Having a dishwasher can be of great use. It makes your boring dishwashing job easier and quicker. You can wash a lot of dishes with the help of a soap dispenser.
But the problem begins when the dispenser gets broken and stops dispensing soap. So, what would you do at that moment? Would you send it for repair or throw it away?
Well, do not do any of those. You can still use a dishwasher with a broken soap dispenser. So, how to do that? In this article, we will discuss the ways of repairing a dishwasher at home. Do not worry, it is not as hard as you think.
By following our step-by-step guide your dishwasher will start working like a new one in no time. So, let’s get started.
How To Use Dishwasher With Broken Soap Dispenser
If the soap dispenser is broken you don’t need to stop using the entire machine. You can still get your job done. Here are some solutions on how to use dishwasher with broken dispenser.
Solid Dishwashing Detergent
Using a detergent in solid form is necessary for dishwashers. Solid cleaners work with any soap dispenser. First, remove all the kitchenware from the dishes with water. The power wash will do the job.
Then put the dishes into the tub inside the machine. Close the window and turn the machine on. Now, press the start button to start the cleaning.
Heat the Water in the Soap Dispenser
A broken dispenser can not release enough soap. But you can boost up this manually. You can do it by adjusting the temperature.
For this, you have to rinse the machine a few times with warm water. Choose the rinse only so that you don’t release any detergent. Rinsing warm water multiple times will increase the temperature of the broken dispenser.
As a result the soap will melt and then when you want to release soap the machine can release enough soap. Just run a normal cycle and you will notice that the machine is working well.
Rewash
As a broken dispenser can not release enough soap, the dishes may not be cleaned properly. If you see any dirt on the dishes then put them inside the machine and rewash them with warm water. This time the dishes will be all cleared.
How Does A Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Work?
Before going further we should get some idea of how a dishwasher dispenser works. The first task of the dispenser is to release soap into the machine. And that is the reason a broken dispenser creates problems. It can not release enough soap and hence the dishes remain oily.
How Would You Know if Your Soap Dispenser Has Broken?
If you find that your dispenser is not working correctly then you must take action. But for taking any action you need to determine the exact problem. You need to check properly whether the dispenser is broken or not. So, how would you know? Here are the steps.
First of all, you need to know the function of the machine. After you pour detergent or soup into the washer, it releases that soap to the front compartment. Then the soap will go to the main compartment when the machine is washing the dishes.
Sometimes the machine gives an irregular service just because the soap got stuck. In that case, you can easily solve the problem by running the machine with clean water.
If you hear any sound from inside the machine, then something most probably is broken. The broken latch will require further repair.
How To Fix The Dishwasher Soap Dispenser?
You think that a broken soap dispenser means pain in the neck. But in truth, it is not. If your machine is really working wrong and you find there are some confirmed issues then you may need to fix the machine. And you can do so by following the guide below. To start the process you will need the following tools.
- Screwdrivers of different sizes
- Torx head screwdriver (preferably number fifteen)
- Dishwasher soap dispenser spring
- Dishwasher soap dispenser module
Turn off the Dishwasher: This is a universal rule for fixing any machine. The first task is to turn the machine off otherwise you might end up damaging the machine and hurting yourself too. So, never forget to turn the machine off before starting the fixing.
So, check and double-check whether you have turned off the machine and unplug it as well.
Disable Both The Door And The Control Panel: Disassembled the dishwasher door from the machine. It is assembled with some Torx head screws. So, take out the Torx head screwdriver and remove the screws gently.
Now softly pull the front panel from the door and uncover the door frame. After removing it the internal components will be visible.
Remove the Dispenser: First, remove all the protective materials and expose the spring. Reconnect the spring if it is not broken rather it has strayed from its course. If no other this is broken then you should turn the machine on and check once again if it works.
If the spring is broken or something else is broken then you might have to remove the entire dispenser. Also, in some older models, you will not find any spring. Removing the dispenser is the only way in that case too.
Just unscrew the dispenser and you are good to go.
Install a new dispenser: Put the new dispenser in the exact place the old one was and mount it with the screws. After you install the new dispenser it is time to reattach the control panel and assemble the door in its place.
Attach the door properly and then you are ready to use the dishwasher again.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
Can you just throw a pod in the dishwasher?
Yes, you can in some cases. But this is a very bad idea and you should never do it. The reason is, the dishwasher has a pre-rinse cycle before it releases soap into the main cycle. So, the best practice is to put the pod into the detergent dispenser drawer.
What do you do when your dishwasher soap dispenser doesn’t close?
First, grip the detergent cup lid with the handle and move clockwise. Stop when you hear the click sound. Then press down and slide the cover onto the closed position.
How do you fix a dishwasher soap dispenser?
Fixing a dishwasher soap dispenser is very easy and you can do it at home. You can do it by yourself even with little knowledge. We discussed the steps above and you should follow them step-by-step.
Why won’t the soap dispenser open on my dishwasher?
It is a common problem for dishwashers. Usually it happens because of blockage. Just check the door bottom if there are something stuck such as cookies or bones or something else. If you find anything then remove them immediately.
More Dishwasher related article at howtofixup
Can You Stop A Dishwasher Mid Cycle
Will Dish Soap Ruin a Dishwasher
Why is my Dishwasher Leaking Water When Not in Use?
What Size Breaker Does a Dishwasher Need?
Conclusion
Your dishwasher is like your friend. This is a machine of daily use and it will become very hard if the machine stops working. So, we have discussed how to use dishwasher with broken soap dispenser. I hope you know all about the problems and their solutions too.