HELP! New dishwasher not dissolving powder detergent!

[washerdude]

Well, on our first load we used the finish quantum tabs that came with it. There were 2 in the sample and it got the dishes soo clean! Today we were trying to switch back to the old powder type we used in our old one. I checked up on it in 15 minutes into the main wash. I could see the powder particles in the water near the filter. When i pulled the filter out, you could clearly see a few powder particles. So i drained it out and ran it wih the last sample tab it came with. What do i do now?

 

[henene4]

Nothing...

I guess. Happens with our compressed powder tabs as well. If the cycle finishes and your dishes are clean your fine. If not you'll have to change detergent. Don't panic about things that are that minor, especially if the cycle only ran 15 minutes so far. Had a eventual prewash even finished yet? If so, was the water hot? Some times they contain stuff which first start to do anything at 100°F/38°C.
If after a complete load there are still remains, try high temp Option/change cycle, than reduce dosage and than think further.

 

[washerdude]

Oh yeah, it does 2 pre washes, and it washes, pauses and does that about 7 times then drains and then does it again for the next cycle and drains then it begins the main wash. The water was 118f.

 

[henene4]

Hmm...

.... actualy, which DW do you have again? Anyway, next time, use your powder and the usual cycle you would use and just let it finish. Than we'll see if it is a real problem or not!

 

[mark_wpduet]

confused?

Are you saying the dishwasher finished its cycle and there was still undissolved powder? Because if you only checked after 15 min's and saw powder particles, that wasn't enough time.

 

[washerdude]

Its the kenmore 15113. Its a basic model since we hardly use it, say once a week. We also use the cascade clean series dishwasher powder. I will update you the next time I use the powder.

 

[launderess]

How Old Is This Dish Detergent Powder and How Was it Stored?

If the stuff is old and or was improperly stored you ought to sling it and buy fresh new detergent.

Detergent powder for automatic dishwashers is famous for absorbing moisture and or developing all sorts of problems if kept around too long. It is why the stuff historically came in foil wrapped boxes with warnings to keep the container tightly closed between uses. Also one is not supposed to store the product in warm/damp environments such as under a kitchen sink. It is also not recommended for domestic users to purchase huge drums of such detergents unless they can use the product quickly.

What you can do is take a glass measuring cup or large drinking glass and fill with the hottest tap water possible. Take about a teaspoon of your dw powder, add to glass and stir briskly. If large amounts of the stuff are clumping up and or remaining not dissolved it may have gone past it's sell by date. If even after allowing the mixture to sit for awhile and much of the powder still wont dissolve then stick a fork in it, it is done.

You can try the above using a glass jar with a tight sealing lid. However caution needs to be used when shaking such a closed vessel full of hot water. [this post was last edited: 7/8/2014-18:50]

 

[washerdude]

I did what you listed above and sure enough, the detergent wouldnt desolve even in the hottest tap water either. In-fact i let it sit for atleast an hour and still there were particles of the powder remaning. Thanks for the help! Gonna run out some time this week and get the finish brand of dishwasher powder insted since my new dishwasher recomends me to use finish.

 

[mich]

Just wondering..

Have you tried Cascade Liquid Gel, or Cascade Complete Gel? Both have been wonderful, strong performers in my experience, and are very affordable per load, and I never have to worry about dissolving issues. 

 

[mark_wpduet]

Strange -

because I'm on my last box of institutional Cascade power which came from a case of 6 I bought maybe 2 or more years ago. This last box is clumping and I'm sure it's past its date, but everything still dissolves fine. I still like the Finish Powerball better but I like that the Ins. Cascade has bleach.

 

[washerdude]

Well...

We used cascade gel on our old dishwasher which was the first ever kind of dishwasher detergent we used. Try not to laugh....but we didn't really know where to put it...so we put it in the rinse aid compartment...............But when we did find out how it works, we ran out and we didn't like it since we put it in the rinse aid compartment. So we then tryed the cascade pacs and they worked well. And then we went to powder whichwas a huge win. I'm willing to go back to gel to try it in our new dishwasher.

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

You do realise most dishwashers wont even add the detergent until about 15 minutes in right? You shouldn't open the door during the cycle, you should let it go through the cycle, and ideally leave several hours after (to let effective drying), then open the door, if powder is left then, then you have a problem.

If a tab dissolves, then powder will as it isn't as dense.

 

[aquarius1984]

Glenfieldmathk

when are ye gonna stop spouting crap?

Ive NEVER had a dishwasher thats left it 15 minutes into a cycle before dispensing detergent.

Vintage, Modern, Brand new. NONE, NOTHING, NEVER.

3 to 4 mins at most into the main wash at the most.

Please feel free to name makes and model numbers here please. I would like to know what does this 15 minute thing.

 

[appnut]

Try using the high-temp or water heat option. 

 

[logixx]

I'm sure he meant 15 minutes into the cycle from the very start - including the pre-wash(es).

 

[aquarius1984]

well that said had glenfield read the OP properly washerdude did say it he opened the door 15 mins into the MAIN wash.

 

[mark_wpduet]

That sound about right

maybe 10 to 15 min's from the start of the wash the detergent thingy pops open. At least on all dishwashers I've ever used.

 

[washerdude]

Why would it do that........

I don't know who would make a dishwasher that lets the detergent in 15 minutes after the wash started. Plus just a few minutes after the main wash began, say 2-3 mins, i clearly heard a loud pop from the door which was obviously the detergent dispenser door opening.

 

[mark_wpduet]

I'm not talking about the MAIN wash. I'm talking about it taking about 15 minutes from the time the dishwasher is turned on (starts washing) whatever. The point where you press start (around 10 to 15 min's beyond that point) It fills, does a pre wash, drains, then fills to start main wash, then about 2 min's after the main wash starts, you hear the detergent drawer pop open. It's been this way for a LONG time.