Not all detergents clean your dishes properly, and detergents that are not specifically for dishwashers can clog the dishwasher's detergent compartment or produce too many suds during the cleaning cycle. Oversudsing occurs when you use the incorrect amount or the wrong type of detergent, and produces a noticeable amount of bubbles and water around the edges of your dishwasher's door.
A dishwasher connected to a sink's drain air gap eliminates a cycle's water through the gap, and periodically clogs with debris after continuous use. Cleaning out the drain air gap every couple of cycles maintains proper drainage of dirty water and reduces the likelihood of a leaky dishwasher.
A dirty seal occurs with repeated oversudsing, which causes detergent residue to form around the edge of the dishwasher's door. Over time this residue reduces the dishwasher door's ability to seal itself shut and keep water from leaking out. Wipe down the dishwasher door's seal with a warm, damp cloth to eliminate residue and maintain the appliance's performance. White vinegar is an acidic cleaning solution that removes residue and is safe to use on the dishwasher.
The dishwasher shifts during the wash cycle and is prone to leaking when the floor's surface is uneven. The dishwasher features a metal leg in each corner at the bottom of the appliance, and you can adjust each leg with the use of a wrench to raise or lower the leg. Once leveled, the dishwasher's movement is minimized to ensure leak-free cycles.