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Product Help | Maytag

Removing Suds, Bubbles or Soap Foam from Dishwasher

Removing Excess Suds from Maytag Dishwasher

Did someone put dish soap in your dishwasher?

Dishwashing detergent does not create suds, but dish soap does.  If suds, bubbles, or soap foam are present when you open your dishwasher, turn off the dishwasher and allow suds to dissipate. Using the wrong type or too much detergent can cause over-sudsing.  The suds may push water out of the dishwasher, causing leaking or poor wash performance.  Use only detergent specifically designed for automatic dishwashers.  

Were the dishes pre-washed or soaked before being loaded? 

Residual soap from soaking or spraying dishes with dish soap or other pre-wash dish cleaners can cause excess suds in the dishwasher. Many new spray-on “power” dish soaps are highly concentrated, and their residue on the dishes can cause excessive suds in a dishwasher. 

Pre-washing the dishes before adding them to the dishwasher is not necessary; just scrape off leftover food, bones, toothpicks, and other hard items from the dishes. Dishwashers are designed so that pre-washing dishes is unnecessary. Avoiding pre-washing or spray-on dish soap will save you water, energy, and time. 

CLICK HERE for additional information on the benefits of not pre-washing dishes

To get rid of the suds, follow these instructions:

  1. Stop the dishwasher immediately. 
  2. Cancel the wash cycle.  Clean up any overflow.  Do not let water sit and seep into cabinets or floorboards.  Use a wet mop to clean up any overflow. 
  3. Remove dishes from the dishwasher. 
  4. Add ¼ c of vegetable or other cooking oil to the bottom of the dishwasher.
  5. Run a Quick Cycle with no detergent or dishes.  The added oil will suppress the suds and help flush the soap through the dishwasher.
  6. If suds are still present, repeat the above steps. 

What type of detergent should I use? 

High-quality pre-measured tablets and packs are recommended for improved performance. 

Quality tablets and packs have been proven better than powder, liquid, or gel detergents at reducing filming on dishes. Using tablets and packs over time will start to reduce or eliminate white film. They are suitable for all water hardness and soil levels. Also, by using rinse aid, you can minimize the repeat buildup of the white film (not all packs and tablets contain rinse aid). Always place pre-measured detergents in the main compartment and close the lid. 

The Pre-Wash indicator on the dispenser lid is for customers who use powder or gel detergent and wish to add an amount of detergent to the Pre-Wash cycle. The volume of detergent added here is approximately eight cubic centimeters if filled full and level. Any detergent added here would be immediately added to the wash when the cycle starts versus detergent inside the dispenser, which is added during the main wash cycle. 

NOTE: Follow the instructions on the package when using other dishwasher detergent types.

  • Use automatic dishwasher detergent only. Add detergent just before starting a cycle. 
  • Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
  • Store the detergent in a tightly closed container and place it in a cool, dry place. 
  • Extremely hard water mineral deposits (15 grains per U.S. gallon or more) can cause damage to your dishwasher and make it difficult to achieve good results. A water softener is recommended to avoid damage and achieve good results.

 

Routine Cleaning and Maintenance

Dishwashers should be cleaned approximately every 30 days for optimal performance. Using affresh®  Dishwasher Cleaner every month will help keep your dishwasher from filming and spotting and keep the interior clean and free of odors.

Cleans even where you can't see

affresh® cleans deep inside your appliances reaching components such as the tub, racks, pump, valves, drain, and recirculation hoses.

Cleaners are available at many retailers or can be purchased here at affresh®.

affresh Appliance Cleaner Logo

 

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