Dishwasher Not Using The Soap – (Check Door Seal & Spring)

The soap dispenser in your dishwasher releases the soap to clean the cups, dishes, and pans. When problems arise soap will still be in dishwasher after wash cycle completes. If the soap dispenser has any type of fault, the dishwasher will not be able to clean properly.

The reasons the soap dispenser is not releasing soap into the dishwasher may be because of broken, worn, or stuck parts. The issue could be with the type of soap detergent used or the temperature of the water entering the dishwasher. Inspecting the dishwasher soap dispenser will help you to understand why the dishwasher is not using soap or detergent.

Dishwasher Is Not Using The SoapDishwasher Is Not Using The Soap

List of issues or faults that can cause a dishwasher to not use the soap…
1. Soap Dispenser Door Jammed
2. Water Temperature In Dishwasher Not Hot
3. Dispenser Door Spring Broken
4. Blocked With Soap Residue
5. Rubber Gasket Worn Out
6. Soap Door Cracked Broken

Dishwasher Check Gasket and Spring If Soap Door ProblemDishwasher – Check Gasket and Spring If Soap Door Problem

1. Soap Dispenser Door Jammed
The soap dispenser door is most likely jammed shut. The cause for a jammed door may be from heavy soap or detergent residue. Another issue may be the spring that releases the door is worn or broken. Inspect the door and if soap residue is found use hot water to remove it so the door can open freely.

2. Water Temperature In Dishwasher Not Hot – Tablet Not Dissolving Fully
If the detergent tablet is still in the soap area after a wash, this means the water entering the dishwasher is not hot enough. You can either switch detergents and use a liquid detergent to help it dissolve faster or raise the water temperature on your water heater. Water temp between 120F and 150F is the most ideal water temp for your dishwasher to run efficiently. How To Raise Water Temp On Water Heater

3. Dispenser Door Spring
The soap dispenser door is opened by a simple spring. If this spring wears out or breaks, the soap door will not open properly. If the small spring is broken or worn out, it can be easily replaced. Remove the door and replace the spring so the door opens with no issues.

4. Blocked With Soap Residue
Using an off brand soap detergent in your dishwasher can cause issues. Some soaps can leave a heavy residue within the soap dispenser and around the soap door. If the residue builds up heavily, the soap door may not open. To fix this issue, use hot water to melt away the soap residue. Be sure the door opens freely and consider switching to a higher quality detergent.

5. Rubber Gasket Worn Out
The dishwasher soap door has a rubber gasket around it to stop the soap from leaking out. If the rubber seal wears out over time, it will not keep the soap within the detergent compartment. The soap leaks out of the door before the dishwasher can use it. Consider replacing the rubber gasket or use a petroleum jelly product and coat the gasket to moisten it.

6. Soap Door Cracked Broken
If you have an older dishwasher, maybe in a rental house or an apartment, it may have been used heavily and reaching end of life. The door itself may be cracked or broken. If the soap door is chipped or cracked, the soap may be leaking out before the dishwasher can pump it into the system. You can attempt to replace the door or possibly remove and replace the complete dishwasher detergent assembly.

If you have tried all the above methods if your dishwasher does not use the soap detergent, you may need to look into buying a new dishwasher or replacing the complete dishwasher detergent assembly.

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OEM Dishwasher Dispenser AssemblyDishwasher Dispenser Replacement Assembly

Need help? Please leave your issue below and we can assist with any type of dishwasher problem you might have. Please leave the model number of your dishwasher for us to examine further.

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