Regular dish soap and dishwasher detergent are not interchangeable and should not be used interchangeably in dishwashers. They serve different purposes and have different formulations, which can lead to various issues if used incorrectly:
Foaming: Regular dish soap creates a lot of suds, which are designed to be used with handwashing and the manual scrubbing action. If you use regular dish soap in a dishwasher, it will likely produce an excessive amount of foam, leading to leaks, overflow, and potential damage to the dishwasher.
Cleaning Performance: Dishwasher detergents are specifically formulated to work effectively in the high-temperature and high-pressure environment of a dishwasher. They have enzymes and chemicals designed to break down food residues and grease from dishes. Regular dish soap is not optimized for dishwasher use, and it may not clean dishes as effectively.
Residue and Streaks: Using regular dish soap in a dishwasher can leave behind a soapy residue on dishes and glassware, leading to streaks and spots.
Damage to the Dishwasher: Dishwasher detergents are gentler on the dishwasher's internal components and are less likely to cause damage or wear compared to regular dish soap, which may contain harsher chemicals not suitable for dishwashers.
To ensure proper cleaning and prevent potential damage to your dishwasher, always use dishwasher detergent that is specifically designed for use in dishwashers. These detergents are available in various forms, such as powder, gel, and detergent pods, and they are formulated to work effectively with the dishwasher's wash cycles and water temperature.
If you run out of dishwasher detergent and need a temporary solution, it's better to wash your dishes by hand using regular dish soap until you can get the appropriate dishwasher detergent.