How to Troubleshoot a Sudsing Problem in Kenmore Portable Dishwashers

Check the labeling on your box of dishwashing detergent. Make sure you are not using the laundry detergent, which should only be used in the washing machine. Also, liquid dishwashing soap is not made for automatic dishwashing machines. If you refill plastic containers with various detergents, make sure you label the tops of the containers correctly so that you don't mix them up. Detergent producers formulate the automatic dishwasher soap to specifically cope with the robust water action in the appliance.

Maintain and clean the inside tub of the dishwasher with dishwashing soap as well. You may need to occasionally wipe down the inside tub walls and bottom of the appliance. Wearing gloves, use dishwashing detergent dissolved in a bucket of hot water to scrub down the walls with a sponge. Don't use shower, tile or floor cleaner on the inside of the dishwasher, because they may leave soapy residue that can result in sudsing when the dishwasher runs through its cycles.

Fill the rinse aid dispenser to the level indicated inside the dishwasher. The chemical properties in rinse aids help to reduce spotting on dishes. The dishwasher automatically releases a small amount in the rinse cycle, but if you overfill the dispenser it could lead to excessive sudsing.