In a dishwasher having a washing chamber capable of accommodating kitchenware for washing, a detergent dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving detergent. A lid is pivotally connected to the housing for selectively pivoting between a closed position for sealing the detergent chamber and an open position which permits washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber in connection with dispensing of detergent. The detergent chamber is provided with at least one washout port enabling washing fluid to enter the chamber, even if the lid can only pivot through a limited range to a partial open position due to an obstruction. A raised shield guard, which is spaced from the lid, extends in front of the lid to ensure that a potentially obstructing object within the washing chamber does not prevent the lid from moving to at least the partial open position during a wash cycle.