Over the years, dishwasher detergents have made significant progress but sometimes, homeowners still come across the same problem where the detergent does not seem to dissolve. It can be a frustrating situation. But do you need to get help from a dishwasher repair service? We have gathered a list of the potential causes along with how you can troubleshoot them to get the dishwasher running. Let’s begin!

Wrong Water Temperature

The first thing you need to keep in mind while troubleshooting the detergent issue is that every dishwasher is designed to operate at a certain temperature, which is mostly around 110-115 F. If the water temperature is not according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the detergent will not dissolve. The water should be hot enough to dissolve the detergent.

Most dishwashers come with a built-in thermostat to check the temperature. However, if there isn’t, you should purchase a thermometer and check the temperature of the water before adding the detergent.

Not Enough Water For Washing Dishes

The next thing you need to ensure is that the dishwasher pump is receiving enough water to dissolve the detergent. If the water is less than required, the detergent will not dissolve. To check the water level, you simply need to run the dishwasher and carefully pull up the lid to check if there is sufficient hot water flowing inside. Dishwashers come with pre-marked water levels to allow the user to check the water level before operating the machine.

If the water level is low, the dishwasher pump will not receive an adequate supply, which will reduce the unit’s performance. If that is not the issue, check the filter situated at the bottom of the dishwasher. Clean the filter and reinstall it.

Faulty Inlet Valve

Sometimes, the problem is with the dishwasher not receiving enough water, which does not allow the detergent to dissolve properly. To check whether the dishwasher is receiving water, you need to press the start button and let the unit run for 2 minutes. Then, open the dishwasher door slowly and check after 2 minutes.

If you see water at the bottom, it means the inlet valve is working fine. However, if you do not see any water, it means the inlet valve is not working and will need replacement.

Dispenser Door Is Jammed

The dispenser door being jammed can also stand in the way of the detergent not dissolving. Since it will not be able to open completely, the detergent or soap tablet won’t travel down the hot water. As a result, the detergent won’t dissolve as there won’t be any released.

A common reason for a jammed dispenser door is that the dish rack might be improperly stacked. This might limit or restrict the functioning of the door. Therefore, make sure the racks are placed properly and are not impeding the performance of the unit.

Spray Arm Is Clogged Or Broken

The spray arm is a component that sprays water and can become clogged with time. If it has been a while since the spray arm was cleaned, make sure that you remove the obstruction since the dishwasher will not be able to dissolve as it won’t be receiving enough water. However, if the spray arm tends to be broken, you will need to replace it.

Circulation Pump Malfunction

The circulation pump is an important component of the dishwasher. It is responsible for supplying water for washing and helps in spraying water and opening the dispenser door. If you observe any unusual noise or sound, you should inspect the machine for potential problems. However, access to the circulation pump might not be easy depending on the dishwasher. Therefore, it is better that you consult a professional.

Although hiring a professional is going to cost you some money but will ensure that the problem is fixed without risking or damaging the important components of the unit.

Final Word

Now that you are aware of how to fix the dishwasher soap not dissolving issue, make sure that you consult an experienced appliance repair Alexandria technician if you are not familiar with the basics and regularly inspect the unit for any unusual activity. Moreover, clean it frequently to avoid clogs and other issues.