Soap left in cups when cycle is over

Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?
Make sure the dispenser cup is dry before adding powdered detergent. If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump.
Is the cycle incomplete?
If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher.
Is the detergent old?
Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Replace detergent if necessary and store the detergent in a tightly closed container in a cool dry place.
Is the water temperature too low?
For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher.
Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?
Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.
Detergent guidelines

• Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.
• Other detergents can produce excessive suds that can overflow out of the dishwasher and reduce washing performance.
• Store tightly closed detergent in a cool, dry place.
• Fresh automatic dishwasher detergent results in better cleaning.
• Add detergents just before starting the cycle.
• The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.
• If you use too little, dishes won't be clean.
• If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.
• Suggested fill amounts are for standard powdered detergent. Amounts may vary if you use liquid or concentrated powdered detergent. Follow instructions on the package when using these detergents.
• Water hardness can change over a period of time. Find out your water's hardness by asking your local water department, water softener company, or county extension agent.

Hi,
There are three common problems that cause the Soap Dispenser or Cup not toopen. I have a tip that will explain these problems in detail....

Dishwasher Repair Problem Detergent Cup does not Open

heatman101

make sure the arm on top isnt hitting something, each time you load it each in there and spin it to be sure it moves freely, also make sure your rinse agent container is full of rinse agent.

Here are some tips I put together for this. Let me know if this helps.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4621314-odor_from_towels_or_clothes_washer

Fill the detergent cup with fabric softener for a full cycle. Don't be alarmed if bubbles seep out.

Finish off with a white vinegar wipedown of the insides if it still feels soapy.

Try these things in order:

-Try to use a name brand powder, rather then a generic. Even a small box. I had similar problems with my LG dishwasher when I tried to save money by buying a generic powder. My dishes did not get clean and white marks were left behind on my stainless steel DW liner and the dishes. When you ad the powder, do not over fill the dispenser. Add less than the full dispenser cup and close it. Place some powder in that shallow square indent on the dispenser lid to help the pre-wash cycle. Also, run the water in the sink until hot water runs immediately before you start the DW.

-If, after using Electrosol or Cascade for 2 - 3 loads and your dishes do not come out clean, then I would run a load of dishes without adding the soap. Start the dishwasher and wait for it to fill and begin to wash. Open the door and add one cup of vinegar (white vinegar is fine.) Feel free to ad another cup after the first wash water drains and the second wash water enters and the DW begins the wash cycle again. Run a load of dirty dishes with the soap and check for good cleaning.

-If the problems continue, it is time to remove the filter assembly by removing the 9 silver phillips screws from the filter assembly. You will also need to remove the lower sprayer arm by pulling straight up and then out. With a flashlight, inspect the sump area that was hidden by the filter assembly, looking for any debris that has jammed into anywhere down there. Watch out for broken glass as you feel around. Reassemble and test with a load of dirty dishes.

The poor drying may be caused by not keeping the rinse aid re-filled. Check that first.

Also, these water and energy conserving dishwashers actually use the "dirt" from the dirty dishes to help clean the dishes during the first two wash cycles. Simply clear the big chunks off the dishes and put the dishes in the DW.

Please report back what you find or if you have more questions. OK?

You don;t list the make and model number or its aproximate age.
The simpelest cause is switching to an ultra-cheap dry detergent. Recommed you use a name brand powder (like Electrosol or Cascade) Never use gel or tablets, ever.
Check all spray arms for blockages. Now is a good time to remove the filter (non trivial but do-able on most dishwashers.)
Clean empty dishwasher by filling a bowl or large cup with white vinegar and placing it in the dish rack. Run a short cycle with no detergent added. You may need to repeat.
If problems persist, the pump motor is probably failing. Schedule a service call or consider replacement of DW. Good Luck!

Hi, I have an older dishwasher also and recently my wife alsocomplained about it not cleaning right... so me being the man I am tried invain to clean the things... Bought new spray arms online and installed them inminutes...now the thing works like new... However I have also found that if theheating element goes bad then that also can mess things up bad... So I wouldbuy new spray arms, and also check out the heating element to make sure it isworking... Here is a tip that will help you with the online buying...
Dishwasher Spray Arms not Spinning

How to Buy Appliance Parts Online

A bad heating element causes many problems in dishwashers...

Dishwasher Problems The Heating Element not Working

Dishwasher Maintenance

heatman101

Asker's Testimonial " explanation very clear. will give it a go and seehowsimple it was. thanks Ronnie " - ronnieshomes

hi
the dispenser will always open when the washer goes through it's regular cycle. I would recommend to only use powdered soap, that is what the washer was designed to work best with.