Accidentally putting dish soap in your washing machine can be a cause for concern, but the impact on your clothes depends on a few factors. Here's what you should consider:
Type of Dish Soap: If you used a small amount of mild dish soap, the impact on your clothes may not be severe. On the other hand, if you used a large amount or a highly concentrated dish soap, there could be more significant issues.
Type of Washing Machine: High-efficiency (HE) washing machines are more sensitive to excess suds, so if you have an HE machine, the effects might be more pronounced.
Type of Clothes: Delicate fabrics, such as silk or wool, are more vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals like those found in dish soap.
Potential issues you might encounter:
Excess Suds: Dish soap can create a lot of suds, especially in high-efficiency machines, which can lead to overflows and make it harder for the machine to rinse the clothes properly.
Residue Buildup: Some dish soaps contain ingredients that can leave behind a residue on clothes, making them feel stiff or uncomfortable to wear.
Fabric Damage: If the dish soap is too harsh, it may cause damage to the fabric fibers, especially for delicate fabrics.
What to do:
Stop the Cycle: If you realize the mistake before the cycle completes, pause the washing machine immediately.
Remove Clothes: Take out the clothes and try to shake off any excess suds.
Rinse the Clothes: Rinse the clothes thoroughly by hand with cold water to remove as much soap as possible.
Run an Extra Rinse Cycle: Place the clothes back into the washing machine and run an extra rinse cycle without adding any detergent. This will help remove any remaining soap.
Inspect the Clothes: After the extra rinse cycle, inspect the clothes for any remaining soap or damage.
Re-Wash if Necessary: If there are still soap residues or if you're concerned about the fabric, consider re-washing the clothes with the appropriate detergent.
Learn from the Mistake: Keep dish soap and laundry detergent in separate, clearly labeled containers to avoid repeating the accident in the future.
In most cases, if you take prompt action and rinse the clothes thoroughly, your clothes should be fine. However, if you notice any damage or irritation on your skin after wearing the clothes, it's best to discontinue use and consider replacing them if necessary.