Steps
- Use a bucket or other container and take out as much water and suds from the dishwasher as you can and dump it into the sink. Dry the inside of the dishwasher with a towel.
- You can also use a wet-dry vacuum (such as a Shop Vac) if you have one, but make sure it is rated for wet pickup, and make sure to use only the wet filter.
- Select either cooking oil or white vinegar. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of it directly into the bottom of the dishwasher. These substances are proven bubble-killers. On top of the oil/vinegar, add a layer of table salt. No need to be stingy; add a couple handfuls.
- Start the dishwasher again and let it run for a minute.
- Check the status of the suds. If there are still huge amounts, add more oil or vinegar and start the dishwasher again.
- Repeat this process until the suds have died down and the dishwasher pipes have had a chance to clear out.
- Wash out the soap dispenser thoroughly, if that's where you put the offending dish soap.
- Alternate Method (Recommended by the Manufacturers):
- Open dishwasher and pour in about 1/2 cup of olive oil. This oil will rapidly break down bubbles. Start the dishwasher and run through a cycle. Done.
Tips
- To prevent this from ever happening again, be sure to tell everyone in your household the difference between dish soap and dishwashing detergent.
- Go to your local "big-box" department store and get something called defoamer. You can find it in the pool/spa area.
Things You'll Need
- Cooking oil or white vinegar
- Salt
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