Dishwasher Problem With Soapy Foam

Bad Detergent

• While dishwashing detergents are all made for the purpose of machine-washing dishes, not all dishwashing detergents are created equal. Poorly made detergent either doesn’t dissolve completely, leaving a slimy sludge all over the glasses, or it foams up too readily. Too much foam leaves soapy residue in the form of spots, streaks or film on the glasses. In addition, excess foam can test the limits of the dishwasher’s water sealing measures. In extreme cases, this causes leaks out of the sides and bottom of the unit. Changing detergents solves this problem without the need for further repair.

Residual Dish Soap

• Many homeowners pre-wash their dishes before putting them into the dishwasher for thorough washing. This process preserves the life of the dishwasher and also prevents malfunction by removing loose particles of food that can gum up the works of a dishwasher. Still, liquid dish soap used in the kitchen sink is not at all designed for use in the dishwasher, and even a little can do damage. Residual dish soap left on dishes will suds up a great deal more than regular dish detergent. Especially when mixed with the normal dose of dish detergent, this can lead to disaster, with soap bubbles bubbling out of the dishwasher, preventing proper drainage and leaving soap bubbles all over the dishes.

Softened Water

• Nationally available detergents are designed for use with water of average hardness: neither too hard nor too soft. Normal doses of these otherwise effective detergents result in far too much sudsing when the water is too soft. In addition, soft water often fails to blast food debris from dishes during the wash cycle. Reducing the amount of dishwashing detergent per load of dishes can help reduce the effects of soft water.

Timer Malfunction

• If the problem is noticeably dirty dishes with soap bubbles and excess water at the end of the cycle, the problem may stem not from the soap itself but from the dishwasher. The timer regulates all parts of a wash cycle and, when it malfunctions, can stop a dishwasher on a particular cycle, such as the wash cycle. Replacing the timer will solve this problem.