A system for dispensing a detergent solution from a solid detergent into a dishwasher includes a dispenser that can collect water sprayed into the dishwasher and use the collected water to produce the detergent solution by dissolving a portion of the solid detergent, controlling the amount of the detergent solution produced, and releasing the produced detergent solution between cleaning cycles. The dispenser can perform these functions automatically without being electrically powered.