If you’re visiting us today, chances are you’ve run into a little snag with your dishwasher. It’s frustrating, we know. You load up the dishes, put in your detergent, and wait for the magic to happen. But when you open the dishwasher, the detergent is still there staring back at you undissolved. Let us show you why you find your dishwasher not dissolving detergent properly and what you can do about it.
How to Troubleshoot a Dishwasher Not Dissolving Detergent
Before we dive into fixing the issue, let’s learn the possible reasons why you have a dishwasher not dissolving detergent so you’ll know what to look for.
Water Temperature Too Low
What to do if dishwasher detergent doesn’t dissolve? Sometimes the problem could be as simple as the water being too cold. Detergent needs warm water to dissolve effectively. So, if your water heater isn’t doing its job or is set to a low temperature, you might find detergent left in your dishwasher.
What to do: Check the water heater’s temperature. If it’s set below 120°F (49°C), try turning it up. Just remember to be cautious while doing so, as setting the temperature too high can lead to burns. Also make sure your cycle is set to hot water, and is set to a normal or long cycle. A quick cycle could be causing your problem.
Dishwasher Spray Arms Not Functioning
The spray arms of your dishwasher play a vital role in washing your dishes and dissolving the detergent. They spray hot water directly onto the detergent dispenser, aiding in the dissolving process. But, if they’re clogged or not functioning properly, it’s a bit like trying to wash your car with a blocked hose.
What to do: Check your dishwasher’s spray arms for clogs or damage. If they’re blocked, try cleaning them with vinegar and a small brush. If they’re damaged, you might need to consider replacing them. Also, if you ever hear banging from the dishwasher, you’ll want to make sure nothing is blocking the spray arms from turning freely!
Detergent Dispenser Issues
Another common culprit when your dishwasher is not dissolving detergent could be a faulty dispenser. If the dispenser door doesn’t open during the cycle, the detergent won’t come into contact with the hot water, and thus, won’t dissolve.
What to do: Inspect the dispenser door for blockages, damage, or faulty springs. Clean it thoroughly or consider replacing the dispenser if it’s damaged.
Using Old or Incorrect Detergent
Are you finding the dishwasher pod in the bottom of the dishwasher? Yes, like that box of baking soda in the back of your pantry, dishwasher detergent also has a shelf life. The old or low-quality detergent may not dissolve properly, leading to residues and even dishwasher odors. Plus, not all dishwashers are created equal, and some require specific types of detergent.
What to do: Check the expiration date on your detergent or pods, and make sure it’s suitable for your dishwasher model. If it’s expired or not compatible, it’s time for a shopping trip!
Dishwasher Not Getting Enough Water
Now, you’d think something as smart as a dishwasher would know how much water it needs to get the job done, right? But sometimes, it doesn’t get enough of it. If your dishwasher is running on a low water level, it may not dissolve the detergent properly.
What to do: First, you need to check if the water inlet valve or the float switch is acting up or blocked. These little fellas are in charge of controlling the water level in your dishwasher. Find a blockage? Clear it up. If you find they’re faulty, then you might need to get ’em replaced. Not fun, but hey, it’s part of the game. Finally, you’ll want to double-check that the fill hose isn’t kinked and that your water is turned fully on.
Loading Your Dishes the Wrong Way
You know there’s an art to loading a dishwasher, right? If you jam-pack it or if a big ol’ pot is chilling on the lower rack, you could be creating a problem. This may prevent the detergent dispenser from opening fully or could block those spray arms from getting to the detergent.
What to do: So, what’s the remedy? Just make sure you’re not cramming too much into your dishwasher and that big items aren’t blocking the dispenser or the spray arms. Give your dishwasher’s manual a read for the manufacturer’s advice on how to load dishes properly.
Now that we’ve covered some potential reasons your dishwasher is not dissolving detergent, you should be equipped to tackle this issue head-on. Remember, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent these problems from arising in the first place.
But let’s face it, sometimes you’ll need a professional to step in. If you’re at this point, we recommend getting in touch with Kerenza Appliance Repair. We’re seasoned pros in the field of professional dishwasher service, and we can make sure that your dishwasher dissolves detergent and runs like a charm for the long haul.
