can I use washing powder in the dishwasher?

alexanderalexander

A friend of mine (who claims his authority from a chemistry degree) claims that washing powder is fundamentally the same as dishwasher powder, and they can be used interchangeably. I have tried using washing powder in the dishwasher and it seemed to work fine. Can anyone think of any downsides to this?

(the reason why this might be of interest to old style moneysavers is because - where I am at least - washing powder is much cheaper than dishwasher powder).

hilstep2000

You can use washing powder in the dishwasher. I have in the past. You have to use rinse aid too of course, which with some dishwasher products you don't have to.

pollys

Never tried that, but don't do what my DH did and use Washing-up liquid. Filled the kitchen with bubbles.
Pollys

Seakay

Would suggest that you choose a washing powder without optical brighteners, fragrances, stain removers, and anti-soiling chemicals; they could be volatilized by the heat of your dishwasher so that you breathe them in. (they are all really bad for the enviroment anyway, but your chemist friend probably knows more than I about how these ingredients would react to the high temperature found in your dishwasher).

creditcard123

pollys wrote: »

Never tried that, but don't do what my DH did and use Washing-up liquid. Filled the kitchen with bubbles.
Pollys

I did this aswell:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Zziggi

How much washing powder do people use? Do you still put it in the little drawer?

catch_me_if_you_can

Zziggi wrote: »

How much washing powder do people use? Do you still put it in the little drawer?

We use the amount stated on the box - we tried lesser amounts but our clothes didn't come clean (and they weren't filthy in the first place!) but smelt of BO and perfume that I had been wearing... then I pointed out to OH that we do live in a very hard water area and he had been using the bare minimum recommended for a soft water area (where he used to live was soft water) and now our clothes both look and smell fresh

We use the drawer (99% of the time) only occasionally put a doofer in the wash itself. Remember to wash out the drawer every so often though.

SUESMITH_2

catch_me_if_you_can wrote: »

We use the amount stated on the box - we tried lesser amounts but our clothes didn't come clean (and they weren't filthy in the first place!) but smelt of BO and perfume that I had been wearing... then I pointed out to OH that we do live in a very hard water area and he had been using the bare minimum recommended for a soft water area (where he used to live was soft water) and now our clothes both look and smell fresh

We use the drawer (99% of the time) only occasionally put a doofer in the wash itself. Remember to wash out the drawer every so often though.

err.... if you read the thread people are talking about using it in the dishwasher not in the washing machine