RTFM

What the heck did he think the little compartment was for?

Typical Reddit user in 2024.

I've been using the soap compartment for years, I only recently just started chucking the packet into the silverware holder because I've heard that might be better (the little compartment might open too late and be less effective). I'm not totally convinced OP was doing a worse job accidentally

My wife refuses to load the dishwasher because to her she "doesn't do it right" or "don't want to fight with it"

So I get OP.

I've had to teach people how to mop a floor, and how you should sweep first, it's just deer in headlights when explaining it. People just don't go outta their lane to learn new things or fix things that don't work right.

I've switched from using the little door to just chucking the tablet in the bottom. Works just as well, if not better.

MIL does this on purpose. Fucking grinds my gears - I gave up on preaching that there is a reason for that little closed compartment.

My dishwasher was caked in that white film that denotes very hard water when I got it. Came with the house. Literally did not clean anything put in it. Found some stuff online called Afresh. Comes in tablet form. Tossed one into the machine ran an empty cycle and now it works like it should