Broken Dishwasher Dispenser?

Question

The detergent dispenser will not close and lock. Is there anyway to fix this or improvise? Why does the detergent need to be in a dispenser opposed to being introduced when the cycle first starts? At what part of the cycle is the detergent dispensed? Maybe I could throw in the detergent then?

Help!

Answer 1

Usually it is a plastic catch broken off and you can take it to an appliance parts place and get a replacement pretty easily. It could be the solenoid or wiring and that requires some expertise. Listen to your washer the first long cycle is usually the wash cycle.

Answer 2

Most washers 'pre-wash' the dishes. This is a spray cycle that soaks the dishes at low pressure, and then drains the water. If you put the soap in during this cycle, it will do almost no good. Wait until you hear the washer 'kick' in, then open it and pour your detergent in.

Answer 3

Bruce is correct. I dont really know a lot about dishwashers,

but http://appliancequickfix.com/ has a great page on them.