Dishwasher not rinsing: soap dispenser?
#1
12-20-18, 06:42 AM
Dishwasher not rinsing: soap dispenser?
It seems our dishwasher rinsing is not that effective - some of the upper rack mugs in particular have what appears to be soap residue in it. It easily wipes out.
I cleaned out the filter recently thinking this would help, but no. It's a GE dishwasher, top control. Probably around 6 years old.
Any thoughts on what the problem might be?
It's almost like all the soap isn't getting dispensed.
I cleaned out the filter recently thinking this would help, but no. It's a GE dishwasher, top control. Probably around 6 years old.
Any thoughts on what the problem might be?
It's almost like all the soap isn't getting dispensed.
#2
12-20-18, 09:16 AM
Group Moderator
It is very possible the dispenser door is not opening properly. Luckily they are moderately priced and pretty easy to replace. You will need to remove the face from your dishwasher's door to access it. I order the part and have it in hand before taking anything apart.
#3
12-20-18, 10:17 AM
Replace the dispenser door or the little motor that's behind it? Or does it come as one unit?
#4
12-20-18, 10:56 AM
Group Moderator
Usually it all comes as one unit. On many dishwashers you remove the cover for the door. Then unplug the dispenser. Then there are a couple clips or screws that hold the dispenser in place. Remove the fasteners and pop the old dispenser out. Mineral deposits sometimes make it stick. Clean/remove any soap or mineral deposits around the opening so the new dispenser can make a nice watertight seal and put the new unit in.
#5
12-20-18, 03:57 PM
Group Moderator
Usually the soap door opens or it doesn't open.
When you have poor washing/rinsing.... and especially with undissolved detergent..... the water is not hot enough or there is not enough water in the tub when it fills up.
When you have poor washing/rinsing.... and especially with undissolved detergent..... the water is not hot enough or there is not enough water in the tub when it fills up.
#6
12-20-18, 08:36 PM
Member
You have to make sure that there are not dishes or large pans blocking the ability for the door to open and receive sufficient water to wash the soap out. My daughter had a habit of blocking the soap dispenser when she did the dishes (her only chore around the house). She would always stuff a large sheet pan across the front and prevent the door from opening.
#9
12-24-18, 08:17 AM
Does your dishwasher have a horizontal swinging propeller? This might be clogged or not rotating.
To better provide hot water for the dishwasher cycle starting, run the hot faucet in the sink until the water gets hot just before starting t he dishwasher.
To better provide hot water for the dishwasher cycle starting, run the hot faucet in the sink until the water gets hot just before starting t he dishwasher.
#10
12-24-18, 08:20 AM
Group Moderator
How do you know there isn't enough water in the tub during a wash cycle? Are you having other problems in addition to the soap dispenser not opening properly?
#11
12-24-18, 01:03 PM
Originally Posted by Pilot Dane
How do you know there isn't enough water in the tub during a wash cycle? Are you having other problems in addition to the soap dispenser not opening properly?
The soap dispenser is opening - it's always open at the end, but there's still soap caked around the top some and residue dripping down from the door.
We did initially discover the water heater was set low - but I've since turned it up above the "recommended" setpoint (arrow on the water heater) - that didn't seem to do much to help.
#12
12-24-18, 02:03 PM
Member
I always try to make sure my washer arms are moving properly. I set them both to the same orientation, usually pointing directly at the door. Close the door, start a cycle and then open it mid stream to see if they have moved or not. Had an issue with an old unit that wouldn't allow the top rack to get water. I had to drill out the flapper so water got to all washer arms.
