It’s a common household error; reaching for the dish liquid instead of dishwasher detergent and ending up with a bubbly mess. While it may seem harmless, using regular dish soap in a dishwasher can create excessive suds that overflow and disrupt the machine’s normal function. Fortunately, the American Cleaning Institute offers simple steps to fix the problem:
Caught it early? If you realize your mistake before starting the dishwasher, immediately wipe the dish liquid from the dispenser with a dry paper towel. Then use a damp cloth to remove any leftover residue.
Already running? If the cycle has already begun and suds are forming, stop the dishwasher and remove the dishes. Rinse them thoroughly under clear water. Use a bowl to scoop out excess suds from the machine, and splash cool water along the interior surfaces to help settle the remaining soap. Scoop out the suds as they gather at the bottom.
Before your next load, it’s best to run an empty rinse cycle to flush out any lingering soap and restore balance in the machine.
Suds on the floor? Use a large bath towel to smother the bubbles and soak up as much liquid as possible. This helps reduce the volume of suds and makes cleanup quicker.
Mistakes happen, but when it comes to dishwashing, a little know-how can save you from a sudsy disaster. Keep dishwasher detergent and dish soap clearly separated, and if you slip up, follow these steps to clean up quickly and prevent any long-term damage to your machine or floors.
