Why Won’t The Dishwasher Detergent Dissolve?
If the detergent in your dishwasher is not dissolving, your dishes will not come out as clean as they should. Not to mention the fact that you will end up with residue building up in your appliance.
This can have further negative effects on your dishwasher and more extensive repairs may become necessary. If you notice undissolved detergent in your dishwasher after a wash cycle, here are some possible causes.
Low Temperature
The water in your dishwasher should be heated to 120 – 160F. Anything cooler will not dissolve the detergent. If your dishwasher is not heating up the water to the appropriate temperature, there could be a problem with the heating element or thermostat. You should call a technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
Faulty Inlet Valve
Your dishwasher has a water inlet valve that controls the flow of water into the appliance. If this valve is faulty, it may not allow enough water to flow into the appliance. Too little water will result in a failure to dissolve the detergent completely.
Dispenser Door Jammed Or Blocked
If the door on the detergent dispenser is jammed or blocked, it may not open completely. The door must open completely in order for the soap tablet to drop into the hot water. If not properly released, it will remain, at least partially, in the dispenser.
Faulty Circulation Pump
A working circulation pump will spray water in the dishwasher and, when the dispenser door opens, it will wash out all of the detergent from the dispenser. If the pump is not working, you will most likely hear a strange noise immediately after it has filled with water.
Clogged Spray Arm
Check the holes on the spray arm and take care of any blockages. If the holes are blocked, they will not be effective at spraying water throughout the appliance. Food particles can clog these tiny holes very easily which is why they should be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Spray Arm Not Spinning
The spray arms need to spin in order for water to be evenly distributed throughout your dishwasher. If they do not spin, the water will not move around as it should. A technician can best diagnose and repair this common fault.
Too Much Detergent
Finally, make sure that you are not using too much detergent. Always follow the instructions on the package and, remember, the smaller the load, the less detergent you will need.
In so many cases, proper cleaning and appliance maintenance will help keep your dishwasher running and prevent detergent-related issues. It’s also good to check the owner’s manual for guidelines regarding the best type of detergent to use since every dishwasher is different.
If you encounter any of the problems mentioned above, give Care & Repair Appliances a call at (647) 812-2863. Our team is trained, experienced and certified to repair dishwashers of all makes and models. We always arrive prepared with the tools and various parts to perform dishwasher repairs on the spot.
