When dishwashing liquid is put in your dishwasher, it creates an inconvenient mess of bubbles in the kitchen.
It can also reduce the lifespan of your dishwasher due to a buildup of soap scum.
If you’ve run out of dishwasher tablets, don’t place dishwashing liquid as a substitute. The overflowing suds can cause water damage to your kitchen floors and cabinetry. You will also have a soap suds party in the kitchen. The kids will love it, but you, not so much.
You will know the wrong cleaning agent has been placed in the dishwasher when bubbles start to overflow through the door. Here’s what to do when you discover this problem.
What to do when dishwashing liquid has been put in your dishwasher
1. Turn the machine off
Stop the dishwasher mid cycle. If you’ve discovered the bubbles early enough, hopefully they haven’t flooded the kitchen floor. When the dishwasher cycle has been cancelled, it should start to drain.
2. Remove the contents of the dishwasher
Get all the crockery and cutlery out of the dishwasher. Be careful when removing as they may be hot. You will need to wash these by hand to remove the soap residue. This will also help with the removal of the suds in the machine.
3. Grab a tub
If you have a big tub or storage container, grab this and start wading the soap suds out of the dishwasher. Again be careful as the suds can be hot. You want to get as much of the soap suds out as possible.
4. Mop the suds with an old tea towel
Use an old tea towel to dry the exterior of the dishwasher and the interior cavity. This will also help remove the soap residue on the interior walls and base of the dishwasher.
5. Rinse the interior with water and vinegar
It sounds weird to dry the interior and then pour water and vinegar into the dishwasher, but pouring water will help you work out if all the soap residue has gone from the interior of the dishwasher. Rinsing with 1 cup of vinegar will dissipate the soap. Use a small jug or bowl to pour and watch for bubbles. You will also need to rinse the cutlery holder and any sections which can be removed.
Sprinkling salt can also help remove the bubbles.
6. Dry the interior of the dishwasher
Once no bubbles or suds form from the water and vinegar rinse, re-dry the interior of the dishwasher.
7. Put on the rinse cycle
The rinse cycle will remove any remaining detergent residue. Once complete, your dishwasher will now be ready for the next load.
You only have to place dishwashing liquid in your dishwasher once to learn to never put it in again.
If a full cycle has been completed before the dishwasher could be turned off mid-cycle, mop up the floor first and then start from step 2.
Have you ever put dishwashing liquid into your dishwasher?
Disclaimer: The information is intended to be of a general nature only. I do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own decisions and enquiries. Always use a licensed plumber for your plumbing needs. Reach out to your dishwasher manufacturer if problems persist with your dishwasher.
