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Can I use Dishwashing Liquid in the dishwasher?Updated a day ago

TL;DR: No. Dishwashing Liquid is designed for hand washing only (sink-soak or dish wand). It's a high-foam formula and dishwashers need a low-foam detergent. Using hand dish liquid in a dishwasher causes foam overflow, poor cleaning, and possible machine damage. For dishwashers, use Dishwashing Tabs.


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Koh Dishwashing Liquid product
Koh Dishwashing Tabs product

Can I use Dishwashing Liquid in the dishwasher?

No. Koh Dishwashing Liquid is designed for hand washing only (sink-soak method or dish wand). It's a high-foam formula. Dishwashers require low-foam detergents because the spray jets aerate the liquid and create runaway suds that overflow the machine, leak onto the floor, and prevent the cycle from cleaning properly. For machine dishwashing, use Koh Dishwashing Tabs, which are formulated specifically for dishwashers with the low-foam profile machines require. Septic compatible when used as directed, and GECA eco-certified.

⚠ Hand wash only

Dishwashing Liquid is designed for sink-soak or dish wand use. It's a high-foam formula. Dishwashers spray water at pressure, which aerates hand dish liquid into runaway suds that overflow the machine, leak onto the floor, and stop the cycle from cleaning properly.

Hand wash only High foam Foam overflow risk

✓ For dishwashers, use Dishwashing Tabs

Dishwashing Tabs are formulated specifically for dishwashers, with the low-foam profile that machines need. Septic compatible when used as directed, and GECA eco-certified.

Low foam Made for machines Septic compatible

What if I already did?

If hand dish liquid has gone into your dishwasher and the cycle has started, stop the cycle, open the door carefully, and clear out as much foam as possible with towels. Rinse out the detergent dispenser and the bottom of the tub. Run an empty rinse-only cycle to clear residual suds (you may need two or three short rinse cycles to fully clear the formula). If foam keeps reappearing, sprinkle a tablespoon of salt across the base of the tub to help the suds collapse. Once the machine is foam-free, run a normal wash with Koh Dishwashing Tabs.

✓ Foam recovery, four steps

1

Stop the cycle. Open the door carefully and scoop out as much foam as you can with towels.

2

Clear residue. Rinse out the detergent dispenser and the bottom of the tub.

3

Run rinse-only cycles. Two or three short rinse cycles usually clear the formula. If foam keeps reappearing, sprinkle a tablespoon of salt across the base of the tub to help the suds collapse.

4

Run a normal wash. Once the machine is foam-free, load up and run a normal wash with Dishwashing Tabs.

Koh Dishwashing Liquid bag-in-box

Dishwashing Liquid

For hand washing only. Sink-soak method or dish wand. 4 pumps per sink, soak 5 to 10 minutes, less scrubbing needed.

Koh Dishwashing Tabs for dishwashers

Dishwashing Tabs

For dishwashers. Low foam formula, made for machines. Septic compatible when used as directed, and GECA eco-certified. One tab per cycle.

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Last reviewed: May 2026

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