Why Are My Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving?

Dishwashers make life so much easier – you can throw your dirty dishes in and not think twice! The only bad thing is when your dishes come out dirty, or worse, when they come out with dishwasher pod residue on them, which happens if your pods don’t dissolve properly.
But why would that be? Why are your dishwasher pods not dissolving when you run a cycle? In this guide, we’ll help you troubleshoot your dishwasher not dissolving pods. It could be anything from the placement of the pods to the hardness of your water – keep reading to find out.
Sometimes, lower-quality pods don’t dissolve consistently. You can try switching to Clean People dishwasher pods – our pods are designed to dissolve throughout the wash cycle. They’re also made with plant and mineral-based active cleaning ingredients, and no phosphates, dyes, or parabens!
Why Pods Not Dissolving in Dishwasher is a Problem
Many people switch to dishwasher pods vs liquid so that they can ditch the big plastic bottles, but when your pods don’t dissolve, it can sometimes lead to dirty dishes and a damaged dishwasher. It’s a pain, and sometimes it means you have to wash your dishes multiple times.
Undissolved pods leave behind a sticky, soapy residue on your dishes, glasses, and cutlery. This not only affects the appearance of your dishes but can also pose health risks if any chemical residues remain on surfaces that come into contact with food.
Dishwasher pods are formulated to release a precise amount of detergent at specific stages of the wash cycle. When they don’t dissolve properly, the detergent isn’t distributed evenly, leading to poor cleaning results. This can leave your dishes still dirty, greasy, or stained.
Undissolved pod fragments can also accumulate and cause blockages in your dishwasher’s spray arms, filters, and drainage system. This can lead to reduced water flow, impaired cleaning performance, and potential damage to your dishwasher, potentially leading to maintenance and repairs.
So, Why Are My Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving?
There are several potential reasons behind dishwasher pods not dissolving. Let’s delve into the most common causes of your dishwasher not dissolving pods to help you identify and resolve the problem.
Water Temperature
Most dishwasher pods are designed for hot water. If the temperature is too low, the pods may not break down completely. Most manufacturers recommend a water temp of at least 120°F for dissolving. Check your water heater settings and make sure your dishwasher is connected to a hot water supply.
Dishwasher Cycle
The type and duration of your wash cycle can also cause pods not dissolving in dishwasher. Quick or eco cycles may not provide enough time or water heat for the pods to dissolve properly. Make sure you’re using a cycle with enough washing time and hot water exposure, especially for very dirty dishes.
Placement of Pods
Incorrect placement of pods can prevent them from dissolving properly. Pods should be placed in the designated detergent dispenser, not directly in the dishwasher or silverware basket. Make sure your dispenser door closes and opens correctly, allowing the pod to be released at the right time in the cycle.
Blocked Dispenser
A blocked dispenser can prevent the pod from being released into the dishwasher. Check for any obstructions, like food debris or a stuck dispenser door, that might prevent the pod’s release, or cause it to be released too late. Clean the dispenser regularly to ensure it functions properly.
Spray Arm Malfunction
The spray arms in your dishwasher are responsible for distributing water throughout the appliance. If they’re clogged or not rotating properly, the pods may not receive enough water pressure to dissolve. Inspect the spray arms for blockages and ensure they can move freely.
Filter Blockages
A clogged dishwasher filter can reduce water flow, impacting the pod’s ability to dissolve. Clean the filter regularly to remove any trapped food particles or debris. This not only helps your pods dissolve but also improves the overall performance of your dishwasher.
Hard Water Issues
Dishwasher pods not dissolving can also be caused by hard water, due to its high mineral content. If you live in an area with hard water, consider using a water softener or adding a rinse aid to your dishwasher. These products help break down minerals and improve detergent effectiveness.
Pods Not Dissolving in Dishwasher Could Be Caused By Low-Quality Dishwasher Pods, Too!
So, why are my dishwasher pods not dissolving if I’ve already tried the troubleshooting steps above? Sometimes, the problem is the actual pods themselves. If you’ve tried to make homemade dishwasher pods DIY, or using cheap tablets, you may run into issues with dissolving.
How Low-Quality Ingredients Affect Dissolution
Low-quality pods often contain inferior ingredients that do not dissolve as easily or effectively. What are dishwasher pods made of when they’re poor quality? These ingredients may include fillers, binders, and lower-grade detergents that struggle to break down in water, especially at lower temps.
Poorly formulated pods may also not release their cleaning agents properly, leading to residue and incomplete cleaning cycles. High-quality pods can make a big difference, as they are formulated with premium ingredients designed to dissolve and make your dishes sparkle.
Put This Problem in the Past With Clean People’s Dishwasher Pods!
When we started formulating Clean People dishwasher pods, we were determined to create a product that dissolves properly in any type of dishwasher. We’ve been able to do that, and more importantly, we’ve been able to do it with plant-based enzymes.
Our dishwasher pods are designed to dissolve throughout the wash cycle, leaving your dishes sparkling and residue-free. We don’t use phosphates, dyes, parabens, phthalates, or chlorine. Our ingredients are vegan, and our septic-safe pods are made right here in the US!
More Tips on Preventing the Frustration of Dishwasher Pods Not Dissolving
The top way to make sure your dishwasher pods dissolve properly is to learn how to use dishwasher pods properly. Make sure you always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and make sure you’re investing in pods that are suitable for your dishwasher.
Can you use washing machine tablets in the dishwasher? No – washing machine tablets and dishwasher tablets are two very different products, with different ingredients, and can’t be swapped in and out.
Also, make sure you clean your dishwasher regularly, including the spray arms, filters, and detergent dispenser. Ensuring all components are in good working order will help with proper pod dissolution, and helps keep your dishwasher in better condition in general.
Final Thoughts on Dishwasher Not Dissolving Pods
Dishwasher pods that don’t dissolve properly can leave a residue on your dishes, and can also damage your dishwasher. There are lots of different reasons why your dishwasher pods might not dissolve properly – your water might be too hard, or not hot enough, or your dispenser may be blocked.
Another reason, though, is that you’re using low-quality dishwasher pods. If you think this may be the case, and you’re tired of your dishes never quite coming out clean enough, try making the switch to Clean People!
Our dishwasher pods dissolve during the wash cycle, letting our powerful cleaning ingredients get to work on your dishes. You won’t see a residue left inside yoru dishwasher (or on your dishes), and you won’t have to double wash your glassware!
Don’t put up with dishwasher pods that don’t dissolve – switch to Clean People for sparkling dishes, every time!