Using regular Dawn dish soap in a dishwasher is not recommended. Dish soap formulated for handwashing dishes creates excessive suds, which can cause your dishwasher to overflow, leak, or malfunction. Dishwashers require low-sudsing detergent specifically designed for them. These detergents are formulated to clean dishes effectively while producing minimal suds.
If you run out of dishwasher detergent and need a temporary solution, it's best to use an alternative method rather than using regular dish soap. Here are a few options:
Baking Soda: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda (about 1-2 tablespoons) on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a regular cycle. Baking soda helps to remove odors and can provide mild cleaning.
Vinegar: Place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Vinegar can help remove grease and grime while acting as a natural deodorizer.
Borax: Borax is another option for temporary use. Add 1-2 tablespoons of borax to the dishwasher detergent compartment and run a regular cycle. However, avoid using borax if you have a stainless steel interior in your dishwasher, as it may cause discoloration.
It's important to note that these alternatives are temporary solutions and may not provide the same level of cleaning power as dishwasher detergent. It's best to restock your dishwasher detergent as soon as possible to maintain optimal performance and cleanliness.