You may have questioned, “Can I use standard liquid dish soap in my dishwasher if I run out of dishwashing detergent?” Using dish soap in a dishwasher is fine, as dish liquid is comparable in consistency to liquid dishwashing detergent and, depending on the type, can be less expensive. However, it would be best if you did not use standard liquid dish soap instead of dishwasher soap.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Liquid Dish Soap?
Regular hand and dish soaps are formulated to produce ample quantities of suds. Using normal dishwashing liquid may cause your dishwasher to build up with suds, eventually overflowing onto the floor.
Only dishwashing detergents designed for use in dishwashers should be used in dishwashers. There will be no suds produced by the washer while using them. Dishwasher detergent alternatives can be made in the home, and there are instructions for doing so online.
If you’ve used the wrong type of liquid detergent, you may need to repeat the cycle without detergent to get rid of the soapy residue and rinse the dishes. The dishwasher has left a slick mess all over the floor, so you’ll have to wipe that up too.
Using dishwasher detergent for hand washing plates is also discouraged. Your dishes will be clean, but rinsing them may be a hassle if you use less detergent to compensate for the lack of suds.
Alternatives Options
Make your own “emergency” dishwasher detergent with these ingredients:
- To begin, pour roughly three-quarters of a cup of baking soda into the dishwasher’s soap dispenser.
- Then, put in a few drops of dishwashing liquid (Dawn, Lux, etc.)
- If your water is hard, step three is to add a quarter cup of salt.
- The fourth item on the to-do list is to use the dishwasher.
Do It Yourself
You can save money and time by making your own dishwashing detergent in advance, so it’s always on hand for the next time you need to clean the dishes. Just follow these steps:
Combine the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of washing soda
- 1 cup of baking soda
- Optional: 3 packages of unsweetened lemonade drink mix
- 1/2 cup of kosher salt (only necessary if you have hard water)
Combine, then put in an airtight container for later use. This powder can be used in place of regular commercial dishwashing detergent or stored for future use.
Conclusion
Dishwasher detergent was made to clean dishes without creating suds, so it’s the only kind you should use in your dishwasher. However, if you want to save money and don’t mind doing a little extra work, you can make your dishwasher detergent. At Scott’s Plumbing, we know how important it is to have clean dishes and a working dishwasher. Our team has a wealth of knowledge and experience and can help you avoid any problems. If you need assistance with your dishwasher, whether it’s cleaning it out or fixing it all together, give us a call today!