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4 Emergency Substitutes for Dishwasher Detergent
Updated on Feb. 21, 2024
No Dishwasher Detergent. Now What?
You’re out of dishwasher detergent, and you have a sink full of dishes. What to do?
Sure, you can hand wash dishes, but that cabinet full of household cleaners looks pretty inviting. Is there anything you can sub for the detergent without harming your dishwasher, your dishes or your family?
Absolutely, according to Haven Polich, a dishwasher expert and product manager at Asko Appliances. But instead of looking under your sink, check your pantry. Some of the same natural products you use to clean your cabinets and countertops can be used in your dishwasher, Polich says.
But be careful. “While these alternatives work fine in a pinch occasionally, they should be used sparingly and should not replace your regular dishwashing detergent,” Polich says.
That’s because dishwasher detergents contain enzymes that break down food and grease to get your dishes sparkly and germ-free. Temporary remedies won’t work as well, but hey, you’re desperate. So skip the recipes and stick with these single-ingredient, emergency go-tos when you’re temporarily out of dishwasher detergent.
About the Expert
Haven Polich is product manager at Asko Appliances, a Scandinavian-inspired luxury kitchen and laundry appliance maker.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural, gentle abrasive that softens water. “In a pinch, you can use baking soda in your dishwasher to clean dishes,” Polich says. “Simply fill the detergent cup with baking soda as you would usually with detergent, and run a cycle.”
Baking soda absorbs odors. And the abrasive action, combined with the really hot water, loosens grime without harming your dishes or your appliance.
Even if you’re not out of dishwasher detergent, running an occasional empty cycle with baking soda freshens the interior, drain and hoses.
Vinegar
Is there anything this wonder cleaner can’t do? “You can also use a bowl of white vinegar if you run out of dishwashing detergent,” Polich says.
Place a bowl on the top rack, add a half-cup of vinegar and run a cycle. Vinegar is a natural, gentle degreaser with disinfecting properties. But use a bowl! “Be sure not to put the vinegar directly in the detergent cup, because the acidity can damage the machine’s rubber gaskets,” Polich says.
Citric Acid
You may not have this one in your pantry. “[But] if you do have it lying around, it can come in handy in a pinch,” Polich says.
Citric acid is available online or at some grocery and natural food stores; it’s often used for canning and other food prep. Use it like baking soda to clean your dishes or freshen your dishwasher — commercial dishwasher cleaners often contain citric acid. But keep it away from copper, brass and wood, Polich says.
Lemon
We’re scraping the bottom of the barrel here, because Polich says this common recommendation “likely won’t truly clean your dishes” by itself. But consider combining it with a more effective cleaning alternative for a fresh scent and some antimicrobial action.
Make sure to get pulp-free lemon juice, and put it in a bowl on the top rack — not the detergent compartment. Lemon is a weak acid and can harm the seals of your dishwasher, just like vinegar.
Products You Should Never Use in Your Dishwasher
While it’s OK to use the above methods occasionally, Polich says to avoid the following at all costs:
- Dish soap: “Any amount will create suds, whether you can see them or not,” Polich says. Worst case scenario? “Your dishwasher will overflow with bubbles into your kitchen!” Polich says.
- Household cleaners: Skip the Lysol, bleach, Mr. Clean, Fabuloso and everything else that’s not made for dishes or dishwashers. These chemicals are too harsh for your machine, and they’re not safe for you, either.
- Laundry detergent: No, the latest TikTok hack isn’t worth trying. Laundry detergents have additives specific to clothes (fabric softener, bleach, optical brighteners) and lack food-centric enzymes needed to get your dishes clean.
- Body wash: Come on, now. Dish detergent and body wash have different purposes. And those bubbles you create in the shower will end up all over your kitchen, just like dish soap.
