Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Dishwashers are modern conveniences that can help reduce the amount of time spent cleaning dishes in the kitchen every day. But, when you regularly find undissolved dishwashing pods left in your dishwasher, you know that your dishes are not properly cleaned.

If your dishwasher pods are not dissolving this is due to a faulty inlet valve. Not enough water is getting into your dishwasher as the valve does not open all the way. A few other problems that could be causing your pods not to dissolve also include a blocked door, or the water temperature is not hot enough.

Luckily, a savvy homeowner can easily fix many of the issues that prevent a dishwasher pod from fully dissolving. Checking and replacing valves and spray arms is a simple process that can be completed in minutes.

The inlet valve is an integral part of your dishwasher that opens during a cycle to allow water into your appliance.

When this valve fails, not enough water flows into the dishwasher, which means the pods cannot dissolve fully.

To check if the valve is faulty, simply run the dishwasher for a few minutes. Press the stop button, open the door, and check if any water has entered the dishwasher.

It is easy to replace your inlet valve yourself, just be sure to purchase the right make and model for your particular style of dishwasher.

Most dishwashers have a specialized door that houses the dishwasher pod, which works on a spring, so it can be released at the right time during the cycle.

If the door is blocked during a normal wash cycle, or if the door is not functioning properly, the pod cannot be fully released into the appliance.

If your dishwasher is too full, or if one particular dish or bowl is blocking the door, the pod may not be released. These situations are easy to fix.

However, the door can get stuck because the tiny spring and mechanism used to open the door can become faulty or damaged. When this happens, a new door replacement is required.

Over time, this becomes a common problem because the little spring used to open the detergent door can become worn out.

Dishwasher pods need water between 120 and 160 degrees F to dissolve fully. If the water flowing into your dishwasher does not reach high enough temperatures, the pod will not dissolve and will not clean your dishes adequately.

Your pod may only become partially dissolved, which could further lead to complications like clogged drain pipes.

Check the internal thermostat on your dishwasher when it is full to ensure the temperature is high enough. If the water temperature is too low, it could indicate that the heating element in your appliance needs to be replaced.

The heating element works to make the water inside your dishwasher at the appropriate temperature. Unfortunately, this is an advanced repair that usually requires a professional technician.

The spray arms are essential parts of your dishwasher that spin to move water throughout the machine during a cycle.

Sometimes, food and debris can become stuck in the small holes of the spray arm, blocking the water spray. The arms can also become cracked as they age, which can prevent them from working completely.

To check if the spray arms are working properly, simply take the arms out of the appliance and visually inspect them for damage. If you see any food particles that could be blocking the tiny spray holes, use a small piece of wire or a toothpick to dislodge the food.

Lastly, a pod that is not dissolving fully may be due to a faulty circulation pump. The pump in your dishwasher helps to move water throughout the machine during a cycle.

If the pump is faulty or not working, water does not reach all areas of the dishwasher and will not dissolve the pod.

To check to see if your circulation pump is working, start a cycle in your dishwasher. You need to ensure that water is being pumped into the appliance and water is spraying through the spray arms.

Sometimes an undissolved pod is only part of the problem. Many homeowners are stuck with a pod that becomes trapped or lodged in the dispenser.

When this happens, it means that not enough water was channeled toward the deterrent cup to release the pod.

Or, it could also mean that the water temperature was too low. To prevent this problem, be sure that nothing is blocking the path toward the dispenser cup. The silverware basket or a large bowl is usually to blame for a lodged detergent pod.

People often report dishwasher pods damaging their dishwasher over time, which raises the question of how good a pod is for your dishwasher. People will report the pod becoming blocked or clogged before it has a chance to dissolve fully.

In reality, the bigger issue is that food grease and waste can start to build up over time in the traps and drains connected to your dishwasher. Over time, the food build-up coupled with soap scum can create clogs that can trap the undissolved dishwasher pods.

If you practice good dishwasher maintenance and regularly clean your dishwasher, using detergent pods is perfectly safe for your machine. Using a dishwasher pod is perfectly safe for the longevity of your dishwasher.