At Bekins, our technicians have seen just about everything—but every now and then, even the pros get stumped. One recent dishwasher call was a perfect example.
A customer reported that their dishwasher was leaking but when our technician examined the product, everything looked perfectly normal.
It wasn’t until they watched a full cycle with the homeowner that the mystery revealed itself: the dishwasher was filling with suds…lots of them.
The culprit? An off-brand detergent that wasn’t formulated for that specific dishwasher model.
Why Detergent Matters More Than You Think
Modern dishwashers are highly calibrated machines. Using the wrong detergent—or using too much—can create excess sudsing that:
- Interferes with spray-arm pressure
- Causes the dishwasher to pause or abort cycles
- Leaves dishes cloudy or still dirty
- Can even trigger leak sensors or safety shut-offs
Which is why the Use & Care Guide always lists recommended brands and quantities for detergent. It’s easy to find the Use and Care Guide online, just add the model number in your search. You can typically find the model number on the side of the door when you open it.
Before You Call Bekins, Try This Quick Check
If your dishwasher isn’t performing like it should, take a moment to ask yourself:
What detergent am I using? And is it the one recommended for my appliance?
We recommend you run your dishwasher through an empty cleaning cycle with a cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer. At Bekins, we carry Glisten and Affresh. Then switch back to the manufacturer-approved detergent.
We’re Still Here When You Need Us
Of course, if the problem continues or you’re unsure what’s causing the issue, our Bekins service team is always happy to help. However sometimes, a simple switch in detergent is all it takes.
Save a service call. Save some suds. And keep your dishwasher running like it should.
About Bekins
Bekins Appliances and Electronics is a family-owned appliance and electronics store serving West Michigan since 1975. What started as a small appliance repair business in a garage has grown into one of the region’s most trusted destinations for home appliances and technology. We offer top-brand kitchen and laundry appliances, big-screen TVs, smart home technology, and custom electronics solutions, all backed by our own expert installation and service team.
We’re known for our interactive showrooms in Grand Haven and Grand Rapids, where customers can try appliances and electronics in real home-style displays before buying. Our trained professionals carefully handle delivery, installation, and service, and our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned us numerous awards and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We’re proud to offer local expertise and personalized service to homeowners looking to upgrade their appliances or home technology.