GE Dishwasher: Avoid These Mistake While Using Detergent

Using the wrong detergent in your GE dishwasher is like trying to play soccer with a basketball – it just doesn’t work.

All jokes aside, if you’re tired of dishes coming out wet or with filmy residue, it’s time to take a closer look at the detergent you use.

In this guide, I will cover some overlooked things to help you use the right detergent for your GE dishwasher.

Let’s dive into it.

1. Use detergents that are specifically formulated for dishwashers

People tend to use hand-washing detergent as a substitute for dishwasher detergent, but that’s a great mistake!

If you are among them, stop doing it right now because you are actually damaging the soap dispenser unit and putting your family at serious health risk.

Dishwasher detergents are specifically formulated to work with the high-temperature water and powerful sprays of the dishwasher and contain ingredients that break down food and grease.

Hand-washing detergents, on the other hand, create excessive suds and aren’t designed to remove food and grease in the same way as dishwasher detergents.

The result?

The dishes you put in the dishwasher come out without proper cleaning, and bacteria from uncleaned dishes enter your family’s stomachs, which is especially dangerous for babies.

Note: Different GE models may have different requirements for the detergent type and amount. Check the manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations to know more.

2. Use the right amount of detergent

I have noticed that many people seek help on social media and forums because their dishwasher’s soap dispenser is not opening or not working at all.

Do you know what the primary culprit is? It’s either using the wrong detergent or using too much of it!

When you use too much detergent, the dispenser unit can become clogged with excess suds. This can prevent the detergent from being properly dispensed during the wash cycle or even damage the unit entirely.

So, what’s the right amount?

According to GE, the amount of detergent you should use in your dishwasher depends on the hardness of your water.

For soft water, fill the main wash cup to 1/3 full, for medium water fill it to 2/3 full, and for hard water fill it completely full. For very hard water, fill both the main wash cup and the pre-wash cup completely.

Is water not draining from your dishwasher? Check out this guide on how you can fix the water drainage issue.

3. Consider using detergent pods

If you don’t want to take the hassle of measuring the amount of detergent in every cleaning cycle, move to detergent pods.

With detergent pods, you don’t have to measure anything. Just throw one or two pods in the washing machine and you’re good to go!

According to Consumer Reports, detergent pods or tablets can be a better option than traditional liquid or powder detergent because they often perform better in cleaning tests.

For example, in a test of various dishwashing detergents, Consumer Reports found that tablets and pods cleaned dishes better, without leaving behind water spots, film, or discoloration.

Detergent pods can be very dangerous if they are not used properly. They are small, colorful, and can be mistaken for candy by young children, which can lead to accidental ingestion. So, keep them in a safe place after each use where kids can’t reach them.

4. Use rinse aids

If you have hard water in your area or frequently experience water spots or film on your dishes, consider using rinse aids in addition to your regular detergent.

Rinse aids are designed to help water run off dishes more easily, which reduces the number of water spots and film that can form.

This can also help improve cleaning performance by ensuring that water reaches all surfaces of dishes and utensils.

Do you know if you’re making mistakes while loading the dishwasher? Here’s a list of mistakes you might be making while loading your dishwasher.

5. Store the detergent in a cool, dry place

Although I listed this last, it is very important to keep in mind.

Whether you use powder detergent or pods, store them in a sealed container or in their original packaging, away from heat sources and moisture. This will prevent the detergent from clumping or hardening.

If they are exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures, this can cause the detergent to lose effectiveness or even become unsafe to use.

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F.A.Q.s

Q: Can I use powder detergent in my GE dishwasher

Yes, you can definitely use powder detergent.

But make sure that the detergent is formulated for use in dishwashers, as regular laundry detergent can create excessive suds that can damage the dishwasher.

Q: Are detergent pods better than traditional liquid or powder detergent for my GE dishwasher?

Yes, they are!

Because they often perform better in cleaning tests.

(As discussed earlier) However, keep in mind that detergent pods can be dangerous if not used properly and should be kept out of reach of children.

Q: Is it okay to pre-rinse dishes before loading them into the GE dishwasher?

You can scrape off excess food, but there’s no need to pre-rinse dishes thoroughly.

Modern dishwashers, including GE models, are designed to handle dirty dishes. Over-rinsing can actually reduce detergent effectiveness, as detergents often need some food particles to work effectively.

Q: Why do I sometimes see a white film or spots on my dishes after using the GE dishwasher?

White film or spots are often caused by hard water mineral deposits.

Ensure your water softener is working properly and use a rinse aid to improve drying and prevent mineral buildup.

If the problem persists, you might need to adjust the detergent amount or switch to a different brand.