How to Dissolve Caked on Dishwasher Powder

Clean off caked-on dishwasher powder before running a cycle.

When a dishwasher's cycle doesn't complete or other issues prevent the dishwasher powder from dissolving it can cake or clump together in the dispenser. A poor seal on the dispenser door, inadequate water pressure, level or temperature, or blocking the dispenser door all may cause the powder to cake. The best recourse to prevent future occurrences is to troubleshoot and repair the problem, but in the meantime dissolve and clean the powder from the dispenser. Caked dishwashing powder often does not effectively dissolve if you just run it through a second cycle.

Things You'll Need

• Butter knife or other dull object
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Sponge or cloth

Instructions

1. Break up the powder into clumps with a butter knife or other dull object and remove them from the dispenser.

2. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.

3. Spray the dispenser until it's soaked with the vinegar.

4. Allow the vinegar to sit for about 10 minutes to dissolve the powder.

5. Wipe out the powder with a sponge or cloth.

6. Repeat spraying the dispenser with the vinegar, letting it sit and wiping any residue away until all of the caked on powder is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent the detergent from caking in the dispenser cup, dry the cup before adding powdered detergent and wait to add the detergent until just before you start the appliance.

• Older detergent that is exposed to air is more likely to cake; buy new detergent often and store it in a cool, dry place.

References

• The Cleaning Institute: Dishwasher Problems
• The Vinegar Institute: Uses and Tips