Yes, you can hand wash dishes using dishwasher detergent powder, but it's not the most ideal option. Dishwasher detergent is specifically designed for use in dishwashers, where it's used in combination with the machine's mechanics and hot water to effectively clean and remove food residues from dishes.
Using dishwasher detergent for hand washing has some drawbacks:
Excessive foam: Dishwasher detergents are formulated to produce a lot of suds in a dishwasher, which helps with the cleaning process. When used for hand washing, they can create excessive foam, making it difficult to rinse off the dishes properly.
Harsh chemicals: Dishwasher detergents can be more aggressive than regular hand dishwashing soap, and they may contain chemicals that are not intended for direct contact with skin. This can potentially cause skin irritation or other health issues.
Less efficient cleaning: Hand washing with dishwasher detergent may not provide the same level of cleaning efficacy as using a proper hand dishwashing soap. Dishwasher detergents are optimized for machine use, while hand dishwashing soaps are designed to work with manual scrubbing and rinsing.
If you find yourself in a situation where you don't have regular hand dishwashing soap available, and you need to hand wash dishes, you can use a small amount of dishwasher detergent as a last resort. However, it's essential to rinse the dishes thoroughly to remove any residue and avoid skin contact with the detergent.
Ideally, it's best to use a designated hand dishwashing soap for manual dishwashing, as it is formulated to be gentle on your hands, create appropriate suds for effective cleaning, and be safe for use on dishes that come into direct contact with your food.