Okay, so you just opened your dishwasher, loaded it like a pro, and reached for the detergent… only to realize you’re completely out. Not even a single pod left hiding in the back of the cabinet. Classic. Now you’re staring at that box of baking soda, wondering—can I just use this instead?
Let’s talk about it.
First of All… Yes, You Can. But Should You?
Here’s the short answer: Yes, baking soda can be used in a pinch. It’s not going to blow up your dishwasher or anything. But the better question is—is it actually gonna clean your dishes?
Ehh, kinda.
Baking soda is awesome at neutralizing odors and scrubbing off light grime. That’s why it’s in everything from toothpaste to deodorant. But when it comes to breaking down greasy lasagna pans or scrubbing off dried egg yolk from brunch plates? It’s not exactly detergent-level strong.
So yeah—it’s safe, but don’t expect sparkling results.
Imagine This…
You’re hosting a dinner party (or maybe just trying to survive Tuesday night). The dishwasher’s full, the detergent’s gone, and you’re eyeing that dusty old Arm & Hammer box. What do you do?
You toss a generous sprinkle of baking soda into the detergent compartment, maybe add a splash of vinegar to the bottom for a little boost (we’ll get to that in a sec), hit start, and hope for the best.
It’ll work—just maybe not as well as you’d like.
Let’s Get a Bit Nerdy (Just a Bit)
Dishwasher detergents aren’t just soap. They’re a mix of surfactants, enzymes, rinse aids, and all sorts of other science-y stuff designed to dissolve food, cut through grease, and keep spots off your glassware.
Baking soda? It’s sodium bicarbonate. Great at absorbing smells and doing some mild scrubbing. But on its own? It doesn’t have the power of a full-on detergent.
Think of it like brushing your teeth with salt. It’ll do something—but not everything.
The Backup Plan: DIY to the Rescue
Alright, if you’re out of detergent and determined to MacGyver your way through dish duty, here’s a little emergency recipe you can try:
Quick DIY Dishwasher Detergent Substitute:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 drop of dish soap (seriously, just one)
- Optional: splash of white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher
This isn’t some magical Pinterest potion, but it can get you through one cycle without leaving a gross film on your dishes. Just don’t make it a habit—long-term use could mess with your dishwasher or dishes.
So, Should You Use Baking Soda Instead of Detergent?
Here’s the takeaway:
- In a pinch? Yes, go for it.
- As a regular thing? Not really.
- Want better results? Try a DIY mix or run to the store and grab some real detergent.
Your dishwasher—and your dishes—will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Running out of detergent isn’t the end of the world. Baking soda can step in as the backup quarterback, but it’s not your MVP. If you’re in a bind, it works. But if you want squeaky-clean results every time, stick to the good stuff (or stock up so you don’t end up here again!).
Next time you’re restocking cleaning supplies, maybe grab a backup box of pods too. Just in case.
Now go rescue those dishes. You’ve got this.