Urgent! Run out of dishwasher tabs. Can I use washing powder?

[Melassa]

Just that. Dishwasher desperately needs to go on. Can I use laundry detergent? I have an eco smell free one.

Either that or I have soda, but I find it leaves my glasses with a layer of fine white powder.

Any suggestions? Apart from washing the lot by hand, which I really want to avoid as the dishwasher is heaving and I'll be here all night....

Ooh my username is quite apt for what happened when I opened the dishwasher

Not only do you get a foam party but it burns out the elements or heater or whatever they have in .... and you need a new dishwasher!!

Really?? I was lucky then!