5 Emergency Substitutes for Dishwasher Detergent

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural, gentle abrasive that softens water. “In a pinch, you can use baking soda in your dishwasher to clean dishes,” Polich says. “Simply fill the detergent cup with baking soda as you would usually with detergent, and run a cycle.”

Baking soda absorbs odors. And the abrasive action, combined with the really hot water, loosens grime without harming your dishes or your appliance.

Even if you’re not out of dishwasher detergent, running an occasional empty cycle with baking soda freshens the interior, drain and hoses.

Vinegar

Is there anything this wonder cleaner can’t do? “You can also use a bowl of white vinegar if you run out of dishwashing detergent,” Polich says.

Place a bowl on the top rack, add a half-cup of vinegar and run a cycle. Vinegar is a natural, gentle degreaser with disinfecting properties. But use a bowl! “Be sure not to put the vinegar directly in the detergent cup, because the acidity can damage the machine’s rubber gaskets,” Polich says.