When you run out of dishwashing detergent, many household items can be used as substitutes.
However, it’s essential to use items that won’t damage your dishes or your dishwasher itself (for instance, you don’t want to use sand instead of dishwashing detergent because then you’ll have an even bigger mess to clean up).
Before using the following substitutes for dishwashing detergent, give your dishes and/or dishwasher an initial rinse with plain water to ensure they’re entirely debris-free before proceeding with the other suggestions.
Best Substitutes for Dishwashing Detergent
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is a great substitute for dishwashing detergent because it cuts through grease and grime, and it’s environmentally friendly and inexpensive.
Add 1/2 cup to your dishwasher’s rinse cycle to use vinegar as a dishwashing detergent.
Adding a few drops of essential oil gives your dishes a nice scent. If you’re hand-washing dishes, add 1/4 cup vinegar to a sink full of hot water.
2. Baking Soda + Vinegar
When you run out of dishwashing detergent, there’s no need to panic. Plenty of household items can be used as substitutes for dishwashing detergent.
Baking soda and vinegar is one such combination. Mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar and use them instead of your usual dishwashing detergent.
The baking soda will be a gentle scrubber, while the vinegar will cut through grease and grime.
3. Salt
Salt can be used as a substitute when your dishwashing detergent runs out, and you’re in a pinch.
Add a tablespoon or two of salt to warm water and scrub away at your dishes.
The salt will help break down any grease or food particles. Rinse dishes as usual after scrubbing.
4. Natural Bar Soap
Natural bar soap is an everyday kitchen item that can be used as a substitute for dishwashing liquid.
To use bar soap as a detergent, wet the dishes and then rub the soap directly on them.
You can also create a makeshift dishwashing liquid by mixing equal parts of water and bar soap.
Be sure to use a non-toxic soap, like Ivory or Dr. Bronner’s, to avoid leaving harmful chemicals on your dishes.
5. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a versatile product used to clean various surfaces, including dishes.
When diluted with water, it can be used as a block of gentle dishwashing soap.
Add a few drops of castile soap to a bowl of warm water and wash your dishes as usual.
You may need to rinse them twice to remove all the soap residue.
6. Lemon
Lemons are great for cutting through grease and grime, making them a perfect stand-in for dishwashing detergent.
Plus, they’ll leave your dishes smelling fresh and citrusy. Cut a lemon in half and rub it on your dirty dishes.
Rinse as usual. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of lemon juice to your dishwater.
7. Soap Nuts
Soap nuts are natural, eco-friendly alternatives to dishwashing detergent. They grow on trees and contain saponin, a natural cleaning agent.
To use soap nuts, place a few in a small bag and tie it to the handle of your kitchen sink.
When you run the water over the bag, the saponin will be released, and your dishes will be cleaned like regular dishwashing detergent!
8. Hot Water Soak
Hot water is your best friend if you find yourself without dishwashing detergent. Fill your sink with the hottest water possible and let your dishes soak.
This will help loosen any caked-on food and make it easier to wash them by hand.
You can add a little vinegar to the water for extra cleaning power.
Things You Should Not Use to Wash Dishes
- Auto grease – This is a big no-no. Auto grease will not only leave your dishes greasy, but it can also cause your dishwasher to break down.
- Bleach – Bleach is excellent for disinfecting surfaces but should never be used on dishes. The chemicals in bleach can react with food and cause illness.
- Hand soap – While it may seem like a good idea to use hand soap to wash dishes, it’s not very effective. Hand soap removes dirt and oil from the skin, not dishes.
- Laundry detergent – Laundry detergent is another product that should never be used to wash dishes.
A Toothbrush + Baking Soda + Water
When you run out of dishwashing detergent and need to clean your dishes as soon as possible, there’s no need to panic.
Plenty of common household items can be used as substitutes for dishwashing detergent.
For example, a toothbrush, baking soda, and water can work just as well as a commercial dishwashing detergent.
You probably already have these items, so you won’t have to make a memorable trip to the store.
