Powdered dishwasher detergent stays stuck in dispenser after wash

Is it the dispenser that has murky powder or the dishwasher?
Dispenser: Is the dispenser being blocked from opening all the way during the wash load? This can happen in some dishwashers if a tall pan or dish is blocking the dispenser from fully opening. Hence, part of the detergent stays inside the dispenser and is goopy/murky/yuckie.
White powder on racks, nonstick spatulas, silverware basket: There has been a recent change in dishwasher formulation that can cause a white residue to deposit. Phosphates have been all but removed from dishwasher detergent. If there is a white residue on the dishwasher racks, etc, try a dishwasher cleaner such as Affresh for dishwashers and then look to consumer union for a new formulation. Be of good cheer: phosphates are very bad for our waterways, fish and fauna. This change was made in laundry detergent about 16 yrs ago.

Inside the dispenser drawer, at the bottom there is a tab that you can push down to remove the dispenser drawer. Remove the drawer and check if the dispenser holes are clogged, this is a common cause.

Hello,
Yes the detergent and softener will stay in the dispenser drawer until the correct time for them to be dispensed. The detergent is dispensed during the main wash cycle and the softener will not dispense until the rinse cycle

just fill the same holder that you would use for powder.

Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?
Make sure the dispenser cup is dry before adding powdered detergent. If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump.
Is the cycle incomplete?
If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher.
Is the detergent old?
Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary and store the detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place.
Is the water temperature too low?
For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher.
Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?
Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Detergent guidelines

• Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.
• Other detergents can produce excessive suds that can overflow out of the dishwasher and reduce washing performance.
• Store tightly closed detergent in a cool, dry place.
• Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
• Add detergents just before starting the cycle.
• The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.
• If you use too little, dishes won't be clean.
• If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.
• Suggested fill amounts are for standard powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if you use liquid or concentrated powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using these detergents.
• Water hardness can change over a period of time. Find out your water's hardness by asking your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.

Hi,

The scum, film and white residue problems have started since the reduction of phosphates in dishwasher detergents.

Here is a tip that will help you to solve the problem of films, residue, and scum in your dishwasher.

Dishwasher Residue and Film on Dishes

heatman101

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

Mix one ounce OxiClean powder with your powdered detergent in the detergent dispenser of your front loading washing machine.

OR

Dump one ounce OxiClean powder into the washing machine before you add clothes.

Use gel run a few cycles and help clear and then don't overfill w gel soap

switch back to using powdered soap, sometimes what happens is hte tablets your using are actually to big for the dispensor door and too much pressure is put againt the actual door so when its triggered to open there too much resistance nad cannot open, sounds silly bu have actually sen it in action. and liquid detergent tends to clog or gunk up hte door spring assy, powdershte best detergent to use for d/w's