Dishwasher - Excess Suds

If excessive suds, bubbles, or soap foam are present when your open your dishwasher, turn off the dishwasher and allow the suds to dissipate. This may take several hours. Make sure any water has been pumped out of the dishwasher.

Eliminating Excessive Suds in a Dishwasher

Using the wrong type or too much detergent can cause over-sudsing. The suds may push water out of the dishwasher, causing leaks or flooding conditions. Only detergent specifically designed for automatic dishwashers should be used.

Removing the Suds

Option 1 (preferred method):

1. Add one gallon of cold water to the tub, close and latch the door to the dishwasher.
2. Next, pump the water out.
   • Mechanical models - Unlatch the door and slowly turn the dial until a drain cycle is reached. You will hear a click when you have reached the drain cycle (normally heard right before the dry cycle). Latch the door and let your dishwasher pump out completely.
   • Electronic models - If the cycle is complete, close and latch the door. Select any cycle and start the dishwasher; wait 10 seconds, then push the Start/Reset pad to pump the water out the dishwasher. The drain cycle will take up to 90 seconds. If mid cycle, the dishwasher is beeping with the door opened, close and latch the door. Press the Start/Reset pad immediately to begin the pump out.

Option 2:

1. Sprinkle several tablespoons of non-dairy coffee creamer over the suds. The fat in the creamer will help break down the bubbles.
2. Wait five minutes for the suds to lessen.
3. Follow the steps in Option 1 to flush out the dishwasher.

Note: The process for either option may need to be repeated several times to flush all the suds-causing material down the drain.

See the Owner's Manual for your specific dishwasher model for proper use of detergents and rinse agents.

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