Written by Tom Scalishi | Updated 4:25 PM, July 9, 2021

Answer: This is a very good question. Many people ask this question when they run out of the convenient dishwasher pods that we often use. Many years ago, the use of liquid dishwasher soap solutions in dishwashers was commonplace, although today most people turn to pods. It might make sense that liquid detergent can do the same thing, but it's not that cut and dry.

Learn why these two soap solutions are not completely interchangeable, what happens if you try to use dish soap in the dishwasher, and some homemade detergent options.

Although dishwasher detergent is a type of soap, its role is different from other types of soap. Dishwashing liquid is designed to clean with thick foam. Dishwasher cleaners are not foam, but rely on enzymes to eliminate mess.

When you put dishwasher soap or pods in the hopper of the dishwasher, it will dissolve in the water. When water is swayed and sprayed inside the dishwasher, the enzymes in the detergent will adhere to stains, dirt and residue. They break down long chains of protein and starch into smaller and smaller particles until they can be washed away by water.

Related: The best dishwasher for your kitchen

Unlike dishwasher detergent, dish soap is designed to create a thick foam that helps break down food and stains on pots, plates, cups, and bowls. Its role is completely different from dishwasher detergent. Although both are in liquid form, they are not apple to apple.

If the dishwashing liquid you use in the dishwasher is the same as the dishwashing liquid used in the dishwasher, then you should be prepared to make a mess. Dishwashing detergent will create thick soap bubbles and foam in the dishwasher, which will eventually overflow through the door and drain into the sink. This may be interesting in the movie, but when your floor and plasterboard may be damaged, it is not so interesting.

When things happen, we sometimes get so busy with our daily lives that we mistakenly put the dishwasher in the dishwasher. The first step is to stay calm, and the second step is to flush the soap out of the system.

If you accidentally put detergent in the dishwasher, stop the washing machine immediately. Once things calm down, switch the washing machine to rinse mode to remove foam as quickly as possible. This can still cause the sink and foam on the floor to overflow, so you may need to stop and start the rinse cycle several times in the name of damage control.

After the foam disappears, you need to at least rinse the dishwasher again to remove the soap residue inside. You may also want to consider cleaning the dishwasher afterwards.

Related: The best dishwasher brands to clean after meals

Dishwashing detergent is not the only type of soap that should not be used in the dishwasher. Any soap that can form a thick foam will produce the same result. Other soapy waters that should not be used in the dishwasher include:

In fact, you don't want to put any of them in the dishwasher anyway, because these soaps are not food safe. But please note that using any type of soapy water will produce a lot of foam and may even damage your dishwasher. If you must use household soap other than dishwasher detergent, filling the dishwasher soap container with ¾ of baking soda and adding a few drops of dish soap is a better choice.

Related: Dishwashers and handwashing-when to use each cleaning method

Although you really should only use dishwasher cleaner (otherwise you may damage the machine and void the warranty), there are some homemade solutions to clean the dishes in your dishwasher.

This recipe is dry mix, so it's best to put it in a large jar or bag for easy scooping and pouring. All you need is:

Just mix these ingredients together. To use, scoop the mixture into a dish soap container. If you like a little scent, you can use a drop or two of essential oils such as lemon or orange, or any other scent that you find pleasant and clean. Add them to the soap container before running the washing machine, not to the dry mix in the jar.

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