Quick answer: Please don’t. Seriously. Step away from the Tide pods.
We’ve all had those moments—running low on dishwasher tablets, opening the cabinet, and thinking:
“Huh… would laundry detergent work?”
After all, it’s made for cleaning, right? It even smells nice. Seems harmless?
Well, not so fast.
Imagine this: You toss a scoop of laundry detergent into the dishwasher, hit “Start,” and walk away. Ten minutes later, your kitchen looks like a bubble bath gone rogue. Foamy suds everywhere.
Not quite the clean you had in mind.
Let’s unpack why laundry detergent and dishwashers don’t play nice.
1. What’s the Big Deal? Isn’t Soap Just Soap?
Great question—and here’s where the science (and mess) comes in.
Laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent are formulated differently:
| Feature | Laundry Detergent | Dishwasher Detergent |
| Suds | High | Low |
| Purpose | Break down fabric stains | Break down food residue |
| Rinse-Friendliness | Leaves softeners/residue | Designed to rinse clean |
| Enzymes & Additives | Fabric-safe | Glass/metal-safe |
🧼 Laundry detergent creates tons of suds, which is perfect for clothes…
but inside a dishwasher?
That bubbly explosion isn’t just annoying—it can also damage your machine’s internal sensors and flood your kitchen.
Try thinking of it this way: it’s like putting bubble bath in a Jacuzzi. Fun for 30 seconds… disaster after that.
2. What Could Actually Happen If I Use It Anyway?
Here’s a quick list of what could go wrong:
- Suds overflow: Yep, your dishwasher might foam up and spill out.
- Clogged drain or filter: All those suds can gum up the works.
- Etched or foggy dishes: Laundry soap isn’t designed to rinse off clean from glass or metal.
- Residue on dishes: That fresh laundry scent might stick… but not in a good way.
- Possible voiding of warranty: Some manufacturers will say “nope” if non-approved products were used.
Moral of the story? Even if you’re desperate—don’t.
3. Okay, But What If I Have No Dishwasher Pods Left?
Good news: you’re not out of luck. If you’re in a pinch, try this DIY emergency solution (but only occasionally!):
🔹 DIY Emergency Dishwasher Detergent (1 load only):
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon salt
- A few drops of dish soap (optional, and only a few—no more suds, remember?)
Mix gently and place in the detergent compartment.
It won’t be as powerful as a proper pod, but it’s far safer than laundry detergent.
Pro tip: Keep a backup stash of dishwasher pods tucked away for emergencies. Future you will thank you.
4. Is There Ever a Time Laundry Detergent Can Go Near Dishes?
Short answer: nope. Long answer: maybe—but not in the dishwasher.
Some people use a drop of liquid laundry detergent to pre-soak really greasy pots in the sink, but even then, it’s not ideal.
Stick to dish soap or dedicated degreasers. They’re made for stuff you eat off—not stuff you wear.
Wrapping It Up: The Soap Switch That’s Not Worth It
So, can you put laundry detergent in the dishwasher? Technically? Sure.
Should you? Absolutely not.
You’re better off hand-washing the dishes or using a safe backup recipe than risking a flood of bubbles and ruined dishes.
Think of your dishwasher like a picky eater—it only likes what it’s designed for.
Treat it right, and it’ll keep those plates sparkling.