For many working people, the dishwasher is one of the best appliances invented in modern times. It cleans dishes fast and easy all thanks to a press of a button. It also helps that there are different brands and types to choose from with different functions to meet your households’ specific needs.
But dishwashers, like any appliance, also have their issues and sometimes don’t work properly. From time to time, you may notice problems like detergent or dishwasher tablets not dissolving fully. One possible reason could be a blocked detergent door caused by improper closing.
There are many possibilities why the dishwasher soap may not dissolve properly. Here is a list of the probable reasons and how to fix them.
The Detergent Is Stuck
One of the reasons why a dishwasher tablet is not properly dissolving is a stuck dispenser. If food debris gets stuck in the dispenser door, then the dishwasher soap will get stuck and prevent the door from opening.
Check the dispenser and remove any food particles inside. After cleaning the detergent dispenser, make sure to dry it. A damp tray in the dispenser can cause dishwasher tablets to get stuck.
Avoid putting dishwasher detergent or tablets inside the tray early. It is best to load the detergent right before starting a cycle.
Broken dispenser
Another reason that could prevent dishwasher tablets from dissolving is that the dispenser is broken. Check the latch and make sure that it opens and closes properly. A door sticking or not closing right can prevent the tablets from dissolving.
Be sure to check the latch, replace it with a new one, or repair it to release the soap. You should also check for debris stuck to the latch and remove it as necessary. Finally, clean any residual liquid or soap suds with some water.
Detergent Door Improperly Closing
One of the most common reasons dishwasher tablets don’t dissolve right is a detergent door that has not been closed correctly. Make sure that there are no objects, like pans, blocking the dispenser door. This will ensure that the dispenser door can open, allowing the dishwasher detergent to come out and clean the dishes.
Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher by putting all your dishes in at once. If you have a large load of dishes, consider separating them out. Batch washing dishes is a great solution to keep things running smoothly. After all, the last thing you need is another problem with your dishwasher.
Incorrect Water Temperature
Another possible reason why dishwasher tablets may not dissolve is improper water temperature. If the temperature is too low, then chances are, the dishwasher tablet is taking too long to dissolve. This will then slow the process and not clean the dishes completely.
To fix the problem, run a cycle first with a higher temperature and enough water to see if the dishwasher tablet will dissolve. Then, check the temperature recommendation for your dishwasher model. This increase in temperature will also help completely rinse and wash food and grease off the pans, plates, and other utensils inside.
If the soap is still not dissolving, then it’s time to call your repairman to inspect what’s wrong with the dishwasher.
Low Water Pressure
If the machine is not filling up with water fast enough, there is a probability that not enough water is coming in. This will impede the cleaning process as the water cannot reach as far, leaving you with dirty dishes.
To check if there is enough water, open the dishwasher and check the water level, which you can find at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Additionally, check for proper pipe alignment to allow good water flow. See if the spray arm is working as well and that nothing is blocking the pipes for the water drain. If there is still no water coming in, it’s best to call a plumber or repairman to check the problem.
Wrong Dishwasher Tablet size or Soap Amount
There is a big possibility that the dishwasher soap or tablet is not dissolving correctly because it’s the wrong size. A tablet that is the wrong size will not fit or dissolve the right way.
One of the best ways to measure is to manually check the size of the tray where you place the dishwasher soap or tablet. Then match the measurement with the correct soap or detergent. This can help you determine which one to use as there are many types of dishwasher tablets and soaps on the market or online.
Spray arms that aren’t correctly working could prevent the proper distribution of water inside the dishwasher. Ensure that when you load the dishes inside the dishwasher, the spray arms are free to rotate. Doublecheck that nothing is in the way or blocking it from moving so that the wash cycle will be smooth.
Check Water Inlet Valve
A water inlet valve has a screen that catches food debris and other minerals. There is a chance that it might be damaged or loose.
To fix the water inlet valve, you need to remove it and, using hot water and soap, clean off any residue that could be clogging it. If you are still experiencing issues, you may have to replace it with a new one.
Check the Circulation Pump
Another possible reason why dishwasher soap won’t dissolve could be a broken circulation pump. It’s also possible that something got stuck in the circulation pump and could be jamming it. This is a common problem in some brands such as Bosch.
Replace or clean the circulation pump to fix this problem. Once the circulation pump has been cleaned or replaced, water should spray a lot better. When the dispenser door opens, the water will wash all the detergent out from the dispenser completely.
Improper Storage
Store dishwasher tablets in a cool, dry place, such as a dry cupboard or cabinet at room temperature. Exposure to moisture could cause the tablets to clump or stick together. This will likely lessen the chances of the soap dissolving in the dispenser.
If you still have a leftover tablet, test it by trying to dissolve it with some hot water in your sink or a bowl. If it dissolves quickly and has some bubbles, there is a high chance that it is still okay to use. But if it doesn’t dissolve quickly, it may be time to get new tablets.
Liquid dishwasher detergent, on the other hand, should not be used after eight months. Check the expiration dates on the bottle. Expired liquid dishwashing soap will be less effective when washing the dishes within the dishwasher. After all, you don’t want detergent to dry and make your plates, glasses, or pans sticky. Greasy, soapy dishes are not pleasant.
As with any product you buy, it’s best to check the product’s expiration date before using it. Otherwise, the soap might not dissolve even if you use a lot of hot water, and it may disrupt the wash cycle.
The Dishwasher is Broken
At the end of the day, if these fixes don’t solve your problem, there is a high possibility that the dishwasher itself is broken. Of course, you can continue to fix and troubleshoot other possible causes, such as electrical wiring, but if you really are unsure, it’s time to call for professional help. Sometimes, it’s best to check with a technician to find the root cause of the problem.
Conclusion
There are many possibilities as to why a dishwasher tablet might not dissolve. Bear in mind, dishwashers have different models and types, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with your machine before using it.
