Using regular dish soap or any other soap not specifically designed for use in dishwashers is not recommended and can be bad for several reasons:
Excessive sudsing: Regular dish soap creates a lot of suds, which can overwhelm a dishwasher. Dishwashers are not designed to handle such high levels of suds, and the excessive foam can lead to leaks or overflow issues.
Inefficient cleaning: Regular dish soap does not have the same enzymes and cleaning agents as dishwasher detergents. As a result, it may not effectively clean dishes and can leave behind residue, spots, or streaks.
Damage to the dishwasher: The high foaming action of regular dish soap can damage the dishwasher's internal components over time. The excess suds can get into the dishwasher's motor or pump, causing mechanical issues and potentially expensive repairs.
Clogged filters and drains: The suds from regular dish soap can accumulate in the dishwasher's filters and drains, leading to blockages and impairing the dishwasher's performance.
If you accidentally use regular dish soap in your dishwasher and notice excessive sudsing, here's what you can do:
Stop the dishwasher immediately to avoid further overflow or damage.
Open the dishwasher and remove any excess suds manually using a sponge or towel.
Add one to two tablespoons of cooking oil or vegetable oil to the dishwasher and run a short cycle. The oil can help break down the suds.
If the dishwasher still has residual suds after the oil treatment, repeat the process or consider using a commercial de-foaming agent made specifically for dishwashers.
To avoid these issues altogether, always use a dishwasher detergent that is specifically labeled for use in dishwashers. These detergents are designed to provide optimal cleaning performance while producing minimal suds, ensuring your dishwasher functions efficiently and effectively.