Can I use automatic dishwasher detergent to pre-soak my dishes?

Normally, you simply scrape food particles from dishes and pre-rinse before loading them in the dishwasher, making presoaking unnecessary. But if you’re dealing with dried-on, baked-on food or grease, try pre-soaking in a hand dishwashing detergent and water solution. Check the label on your automatic dishwasher detergent. Some of them are appropriate for pre-soaking too.