What if I forgot to add dishwasher detergent?

If you forgot to add dishwasher detergent powder before starting the wash cycle, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation:

1. Stop the Dishwasher: If possible, pause or stop the dishwasher as soon as you realize you forgot to add detergent. Some dishwashers have a pause or stop button that allows you to halt the cycle temporarily.
2. Add Detergent: Open the dishwasher door carefully and add the appropriate amount of dishwasher detergent to the detergent dispenser. Be cautious not to spill detergent onto the dishes or into the dishwasher tub.
3. Resume the Cycle: Close the dishwasher door and resume the wash cycle. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may need to select the appropriate wash cycle and options before restarting.
4. Run a Rinse Cycle: If you're unable to stop the dishwasher or if the wash cycle has already progressed significantly, you can choose to run a rinse cycle after adding detergent. This helps to rinse off any food residues and prepares the dishes for a subsequent wash cycle with detergent.
5. Manually Wash Dishes: If you prefer not to run the dishwasher again or if you're short on time, you can manually wash the dishes with dish soap and water in the sink. This ensures that the dishes are properly cleaned before use.

It's important to note that while adding detergent is essential for optimal cleaning performance, skipping it once is unlikely to cause significant harm to the dishwasher or dishes. However, for consistently clean and sanitized dishes, it's best to ensure that detergent is added before each wash cycle.