The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find I Only Wish I Had Tried Earlier

No matter how well I clean it, my dishwasher still gets that funky, musty smell between washes. That lingering mustiness had me wondering if my dishes were really getting clean. When I mentioned this to a friend, she immediately pulled up a TikTok video about a viral Dollar Tree find that supposedly solved this exact problem.

After seeing countless positive reviews about dishwasher fresheners that help prevent mold and buildup and keep washers smelling fresh, I figured it was worth a try—especially for the $1.25 price tag. Spoiler alert: It'll be a permanent addition to my grocery list.

PowerHouse Dishwasher Freshener

• Price: $1.25

• Why I Love It: This inexpensive dishwasher freshener eliminates musty odors and leaves my dishes and washer smelling like citrus. It’s long-lasting, easy to use, and cheaper than similar products.

Why I Love Dollar Tree's Dishwasher Freshener

This product couldn't be simpler to use. You clip it onto your dishwasher rack using the built-in hook, and it works its fresh-scenting powers with every wash cycle. I've placed mine on the upper rack, where it stays safely out of the way of my pots and pans, and the difference was noticeable from the first wash. The fresh lemon scent is subtle but effective. It's enough to eliminate any musty odors but not so overwhelming that it leaves your dishes or dishwasher smelling like cleaning products.

I'm particularly blown away by how much life this thing has in it. The packaging says it lasts for up to 60 washes, and while I'm not yet there, I run my dishwasher nightly, and each day, my dishwasher still smells as fresh as the day I clipped it in.

At $1.25, it's also a fraction of the cost of premium brands that promise the same results. Brands like Finish and Plink range between $5 to $9 for one or two fresheners, while Miele clocks in at a whopping $20.30 for a pack of two. Seeing those prices, I decided to pick up an extra from Dollar Tree. After using the dishwasher refresher, I have no desire to go back to a musty-smelling dishwasher again.

The best part is that there's no extra work involved. Unlike the cleaning tablets that need to run on an empty cycle (virtually nonexistent in my house), this freshener works while you're washing dishes. It's the definition of "set it and forget it"—until you open your dishwasher door and are pleasantly reminded by that burst of citrusy freshness.

I know a $1.25 cleaning find from Dollar Tree might not sound particularly exciting, but for me, these small, effective solutions make everyday living and chores a little bit better.

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