Calibrate your dishwasher for multi-tab detergent
Most dishwashers need to be told when multi-tab (all-in-one) detergent is being used. Without this calibration, the machine continues dispensing rinse aid unnecessarily, causing streaks on glassware, and keeps alerting for salt and rinse aid. Check the instruction manual for the specific procedure for your model.
Dishwashers are designed to work with three separate components: detergent, salt, and rinse aid. Multi-tab (all-in-one) detergent tablets claim to replace all three, but for them to work correctly most dishwashers need to be told they are being used. This is called calibrating for multi-tab detergent.
Why Does the Dishwasher Need to Be Calibrated?
Without calibration, the dishwasher continues to operate as if separate salt and rinse aid are being used. This causes several problems:
- The rinse aid dispenser continues to release rinse aid from the reservoir – even if the multi-tab tablet already includes it. Too much rinse aid can cause white sticky streaks on dishes, or a bluish film on glassware and cutlery.
- The dishwasher continues to alert the user to add more salt or rinse aid, even when this is no longer necessary.
- Some dishwashers adjust wash cycle times when multi-tab mode is enabled – typically shortening certain cycles by around 10 minutes – which cannot happen without calibration.
Calibrating the dishwasher for multi-tab use stops rinse aid from being dispensed unnecessarily, silences the salt and rinse aid alerts, and enables any cycle time adjustments the manufacturer has built in for this detergent type.
If ordinary detergent is ever needed again in future, the calibration can be reversed – but bear in mind that if the rinse aid reservoir has been empty for a while it will need refilling before reverting to standard use.
Is Multi-Tab Detergent Worth Using?
Independent consumer testing by Which? has found considerable variation in multi-tab detergent performance. Some are among the top-rated dishwasher detergents tested, while others have performed poorly enough to be rated as Don’t Buy products. Quality varies significantly between brands and price points. To find out which multi-tab detergents perform best, see: full dishwasher detergent test results at Which?
How to Calibrate a Dishwasher for Multi-Tab Detergent
The process varies by brand and model. Some dishwashers have a dedicated option button or clearly labelled setting for multi-tab detergent. Others require a specific button combination to enter a programming mode. The instruction manual is the definitive guide.
Not all dishwashers have this function, particularly older models. If the manual is not available, it can often be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Links to manufacturer manual download pages are available at: instruction manuals page. Alternatively, searching online for “multi-tab function” together with the dishwasher brand and model number will often find the relevant information.
What If Dishes Are Still Not Drying Properly With Multi-Tab Tablets?
Multi-tab detergent is designed to dry dishes adequately without separate rinse aid. However, results vary by tablet brand and quality, and by local water hardness. If dishes are consistently coming out wet or marked, two options are worth trying in order:
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Try a higher quality multi-tab tablet. Performance differences between brands are significant. Switching to a better-rated tablet often resolves the issue without needing to add rinse aid.
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Add a small amount of rinse aid. Fill the rinse aid compartment and set the dosage dial to the minimum position (typically 1 or 2). This supplements the tablet without adding a full rinse aid dose alongside it.
Related dishwasher guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to calibrate my dishwasher for multi-tab detergent?
Without calibration, the dishwasher continues to dispense rinse aid from its reservoir even though the tablet already contains it. Too much rinse aid causes white streaks or a bluish film on glassware. The machine will also continue prompting for more salt and rinse aid unnecessarily. Calibrating tells the dishwasher to stop these actions and may also shorten certain wash cycle times.
How do I find the multi-tab setting on my dishwasher?
Check the instruction manual first – the procedure varies significantly between brands and models. Some dishwashers have a dedicated button or setting; others require a specific button sequence to enter programming mode. If the manual is unavailable, check the manufacturer’s website for a downloadable version, or search online for “multi-tab function” together with the brand and model number.
My dishwasher doesn’t have a multi-tab setting – does this matter?
Not all dishwashers, particularly older models, have a multi-tab calibration function. In this case, the dishwasher will continue to operate normally. If excess rinse aid causes streaking on dishes, the rinse aid dispenser can be turned down to the minimum setting or left empty. The salt alerts will continue, but can be ignored if multi-tab tablets are being used and the water is not particularly hard.
My dishes still come out wet even with multi-tab tablets – what should I do?
First, try a different brand of multi-tab tablet – drying performance varies considerably between products. If the problem persists, add a small amount of rinse aid to the rinse aid compartment and set the dosage dial to the minimum position. This supplements the tablet’s rinse aid without adding a full dose.
6 Comments
Grouped into 5 comment threads.
1 reply I cannot work out how to regulate the salt consumption in my dishwasher a Beko DSFS 1531 S Advice please as crockery - especially mugs taste of salt and it says it needs salt weekly and I only uses it once a day.
0 replies Hi I have a zanussi zdf4010 dishwasher that the pcb was recently replaced on as it wasn't heating. Before the replacement I used multi tabs and the dishwasher stayed on the multi tab setting now I have to programme it every time I use it to the multi tab setting. Is thing something I should consult zanussi on or is there something I could do myself as I tend to forget then have to cancel the programme and restart it Any ideas would greatly appreciated thank you
Hi I have a zanussi zdf4010 dishwasher that the pcb was recently replaced on as it wasn’t heating. Before the replacement I used multi tabs and the dishwasher stayed on the multi tab setting now I have to programme it every time I use it to the multi tab setting. Is thing something I should consult zanussi on or is there something I could do myself as I tend to forget then have to cancel the programme and restart it
Any ideas would greatly appreciated thank you
0 replies I have just bought a Grundig dishwasher. I want to adjust the settings fir hard water but cannot get it to work as the manual instructions are unclear. Has anyone out there successfully managed it? I just want yo get the best from my new appliance
I have just bought a Grundig dishwasher. I want to adjust the settings fir hard water but cannot get it to work as the manual instructions are unclear. Has anyone out there successfully managed it? I just want yo get the best from my new appliance
0 replies There is a possibility that using the combi tabs as well as rinse aid and dishwasher salt could cause the water to be softened too much. This could lead to overfoaming or poor wash results. In theory you should stop using the salt and rinse aid but I found when I turned off the rinse aid the dishes didn't always get dried as well so I reintroduced it on the low setting. If you want to still use dishwasher salt I would definitely set it onto the lowest setting if using these combi tabs. Having said that, if you you use dishwasher salt and rinse aid you have no need for multi tabs at all and would be better using normal dishwasher detergent. The only reason to use multi tabs is so that you don;t have to bother with the salt and rinse aid.
There is a possibility that using the combi tabs as well as rinse aid and dishwasher salt could cause the water to be softened too much. This could lead to overfoaming or poor wash results. In theory you should stop using the salt and rinse aid but I found when I turned off the rinse aid the dishes didn’t always get dried as well so I reintroduced it on the low setting. If you want to still use dishwasher salt I would definitely set it onto the lowest setting if using these combi tabs.
Having said that, if you you use dishwasher salt and rinse aid you have no need for multi tabs at all and would be better using normal dishwasher detergent. The only reason to use multi tabs is so that you don;t have to bother with the salt and rinse aid.
0 replies If I were to use a combi tab but still wanted to use separate salt and rinse aid - would I set the water softness to lowest setting as well as rinse aid or set to same as if no all in 1 tablets were being use ie suitable setting for the water supply of hardness.
If I were to use a combi tab but still wanted to use separate salt and rinse aid – would I set the water softness to lowest setting as well as rinse aid or set to same as if no all in 1 tablets were being use ie suitable setting for the water supply of hardness.
I cannot work out how to regulate the salt consumption in my dishwasher a Beko DSFS 1531 S
Advice please as crockery – especially mugs taste of salt and it says it needs salt weekly and I only uses it once a day.
Likely replying to Debbie
Debbie, I’ve never heard anyone say that about tasting salt. I presume you are using proper dishwasher salt? There’s usually a small device near the salt to adjust but you need to read the instructions manual as dishwashers are different. If you don’t have the manual you should be able to download one using the link in my article above.