Using dish soap in the washing machine as a substitute for laundry detergent is not recommended. While both dish soap and laundry detergent are designed to clean, they have different formulations and purposes.
Dish soap is formulated to remove grease, oils, and food residues from dishes, and it tends to create a lot of suds or bubbles. If you use dish soap in a washing machine, it can create excessive suds, which can lead to overflow issues, potentially damaging your washing machine. Additionally, dish soap may not effectively remove dirt, stains, and other residues commonly found on clothes.
On the other hand, laundry detergents are specifically designed for use in washing machines. They are formulated to work effectively in high water volumes and with the agitation and rinsing cycles of the machine. Laundry detergents contain enzymes, surfactants, and other chemicals tailored to break down and remove stains, dirt, and oils from fabrics without creating excessive suds.
If you run out of laundry detergent and need an alternative, it's best to use a product specifically designed for laundry, such as hand soap (if it does not contain any harsh chemicals) or baking soda. However, using proper laundry detergent is the ideal option for getting your clothes clean and maintaining the health of your washing machine.