Sunday Dishwasher Care: Skip the Dish Soap
A dishwasher and a kitchen sink both clean dishes, but they need different detergents. Regular hand-washing dish soap can create excess suds in an automatic dishwasher. That foam can push water out of the machine and affect wash performance.
Before your next load, check the label. Use a product made for automatic dishwashers and follow the detergent package and your appliance’s manual. For powder or gel, measure the recommended amount instead of guessing that more will clean better.
Add detergent shortly before starting the cycle. Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place; fresh, dry detergent performs better. Avoid replacing dishwasher detergent with a homemade mixture or ordinary dish soap.
If you discover the wrong soap was added, cancel the cycle according to your model’s instructions. Let the suds settle and follow the manufacturer’s cleanup guidance. Do not keep restarting a foamy machine or add another cleaner to experiment.
If leaking or poor cleaning continues after the correct care, arrange a diagnosis. Suds can explain some symptoms, but they do not prove the pump, door seal, or control is faulty.
Need appliance repair? iCare Appliance Repair
(619) 597-1212
Lic. #A49177
Serving San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon.
