Why Is My Dishwasher Not Dispensing Soap?
John Turpin is our resident home service repair expert here at Service Direct. He’s got the knowledge and experience to help homeowners like you make sense of most home repair issues. And with Service Direct, we connect you with top-tier service professionals to help with any repairs needed.
Learn the Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Soap Does Not Dispense
Dishwashers are modern conveniences that are great at saving us time and effort in the kitchen. Without them, you might be up to your elbows every day scrubbing and washing dishes every mealtime. That’s why it’s pretty frustrating to suddenly have a dishwasher not dispensing soap.
The dishwasher not dispensing soap properly means unsatisfactory cleaning results. It also means having to wash the dishes again, making the whole point of owning a dishwasher worthless. But before you throw out the appliance, let’s try to fix it first. Check out the rest of this article to find the common reasons for this particular issue and what you can do to resolve it.
Common Reasons the Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Is Not Dispensing Soap
Why is the dishwasher detergent dispenser not working? Several factors could be causing this issue, which we’ll delve into in this article. Let’s find out the reasons why and the solutions when your dishwasher is not dispensing soap.
Clogged Dispenser Compartment
The detergent dispenser chamber may get clogged with dirt, detergent residues, and water minerals over time. This accumulation may restrict detergent flow and may lead to the dishwasher soap not dispensing properly.
To fix, remove the dispenser chamber and properly clean it to remedy this. To remove any obstructions, use a toothbrush or a tiny brush. Running an empty cycle on the dishwasher can also aid in dissolving and removing tenacious deposits.
Incorrect Loading of Dishes
Make sure that no dishes are in the way of the detergent dispenser when you load the dishwasher. The dispenser may not open fully when large plates or utensils are out in front of it. To enable the dispenser to open and release the detergent throughout the wash cycle, make sure the route is clear.
Faulty Dispenser Door Mechanism
If the door mechanism on the soap dispenser is broken, it could not open at the right moment while the wash cycle is running. This is why the dishwasher is not dispensing soap and your dishes aren’t cleaned properly.
How do you fix this? Start by verifying the dispenser door for any obvious damage, alignment issues, or broken components. If you discover any problems, consider replacing the broken parts to ensure appropriate operation.
Water Temperature Too Low
Hot water is necessary for the detergent to dissolve properly and activate its cleaning abilities. It may not dissolve correctly if the temperature is too low, causing problems with how the soap is dispensed. The suggested water temperature setting for your dishwasher may be found in the instructions, so check it and adjust your water heater appropriately.
Blocked Spray Arm or Filters
If the spray arm is blocked or the filters clogged, the water circulation within the dishwasher may be hindered. When that happens, the water is unable to circulate properly and reach the detergent dispenser compartment. Prevent this by regularly cleaning the spray arm and filters, ensuring water flows freely and the detergent is distributed throughout the dishwasher.
Our resident home repair guru, John Turpin, explores some of the common reasons why your dishwasher soap isn’t dispensing as well as some DIY suggestions and solutions.
Wrong Type of Detergent
The dishwasher may not be dispensing soap properly due to an incorrect type of detergent or too much detergent. You must use dishwasher-specific detergent and follow the manufacturer’s dose recommendations to avoid this from happening. If you use the wrong type of detergent, it can result in too many suds, impeding the machine’s cleaning ability.
Defective Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve manages the dishwasher’s water supply. It can affect water pressure, which means it can also impact the distribution of detergent if it’s broken or blocked. As such, ensure that you check the water inlet valve for obstructions or issues. If you see any problems, consider replacing the valve to avoid the dishwasher not dispensing soap.
Electronic Control Board Malfunction
An electronic control board controls the dishwasher’s cycles while also determining when to dispense the soap. A defective control board can interfere with the normal flow of events throughout the wash cycle, meaning it could be why the dishwasher isn’t dispensing soap. If you think the control board is the culprit, professional diagnosis and repair may be required.
Hard Water Deposits
Minerals from hard water can build up in the detergent dispenser and prevent it from opening and dispensing soap. This is one of the most common reasons why the dishwasher doesn’t dispense soap properly and leaves your dishes improperly washed. Using a water softener or descaling chemical might help reduce mineral accumulation if you live in an area with hard water.
Improper Door Seal
If the door seal of the dishwasher is compromised, it will allow moisture to leak from the appliance. This can result in the detergent clumping or losing its effectiveness. This may be the culprit behind your dishwasher that doesn’t dispense. Look for any evidence of wear and tear on the door seal and if you find it damaged, replacement might solve the problem.
A dishwasher not dispensing soap may seem like a trivial problem, but it can be incredibly frustrating. Understanding the potential causes and addressing the problem promptly should make it easier to deal with. But if you’re unsure about any of it or simply don’t have time to handle the problem, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.
How to Clean the Dispenser Compartment of Your Dishwasher
One of the common causes of a dishwasher not dispensing properly is a clogged dispenser compartment. Fortunately, simple cleaning is an effective step to ensure proper detergent dispensing. With that said, we’re here to help you do that with the following steps to clean a dispenser compartment thoroughly.
Materials You’ll Need
- Dish soap or vinegar
- Cloth or sponge
- A toothbrush or soft-bristle brush
- Warm water
Steps to Take
1. Safety First
Before you start, make sure that you’ve unplugged or turned off the dishwasher to ensure your safety during the cleaning process.
2. Remove the Compartment
Open the dishwasher door and find the detergent dispenser compartment. It’s often inside the door, in the center, or on the side. Pull out the dispenser compartment gently. Refer to the user manual for guidance on how to remove the dispenser properly.
3. Clean the Compartment
Remove any remaining detergent or residue from the compartment. To break down and remove detergent buildup, create a cleaning solution with a mix of warm water and a few drops of dish soap or some vinegar. Dip the sponge or cloth into the solution and wipe the inside of the compartment, paying attention to the corners and crevices.
4. Scrub with a Toothbrush
Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush for the more stubborn debris or residue. Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and then scrub the compartment gently, focusing on the parts with buildup. Don’t scrub too vigorously to avoid damaging the compartment.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the compartment with clean water. This way, you can remove any loosened debris and the remaining cleaning solution.
6. Dry the Compartment
With the use of a clean cloth, dry the dispenser compartment. Ensure that no excess moisture is left behind because this can contribute to future detergent buildup.
7. Reinstall the Compartment
When you are done cleaning and drying the dispenser compartment, carefully slide it back into the dishwasher. Make sure the compartment is securely closed if it’s a hinged lid.
8. Run a Test Cycle
Run a test cycle to ensure the dispenser is working properly. Load it as you normally would, add the recommended amount of detergent, and start the wash cycle. Check if the dispenser dispenses soap as expected. If it does, then you’ve solved the problem.
Cleaning the dispenser compartment is the easiest way to prevent detergent residue buildup that can lead to a dispenser not dispensing soap. It’s a simple maintenance task, but it contributes significantly to the overall efficiency of your dishwasher.
How can I test the functionality of the water inlet valve?
If you suspect a faulty water inlet valve, you can use a multimeter to measure its resistance. If the valve doesn’t receive power or has excessive resistance, it might need to be replaced.
Can I fix a faulty electronic control board myself?
Fixing a malfunctioning electronic control board can be complex and typically requires professional expertise. If you suspect the control board is the issue, it’s best to seek professional diagnosis and repair.
Are there specific detergents that work best for dishwashers?
Yes, using dishwasher-specific detergents is recommended. These detergents are formulated to dissolve properly in the dishwasher’s wash cycle and provide optimal cleaning results.
What should I do if I’ve tried these steps and the issue persists?
If you’ve exhausted these troubleshooting steps and the dishwasher still isn’t dispensing soap, consider consulting your dishwasher’s user manual or contacting the manufacturer’s customer support. If the problem continues, professional repair assistance might be necessary.
Hire a Local Appliance Repair Expert
The methods above are effective DIY tips to investigate, diagnose, and fix your dishwashers faulty soap dispenser. But if you need professional help, don’t hesitate to contact a local appliance repair pro using the phone number or form on this page.