Removing Suds, Bubbles or Soap Foam - Dishwasher

Understanding Why Suds Form in Your Dishwasher

Encountering excessive suds in your JennAir dishwasher can be both annoying and indicative of underlying issues. The most prevalent cause is using the wrong detergent. If you've ever wondered, "Can I use dish soap in the dishwasher?" the answer is no, as household detergents made for hand washing can generate excessive suds when used in dishwashers. Ensure you’re using a detergent formulated for automatic dishwashers to prevent this issue.

Additionally, using too much detergent can worsen sudsing. Always adhere to the manufacturer's dosage instructions. Leftover soap residue from prior washes or improper dish loading can also lead to suds. By understanding these causes, you can take proactive measures to remove suds bubbles or soap foam from dishwasher use and maintain your JennAir dishwasher’s optimal performance.

Steps to Remove Excess Suds

If your JennAir dishwasher is overwhelmed with suds, bubbles, or soap foam, prompt action is crucial. Start by halting the dishwasher cycle immediately. This can be done by pressing the 'Cancel' button or opening the door, which will stop the operation. Assess the dishwasher for visible suds and focus on effective drainage to prevent further complications.

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. 

Tips to Prevent Future Sudsing

To ensure your dishwasher functions smoothly without unwanted suds, it's vital to choose the correct detergent.

Detergent Use: JennAir advises using high-quality dishwasher detergents designed for automatic dishwashers. Avoid regular dish soap, as it's meant for hand washing and can lead to excessive foam. Knowing how to get dish soap out of a dishwasher is valuable for any accidental use.

Pre-Wash: 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. 

Clean Cycle: Routine maintenance is crucial for a suds-free dishwasher. Regularly inspect and clean the filter, as a clogged filter can trap residues that contribute to suds. Additionally, run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner every month to remove buildup and maintain performance. By adhering to these tips, you can prevent suds in your JennAir  dishwasher and enjoy pristine dishes with every cycle.