If you accidentally put the wrong soap in your dishwasher, don't panic. Here's what you should do to resolve the situation:
Stop the Dishwasher: If the dishwasher cycle has not started yet or is in the early stages, stop it immediately to prevent further complications.
Do Not Run the Dishwasher: Using the wrong type of soap in a dishwasher can cause excessive sudsing and may damage the dishwasher or create a mess. Do not run the dishwasher with the wrong soap.
Remove Dishes and Excess Soap: Open the dishwasher and carefully remove any dishes or utensils inside. If you see excessive soap or suds, try to remove as much of it as possible using a sponge or cloth.
Add Vinegar: Vinegar can help break down and dissipate the suds. Pour 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher. Vinegar is a natural degreaser and can help with the excess soap.
Let it Sit: Close the dishwasher door and let the vinegar sit in the dishwasher for about 15-20 minutes.
Run a Rinse Cycle: After letting the vinegar sit, run a short rinse cycle (without any dishes) to help flush out the excess soap and vinegar.
Check for Residue: Once the rinse cycle is complete, check the dishwasher's interior for any remaining soap residue or suds. If you still see suds, you may need to repeat the vinegar and rinse cycle process.
Use the Correct Dishwasher Soap: After ensuring that the dishwasher is free of excess soap and suds, use the correct type of dishwasher detergent recommended for your dishwasher model.
Prevent Future Mishaps: To avoid similar incidents in the future, store your dishwasher detergent in a secure location and make sure the soap you use is specifically designed for dishwashers.
Remember, using regular dish soap or other non-dishwasher-specific soaps can lead to excessive sudsing, which may cause leaks, damage to the dishwasher's components, or create a mess in your kitchen. Always use dishwasher detergent that is compatible with your dishwasher model for best results and to maintain the appliance's integrity.