Can You Use Dish Soap In a Dishwasher?

If you use a dishwasher daily, it is most likely to run out of detergents. But can you use dish soap in the dishwasher as an alternative?

The answer is No. If you put dish soap in the dishwasher, it will foam up and overflow, leaving you with a massive mess to clean.

Many people think spending on dishwasher detergents is a waste of money because you can use common dish soap.

Both dishwasher detergent and dish soap may have the same purpose of cleaning dishes, but they work on different phenomena.

You can damage your dishwasher by using soap instead of dishwasher detergents. Keep reading to learn why you can’t use soap in a dishwasher.

We will also talk about some dishwashing detergent alternatives. So, now without further ado, let’s get into the details.

Related: Dishwasher Brands to Avoid

What Is The Difference Between Dish Soap And Dishwasher Detergent?

Dish soap and dishwasher detergent both clean the dishes but with different methods. Dish soap is designed to make frothy, thick foam.

This foam helps break down stains and food on the dishes and other utensils. These foam and cleaning sponges and gentle scrubbers clean dishes effectively.

On the other hand, dishwasher detergent cleans the dishes without foam and suds.

When you put detergent in the dishwasher dispenser, this detergent mixes with water. This mixture is then sprayed on all the utensils placed in the dishwasher.

Dishwasher detergent has enzymes that stick with the food remains; and stains and breaks them down into smaller pieces.

This breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates continues until the food debris flushes away with the water.

What Will Happen When You Put Dish Soap In The Dishwasher?

If you use regular dish soap in the dishwasher, it can result in huge disasters and mess.

When you use a few drops of liquid dish soap, it forms enough foam to clean a pile of dishes.

Now imagine yourself in the scenario if you pour spoons of dish soap into the dishwasher.

When you run the dishwasher with dish soap, the jet sprays and aggressive rubbing will foam a huge mess of foam.

This foam will spill out from the dishwasher door on your expensive floor. It will not only damage your floor but can also damage the dishwasher.

What To Do If You Accidentally Put Dish Soap in the Dishwasher?

If you accidentally or intentionally put the dish soap in the dishwasher, do the following steps as soon as possible.

1. Stop The Wash Cycle

If you catch yourself in this situation, immediately stop the wash cycle without waiting to complete it.

Press the Cancel button and allow the dishwasher to drain the foamy water and suds.

2. Clean The Mess

Clean up spilled foam on the floor, counter, or anywhere it has been spilled.

Doing so can protect your expensive flooring from mold growth and any possible injury from the slippery floors.

3. Empty The Dishwasher

Once the draining has been completed, empty the dishwasher. Remove all the dishes, glasses, drink wares, and silverware from the dishwasher.

Rinse the soap bubbles-covered utensils in the kitchen sink with your hands.

4. Clean The Dishwasher

The next step is to clean the dishwasher and remove all the soap bubbles. Gently splash water on the foamy suds and remove the bubbles as much as possible.

Bring on towels and clean the remaining mess. Yes, we know this is hectic and will take some time.

5. Run the Rinse Cycle

Run the rinse cycle with an empty dishwasher. This step will help to remove the remaining foam and bubbles.

We hope this will work; if you still have suds inside, clam it with the towel again and run another rinse cycle.

After cleaning, you are all set to use the dishwasher as before but don’t experiment with dish soap this time.

Can I Use Vinegar Instead of Dishwasher Detergent?

The acidic quality of vinegar will break down all the grease, food bits, and soap scum on the dishes making it a great alternative to use instead dishwasher detergent.

You can pour 1/5 cup vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl and put it in the dishwasher. Make sure to place it on the top rack and run it on a hot water cycle.

Here is our detailed article about How To Clean A Dishwasher With Vinegar And Baking Soda?

Will Baking Soda Hurt My Dishwasher?

Baking soda is well known for its clearing properties and will remove stains and food debris from dishes.

Liquid soap and salt will act as suds and clean the dishes thoroughly. You can also try washing soda if you don’t have dish soap.

Fill three-quarters of the dishwasher container with baking soda. Add a few drops of dish soap and fill the remaining compartment with salt.

This combination will work wonders on the dishes in case of an emergency.

Can You Put Vinegar and Baking Soda In The Dishwasher At The Same Time?

Baking soda and vinegar together is a great cleaning agent. However, you should not use this dishwasher mixture to wash the dishes.

Baking soda and vinegar are powerful, so they will destroy your dishwasher. Other than that, baking soda and vinegar will create foam and leave a big mess to clean.

Although you can’t use these together, you can use them separately and have the best cleaning results.

You can look at the article above to learn how to use these two to wash dishes in the dishwasher.   

Final Words

Dishwashers are designed differently, and we have explained the reasons and drawbacks of using dish soap in the dishwasher.

So if you ran out of dishwasher detergent, try to use baking soda or vinegar for sparkly shine dishes instead of creating a mess with dish soap.

But remember not to use them at the same time; they can damage your dishwasher.

Stay with us to know more informative articles.

Related: Can You Wash Clothes in a Dishwasher?

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.