Check Your Water Pressure
If your Bosch dishwasher detergent dispenser is not opening, and everything else has been checked, check your water pressure. If your homes water pressure is too low, the machine will not be able to operate correctly.
To prevent your water pressure, turn off the main water supply, and then turn off the water supply to your dishwasher. Determine the water pressure by placing a hose connected to a faucet at the end of a long piece of wood.
The water pressure should be sufficient to spin the wooden board. If the water pressure is too low, you can install a water pressure booster to increase the pressure.
Inspect The Gasket Seal
When youre inspecting the gasket seal for soap build-up, also check the material condition of the seal. Look to see if its worn, cut, or crumbling. If its an older dishwasher, it may just be a simple task of replacing the gasket for proper functioning.
If the gasket seal looks good but is dry, try lubricating it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. It may be as simple as that to get the door closed again.
We’re Standing By With Answers
Whether you’re shopping for appliances or have questions about those you already own, we’ve got the resources you need. Talk directly to a customer care expert at the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove service center, or connect with an appliance consultant at an official showroom near you. Get quick answers online, or reach a certified service provider or installer. And much more.
Recommended Reading: Farberware Countertop Dishwasher Faucet Adapter
Check The Circulation Pump
The next step is to check the circulation pump. This component helps to distribute water around your dishwasher during a wash cycle. If it becomes faulty, your dishwasher wont be able to circulate water around properly, and the soap might not dissolve.
To check the circulation pump, you need to:
Broken Door Spring/hinge Pin

The door of your dishwashers detergent dispenser contains a small spring, the purpose of which is to ensure that the door always opens when it needs to.
When the door is closed and latched, this puts tension on the spring. A catch is used to open the door at the right time, and the tension created by the spring makes the door pop open with force instead of just falling open.
If the spring is broken, its possible that the door might not have enough force to open on its own. The same thing can happen if the hinge pin for the detergent dispenser door becomes broken or bent as well. Youll have to install a new spring/hinge if you find that your existing one is broken.
Recommended Reading: Best Built In Dishwashers 2021
One: Access The Soap Dispenser
Depending on the type of dishwasher and the specific issue with the latch, you will likely need to remove the inner door panel to access and fix the dispenser latch. However, with some models, you may be able to remove and replace the lid without removing the inner door panel.
Damaged Dispenser Door Pin
If the door pin is defective, then it may damage other components or cause them to wear out prematurely.
Inspect the dispenser door pin for damage by using a cleaning tool to expose its inner workings. Inspect the hammer, hinge, and plunger. If any part of the dispenser door pin is damaged, replace it.
Also Check: Adora Dishwasher Not Turning On
How Do You Use A Dishwasher When The Soap Dispenser Is Broken
If your dishwashers soap dispenser is broken, the safest and most reliable way to get your dishes cleaned is to fill the bottom of the dishwasher with soap and water manually. This can be done by running hot water in the sink until it is full and adding a tablespoon or two of dish soap to it, then using a large cup or other dish to transport the soapy water to the dishwasher and pouring it into the bottom.
If you are using a powder detergent, youll need to use a bit more to really get the dishes clean. Once youve done this, you can then run your dishwasher normally. It is important to note that only liquid dish soap should ever be used in the dishwasher and not dish washing liquid, which can create very sudsy build up.
If the soap dispenser is still broken after this, it may be a good idea to contact a qualified appliance maintenance technician to properly repair it.
The Dishwasher Is Not On The Correct Cycle
If the dishwasher is not on the correct cycle, it can cause the dishwasher soap dispenser not to open.
To fix this:
Read Also: Ge Dishwasher Gdf510 640 Series
Not Enough Water Or Circulation
Similar to using too much detergent, not having enough water will also prevent the dishwashing detergent from dissolving. This could be the result of a number of different issues, which are listed below.
· The water inlet valve is faulty
· The water inlet is blocked
· The float is faulty
· Water is continuously drained
The circulation of the water also plays a part in dissolving the detergent. If the detergent is sitting in uncirculated water, it may settle on the bottle and dissolve at a much slower rate. This could also be due to a number or issues, which I have listed below.
· The water pump is broken
· Spray arms dont rotate
· Food is stuck in spray arms, blocking the holes
· Sump filter is blocking water flow
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on 2021-07-10.
Main Control Board Issue
Nearly every component of the dishwasher is powered by the main control board.
If theres something wrong with the main control board, it may not send voltage to the detergent dispenser, preventing it from opening.
However, this isnt likely the case. Control boards are often misdiagnosed and remain a common culprit of faulty functioning,
This is why checking more commonly defective parts first is pivotal in making sure you find the problems root cause as quickly and efficiently as possible before moving on to replacing parts that dont need replacing such as a control board.
Recommended Reading: When Do Bosch Dishwashers Go On Sale
Check The Ingredients List
Before buying any detergent or soap product for use in your home, you should always check the ingredients list to make sure it doesnt contain anything that could harm your septic system.
Phosphates and chlorine bleach are two of the biggest offenders that you should watch out for. Other ingredients to avoid include ammonia and dyes.
Also Check: How Much Does Dishwasher Installation Cost
The Dispenser Hose May Be Clogged

The dispenser hose may be clogged if nothing youve tried has worked. The house is a small plastic tube inside the dispenser that moves the soap from the reservoir to the outside of the machine.
If the soap is not flowing freely in the hose, it can lead to clogs that prevent the soap from being dispensed. To fix the problem, remove the machines dispenser and clean the hose.
This job requires a little knowledge, but its something most home handypersons can do with relative ease.
You May Like: Bosch Dishwasher Model Number Decoder
Dispenser Lid And Dispenser Repair Kit
Look at the lid to see if it is in good condition. If it is damaged, replace it. If you arent sure which part you are looking at in your dispenser is broken or defective and you dont want to replace the entire dispenser.
An alternative as a start might be to replace just the dispenser repair kit itself and then see how things go from there afterward.
Related Guides
Why Wont My Dishwashers Soap Dispenser Open
This minor issue has a surprisingly large array of different causes, many of which depend on the model and age of your dishwasher. Troubleshooting your dishwasher can be partially done through a DIY route, but more complex issues should be addressed by a professional. This guide will break down the potential problems into DIY versus professional-grade problems.
Read Also: Kitchenaid Dishwasher Won T Turn On
What Is The Best Way To Fix The Soap Dispenser In My Dishwasher
Due to minor issues, the soap dispenser in a washer often stops working. You may not need to buy a new dishwasher if you can identify and cure these problems early enough.
Weve detailed the most typical issues that might cause your system to malfunction and potential remedies. Working through the steps below may help you fix a few problems at home and, if required, seek expert assistance:
Clean the soap dispenser: If dirt and soap residue are the basis of the issue, cleaning the soap compartment may improve your dishwasher soap dispenser. Almost usually, its the source of the issue. Warm water, vinegar, or liquid dish soap should be used to clean the dispenser, followed by a fort cloth to remove the grime.
Replace the rinse aid cap: Replace the rinse aid cap if your rinse aid dispenser is not blocked. A melted or cracked rinse aid cap might stop a soap dispenser from working. If you know the model of your machine from the manual, you can alter it.
Replace door spring: Before you replace the door spring, make sure its not broken. A broken door spring might cause a dispenser malfunction, although this is easily fixed. Replace the broken spring with an appropriate replacement.
Changing the timer: If a malfunctioning timer is causing difficulties in your system, changing it will restore functionality. Before changing it, you must carefully remove the old one from the control board. Restart the equipment to check for any electrical problems.
The Dishwashers Door Switch Is Not Working
If your dishwashers door switch is not working, it can cause the soap dispenser not to open. Youll need to change the door switch to resolve this.
It is something that can be accomplished by following these steps:
You May Like: Ge Dishwasher No Lights On Control Panel
How Do You Keep A Soap Dispenser From Clogging
Preventative maintenance is always preferable to reactive maintenance. Cleaning your dishwasher regularly helps prolong its life and maintain it in good operating order.
This is a simple task for a skilled dishwasher cleaner. Using a dishwasher cleaner like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner every 45 to 90 days, depending on how often you use it, will keep your dishwasher cleaner, decrease bad smells, and keep your dishwasher soap dispenser from clogging.
Dispenser Latch And Dispenser Lever
If the latch of your dishwasher is broken, the doors wont be able to close properly. Inspect it for damage. If any damage is evident, replace it.
A broken lever will cause the door of your dishwasher not to open or close properly because of its inability to move a certain way.
Inspect it for damage and if any exists, replace it immediately in order to prevent further problems with your dishwashers operation.
Read Also: Fisher Paykel Double Drawer Dishwasher
Kenmore Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening
During the wash cycle, the circuit board will send an electrical signal to a solenoid in the soap dispenser assembly. This solenoid then unlatches the door, which then springs open, causing the soap or dishwashing tablet to wash into the water below.
If this process does not occur, your dishes will not be properly cleaned by the end of the cycle. You can distinguish this from the door opening prematurely because the dispenser door will still be closed when you open the dishwasher. Below are common causes for the dispenser door remaining closed during a dishwashing cycle.
Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening: 6 Fixes

The dishwashers have become the ultimate household appliances for everyone because they have eliminated the hassle of cleaning up the dishes. To get the best experience, people choose the most high-quality dishwashers and are designed with automatic soap dispensers.
These soap dispensers drop liquid soap into the unit for cleaning away all the debris and grease. On the contrary, the dishwasher soap dispenser not opening is a real issue but its easy to fix and we have the options available for you!
Recommended Reading: Heating Element For Kitchenaid Dishwasher
Whirlpool Dishwasher Detergent Dispenser Spring
If cleaning the dispenser and latch does not fix the problem, you may need to replace the spring. These can be found online by model for little cost. When you have the replacement part ready, AppliancePartsPros provides a short video tutorial that shows how to take out the old spring and install the new one.
The dispenser will be on either side on the inside of the dishwasher door panel. Pull back the tab that releases the dispenser’s lid, hold it up with one hand and unscrew it with a flathead screwdriver. Carefully twist the screwdriver sideways and the lid should come off. The spring rests on a horizontal plastic pin, which you can then slide out of the two holes in which it rests. Now, remove the metal spring.
Slide the pin halfway into its hole and place the new spring onto it. Thread the pin back into the other hole. Center the spring on the pin with the ends of its coils and center part facing downward. Engage the two open ends of the spring onto the lid and press the lid’s tabs onto the pin. Take the flathead screwdriver, place the lid up on the spring and place it on the mounting tab.
Why Is My Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening
The dishwasher soap dispenser not opening is one of the most common issues encountered by most consumers. This might be due to a variety of factors. Weve attempted to concentrate on the most frequent ones below, so you dont make a mistake:
Soap Build-Up: Most of the time, soap build-up is what prevents the dispenser from opening. Because the soap dispenser is constantly packed with detergent, soap residue is prone to accumulate.
Modern dishwashers are meant to remove the detergent from the compartment. However, older or poorly built dishwashers have very little room for soap. As a result, the dispenser becomes clogged with soap and finally stops working.
Broken Spring: The soap dispenser door is operated by a broken spring. The spring primarily regulates the door of this little portion and allows it to pop. This spring might be the source of your dispensers failure to open. The soap dispenser often breaks down in the spring owing to negligence or an accident.
Faulty or broken latch: A worn or distorted latch might create problems with the soap dispenser. The joints arent correctly fastened if the latch is too old, worn out, or has already broken off, and the dispenser wont open.
Also Check: Diy Dishwasher Cleaner Without Vinegar
Samsung Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening
Samsung is a globally recognized brand. The dishwasher dispenser of Samsung is quite popular with consumers. However, it is a typical occurrence for any item to malfunction owing to unavoidable factors.
Similarly, it is not uncommon for Samsung dishwasher dispensers to malfunction. Due to normal wear and tear, various components of the dispenser may deteriorate over time.
Consequently, the dispenser door will be unable to open. Dishes cannot be washed if soap or detergent cannot be poured into the dispenser. However, a number of causes, such as blockage, overfilling, improper use of the appliance, etc., can lead to such undesirable scenarios.
In addition to challenges, there are also remedies. There are a number of methods for completing the washing cycle, bear with us and find out the reasons along with their solutions for Samsung dishwasher soap dispensers not opening.
What Type Of Controller Does Your Dishwasher Have
This shouldnt take you too long to figure out. If you have an electronic control dishwasher, youll have a series of nice buttons to push on the top or front of your dishwashers door. If you have a mechanical control dishwasher, youll have a rotating knob on the front of the dishwasher door that cycles clockwise from START through the chosen cycle and eventually to OFF.
Also Check: 10 Ft Dishwasher Supply Line