While using baking soda and a few drops of Dawn dish soap as a makeshift substitute for dishwasher detergent may seem like a feasible solution in a pinch, it's important to exercise caution. However, I must advise against using this method, as it may cause problems with your dishwasher and lead to unsatisfactory results.
Here's why:
Suds overload: Dishwasher detergents are specifically designed to produce minimal suds, as excessive suds can lead to overflowing and may damage the dishwasher. On the other hand, Dawn dish soap is formulated to produce a lot of suds for handwashing, and using it in a dishwasher can lead to a suds overload.
Potential damage: The high alkalinity of baking soda and the grease-cutting properties of Dawn may not be suitable for the materials and components inside the dishwasher. It could potentially damage the dishwasher's rubber seals, gaskets, and other parts.
Cleaning efficiency: While baking soda can help with cleaning and deodorizing in some cases, it might not be as effective as a dedicated dishwasher detergent, which is specially formulated for removing food residues and grease from dishes.
If you run out of dishwasher detergent, it's best to use other methods to clean your dishes until you can get a proper dishwasher detergent:
Handwashing: You can always wash your dishes by hand using regular dish soap until you can purchase dishwasher detergent.
Vinegar and baking soda: If you need a cleaning solution for your dishwasher, you can try using a cup of white vinegar placed in the top rack during a regular wash cycle. This can help remove some buildup and odors. Additionally, sprinkling a small amount of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher before running a cycle can aid in neutralizing odors.
To prevent future occurrences of running out of dishwasher detergent, it's a good idea to keep an extra supply on hand or add it to your regular grocery list, so you don't find yourself in a bind.