A lot of us now buy dishwasher tablets instead of powder detergent, however, most of us probably don’t know why they are a better option for Australian households.

The benefits of these compressed detergent tablets stems from the strict water restrictions enforced across Australia. Manufacturers have considered these water restrictions as a key factor and designed their dishwashers produced for Australian market accordingly.

Dishwashers sold in Australia typically use less water per cycle than a similar model sold in another country. This means there is less water for the detergent to dissolve in and this is where the benefit of detergent tablets kicks in. Tablets effectively ensure that a consistently correct dosage of detergent is used every wash, something that is nearly impossible using powdered detergent. Detergent tablets also create the optimal level of foam in your dishwasher during a wash compared to the powdered products which often create too much. Too much foam can cause problems with the water level sensors and heat sensors and ultimately decrease the life of your machine.

Problems with dishwashers relating to detergents tend to hit your pocket a lot harder as well. A service call will often be required and these cost around $100. By using tablets and eliminating the problems caused by incorrect detergent levels one can potentially fix their dishwasher with a simple reset which takes only 5 minutes when problems arise.

When considering which brand of tablet detergent to buy, most manufactures recommend Finish or Morning Fresh. There are a lot of cheaper options on the market, however, these tend to have a high detergent level in each tablet thus creating the same problems that powdered detergent provides.

The Finish and Morning Fresh brands make tablets with optimal detergent ratios designed to reduce foam build up and prevent issues caused by ‘detergent over dosing’.

Use a quality brand dishwasher detergent tablet for each cycle and avoid potentially expensive call out fees!

We receive a lot of calls asking which model of stainless steel fridge is the easiest to keep clean and resists fingerprints.

To be honest with you there is no clear answer, there is however a very simple solution……

Home brand baby oil, yes the brand is important (available at woolworths/safeway). I have tried a few other brands and for some reason it did not give the same results.

The baby oil works the best when used to polish the fridge and remove finger prints. If you happen to have oil based marks on the door give it a wipe down with your preferred cleaner (we recommend white vinegar and bicarb soda), wipe off any excess cleaner then polish it with the baby oil afterward. It removes the marks and polishes the steel. Leaving it clean and shiny as well as smelling fresh.

A few customers the we have mentioned this tip to have commented that they live in coastal areas and they find that it also keeps the stainless steel in great condition.

Save your hard earned money and avoid expensive stainless steel cleaners that don’t work. A few dollars on a bottle of Home Brand baby oil and a old rag should see you right for many years of low cost maintenance on your stainless steel fridge.

Savings continue for South Australian residents with no confirmed end date for water rebates from the SA state government as yet.

Our huge sale to kick of 2010 at Appliances Online may have drawn to a close however the savings still continue for South Australian customers. How?
The South Australian government and SA Water are offering a $200 rebate to all South Australian residents who purchase a washing machine with a water efficiency (WELS) rating of 4.5 stars or greater. The offer does not extend to washing machines purchased for commercial use.

Appliances Online have a range of washing machines for sale that are eligible for the rebate and are delivering to many areas in South Australia. No end date has been announced for the rebate scheme however do not delay to avoid disappointment. For more information or to claim your rebate telephone the Water Rebate Hotline on 1800 130 952 or visit sawater.com.au and follow the links.