Are you here because your trusty dishwasher has suddenly decided to take a vacation and stopped dissolving soap? Before you start rewashing all of your dishes, we have put together a guide to help you fix the issue with your dishwasher not dissolving soap!
Common Causes of a Dishwasher Not Dissolving Soap
Dishwashers, they’re like mini car washes for our dishes containing lots of moving parts and things to coordinate. So, when you find your dishwasher not dissolving soap, you bet there’s an issue happening somewhere. Let’s see what we can do!
Too Much Soap
Believe it or not, too much of a good thing can be a problem – even when it comes to dishwasher soap. Overloading your dispenser can lead to soap not dissolving in your dishwasher.
The reason: You might think more soap equals cleaner dishes, right? Not necessarily. Excess soap can be difficult for your dishwasher to break down completely, resulting in undissolved soap residue.
Solution: Check how much soap you’re using. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need to fill the soap dispenser to the brim. Use less detergent if you have soft water. For harder water, you might need a bit more, but it’s always best to start with less and adjust as needed.
Blocked or Damaged Soap Dispenser
Why is soap still in the dishwasher after the cycle? You’re going to want to check the soap dispenser. It might be causing the issue. If the door doesn’t swing open during the cycle, or if it’s damaged somehow, your soap can’t mix with the water. If it’s pods, you’ll likely find your dishwasher pod is stuck in the dispenser.
The reason: Over time, the dispenser’s latch can just give up. The dispenser can even get clogged with old soap which prevents it from functioning properly.
Solution: A toothbrush and warm water can clean out any gunk in the dispenser. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might need to swap out the dispenser.
The Dishwasher Isn’t Getting Enough Water
If your dishwasher isn’t filling up with enough water, you’ll find your dishwasher not dissolving soap.
The reason: There might be a clog in the inlet screen, the water might not be turned on all the way, or there’s a problem with the water inlet valve. You could also have your settings turned to an eco mode, that uses less water and less heat and may not dissolve as much.
Solution: Clean out the inlet screen if it’s dirty. If the problem continues, it might be time to replace the water inlet valve. Also, make sure the water is turned all the way, and make sure eco mode isn’t turned on.
The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough
Your dishwasher needs to get the water hot to dissolve the soap properly. If you find your dishwasher won’t clean dishes well, and you find your dishwasher pod in the bottom of the dishwasher, this may be the issue.
The reason: It could be that your water heater settings are off, or the dishwasher’s heating element isn’t working.
Solution: Check your water heater settings – they should be between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If the dishwasher’s heating element is on the fritz, you’ll need to replace it.
Spray Arms Aren’t Spraying
Your dishwasher’s spray arms spread soap and water onto the dishes. If they’re not doing their job, that soap’s not going anywhere.
The reason: Over time, food particles can clog up the spray arms, or they can just break.
Solution: You can gently clear out the holes in the spray arms with a straightened-out paper clip. If they’re beyond repair, it’s time for new ones.
Filter is Clogged
One more thing that might be causing your dishwasher to not dissolve soap is a dirty filter. It can restrict water flow and mess with the cleaning process. If your dishwasher isn’t draining well, this is the problem to look for.
The reason: Old bits of food and other gunk can build up in your dishwasher’s filter.
Solution: Clean that filter regularly. Your dishwasher’s manual should have the instructions for this.
I know, we all want to be the hero and fix things ourselves. But sometimes, we’ve just got to call in the experts.
And that’s where we shine! We’re D&T Appliance Service, and we’re here for you when you need a pro. If you find your dishwasher not dissolving soap, or any other appliance is acting up, our dishwasher service team is only a phone call away. Because let’s be honest, who wants to spend their time washing dishes by hand? Not us!
