Why isn’t my KitchenAid dishwasher dissolving detergent?

We’ve all been there: unloading the KitchenAid dishwasher after a cycle, expecting sparkling clean dishes, only to find undissolved detergent tablets stuck in the dispenser or scattered across plates. Frustrating? Absolutely. But it’s also a sign that something isn’t quite right with your appliance. If you’ve ever wondered why your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t dissolving detergent properly, you’re not alone. Let’s uncover the possible reasons and see how you can fix them yourself.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for all kinds of DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, part replacements, and so on. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the manufacturer documentation for your specific appliance model or contact us with any questions.

Common reasons why your KitchenAid dishwasher isn’t dissolving detergent

1. Wrong detergent type or old detergent

Using the wrong type of detergent or one that has expired can affect its ability to dissolve.

How to check and fix:

1. Check expiration date: Examine your detergent for an expiration date. Old detergent can clump and resist dissolving.
2. Use quality detergent: Opt for reputable brands specifically designed for automatic dishwashers.
3. Avoid using dish soap: Never use regular dish soap or hand soap, as these are not formulated for dishwashers and can cause excessive suds.

2. Overloading the dishwasher

Packing too many dishes can block the detergent dispenser or prevent water from circulating properly, hindering detergent dissolution.

How to check and fix:

1. Rearrange dishes: Make sure dishes aren’t blocking the dispenser door. Place plates and large items away from the dispenser.
2. Avoid overloading: Leave space between items for water and detergent to circulate effectively.
3. Follow loading guidelines: Refer to your dishwasher’s manual for recommended loading practices.

3. Blocked detergent dispenser

The detergent dispenser plays an essential role in releasing the detergent at the right time during the wash cycle. If blocked or malfunctioning, the detergent won’t dispense properly, leading to undissolved detergent.

How to check and fix:

1. Inspect the dispenser: Open the dishwasher and locate the detergent dispenser. Look for visible obstructions like caked-on detergent or debris.
2. Clean the dispenser: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue inside the dispenser. Warm soapy water can help break down hardened detergent.
3. Check the dispenser door spring: Verify that the spring mechanism that opens the dispenser door is functioning. If broken or stiff, it might need replacing. You can find suitable replacement parts on our KitchenAid parts page.

4. Clogged spray arms

The spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher. If they’re clogged, water flow is restricted, affecting the detergent’s ability to dissolve.

How to check and fix:

1. Remove the spray arms: Consult your dishwasher’s manual to safely remove the upper and lower spray arms.
2. Inspect for clogs: Look for food particles or mineral deposits blocking the spray holes.
3. Clean the spray arms: Use a toothbrush or a small brush to clear the holes. Soak the spray arms in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup if necessary.
4. Reinstall the spray arms: Once clean, securely reattach them to ensure proper operation.

5. Low water temperature

Detergent requires hot water to dissolve effectively. If the water entering your dishwasher isn’t hot enough, the detergent may remain undissolved.

How to check and fix:

1. Run hot water: Before starting the dishwasher, run the hot water tap at the kitchen sink until the water is hot to touch. This allows hot water to enter the dishwasher immediately.
2. Check water heater setting: The home’s water heater should be set to at least 120°F (49°C). This temperature is ideal for dissolving detergent and cleaning dishes effectively.
3. Use the correct cycle: Some dishwasher cycles use cooler water. Refer to your manual or check out our guide on what cycle you should run your dishwasher on for optimal results.

6. Faulty water inlet valve

The water inlet valve controls the flow of water into your dishwasher. If malfunctioning, your dishwasher may not fill with enough water to dissolve the detergent.

How to check and fix:

1. Safety first: Unplug the dishwasher and turn off the water supply before inspecting the inlet valve.
2. Locate the inlet valve: Typically found behind the lower kickplate panel at the front of the dishwasher.
3. Inspect for damage: Look for signs of wear, cracks, or damage to the valve.
4. Test the valve with a multimeter:

• • Set the multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms).
  • Disconnect the wires from the valve’s solenoid terminals.
  • Place the multimeter probes on the terminals. A typical reading for a functioning water inlet valve solenoid is between 500–1500 ohms. Refer to your appliance’s manual for the exact expected value.
  • If the resistance is significantly outside this range, the valve may be faulty and needs replacement. A reading of zero (shorted) or infinite resistance (open) indicates a defective solenoid.

5. Replace if necessary: Find the appropriate replacement on our KitchenAid parts page.

7. Malfunctioning circulation pump

The circulation pump pushes water through the spray arms. If defective, water won’t reach the detergent to dissolve it.

How to check and fix:

1. Listen for unusual sounds: A humming or buzzing noise could indicate a faulty pump.
2. Inspect the pump: Accessing the dishwasher’s internal components is required. If comfortable, check for blockages or damage.
3. Test the pump’s motor with a multimeter:

• • Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged before testing.
  • Set the multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms).
  • Disconnect the pump motor’s wires.
  • Place the multimeter probes on the motor terminals. Consult your dishwasher’s manual for the expected resistance value of the motor windings.
  • If the resistance is significantly higher or lower than the specified range, the motor may be faulty.

4. Replace if needed: Find the correct pump in our repair help section.

8. Detergent dispenser timing issues

If the dispenser door isn’t opening at the right time, the detergent may not get released effectively.

How to check and fix:

1. Run a test cycle: Start a short cycle and observe whether the dispenser door opens.
2. Inspect the timer or control board: A malfunctioning timer or control board may not signal the dispenser to open. These parts can be complex, but we have resources to help in our dishwasher won’t dispense detergent guide.
3. Test the dispenser actuator with a multimeter:

• • Ensure the dishwasher is unplugged before testing.
  • Locate the dispenser actuator or solenoid.
  • Set the multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms).
  • Disconnect the wires from the actuator terminals.
  • Place the multimeter probes on the actuator terminals. Refer to your appliance’s manual for the expected resistance value.
  • If the resistance is outside the expected range, the actuator may be faulty.

4. Replace faulty components: If determined that the timer, control board, or actuator is faulty, you can find replacements on our KitchenAid parts page.

Additional tips for optimal dishwasher performance

1. Regular maintenance

Performing routine maintenance can prevent many common dishwasher issues.

Steps:

1. Clean filters: Remove and rinse the dishwasher’s filter to prevent clogs.
2. Use dishwasher cleaner: Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove buildup.
3. Check seals and gaskets: Keep them clean and free from debris for a proper seal.

2. Water hardness considerations

Hard water can affect detergent dissolving and leave mineral deposits.

Solutions:

1. Use a rinse aid: Helps water sheet off dishes and can improve detergent performance.
2. Install a water softener: If hard water is a persistent issue, consider installing a softener system.

Safety precautions when troubleshooting

Always prioritize safety when working with electrical appliances.

• Unplug the appliance: Before performing any checks or repairs, make sure the dishwasher is unplugged and the water supply is turned off.
• Use proper equipment: Only use a multimeter if familiar with its operation. Use a multimeter and test leads rated appropriately for appliance use.
• Beware of live voltage: If live voltage testing is necessary, exercise extreme caution. Only experienced individuals should perform live voltage tests to minimize the risk of electric shock.
• Refer to the manual: Always consult the dishwasher’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.

Final thoughts

Troubleshooting your KitchenAid dishwasher might seem daunting, but with a bit of guidance, many issues can be resolved without professional help. Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
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