Bosch Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Opening

Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms

Well, your problem is the Bosch dishwasher soap dispenser not opening? You might think that the dispenser is opening until you realize there is no soap dispenser in your Bosch dishwasher.

Here is the quick fix to this annoying issue of the Bosch dishwasher soap dispenser failing to open. 1. Turn off the dishwasher. 2. Use a flat head screwdriver or lift off the dispenser door from the pins hooking it 3. Clean the soap buildup in every part, interrupting the opening of the soap dispenser!

In this write up we’re going to take a look at several things that can be the possible causes of this particular problem and how we can quickly fix them.

Why Does My Bosch Dishwasher Soap Dispenser Not Open?

  • Soap Deposits

What dishwasher soap are you using in your Bosch dishwasher? It can be the main reason why your soap dispenser is not opening.

Using Cubed/gel pack dispenser detergents in your Bosch Dispenser is not advisable. Likewise, it is not advisable to use liquid detergents in the dispenser. It causes soap buildup to block the dispenser door from opening since the hinges aiding the closing and opening are clogged with soap.

You will find both dishwasher soap not dissolving if it lacks phosphate, which is the quality with these certain detergents. Instead, they will take a long time to dissolve, and if you keep adding soap to the dispenser, they clump together, making it impossible for the door to open.

  • Physical obstruction

Depending on the model, the bosch soap dispenser will not open because of a simple reason as something preventing the process. For example, there can be an improper stack of utensils.

  • Bi-metal loop

The loop is essential as it aids the door latch. Therefore, it controls the Bosch dispenser opening and closing mechanism. It is powered directly by electricity, so sometimes it can burn out, making the door bend away and the dispenser not open.

  • Broken detergent dispenser

The dispenser will stop functioning as it should when it gets damaged. A slight breakage or deformation may affect how the door operates in terms of opening and closing. If, for example, there is soap stuck inside, it can dry up and become so hard that it can cause some damage to the dispenser. You can physically check for such.

  • Dispenser Actuator

Like the bi-metal loop, the actuator is also electrically connected and is prone to damage. For it to function, it receives a proper signal for the dispenser lid operation. When damaged, you will get the bosch dishwasher soap dispenser not closing or opening.

  • Dispenser Cover

When the Bosch dishwasher detergent dispenser cover is damaged or broken, it is widespread because the surface is on the outer part. The soap buildup again affects the detergent dispenser cover as it makes it hard to allow the sliding of the lid to facilitate the soap dispenser opening and closing.

  • Dispenser door pins

If the door pins are not in the correct position, especially if it is the sliding door, it means the dispenser door will not be in its proper place. It means that the soap dispenser will not open.

  • Dispenser door Spring/Latch

The door spring supports the lid’s latch so the dispenser can open regularly. The cover will latch with a clicking sound; if not, the spring or the latch is faulty. The spring can be damaged or out of position, and it will have the dispenser not opening during the cycle.

  • Dispenser Lever

The lever is a white piece connecting to the actuator and the latch. It facilitates the opening of the dispenser lid by lifting the latch. When the liver is damaged, the dishwasher soap dispenser will not open.

  • Dispenser lid

The first thing to check in the lid is the soap deposits. Still, the cover can deform, making it hard for the soap dispenser to open.

  • Dispenser slide

The slide is the last thing you check, but mostly if it has a problem, it will be a problem with the soap deposits.

  • Main Control board

The control board is the overall brain of the Bosch dishwasher. If it has a problem, the dishwasher will misbehave in several ways, like the Bosch dishwasher soap dispenser not closing and not opening. It may cause the voltage supply failure to the detergent dispenser, thus not opening.

How do I fix the soap dispenser on my Bosch dishwasher?

You will fix your Bosch dishwasher soap dispenser not opening by cleaning the soap deposits.

After all, the soap deposits are the number one cause of the soap dispenser not opening, among other reasons associated with dispenser parts damage.

How do you open the Bosch soap dispenser and clean it?

  • It is the vertical sliding lid, lift off from the door pins hooking it
  • Thoroughly clean any soap deposits using a soft brush and toothpicks where necessary
  • Run some vinegar also to get rid of any lime deposits that might have been there

When you have opened the dispenser lid, you can check for any damaged part of the dispenser, including the actuator, cover, door spring, lever, door pin, lever, slide, or even the dispenser itself. If these parts break, it is good to replace the soap dispenser with the help of a Bosch dishwasher expert.

Can I use my dishwasher if the soap dispenser is broken?

Yes, you can use it, though not as effectively as when the soap dispenser is working. You can place the soap tablet at the bottom of the dishwasher though it is not advisable to be used over a long period. Also, note that the detergent may quickly dissolve at the pre-wash stage, so you might not have spotless dishes eventually.

Related Article: Bosch Dishwasher Stops Mid Cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the bosch dishwasher soap dispenser not open in the wash cycle?

If the soap buildup does not clog it, the door spring is defective, and the door cannot latch properly to support the closing and opening mechanism.

Can I throw a dishwasher tablet at the bottom?

Yes, you can, especially if you have problems with your soap dispenser. However, your tablet will dissolve quickly in the pre-wash stage, so it is not very efficient.

Why is bosch dishwasher soap not dissolving?

Suppose you are using a soap that lacks phosphate in it. Equally, if the water pressure is too low or the device receives insufficient water, the tablet will not dissolve.

Conclusion

This excellent article applies to Bosch Dishwashers and has been written using a level of expertise that I consider to be considerably high.

Having used the bosch dishwashers for over a decade, I hope I have given you the information you need to troubleshoot and solve this nasty problem. If you still find your bosch dishwasher soap dispenser not opening, try a quick fix of resetting the bosch dishwasher by pressing the start button for 3 seconds to see if the problem resolves.

Is the soap dispenser still problematic? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a bosch dishwasher professional to help further diagnose the issue.