Dishwasher not using its soap?

Question

I was using Cascade gel and its been fine the 2 yrs we've lived in our home. In the past month though, the gel is often gummed up on the bottom of the dishwasher, and of the door and in its container. I thought maybe it was the type of detergent, so I went out and got those electrasol powertabs with the ball on it. I washed the dishes, and the ball was gone but the rest of the tab was intact on the bottom of the dishwasher.

No idea whats going on, i checked the drain and the holes on the arm, all clean. The arm moves fine... any ideas?

Answer 1

I had the same problem with my Whirlpool.  Just never close the little detergent door and it should work fine.

Answer 2

If your dishwasher has a detergent tray that you close or push in, try leaving it open next time.  There might be a broken spring or something that's keeping it closed for most of the washing period, and it may not come open until either during the rinse or dry cycles.

I've had this problem with a few dishwashers over the years, and I've found if you just leave the detergent compartment opened, your dishes will get clean.