A fluid dispensing system for a residential dishwasher comprises a fluid reservoir that can hold liquid gel dish detergent in bulk quantities, preferably comprising the contents of at least one bottle of detergent as sold at retail, which is disposed inside a door of the dishwasher. The reservoir is filled with detergent from the inside of the door, to facilitate clean-up if any product is accidentally spilled. As a result, the dishwasher is made easier and more convenient to use, by reducing the repetitive step of loading detergent and allowing “peace of mind” delegation of the dishwashing task. Metered doses of the fluid may be dispensed. In addition to dish detergent, liquid rinse aids may also be dispensed using the disclosed system.