Why don't tablets dissolve in PMM?
There are many reasons for partial dissolution: from incompatibility of the product with equipment to poor water pressure.
PMM tablets
Dishwasher incompatible
In some cases, the problem with dissolving tablets arises due to the fact that not all modern household chemical products are suitable for older dishwasher models that do not have a product recognition system. Sometimes the tablet simply does not match the size of the cuvette.
It is also necessary to take into account this point: each brand of equipment has its own type of detergent. Tablets without regenerating salt are not recommended for dishwashers from Hansa and some other brands. A number of Bosch models require products containing phosphates, while others cannot use them.
To correctly select a product for a specific PMM model, read the user manual.
Dishes are not placed correctly
dish basket
Adhering to the correct placement of dishes in the washing chamber is necessary not only to ensure access of water to all items. Incorrectly placed objects interfere with water circulation, which prevents the tablet from dissolving. Make sure that large kitchen items do not block the dispenser valve.
The detergent compartment is clogged
The hole in the detergent compartment can become clogged with limescale or food particles over time. Therefore, water does not pass through the dispenser valve and does not dissolve the tablet. Do not forget to use a regenerating salt composition for PMM, and remove any scale that appears with vinegar.
compartment for PMM products
The flow filter is clogged
Impurities and food debris periodically clog the holes of the flow filter, so water flows into the washing chamber slowly. Weak pressure does not allow the tableted substance to dissolve completely.
To clean the filter, you need to turn off the water and disconnect the hose from the machine. The mesh can be washed under pressure. Citric acid will help get rid of stubborn stains.
The holes in the impeller (spray rocker) are clogged
The pressure of water entering the chamber decreases when the sprinkler nozzles become clogged. Remove the impeller and clean it with soapy water and a brush. Make sure that the machined part fits into place and moves without difficulty.
Impeller
Violation of storage conditions
Tablet detergents must be stored in a dry place, as moisture deteriorates their properties. This is especially important for a product with a soluble coating.
Pipe pressure
Another reason for incomplete dissolution of the tablet may be insufficient pressure in the centralized water supply system. This happens during emergencies or plumbing work.
To check the water pressure, open the tap. If the version is not confirmed, look for another reason.
How do the pills work?
Manufacturers are increasingly producing “All in one” detergents. The most popular are tablets - powders pressed into briquettes:
- 3-in-1;
- 4-in-1;
- 5-in-1;
- 6-in-1;
- 7-in-1;
- 10-in-1;
- multifunctional "All in one".
What are the advantages of briquettes over gels? The fact is that they already contain a single concentrate of salt, powder and rinse aid. By loading it into the compartment, you will not have to additionally use other funds. This is what the manufacturer says.
In practice, it turns out that not all All-in-One products are effective. Most of them require the use of salt and rinse aid, without which stains will remain on the dishes.
What stages does the tablet go through before dissolving in Bosch, Whirlpool and other dishwashers:
- dissolving the packaging (if it does not need to be removed first);
- dissolving the salt and then the detergent;
- dissolving the rinse aid.
Having understood the mechanism, let's start solving the problem.
Malfunction of individual parts
The source of the problem with using tablets in the dishwasher may be one or another technical problem. If you do not have the necessary knowledge and tools, it is better to contact a service center. As an option, study lessons on self-repair on this site.
Is a dishwasher profitable?
Oh yes! No
Dosing system malfunction
The detergent dispenser can not only become clogged, but also fail. When operating properly, the cuvette should be completely emptied of its contents during the operating cycle of the machine.
When loading the tablet into the compartment, make sure that it is dry, otherwise the product will swell and dissolve incorrectly. Your hands should also not be wet.
Problems in the circulation pump
To dissolve tablet detergent, a certain amount of water pressure is needed. The necessary pressure is created using a circulation pump. If this element fails, problems may arise with the dissolution of the multifunctional tablet. It is better to entrust pump repair to a specialist.
Recirculation pump
Broken water heater
The accumulation of limescale on the electric heater gradually disables it. If the heating element burns out, the water will stop heating. When cold, any detergent dissolves poorly.
Broken impeller
Incorrectly placed utensils may obstruct the movement of the impeller and cause it to break. If the tablet does not dissolve and the dishes remain dry and dirty, check the serviceability of the impeller. If it malfunctions, it will have to be replaced with a new one.
Have you set the water hardness in PMM?
Yes, of course. No.
The main reasons for incomplete dissolution of the tablet in the dishwasher
Judging by the fact that this is not a rare phenomenon, several main reasons have been identified, such as:
- Incorrect placement of dishes in a special compartment.
- The product has expired, has frozen, and is wet.
- The water pressure differs from that specified in the machine requirements.
- The tablet compartment is clogged.
- The product is supplied with packaging that is not susceptible to water.
If necessary, it is better to test the tablet before use by dissolving it in 200 ml of water. Each of the above reasons should then be ruled out. When no visible causes are found, you should call a technician to fix the problem.
Incompatible with dishwasher
There are situations when the equipment is a little outdated and does not correspond to the modernized composition of detergents. The dishwasher program is simply unable to dissolve the tablet, which, therefore, remains in the cell.
Improper use of the dishwasher
If the instructions for use have not been carefully studied, the user sets incorrect dishwashing settings. In addition, you should choose tablets that best suit the brand of dishwasher. However, they must be laid in the correct way.
Dispenser system problems
The detergent dispenser in dishwashers is an intricate device consisting of:
- compartment for tablets,
- area for gel,
- powder zones,
- boundaries reserved for rinse aid.
The tablet compartment is protected by a specialized valve, the cause of a malfunction of which can lead to unpleasant consequences. If the dishes are placed incorrectly, a blockage follows; it does not allow water to pass through and the tablet does not get wet.
Malfunction of individual parts
The tablets may not dissolve due to the breakdown of some parts.
- Heating element (temperature below zero). The lower limit of the temperature regime should reach 60 degrees.
- Thermal sensor is broken. The water heater does not receive the required heating command, so the tablet does not dissolve.
- Broken impeller. During normal operation of the dishwasher, the impeller begins to rotate. If the utensils are not positioned correctly, the rocker arm may be damaged. Only a competent specialist can repair the impeller correctly.
- Water heater failure. The formed scale is the only reason for this.
- Problems with the circulation pump. Controls the internal pressure in the machine.
There is no point in changing the above elements yourself, as this can only cause harm to the equipment. Professional repair will be the best financial investment in this device.
We fix the breakdown
If there is a problem with dissolving the tablet, experts advise checking the serviceability of the equipment using powder. If it is also poorly dissolved, the reason must be sought directly in the dishwasher device. One by one, check and clean such accessible parts of the machine as:
- filters;
- sprinklers;
- detergent dispenser.
If these steps do not bring results, you will most likely have to contact a specialist to repair or replace some parts.
How to fix the problem yourself
If any technical problems occur, you should check the condition of each part of the dishwasher.
Flow filter. Its location area is behind the inlet hose. The water is turned off, the hose is disconnected, a special mesh is taken out and checked for contamination. If there is debris, you should get rid of it and install an auxiliary filter. The mesh should be rinsed under running water. Sometimes this is not enough, then the mesh is soaked for some time in a solution with citric acid.
Fill valve. Located behind the filter. If it becomes clogged, you should get rid of this type of problem.
Spray. Possible clogging of injectors. This results in a situation in which the water pressure decreases, and with it the quality of washing. The hopper door is closed, the tray is removed from the sprayer and each hole is cleaned with a toothpick and washed with water.
Recommendations for use
For proper functioning of the PMM, follow the advice of experts:
- Read the instructions to find out which detergents are suitable for this model.
- Study the label of the tablets to find out the nuances of their use.
- Regularly clean the device parts from scale and dirt.
- After each working cycle, rinse the cuvette and dry the chamber with the door open.
- Arrange dishes in accordance with the diagram provided by the manufacturer.
Buy high-quality household chemical products and do not forget that it is better not to use multi-component tablets for express modes, the duration of which is less than 60 minutes. This time may not be enough for the tablet to completely dissolve.
Multifunctional tools optimize your dishwasher's workflow. Identifying the reason for their ineffective action is necessary not only to ensure that the dishes are washed well, but also to identify equipment malfunctions.
Other reasons associated with tablet insolubility
- Poor quality tablets. Storing capsules in a damp place or breaking the seal of the packaging leads to the loss of valuable properties of the contents, and this affects the degree of solubility of the detergent.
- Problems with water pressure. The reason may lie either in the sewer pipes or in a clogged flow filter.
- Low water main pressure. Measuring pressure and contacting the housing office is the only thing that can help. But, if the pressure is normal, but the device is not, then check the condition of the water hose; it is probably pinched.
Other Possible Causes
The reasons why a tablet placed in a dishwasher cuvette does not fall out into the tank or does not dissolve during the dishwashing process include improper storage of the detergent at home after purchase. Most well-known manufacturers produce coated tablets that dissolve when exposed to moisture. If the drug is stored in a damp room or the owner places it in the compartment with wet hands, this will affect the integrity of the shell, which will cause the tablet to swell in advance, making it impossible for it to fall out into the working tank of the equipment.
When buying dishwasher tablets, pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the expiration date of the product and the integrity of its packaging. At home, store detergents in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Rules that will ensure complete dissolution of detergent products
There are some rules for using tablets in dishwashers. One tablet is enough for one sink, and you can wash about 12 sets of dishes. You need to choose the washing mode correctly. 3 in 1 tablets can only be used in long-term modes - lasting more than 1 hour. It is important to store the tablets correctly. They must be in a dry place.
If you purchased a detergent with a soluble coating, you should only handle it with dry hands. So, dishwasher tablets are a convenient solution, but you have to use them correctly. Otherwise, they will be ineffective and may cause equipment failure.
Salt has become petrified - what to do?
If the salt does not dissolve in the dishwasher, there is probably poor water circulation in the dishwasher. To prevent the problem, do this:
- Read the instructions for the dishwasher and for salt.
- The cycle has ended - clean the cuvette. Do not close the door - let it dry.
- Pay attention to the expiration date of the salt.
- Load dishes correctly.
Do-it-yourself troubleshooting
As already said, serious damage should not be repaired on your own, so that saving on the services of a specialist does not become critical for dishwashing equipment. If the problem lies in the inlet filter, then you can clean it from dirt or replace it yourself. To do this, you will need to disconnect the machine from the network, disconnect the water supply hose from the machine body, having previously prepared a rough container to drain the remaining water from the hose into it. Next, the filter is removed, cleaned of plaque and debris, and installed back. At the same time, it is necessary to inspect the valve located behind the filter, and if there is contamination in it, fix the problem in the same way. If the valve is heavily soiled, it may need to be replaced with a new element.
You can also fix the problem yourself if the water spray nozzles are clogged. To do this, the element is dismantled, its openings are cleaned with a toothpick or other suitable object, after which the cleaned atomizer is installed back.
When operating the machine, in order to prevent serious breakdowns and minor malfunctions, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the instructions from the manufacturer, perform preventive starts of the machine as needed, and use only cleaning ingredients intended for PMM.
