Dishwasher "main wash" isnt working?

Question

when i do the dishes i put in the powder form of cascade detergent in both the "main wash" and "pre wash". when i get my dishes out the cascade is still in the "main wash" the one with the lid, all clumped together and hard. can i do anything to fix this myself? i clean it out and then try again but it comes out the same everytime.

Answer 1

If the little door for the main wash container is open after a wash then either you are over filling the compartment causing packing of the detergent or the water from the spray arm isn't reaching the soap to dissolve it.  

Check the spray arms for clogs in the end holes.  Also make sure the water is HOT during the cycles.  If the unit has a water heater element on the bottom it may be bad.

Dish washing powder needs 120-140 F water to properly dissolve.

Answer 2

It would be smart for you to get on a website that shows how to maintain the dishwaher. Or pay for a single housecall from a repairman to find out how to maintain the machine. Why do you fill both soap tanks?  If you perform the most basic rinse or wipe of the dishes it should not be necessary.

Learn how to remove the top , spinning, washer bar.Mine just pulls off,  downward, by hand, without tools. It was stiff at first so I added a tiny drop of PAM to lube it.  Examine the little holes in the ends of the bar for blockage with bits of potato skin, plastic packaging shards, etc.

  Most machines also have a lower bar.