No, regular dish soap should not be used as a substitute for dishwasher detergent. Dishwasher detergent and regular dish soap are formulated differently and serve different purposes.
Regular dish soap creates a lot of suds, which can lead to excessive foam in a dishwasher. Dishwashers are designed to operate with low-sudsing detergent specifically made for them. If you use regular dish soap in a dishwasher, it can cause excessive sudsing and potentially lead to leaks or overflow.
Dishwasher detergents are designed to dissolve food residues, grease, and other tough stains effectively. They also contain enzymes and surfactants that are specifically formulated for the high-temperature water and mechanical action of a dishwasher.
To ensure optimal cleaning performance and protect your dishwasher, it's best to use dishwasher detergent specifically made for automatic dishwashers. Look for dishwasher detergents that are labeled as suitable for your dishwasher model and follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage recommendations.