Dishwasher 3 in 1 detergent tablet not dissolving.

There are two reasons why it can happen:

1. Too much dishwashing detergent (There may be build up from before causing caking and so it's not dispensing the soap tablet)

2. You will notice a tiny spring inside your dishwasher detergent dispenser. This spring is triggered during the washing cycle and causes the dispenser door to pop open. A broken spring can prevent this from happening. If the spring is clean with no food, suds, or obvious buildup preventing it from working, it likely needs replacing.

I had a similar issue and found this website really helpful. Hope this helps.

https://www.expressrepair.ca/why-doesnt-dishwasher-dispense-soap/

QUESTION: I just moved into a new apartment. The dishwasher is running normal but when it completes the wash cycle, my dishes are not clean and the detergent tablet is still there. The dishwasher is not dissolving the tablet. Maybe a little bit but about 80% of it is still there. I believe it gets hot water and runs normally. The apartment management said to use dishwasher cleaning tablets and not the powder soap. What can I do to try and get the tablet to dissolve? Any help you can provide would be great!

ANSWER: If your dishwasher hot water temperature is below 110F/115F, then it may not be hot enough to dissolve certain brands of detergent tablets. Be sure the water is HOT before you run the dishwasher. Run the hot water in the sink until it is very hot, then immediately run the dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on the longest, hottest cycle it has.
Also check that the spring opening action of the detergent dispenser door is working properly. If the detergent dispenser is too small a big detergent tablet may not be letting it open correctly. It may be jamming up the door. Try using a liquid or gel dish washing detergent if this is the case. There are many high quality liquid and gel dishwasher detergents on the market today. Liquid Cascade seems to be the best so give that a try. A powdered detergent will work too. Use a rinsing aid also as this will help remove spots even when the tablet may not be dissolving properly.
KEEP THE DISHWASHER DETERGENT DISPENSER CLEAN

If you are in an apartment, then most likely you do not have a high quality dishwasher. Knowing this, the dishwasher needs all the assistance it can get with the hottest water possible. You also need to be sure your dishwasher is clean at the bottom (removable strainer filter) where the pump and bottom washer arm is located. Be sure that it is clean and has hot water and this will be the best method to dissolve tablets. If you must use tablets, you can break them in half in the sink first. Place them in the dispenser and the hot water should make it easier to dissolve since the tablet is not as large.
You also need to be sure there is enough water for the pump to actually pump the water. To check this, start the dishwasher. Once you hear it running, open the dishwasher and be sure there is hot water and enough of it. If there is not much water in the dishwasher it may not be getting much water to the pump. When you open the door while it is running, check the water level at the bottom of the washer. If there is not much water at the bottom, then it may not be getting enough water to clean dishes and dissolve the tablet. Clean the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher to help the pump get the water more efficiently.
DISHWASHER PARTS IDENTIFICATION
If all else fails, you may have an old worn out dishwasher. The pump may be bad. Possibly your water heater is set to low. Your water heater should be set right around 120F. This will ensure that your dishwasher is getting the correct water temperature to effectively clean dishes and dissolve the tablet. If in an apartment, let the management know you are having this issue and they SHOULD resolve it.
Do you know of another way to assist a dishwasher to dissolve a detergent tablet? Please leave a comment below.

Hello, M Cruse -

There are several situations which can result in the dishwasher detergent table not dissolving completely.

First, make sure your dishwasher detergent tablet isn't the kind that has to be removed from a cellophane type wrapping before placing in the dishwasher. I mention this because my husband does not always purchase the same brand of dishwasher detergent tablets. Some are not the kind with plastic which dissolves in the hot water of the dishwasher.

I think the information here:
https://removeandreplace.com/2015/05/15/dishwasher-not-dissolving-detergent-or-tablet-how-to-fix/
covers all the reasons why the dishwasher detergent tablet may not dissolve completely.

We have the problem that the detergent dispenser often "traps" the tablet. We reside in a rental and the landlord has not chosen to replace the dishwasher with a newer model, so we just toss the tablet into the bottom of the dishwasher.

Note: I think purchasing a gel dishwasher detergent would be better, but The Husband likes the tablets. Sigh . . .

Best wishes.

Either:

1. the water does not get into the dishwasher open the dishwasher 3-4 times during cycle, you should see some water at least once, if not - check water valve, water level float and water pressure.
2. the pump is clogged - there is water, the motor will run but no water is circulated. Check pump filters, check chopper and impeller.
3. motor in main pump is not working - could be caused by something stuck on the impeller or chopper or could be a problem with the motor itself or control board. Check if line voltage is coming to the motor during wash/rinse cycle.

Good luck,
Vlad
First Choice Appliance

Either:

1. not enough water gets into the dishwasher. open the dishwasher 3-4 times during cycle, you should see some water on the bottom at least once, if not - check water valve, water level float and water pressure.
2. the pump is clogged - there is water, the motor will run but no water is circulated. Check pump filters, check chopper and impeller.
3. motor in main pump is not working - could be caused by something stuck on the impeller or chopper or could be a problem with the motor itself or control board. Check if line voltage is coming to the motor during wash/rinse cycle.

Good luck,
Vlad
First Choice Appliance

sometimes the dispenser doors are not designed for tablets, and they don't let enough water in to dissolve them....next time you wash; put the tablet in one of the silverware compartments....should do the trick. and leave the dispenser door for liquid detergents only.

if this is helpful please click the correct button. thanks

Hi!

Please run the machine without detergent for 2-3 washes. Also try using a little hot water. Also, don't used cleaner and softener together but add softener on the last rinse.

Hi and wlecome...
You should not use anything other than powered dishwasher detergent in these products. They are not designed for tablet-style detergents. The reason is because the dispenser does not "open" during the wash cycle like you would see on a conventional dishwaser. The incoming water pours over the detergent and releases the mixture out the bottom of the dispenser. If you need a user guide, you can get one here: http://fisherpaykelparts.net/index.php?blockitemid=29

either there is not enough water (check water valve) or the pump filters are clogged (check and clean as necessary)

It sound like a detergent cup issue (the door doesn't open at time) A very simple test for it is to place a tablet on the bottom of the dishwasher for a full cycle and to see what happen to the tablet. In case the tablet will be dissolved : - The detergent cup can become clogged with old dried detergent that prevents it from opening at time. Sometimes just cleaning the cup takes care of the problem. - The detergent cup opened by a bi-metal switch or a wax motor located inside your dishwasher door(behind the detergent cup). If cup's cleaning will not solve the problem, you should replace the bi-metal switch or the wax motor (depend which of them is used in your machine). Good luck !