Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use an automatic dishwashing detergent such as FINISH in my dishwasher?

Your detergent needs to complement the cleansing action of your dishwasher. Automatic dishwashing detergent is specially formulated to disperse food residue and greasy soiling, hold it in suspension and remove it in the final rinse. It does all this producing little or no suds.

How should I purchase dishwashing detergent?

If you are like most people, your preference for a certain automatic dish detergent is based on the form you are used to. All three forms work well, but Tabs are superior in performance. Powders tend to be somewhat more effective than Liquids. However, people who like Liquids think they work the best. Enzymatic products are also more effective than chlorine based products, particularly on tough soils like eggs, cheese, oatmeal etc.

How should I store my dishwashing detergent?

All Finish PowerBall tabs are individually wrapped protecting them from moisture contamination. However, they should still be stored in a dry environment. If you are using powders, you will want to try to store the product in a reasonably dry place. Most powder packaging is moisture resistant, but you should be careful to close the spout/lid tightly after each use to help keep the product dry (and to avoid spills!). Like all cleaning products, store your detergent out of the reach of children.

How should I store my FINISH tabs?

Because each tab is individually wrapped, Finish tabs are already well protected. However, they should always be stored away from temperature extremes in a cupboard. Store out of the reach of children.

How should I store my FINISH powder?

Store with the spout closed, away from temperature extremes, either in a cupboard or pantry. Store out of reach of children.

How should I store my FINISH Liquid?

Store with the cap / spout closed and away from temperature extremes in a cupboard. Store out of the reach of children.

How should I store my Finish Dishwasher Cleaner?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do I need to rinse my dishes before loading them into the dishwasher?

It isn't necessary to rinse your dishes, just remove excess foods such as bones and pits.

My FINISH powder is not dissolving. What do I do?

  • Always close the pour spout after each use, do not measure amount to be used near heat and store the product in a cool, dry place. As always, keep out of the reach of children.
  • Granular products such as FINISH Powder tend to pick up moisture over time and can become lumpy or caked. To prevent this, the product is sold in moisture resistant packaging.

I found my FINISH tab at the bottom of the dishwasher tub.

  • The tablet may have been trapped under an article being washed. This shields the tab from contact with enough water to break apart and dissolve. See our tips on how to load your dishwasher for proper placement of items.
  • The dispenser may not be functioning properly. If the problem continues you may need to call your local approved dishwasher service agent for assistance.

I found my FINISH tab in the detergent dispenser.

  • The dispenser may not be functioning properly. If the problem continues you may need to call your local approved dishwasher service agent for assistance.
  • Sometimes the dispenser cup may be damp or water may get into the dispenser before it opens. This causes the tablet to start dissolving before the cup opens and the tab sticks there.

My FINISH detergent is not dispensing from the detergent cup.

There are various reasons why this may happen:

  • The dispenser was wet when the detergent was added; dry the dispenser before adding the detergent.
  • The detergent was left in the dispenser for a long time; it should only be added when you are ready to start the dishwasher.
  • The dispenser was overfilled. After adding detergent, gently tap the dispenser on the side (if possible) to level out the product.
  • The dispenser is blocked - make sure there are no utensils preventing it from opening.
  • The dishwasher may need a maintenance service call.
  • Your detergent may be old - use a fresh product.

The FINISH Tabs container says to put the tab in the main detergent compartment. My dishwasher has two such compartments, which is the main one?

The FINISH tab goes in the compartment with the cover.

My dishwasher has 2 dispensers for detergent. Do I use 2 tabs?

One tablet in the main dispenser is sufficient for one load.

The tab doesn't fit in the detergent dispenser. What should I do?

Place the tab in an empty section of the cutlery basket or on the floor of the dishwasher instead of the detergent dispenser and choose a programme without a pre-wash.

There are still tea and coffee stains in my cups after using FINISH detergent.

There are a number of factors that could lead to coffee and tea stains. These include water temperature and hardness, water pressure and circulation, how your dishes are loaded, lack of rinse agent and occasional temporary changes in local water conditions. Always use Finish Max in One to blasts away stubborn tea and coffee stains for outstanding cleaning results. If tea/coffee stains persist, soak cups in a weak dilute bleach solution. Rinse thoroughly.

How can I get rid of baked on stains?

Lasagne stains through to pasta stains. Finish Max in One removes even tough stains like baked-on and dried-on food.

What are the “salt and pepper” or little particles left on my dishes?

  • Your detergent may not be dissolving properly. This could either be the detergent dispenser that isn't opening at the right time or the detergent may be old.
  • Sometimes a dishwasher needs to be cleaned of accumulated food soil that may redeposit on your dishes during the wash and rinse cycles. Try Finish Dishwasher cleaner.  Refer to your dishwasher manufacturer manual.
  • Residue can redeposit on your dishes in the rinse cycle. Use Finish Diamond Shine Rinse Aid to eliminate residue so you get amazing sparkle on your glasses and dishes.

Why did my dishwasher overflow with suds?

  • All automatic dishwashing detergents should be non-sudsing. If dishes are pre-washed using hand-washing detergent, it is important to rinse them thoroughly before they are loaded into the dishwasher.
  • Protein soils such as raw eggs or milk can increase the amount of foam in a dishwasher. Using a sufficient amount of automatic dishwashing detergent such as FINISH will inhibit the suds. Use Finish PowerBall tabs to guarantee an even dose in every wash.

How can I get rid of the suds?

Drain the water from the dishwasher and remove as many suds as possible. Wait a short while to let the suds subside. Remove and thoroughly rinse the dishes from the dishwasher. Then pour 1 cup of milk into the dishwasher and run the cycle without any detergent.

Why won't my dishes dry?

Make sure that your dishwasher is loaded properly. If you are using Finish Classic Powerball tablets, Finish Power Powder or Finish Liquid, ensure you have enough rinse aid for each wash.

Does FINISH tab / liquid contain chlorine?

No, Finish tabs do not contain chlorine.

Is FINISH liquid / powder / tabs gluten free?

Yes, they are.

Is FINISH Liquid / tabs / powder safe for my septic tank?

All FINISH products are safe for use in homes with a septic system. Contact the manufacturer of your Enviro / Bio Cycle system for advice.

Is this product biodegradable?

Yes, the surfactants are biodegradable.

I have been noticing rust-type stains on my utensils/silverware since I began to use FINISH tabs. What is causing this?

If a FINISH tab got stuck onto a metal item, this could possibly contribute to this problem. This type of stain is easily removed with a rust and stain remover.

If other metal items are also showing signs of rust, this could be caused by another source.

Do FINISH Tabs contain any animal fats?

No, the detergent is not derived from any animal by products.

Is this product kosher certified?

Finish Tablets, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner and Finish Dishwasher Fresheners are Kosher certified.

What is the pH level for FINISH TABS / POWDER, all scents?

The pH level is between 10-11.

Why is my FINISH Powder caked in the box?

Granular products, like FINISH powder, tend to pick up moisture and become lumpy or caked. To help prevent problems like this FINISH is packaged in a moisture resistant package. When opening the package, do so very carefully and always close the pour spout after each use. Measure the amount to be used away from hot/steaming water. Finally, store the product in a cool dry place.

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