Dishwasher Over-Foaming – Causes and Solutions

Issue

Your dishwasher is producing excessive foam during or after a wash cycle.

Over-foaming is usually caused by the wrong detergent, too much detergent, rinse aid spillage, or detergent residue remaining inside the appliance.

Typical signs:

• Large amounts of foam inside the tub
• Foam leaking from the door
• Poor washing or rinsing results
• Unusual pump noise during draining
• Dishes not rinsing properly
• Foam comes out from under the door during the wash programme

Applies to

• Dishwashers

Resolution

Start by checking the most common causes of the problem. In many cases, excessive foam can be resolved without service.

1. Check the detergent type

Only use detergent specifically designed for dishwashers.

Do not use:

• Hand-washing liquid
• Dish soap
• General household cleaning products

Even a small amount can create excessive foaming.

2. Check the detergent dosage

Using too much detergent can cause foam buildup.

• Follow the detergent manufacturer's recommendations.
• Consider reducing the amount if you have soft water.

3. Inspect the rinse aid compartment

Excess rinse aid can create foam.

• Check whether rinse aid has spilled into the dishwasher tub.
• Wipe away any residue.
• Ensure the rinse aid cap is properly closed.

4. Run a rinse cycle

If foam remains:

• Remove as much foam as possible with a cup or towel.
• Run a rinse-only cycle without detergent.
• Repeat if necessary.

5. Clean the filters

Detergent residue and food deposits can contribute to foaming issues.

• Remove and clean the filters.
• Refit them correctly before restarting the appliance.

6. Clean the dishwasher

Run a maintenance cycle using a dishwasher cleaner such as Clean and Care - 3 in 1 to remove detergent buildup and residue from the internal system.

Important

• Never use hand-washing liquid in a dishwasher.
• Excessive foam can affect washing performance and cause water leakage.
• Stop the cycle if foam begins to escape from the appliance.

When Is It Not a Fault?

In most cases, over-foaming is caused by detergent-related issues rather than a fault with the dishwasher itself.

The issue is most likely not caused by a fault with the appliance if:

• The problem started after changing detergent.
• Too much detergent was used.
• Rinse aid was recently refilled.
• Foam disappears after several rinse cycles.

Cause

The most common cause is the use of incorrect detergent or excessive detergent dosage.

Other possible causes include:

• Spilled rinse aid
• Detergent residue inside the appliance
• Very soft water combined with high detergent dosage
• Contamination from hand-washing liquid on dishes or cookware

FAQ

Why is my dishwasher full of bubbles?

The wrong detergent or too much detergent is usually the cause.

Can rinse aid cause foam?

Yes. Excess rinse aid or spilled rinse aid can generate foam.

Will over-foaming damage my dishwasher?

Occasional over-foaming is unlikely to cause damage, but it can affect performance and may lead to leaks.

Can hand-washing liquid be used in a dishwasher?

No. It creates excessive foam and should never be used.

How do I get rid of the foam?

Remove excess foam and run one or more rinse cycles without detergent.

Does soft water increase foaming?

Yes. Soft water often requires less detergent, and overdosing can result in excessive foam.