps remove all the built-up grease and grime that can interfere with the cleaning process. A cleaner dishwasher means cleaner dishes, no more cloudy glasses, or weirdly greasy plates.

2. It Keeps Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly

You wouldn’t drive a car without giving it some TLC every once in a while, right? The same goes for your dishwasher. The cleaner works to break down all the nasty stuff that can clog up your machine, which helps it run more efficiently. So, it’s not just about looking good—it’s about keeping your dishwasher healthy and lasting longer.

3. Say Goodbye to Funky Smells

Ever open up your dishwasher and get hit with that weird, musty smell? Yikes. That’s usually caused by food particles, soap residue, and mineral build-up hanging out in the nooks and crannies. Finish Cleaner gets rid of that, leaving behind a fresh, clean scent. Plus, who wants to open their dishwasher and think it smells like old leftovers? No thanks.

The Secret to a Sparkling Clean Dishwasher

So, to sum it up: placing your Finish Dishwasher Cleaner in the right spot (either on the bottom rack or in the detergent tray) is super important for getting the best results. And while once a month is typically all you need, don’t be afraid to use it a bit more if you really want to keep things running smoothly.

The real key here is that a cleaner dishwasher = cleaner dishes = a happier you. Plus, it helps your dishwasher last longer, and who doesn’t love that? So, whether you’re just starting to clean your dishwasher or you’re a seasoned pro, a little Finish Cleaner can go a long way in making sure your dishwasher is in tip-top shape.

Next time you reach for that bottle, just remember: it’s not magic—it’s science. You’ve got this!


And that’s a wrap! Hopefully, this was helpful and gave you all the info you need. Next time your dishwasher’s looking a little grimy, you’ll know exactly what to do! Want to keep your dishes sparkling and fresh? Go ahead and give that Finish Cleaner a try. Your dishwasher—and your dishes—will thank you!


Got any other dishwasher hacks you swear by? Or maybe questions about using Finish Cleaner? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat about it! We’re all in this dishwasher cleaning game together.

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