4 Amazing Uses for Dishwasher Detergent That Will Surprise You
Dishwasher detergent isn’t just for dishes anymore! Packed with grease-busting and stain-fighting power, this humble household staple has surprising uses far beyond the kitchen sink. Whether you’re tackling stubborn laundry stains or battling bathroom grime, dishwasher detergent is your secret weapon. Read on to discover amazing uses for automatic dishwasher detergent that will save you time, money, and effort—all while keeping your home sparkling clean.
Expanding Beyond the Dishwasher
We all know dishwasher detergent is a kitchen essential, specially formulated to make our dishes sparkle, whether it’s in powder, pods, packs, liquid, or gel form. But here’s a surprise: the same powerful grease- and dirt-busting ingredients can do wonders beyond your dishwasher.
Take my trusty microfiber cloths, for instance. I use them for everything—wiping up spills, dusting furniture, cleaning windows, countertops, floors, woodwork, and appliances. They get dirty fast and eventually, those stains start to set in.
Now, here’s the tricky part: microfiber’s worst enemy is laundry detergent that doesn’t rinse out completely. Any soap or laundry product residue can cling to the cloth and ruin its effectiveness, which is why I avoid using regular laundry detergent with them.
In the past, I’d wash my microfiber cloths in hot water with a dash of borax, cranking my machine to its hottest setting and adding an extra rinse. It worked well enough but didn’t fully tackle the stains. Sure, some might say, “Who cares about stains on cleaning cloths?” But you know me … those stains drive me nuts!
Then, a lightbulb moment—dishwasher detergent! I remembered a tip I’d read about using dishwasher detergent beyond the kitchen, so I decided to give it a try. I tossed my stained microfiber cloths into the washer with one automatic dishwasher pod, set the wash to hot, and added an extra rinse. The results? Incredible! Just take a look:
That’s when I dove into research mode, determined to figure out why this worked so brilliantly, with no extra soaking, scrubbing, or waiting around.
How Dishwasher Detergent Powers Through Stains and Grime
Dishwasher detergent is a powerhouse cleaner, whether it comes as a powder, liquid, gel, packs, or pods. Each type is packed with powerful surfactants and enzymes designed to break down and wash away grease, oil, and dirt. Powdered dishwasher detergents often contain bleach, making them particularly effective for erasing tough stains.
Here’s how it works: the bleach zaps stains from coffee, tea, and other tough spots; the enzymes gobble up proteins and solids, and the surfactants tackle the dirt. However, it’s worth noting that enzymes and bleach don’t mix well in gel products because liquid bleach can deactivate enzymes. That’s why powdered dishwasher detergent is often the most powerful option.
Caution - Use with Care
When using dishwasher detergent for cleaning outside of your dishwasher, you can opt for gel, liquid, or powdered forms. However, powdered detergent is usually the most effective, especially when mixed with water heated to about 130°F, ensuring it dissolves completely.
Always use a product specifically designed for automatic dishwashers—NOT regular dishwashing liquid (like Dawn). Mixing up the two could lead to a bubbly disaster that you won’t soon forget!
Keep in mind that automatic dishwasher detergents can be harsh on your skin, so always wear waterproof gloves when mixing and cleaning with these solutions. Your hands will thank you!
1. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner with Dishwasher Detergent
Mix up a powerful all-purpose cleaner using just 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent powder and 2 gallons of hot water. Mix until the detergent is fully dissolved, then transfer the solution into spray bottles.
To use: Instead of spraying directly on surfaces, spritz the cleaner onto a clean cloth and then wipe down the area that needs attention. Follow up with a rinse of warm water and dry with a soft rag for a spotless finish.
This homemade cleaner works wonders on the exterior and interior of appliances, vinyl floors, painted surfaces, and even glass. For glass surfaces, pair it with a microfiber cloth to achieve that streak-free shine we all love.
2. Laundry Stain Removal: Amazing Uses for Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Automatic dishwasher detergent is a laundry stain-fighting powerhouse, thanks to its ability to break down stubborn food and grease particles. Many brands contain bleach (either chlorine or peroxide), making them an excellent laundry detergent booster.
To treat dingy or stained white fabrics, mix 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent powder or 1 dishwasher pod, 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach, and 1 gallon of very hot water in a plastic container. Stir to combine, then add your garments and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, run them through their usual cycle in the washing machine. If you’re working with knit or delicate whites, let the solution cool down first to avoid any damage.
Important: Never mix chlorine bleach with peroxide—stick to one type of bleach to avoid a harmful reaction.
3. Tackling Bathroom Stains with Dishwasher Pods
Stubborn bathtub or toilet rings? Grab a dishwasher pod or tablet and drop it into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to work its magic, then scrub away the stains with a toilet brush. I’ve found that dishwasher pods dissolve well in room-temperature water, making them a more effective choice than powder, which can struggle to dissolve completely.
For tackling tub stains, mix 1/4 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent with enough hot water to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to the stained areas with a sponge or cloth, and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and watch those stains disappear. For particularly stubborn stains, you might need to repeat the process.
4. Remove Garage and Driveway Stains with Dishwasher Detergent
Dealing with stubborn oil, transmission, or other car fluid stains on your driveway or in the garage? Dishwasher detergent is here to help. Simply mix 1/2 cup of dishwasher detergent powder with enough hot water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stained area using a stiff brush for best results. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it off with your garden hose.
This method is a simple yet effective way to tackle tough stains and keep your outdoor spaces looking fresh.
Is Using Dishwasher Detergent for Other Cleaning Jobs Cost-Effective?
You might be wondering: Is it worth using dishwasher detergent for other cleaning tasks? The answer depends on your product prices. If you can snag it on sale or buy in bulk, it’s definitely cost-effective.
Plus, having a box of automatic dishwasher detergent handy can be a lifesaver when you run out of laundry detergent or don’t want to spend a fortune on specialized cleaners. If you’ve got that box of detergent already at home, why not put it to use?
Team EC’s Top Dishwasher Detergent Picks & Our DIY Recipe
With so many brands and types out there, results can vary. When it comes to choosing the best dishwasher detergent for these unconventional cleaning tasks, Team EC has a few favorites that really stand out.
Team EC’s Favorite Dishwasher Detergents
- Powder: Cascade Complete Powder Dishwasher Detergent is a great choice for tough cleaning jobs. It dissolves well in hot water, making it perfect for creating powerful cleaning pastes.
- Pods: Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent Pods combine conveniency and effectiveness. These pods are pre-measured and dissolve easily, ideal for quick cleaning tasks like tackling toilet rings or bathroom grime.
- Gel: Cascade Complete +Oxi Gel Dishwashing Detergent provides a concentrated formula that’s perfect for making all-purpose cleaners or spot-treating stains.
DIY Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Recipe
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and eco-friendly option, why not try making your own dishwasher detergent? Just mix baking soda, borax, washing soda, salt, and citric acid, and add a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent. Use 1-2 tablespoons per load, and for extra shine, place a small container of white vinegar on the top rack.
Check out our complete recipe and guide here →
Question: Have you ever tried using dishwasher detergent for something other than dishes? What was your experience? Let us know down in the comments section below.
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I recently burned a stainless steel pan quite badly, had forgotten to turn a burner off. The pan was letting off smoke/fumes from burning. I had to set the pan outside it was so bad, I was afraid I would have to throw pan out. I let the pan cool slightly and then added a dishwasher powder packet and some very hot water, just enough to cover all the pan area effected. By the next morning it was very easy to clean the pan with a mesh scrubber pad and liquid dishwashing detergent (I first dumped all the liquid in pan from overnight)
I love my microfiber dish cloths from Dollar Tree. 2 for $1.25. They last for months. I run them through the dishwasher, draped over the front of the top basket. They come out sparkling, and I am assured that they are clean. So I think there is something to washing them with dishwasher detergent. I just wash them in the dishwasher rather than then the actual washing machine.
I also clean my jacuzzi with 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent and 1 cup of bleach. Let it run for 15 minutes.
I use a dishwasher pod in my garbage disposal. Turn on the faucet and let run on the hottest temp on a low stream. Toss a pad in the disposal and turn it on!
Very intrigued with your method. I wonder if there are issues with it? How long have you even doing it?
I host Christmas cookie baking every year. I soak the seasonal towels and hot pads in hot water and dishwashing soap/tabs every year in prep. It’s a miracle!
My favorite use for powder dishwasher detergent is to add it to a load of clothes that my cat peed on. The enyzmes clean out the cat pee leaving no smell. I add between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup to the load, soak for an hour or two, then run it through a regular wash. Sometimes I have to do this twice (but knowing that the water needs to be hot, I will change that and probably have success with one cycle).
How much powered dishwasher detergent can I use IF I use the small amount of washing in hot water. I don’t have very many but they do have stains on them and I would like to get them out.
It bugs me too. lol
There’s no set measurement … use your own judgement. I add about 1/4 cup to my front loader with a regular size load.
a nurse friend told me that she uses 1/2 cup of dishwashing detergent on toilet clogs and i tried it and it works. i guess it’s the enzymes in it that dissolves the clog.
3 Ways to Unclog a Toilet—Quick and Easy!
Yes this really works!! I had to do this once and by golly IT REALLY WQORKED!!! Thank you Mary for this tip!!
I use the pods with my glass carafe that has tea stains. I also use boiling water in the carafe. Easiest way to clean tea stains.
Is the dishwasher detergent ok to use in washers that require He detergent only?
Yes, because front-loading HE washers, just like dishwashers, cannot tolerate suds. Both automatic dishwasher detergent and HE detergent are non-sudsing.
Please tell which microfiber cloths you are using. Thanks!
The gold ones at the top of the stack are from Costco … find them in the automotive aisle. Excellent value for first-class microfiber.
The fluffy gold ones on the bottom are Chemical Guys Professional Grade Microfiber Towels, from Amazon.
Well, whodathunk?! very useful info, thanks!
When we bought our home the home inspector told me to use dishwasher detergent to clean the Jacuzzi tub in our bathroom. It sterilizes and works like a charm. Add that to your list!
Happy Anniversary!
I used to keep a box of powdered, generic auto dishwashing detergent in my laundry area when my children were small.
All of the food on the clothes seemed to signal a need for it, and it worked.
I haven’t thought about that in twenty years!
Thanks Mary, and Happy Anniversary!
As a licensed massage therapist I had lots of sheets with oils or lotions that had soaked into them to launder. The only way to get them really clean was to wash them with dishwasher detergent and hot water, plus bleach to make sure that they were sanitary. Great advice on using dishwasher detergent for more than just dishes!