Why do my dishes taste like soap after dishwasher cleanup? This is a question that you are probably asking yourself right now if you have realized that your dishes always have a soapy-like taste every time you run them in your dishwasher. Having dishes with a soapy taste after cleaning them is not only frustrating but also poses a health concern to your family.
There are several reasons that could be causing this issue and we will discuss shortly in this article. Fortunately, these issues can be easily fixed by making a few adjustments to your dishwasher. In this article, we will tell you why your dishes taste like soap after cleaning them in your dishwasher.
You are using hard water
One of the reasons why your dishes have a soapy taste after a cleaning cycle is that you are using hard water. Hard water has several minerals like calcium and magnesium which make it difficult for it to lather with soap. As a result, it leaves behind residues known as soap scum that makes your dishes have a soapy taste after cleaning.
The best solution to fixing this problem is using soft water that lathers easily with soap. If not, then you need to install a water filter system to soften the water before you run it on your dishwasher. You can also use an appropriate soapless detergent that does not leave soap scum.
You are using a wrong detergent
The detergent that you use on your dishwasher matters a lot and will determine if your dishes will taste like soap after cleaning or not. So, if your dishes have a soapy-like taste, then you are probably using the wrong detergent. Dishwashers are very sensitive and only give the desired result if the right detergent is used. If you are using a detergent that is not compatible with your dishwasher, then your dishes could taste like soap.
The solution to this problem is to use a detergent that is recommended for your countertop dishwasher. Avoid using regular detergents because they will not only make your dishes taste like soap after cleaning but they will also damage the machine, making it less effective. Additionally, the detergent should also be used in the right proportion. If you use more than what is recommended, then your dishes could taste like soap. On the other hand, if you dispense less than what is recommended, the machine will not clean your dishes effectively. So, use a compatible detergent and dispense the right amount.
Your dishwasher has soap residue build-up
Just like food residues build up, soap residue can also build up in your dishwasher, making your dishes taste like soap after a cleaning cycle. Some of the areas where soap residue is likely to build up include heating elements, moving arms, and the tub. This problem mostly occurs if the dishwasher fails to heat up as it is supposed to. If your dishwasher does not heat up effectively, the detergent will not dissolve properly, resulting in the formation of soap residues along the moving parts.
The solution to this problem is to inspect your machine to see if it is heating up properly. The cleaning detergent will only dissolve effectively if your dishwasher heats water up to 130 degrees F. If it does not reach this temperature, then you should have the heating elements repaired or replaced. You can also fix this issue by running an empty machine with no detergent on a hot cycle to get rid of all soap residues.
Your machine soap container is dirty
A dirty soap container can make your dishes have a soapy taste. If you don’t clean your machine regularly as recommended by the manufacturer, it will become clogged, causing the detergent to go to the rinse cycle. This will make your dishes have a soapy taste. To avoid this, always ensure that you wash the soap container regularly as it is supposed to. And if it is damaged, have it repaired or replaced.
The drainage filter is damaged
The drainage filter plays a crucial role in sieving food particles, thus preventing them from finding their way into the drainage system. If the drainage filter is damaged or dysfunctional, it will not be able to do its job, meaning that food residues will go into the drainage system and eventually block it. If this happens, dirty water will not be able to escape and will find its way to your dishes, making them have a soapy taste. If your dishes appear dirty and have a soapy taste after running a cycle, then the most likely culprit is a damaged filter.
To fix this issue, you need to clean your drainage filter regularly (at least once per week) to prevent it from clogging. If the filter is badly damaged, then you should replace it with a brand-new one.
The inlet pipe is clogged
Another reason why your dishes have a soapy taste is that the pipe that brings water to the dishwasher is clogged. If your inlet pipe is clogged, then it means that clean water entering the machine is not sufficient to replace the soapy water. As a result, your dishes will taste like soap. The solution to this problem is to check the water inlet pipe and the valve to see if they are in good shape. If they are damaged or clogged, you should have them replaced with new ones.
Improper use of dishwashing pods
A Dishwashing pod is a device designed to make the process of adding detergent into the dishwasher simple and stress-free. However, this device is only effective when used correctly. If not, it could cause more harm than good, including making your dishes have a soapy taste after a cleaning cycle. Although dishwashing pods have become very popular because of the convenience that they provide, most manufacturers don’t recommend their use. They don’t dissolve well resulting in the formation of soap scum which gives your dishes a soapy taste.
The solution to this problem is to avoid using dishwashing pods altogether. Instead, you should use detergents that dissolve quickly and effectively such as liquid detergents.
Incorrect water temperature
Your dishes can also have a soapy taste if the water temperature setting is incorrect. This factor is very important if you are using hard water. In order for your dishwasher to dissolve soap and rinse them well, the water temperature needs to be hot (between 130 degrees F and 150 degrees F). So, if your dishes taste like soap after cleaning, then the water temperature setting is probably not correct. To fix this problem, check your dishwasher water temperature and ensure that it is set correctly. If the problem persists, check the heating elements and replace them if they are faulty.
Final thoughts
From the article above, it is clear that there are multiple things that could cause your dishes to taste like soap. You need to do a thorough check-up to find out what could be causing this problem. Fortunately, the majority of these issues are simple and can be fixed by making a few simple adjustments to your dishwasher. However, if the problem is beyond your comprehension, then you should hire an expert to fix it for you