How to Defoam a Dishwasher
Sudsy foam is fine for hand washing dishes, but an automatic dishwasher overflowing with foam is a major problem in the kitchen. Foam in the washer may indicate that liquid soap was used in the appliance, or that the dishes were not rinsed thoroughly before running the dishwasher. Keep the foam at bay by turning the dishwasher off as soon as you notice it pouring out from the sides and bottom of the dishwasher, then eliminate the foam with a few simple tips.
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Pour 2 tbsp. of cooking oil into the bottom of the dishwasher, then pour table salt liberally over the suds. This helps break down the surface tension of the bubbles.
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Add ice to the dishwasher to drop the temperature of the water and break down more suds.
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Engage the "Drain" cycle" in your washer, or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove suds and water from the bottom of the unit. Roll out and remove the bottom rack to get the most access to the bottom of the dishwasher.
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Wipe up any residual suds or soap from the bottom of the unit.
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Turn the washer on a normal cycle and monitor the suds. Repeat the salt and ice application as needed. For stubborn foam in the dishwasher, add a few squirts of defoaming product normally used in pools and spas or a capful of liquid fabric softener to the washer, and run it as normal.
References
Writer Bio
Lauren Thomason has written professionally since 2011 for online publications such as eHow. She is an avid gardener and crafter, history buff and science experiment fanatic. She holds a Master of Science in elementary education and is pursuing a Doctor of Education from Liberty University.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
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