Kitchenaid Dishwasher: soap dispenser door jammed by soap in spring

[oldkitchen]

One expects problems with the dispenser door to be due to the bimetallic switch.

But in this case, soap powder has completely gummed up the spring to the left door. I can take a wire brush to it, but I'd like to disassemble it for access to the shaft.

Its held on with a hollow cotter pin thru the plastic arm. The spring doesn't compress any when I press on it; I hesitate to force it out because I don't know how hard it will be to compress the spring again to re-assemble it.

Any advice?

When the door fails to open, wife habitually lets the soap fall into the unit and stay there. So there was a LOT of soap scum in the low spots, and on the heater element. I sanded it off, and I think it will now heat the water faster.

I had to re-register my username!

Kitchenaid by Hobart KDI-19
New motor 5/2013
Right bimetal 6/2014
fill v/v & drain v/v 6/2014

 

[oldkitchen]

Been scraping soap scum off the "rim" that seals the lid to the dish. I think there is scum buildup on the BACKSIDE of the lid, binding it with friction. Need to remove it to get to the backside, I think, if I know I can get it back together. I think the spring will "unwind" if I remove it.

Meanwhile, I'll try some boiling water. What removes solid scum, plastic safe?