I just use a magnetic piece on the outside of the dishwasher to indicate that it is dirty. Don't even have to open the dishwasher to find out...

Maxwell, the only problem I found with those was that they had to be adjusted by the human or kid who emptied the dishwasher and put in a few of the dishes waiting in the sink. Or who ran the dishwasher and forgot to turn the little magnetic thingy to "Clean." The soap-first technique kind of "remembers" for itself, you see, because the operation of the dishwasher sets it, not so much the memory of the operator.

However, your comment could be a useful "tweak" on the idea - if the manufacturers made the soap dispenser visible from the outside of the unit. Then you don't have to open the door, nor remember to twiddle the magnet.

Sorry, forgot to say thanks. So, thanks!

What about a reservoir in the door of the dishwasher for the powder? If the reservoir is large enough to fit all the powder from the container you buy from the supermarket, then you don't need to use up valuable cupboard space storing the powder. The dishwasher would then dispense powder at the correct time of the cycle, in the correct volume. It could even have a sensor like your car's fuel tank, warning you when you're getting low on powder.

The only problem will be designing a robust, waterproof dispenser (and noticing when the "low powder" light goes on).

Oops, I missread the original idea a bit, sorry! The technique definately has some merit, especially as there are always arguments over who's turn it it to empty the dishwasher, resulting in the dishes getting left in the washer (ie the dishwasher acting as a cupboard). I like your idea paron.

my dishwasher has a green light that turns on if the dishes are clean...although when you empty it you do have to remember to turn the dial off of clean... but you'd also have to remember to put soap in..