Can you use dish soap in the dishwasher?

Using the wrong kind of soap can do some serious damage to your dishwasher and create a messy situation. While that liquid dish soap you’ve been using to wash your dishes in the sink might seem like it would work just fine, it’s a big no-no when it comes to your dishwasher! You should also never put hand soap or any other type of hand wash in the unit.

Let’s break down the reasons why dishwasher detergent is the only thing you should use to clean dishes in your machine.

If you need any replacement parts for your dishwasher you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all types of appliances, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in cleaning recommendations. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the use and care manual for your specific appliance model.

Why you should never use dish soap in your dishwasher

Here’s why dishwashing soap, hand soap or homemade dishwasher detergent should never enter your dishwasher.

Reason #1: Excessive suds

Dishwashing liquids are designed to create a lot of foam and suds when you hand-wash dishes, as they help to cut through grease and food residue. But if you put this kind of soap in the dishwasher, the high-pressure water circulation and heat inside cause the dish soap to produce an excessive amount of foam during the wash cycle, which quickly overwhelms the machine’s capacity to contain it.

As the excessive foam rapidly fills up the dishwasher’s interior, it overflows and spills onto the floor. This can cause significant water damage to the surrounding cabinetry, flooring, and even the subfloor, which can be costly to repair.

Dishwashing soap can also prevent the water from reaching and cleaning the dishes, as the foam takes up too much space and blocks the water flow. If the foaming is severe enough, it can cause the dishwasher to automatically shut off or throw an error code.

Reason #2: Damage to the dishwasher

The surfactants and other harsh ingredients in hand dishwashing liquids can be too strong for delicate seals, gaskets, and other parts inside the dishwasher. If the excessive suds don’t stop you from using dishwashing liquid in the machine over time, then the liquid can cause these parts to become brittle, crack, or degrade, which can easily cause leaks and water damage.

Suds and foam from dish liquid can accumulate in the dishwasher’s filters and spray arms, causing them to become clogged. The foam can also interfere with the dishwasher’s pump, which circulates the water and cleaning solution. With the wrong kind of soap, the pump has to work harder, which can potentially lead to the pump or motor overheating or prematurely failing.

The harsh chemicals in dishwashing liquid may also cause the interior parts — particularly metal parts like the racks and tub — to become discolored or pitted.

Since repairing or replacing a damaged dishwasher can be very expensive, it’s best to steer clear of using it in the first place.

Reason #3: Improper cleaning & residue buildup

Dishwasher detergents are specially formulated to work effectively in the high-temperature, high-pressure environment of a dishwasher. They’re also designed with extra food mess in mind, as they contain a balanced mix of cleaning agents, rinse aids and water softeners that work together to remove even the toughest baked-on food, grease, and grime.

Hand dishwashing liquids lack the specialized cleaning agents, rinse aids, and water softeners found in dishwasher detergents. They also often contain additional ingredients, such as fragrances and dyes, that aren’t designed to rinse away easily.

Using liquid soap in the dishwasher can leave a film or residue on dishes, which can interfere with the dishwasher’s drying process. This can result in water spots and streaks on the dishes and dishwasher interior, as well as dishes that don’t dry as effectively as they would with a proper dishwasher detergent. If residue is left behind on dishes, it can negatively affect the appearance and taste of food placed on them. Inside the dishwasher, excess residue may also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew.

Reason #4: Increased water and energy use

Since dishwashing liquid has a tendency to create excessive suds, it may require the dishwasher to use more water to rinse it from dishes. This can lead to increased water consumption, which can be costly and less environmentally friendly.

Read more: Surprising Things That Can & Can’t Go in the Dishwasher

What to do if you accidentally put dish soap in your dishwasher

If you’ve accidentally used liquid dishwashing soap, hand soap or any other type of hand wash instead of dishwasher detergent in your machine, here’s what you should do.

Step 1: Turn off the dishwasher

Turn off the dishwasher ASAP to help minimize the amount of soap suds and foam that build up inside the appliance.

Step 2: Remove bubbles and standing water

You can use white vinegar to neutralize and remove the soap suds and bubbles. You may also need to soak up any excess water or foam with towels or a wet/dry shop vacuum.

If there’s any standing water under the dishwasher, you’ll need to remove the unit from the cabinet to clean it up.

Step 3: Remove the dishwasher’s contents

Open the dishwasher and let any remaining water and suds drain out. Remove any dishes, utensils, or other items. Rinse them under running water to remove any excess suds or soap residue.

Step 4: Clean the dishwasher

Wipe down the interior walls, racks and door of the dishwasher with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any remaining soap residue or foamy buildup.

Check and clean the dishwasher’s filters, as they may have collected any trapped soap or debris. Soak the filters in warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution, then scrub and rinse them thoroughly.

Step 5: Run a rinse cycle

Run a hot rinse cycle without any dishes or detergent to flush out any remaining soap residue or suds from the dishwasher and drainage system.

Carefully inspect the dishwasher for any signs of leaks or water damage, especially around the door and base of the appliance.

Read more: What cycle should I run my dishwasher on?  

More information

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