How to Use Detergent In A Portable Dishwasher in 2025?

To use detergent in a portable dishwasher, you first need to ensure that the detergent compartment is free from any residue or clogs. Open the compartment and add the appropriate amount of dishwasher detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Close the compartment securely and start the dishwasher on the desired cycle. It is important to use the correct type and amount of detergent to ensure that your dishes are cleaned effectively. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the best results.

Best Portable Dishwashers of September 2025

Rating is 5 out of 5

BLACK+DECKER Portable Dishwasher, 18 inches Wide, 8 Place Setting, Black

IMPRESSIVE CAPACITY: This 18” portable dishwasher thoroughly cleans up to 8 place settings in each wash cycle. Your dinner plates, cups, saucers, bowls and utensils will stay dirt-free and sparkling thanks to this durable stainless steel (16.3” x 20.5” x 26.15”) tub. Silverware basket included so your forks, knives and spoons remain immaculate. This portable dishwasher on wheels does the scrubbing for you with an adjustable top rack to accommodate taller dishes.
EASY SETUP: No need for direct plumbing or permanent installation with this portable dishwashing machine. The Quick Connect assembly links right to your faucet with a 59” hose. Interior spray arms located in the upper and lower part of small dishwasher with a hot water temperature of 140° Fahrenheit. Child lock guarantees optimal safety when dishwasher machine is on.
MULTIPLE WASH CYCLES: This BLACK+DECKER portable dish washer comes with 6 superior wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, 90-min & Rapid. An easy-to-read LED display with trouble-free push button allows you to begin cleaning in no time. Fully equipped with detergent dispenser and low rise aid indicator. Delay Start function allows you to wash plates, utensils, bowls and cups with the touch of your fingertips and on your own schedule.
WORKTOP VERSATILITY: When your dish washer isn’t scrubbing your favorite dishes, it can double as a trendy kitchen island and worktop counter. When not in use, make the most of this stainless steel dishwasher by utilizing it to store kitchen appliances or even as a culinary work station.
IDEAL FOR SMALL KITCHENS: Just because you live in an apartment, RV, or dorm doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy clean cutlery and plateware. The storage and ease of this 18” RV dishwasher allows you the luxury of thoroughly washed dishes regardless of your kitchen size. Made for compact spaces, this portable dishwasher is ideal for apartment residencies and occupants of modest dwellings.

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Rating is 4.9 out of 5

RCA RDW1809 Portable Dishwasher, 18in Wide, 8 Place Settings Capacity, White

Portable Dishwasher on Wheels - Holds up to 8 Standard Place Settings
Low Water Consumption
Easy to Connect to any Kitchen Tap
Resistant Stainless Steel Interior
Fits under most kitchen cabinets

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Rating is 4.8 out of 5

SPT SD-9263W 18″ Wide Portable Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub – White

SD-9263W: 18″ Energy Star Portable Dishwasher - WHITE
Capacity: 8 place setting
6 Wash programs: Heavy, Normal, Eco, Glass, 90 Min, Rapid
Stainless Steel Interior
Rinse Aid Warning Indicator: refill reminder on rinse aid

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Rating is 4.7 out of 5

NOVETE Portable Countertop Dishwashers, Compact Dishwashers with 5 L Built-in Water Tank & Inlet Hose, 5 Washing Programs, Baby Care, Air-Dry Function and LED Light for Small Apartments

【BABY CARE MODE】This compact dishwasher offers 5 wash cycles - Normal, Speed, Soft, Baby Care/Heavy, and Fruit; the Baby Care/Heavy mode with 167 °F washing temperature is suitable for baby products and oily tableware, which rinses them thoroughly and gives glassware a sparkling clean finish
【FULLY EQUIPPED】The storage rack and cutlery basket make it easy to clean ''top rack only'' dishwasher safe items such as knives, forks, and spoons, leaving more space for dishes and small pots; lower and upper spray arms give dishes a streak-free deep cleaning, and the included fruit basket stores fruits and vegetables neatly and cleans them
【SPEED WASH】When you are in a hurry and want your dishes ready faster, select Speed mode, which cleans dishes in just 29 minutes; the automatic air circulation helps to dry dishes so that you can use immediately
【FRUIT MODE】A fruit basket is included so fruit and vegetables can be cleaned easily, ready to serve directly from the dishwasher

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Rating is 4.6 out of 5

COMFEE’ Countertop Dishwasher, Energy Star Portable Dishwasher, 6 Place Settings & 8 Washing Programs, Speed, Baby-Care, ECO& Glass, Dish Washer for Dorm, RV& Apartment, Black

【6 Place Setting】- A perfect size(H438×W550×D500mm) for 2-3 people, COMFEE’ compact dishwasher is suitable for dorms, RVs and apartments. This countertop dishwasher can fit up to 70 pieces of tableware, and a plate size of up to 10 inches diameter. Note: COMFEE dishwashers are tested at the factory before they are shipped. If your new dishwasher has some water inside, this is normal.
【Simple Installation】- COMFEE' portable dishwasher can be connected to faucet directly (Suitable adaptor needed). Depending on your needs, it can be flexibly placed on the table or fitted in the cupboard.
【Speed Program】- Only takes you 45 minutes to get all dishes cleaned, perfect for hurry-up situations, like holding a multi-round party. Accompanied with Energy Star compliant, water consumption can be as low as 2.77 gallons of water, which greatly saves your costs.

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Rating is 4.5 out of 5

SPT SD-2224DS ENERGY STAR Compact Countertop Dishwasher with Delay Start - Portable Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Interior and 6 Place Settings Rack Silverware Basket, Silver

7 wash cycles: Heavy, normal, light, mini party, rinse, speed and soak
Delay start for added convenience : Two, four, six or eight hours
Universal faucet adapter and Quick Connect: For quick and easy connection to most kitchen faucets
Electronic controls with LED display : LED displays remaining time or current running state
Water supply warning indicator and rinse aid warning indicator
energy guide capacity: 203
installation type: Counter Top
material type: Iron
form factor: Stand Alone
controls type: Full Panel

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Rating is 4.4 out of 5

SPT SD-6513SS 24″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 10 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub

Time Delay Feature
Error Alarm
Rinse Aid Warning Indicator
Stainless Steel Interior
Quiet Operations: at 52dBA
Capacity: Up to 10 standard plate settings
6 wash Programs: Heavy, Normal, Rapid, Eco, Glass, and 90 Min
2 Racks
Automatic Dispensers
Energy Star

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Rating is 4.3 out of 5

SPT SD-9263SS 18″ Wide Portable Stainless Steel Dishwasher with ENERGY STAR, 6 Wash Programs, 8 Place Settings and Stainless Steel Tub

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Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Midea MDF18A1AST Built-in Dishwasher with 8 Place Settings, 6 Washing Programs, Stainless Steel Tub, Heated Dry, Energy Star

【Slimline Design with Large Capacity】The Midea built-in dishwasher boasts a slim body that takes up minimal space and is easy to fit. It features a digital control panel with an LED display and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger plates, pots, and pans up to 11 inches in height.
【8 Place Settings Dishwasher】With dimensions of 24.41"D x 17.72"W x 33.27"H with adjustable legs, this under sink dishwasher provides a spacious and flexible interior for maximum dishware loading.
【6 programs+3 functions】The 18-inch dishwasher offers six programs, including Heavy, Normal, ECO, Delicate, Quick, and Rinse washing programs. It also features Heated Dry, Hi-Temp, and Sanitize functions that meet all your daily needs. Note: ONLY use detergent specially for dishwasher because regular liquid dish soap will cause dishwasher problems.
【Heated Dry】Smart dishwasher ensures the best drying performance. The extra drying function offers a thorough drying performance (except for the Rapid and Self-clean cycle) with no additional towel drying required.
【HI TEMP】The HYGIENE wash cycle maintains the water temperature at 136°F (58°C) max , which can tackle even the heaviest soiled dishes. It is also suitable for cleaning baby bottles and children's dinner sets.

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Rating is 4.1 out of 5

BLACK+DECKER Portable Dishwasher, 18 inches Wide, 8 Place Setting, White

IMPRESSIVE CAPACITY: This 18” portable dishwasher thoroughly cleans up to 8 place settings in each wash cycle. Your dinner plates, cups, saucers, bowls and utensils will stay dirt-free and sparkling thanks to this durable stainless steel (16.3” x 20.5” x 26.15”) tub. Silverware basket included so your forks, knives and spoons remain immaculate. This portable dishwasher on wheels does the scrubbing for you with an adjustable top rack to accommodate taller dishes.
EASY SETUP: No need for direct plumbing or permanent installation with this portable dishwashing machine. The Quick Connect assembly links right to your faucet with a 59” hose. Interior spray arms located in the upper and lower part of small dishwasher with a hot water temperature of 140° Fahrenheit. Child lock guarantees optimal safety when dishwasher machine is on.
MULTIPLE WASH CYCLES: This BLACK+DECKER portable dish washer comes with 6 superior wash cycles: Heavy, Normal, ECO, Glass, 90-min & Rapid. An easy-to-read LED display with trouble-free push button allows you to begin cleaning in no time. Fully equipped with detergent dispenser and low rise aid indicator. Delay Start function allows you to wash plates, utensils, bowls and cups with the touch of your fingertips and on your own schedule.
WORKTOP VERSATILITY: When your dish washer isn’t scrubbing your favorite dishes, it can double as a trendy kitchen island and worktop counter. When not in use, make the most of this stainless steel dishwasher by utilizing it to store kitchen appliances or even as a culinary work station.
WORKTOP VERSATILITY: When your dish washer isn’t scrubbing your favorite dishes, it can double as a trendy kitchen island and worktop counter. When not in use, make the most of this stainless steel dishwasher by utilizing it to store kitchen appliances or even as a culinary work station.

Buy It Now

How to properly rinse the dishwasher after using detergent in a portable dishwasher?

Remove all dishes and racks from the dishwasher.
Inspect the dishwasher drain and remove any debris or food particles that may have accumulated.
Fill a container with hot water and add a small amount of white vinegar or baking soda to help sanitize and deodorize the dishwasher.
Place the container on the bottom rack of the dishwasher and run a full cycle on the hottest setting.
Once the cycle is complete, open the dishwasher and allow it to air dry for a few hours.
If there are any lingering odors or residue, you can wipe down the interior of the dishwasher with a damp cloth soaked in white vinegar or baking soda.
Finally, leave the dishwasher door slightly ajar to allow for proper ventilation and prevent mold or mildew growth.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your portable dishwasher is clean and ready for the next use.

How to troubleshoot detergent clumping in a portable dishwasher?

If your detergent is clumping in your portable dishwasher, it could be due to a few different reasons. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

Check the detergent: Make sure you are using the proper type and amount of detergent recommended for your dishwasher. Using too much detergent can cause clumping.
Check the detergent dispenser: Ensure that the detergent dispenser is clean and not clogged or blocked in any way. This can prevent the detergent from dispensing properly and cause clumping.
Check the water temperature: The water temperature in your dishwasher should be between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit for the detergent to dissolve properly. If the water is not hot enough, it can cause clumping.
Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: To ensure that the water entering the dishwasher is hot enough, run the hot water in the sink before starting the dishwasher.
Check for hard water: If you have hard water, it can cause detergent to clump. Consider using a water softener or adding a rinse aid to help prevent clumping.
Clean the dishwasher: Regularly clean your dishwasher, including the spray arms, filters, and seals, to ensure that water can circulate properly and dissolve the detergent effectively.
Adjust the cycle: If you are using a quick cycle, consider switching to a longer cycle with higher water temperatures to ensure the detergent has enough time to dissolve properly.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve detergent clumping in your portable dishwasher and achieve clean and sparkling dishes.

How to know if detergent is effective in a portable dishwasher?

Check for clear water: After running a cycle with the detergent, check to see if the water is clear and free of residue. If the water is cloudy or has visible residue, it could indicate that the detergent is not effectively cleaning the dishes.
Inspect dishes: Examine the dishes after a wash cycle to see if they are clean and free of food particles or residue. If the dishes still have food stuck on them or are not fully clean, it may be a sign that the detergent is not working effectively.
Check for buildup: Over time, a buildup of residue and grime can indicate that the detergent is not fully cleaning the dishes. If you notice a buildup of residue or grime in the dishwasher, it may be a sign that the detergent is not effectively cleaning the dishes.
Pay attention to smell: If there is a lingering odor on the dishes after a wash cycle, it could indicate that the detergent is not effectively removing all food particles and bacteria. A good detergent should leave the dishes smelling clean and fresh.
Follow manufacturer's recommendations: Different dishwashers may require specific types or brands of detergent for optimal performance. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for detergent usage in your specific portable dishwasher.

What is the proper way to measure detergent for a portable dishwasher?

The proper way to measure detergent for a portable dishwasher is typically the same as for a regular dishwasher. Follow these steps:

Check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended amount of detergent to use in your specific model of portable dishwasher.
If there are no specific instructions, a general guideline is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of detergent for a standard-size load in a portable dishwasher.
Add the detergent to the designated detergent compartment in your dishwasher, following any additional instructions for pre-washing or pre-soaking dishes if necessary.
Avoid adding too much detergent, as this can leave residue on your dishes and potentially damage your dishwasher.
If you have hard water, you may need to adjust the amount of detergent or use a specialized detergent formulated for hard water. Consult your dishwasher manual or the detergent packaging for guidance.
After measuring and adding the detergent, start the dishwasher as usual and let it run through the complete wash cycle.

What is the difference between liquid and powder detergent for a portable dishwasher?

The main difference between liquid and powder detergent for a portable dishwasher is the form in which they are used. Liquid detergent comes in a liquid form and is poured directly into the detergent dispenser of the dishwasher. Powder detergent, on the other hand, comes in a powdered form and needs to be measured out and then poured into the detergent dispenser.

In terms of performance, both liquid and powder detergent are effective at cleaning dishes in a portable dishwasher. However, some users may find that liquid detergent is easier to use and measure out, while others may prefer the convenience and longer shelf life of powder detergent.

Ultimately, the choice between liquid and powder detergent for a portable dishwasher comes down to personal preference and convenience. Some people may find that one type of detergent works better for them based on their water hardness or the type of dishes they are washing. It may be worth trying both types of detergent to see which one works best for your specific needs.