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Product Help | Whirlpool

Removing Suds, Bubbles or Soap Foam from Dishwasher

Removing Excess Suds from Whirlpool 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. 
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