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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR DISHWASHER DETERGENT WON’T DISSOLVE

A dishwasher is a major time-saver, but only when it’s working the way it should. Ateliers G. Paquette, your experts in home appliance repair in Quebec, are familiar with all the issues that can arise with your appliances and how to get them back up and running. In this article, we tell you what you should do when your dishwasher isn’t drying properly.


If your plates don’t sparkle when you take them out of the dishwasher, very often the problem isn’t hard to spot: it will be staring at you, defiantly, in the form of a detergent tablet that did not dissolve. This is a pesky problem, but Ateliers G. Paquette, your experts in home diswasher repair, can help you find the solution. Keep reading for some pro tips for resolving this common dishwasher issue.

Is the detergent the problem?

A tablet requires more time to dissolve than powder. It’s important that you choose a dishwasher detergent that is appropriate for the cycle you run. For instance, a short cycle might be too quick to entirely dissolve the tablet. You could try experimenting with different brands to determine which one works best. Is the detergent


compartment your culprit?

It’s important that the compartment opens up at the right moment. During the washing cycle, usually you can hear when the compartment opens up: either you hear it unclick or you hear the tablet tumbling out. When you open the dishwasher door at the end of the cycle, pay close attention: if the tablet falls out at this moment, then the compartment was likely blocked by the dishes.


Does the dishwasher itself need cleaning?

The filters and the wash arms in your dishwasher need to be clean. If they’re dirty, this can reduce water pressure and hinder circulation. As a result the detergent might not become sufficiently immersed in the water, which prevents it from dissolving. Also, your dishes won’t get adequately soaked. Inspect these parts and clean them if needed. Are they still functioning poorly after being cleaned? Then it’s probably time to replace the wash arms or the pump.


Is the water hot?

The water needs to be sufficiently hot for the wash cycle to be effective. When the cycle is over and you open the door, is there a burst of steam that gets released? Are the dishes hot to the touch? If needed, adjust the water temperature by consulting the owner’s manual that came with the dishwasher. Did none of these tips do the trick? Then it could be that your dishwasher is defective or requires a replacement part. Through the Ateliers G. Paquette website, you can buy quality appliance parts. If you’re in Montreal or Quebec City and need a home appliance repaired,give us a call. We’ll send a technician over right away to fix the problem.


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Feed If your dishes are still wet after having gone through the machine, pay attention to these five things:


1. Your loading technique

To ensure that your dishes are completely and uniformly dried, load items so that air can circulate between them. And don’t pack the cutlery basket too full.


2. Rinse aid

Did you know that your rinse aid should be adapted to the hardness of your water and in particular to the quantity of calcium and magnesium it contains? As Health Canada explains, water hardness influences a rinse aid’s reactivity. You can analyze your water with test strips—available through our online store—to check the hardness. You’ll then be able to determine the type and quantity of rinse aid you need.


3. Water temperature

The effectiveness of your dishwasher’s drying cycle—and, in fact, its effectiveness in general—depends in large part on the water temperature in its tank. It’s important that you regulate the machine’s water tank such that it conforms to the manufacturer’s instructions. On average, the ideal temperature is between 48 and 60 °C.


4. Heating element

The problem could also stem from a blockage or a defect in the heating element. For an inspection of the heating element, call a company specializing in dishwasher repair, like Ateliers G. Paquette. 5. Ventilation system A well-functioning ventilation system is essential to the drying cycle. Only a professional is able to inspect and repair this system.


Is your dishwasher on the fritz? You can count on our team!

If your dishwasher needs repairing or if you need a replacement part for your Maytag, Kenmore, KitchenAid or other dishwaher brand, then get in touch with Ateliers G. Paquette in Quebec.



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