Warning over £1 cleaning hack that could end up costing households hundreds

A popular cleaning trick using a dishwasher tablet could leave homeowners facing costly repairs if it’s used on wooden flooring, an expert has warned.

The hack, which has gained traction on social media, involves dissolving a dishwasher tablet in hot water before using the solution to clean everything from ovens to skirting boards. However, while it may tackle grease in the kitchen, it could do more harm than good elsewhere in the home.

Lucas Lar, director and wood technology engineer at Made of Wood, says the method should never be used on wooden floors because the powerful cleaning agents found in dishwasher tablets are not designed for timber surfaces.

He explained: “Dishwasher tablets are designed to remove grease and stains inside a dishwasher. They’re powerful cleaning products, but they’re not supposed to be used on wooden floors.

“Many tablets contain ingredients that are stronger than you need for floor cleaning. Repeated use could gradually dull or weaken certain finishes, leaving the floor looking tired long before its time.”

According to the expert, wooden flooring relies on its protective finish to guard against everyday wear and tear. Using harsh cleaning products can gradually strip away that protection, potentially leading to expensive maintenance or refinishing work.

He said: “With most wooden flooring, the protective coating is what you’re maintaining. Whether it’s lacquer, oil or hardwax oil, that finish acts as a barrier against everyday wear. Using harsh cleaning products can reduce its lifespan, meaning the floor may require maintenance or refinishing sooner than expected.”

Water can also pose a problem. Many versions of the online hack recommend mixing the tablet with a bucket of hot water, but excessive moisture can damage wooden flooring over time.

Lar warned: “Many online hacks recommend dissolving a dishwasher tablet in a bucket of hot water, but excessive moisture is one of the biggest enemies of wooden flooring. If too much water is left sitting on the surface or works its way into joints between boards, it can contribute to swelling, warping or movement over time.”

Instead, he recommends using a cleaner specifically designed for wooden floors.

He said: “A pH-neutral cleaner designed for wooden floors is usually the safest choice because it removes dirt without unnecessarily affecting the floor’s protective finish. It’s also important to use a well-wrung mop rather than soaking the floor.”

He added: “Wood flooring is designed to last for decades when it’s cared for properly. So before you try any cleaning hack you’ve seen online, remember that a single dishwasher tablet may seem like a cheap and clever trick, but if it affects the finish of your flooring, it can end up being a very expensive mistake.”