When soap becomes an issue, or, scrub a dub dub, thanks for all the suds!

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

If you are not paying attention, you may add more soap to your dishwasher than needed. When this happens, suds may begin to emerge from your dishwasher and can overflow into your kitchen. Both the suds and the water can cause water damage if you do not act quickly to stop the problem and clean it up. Here are the steps you should take if your dishwasher begins to overflow.

Step 1: Stop the Dishwasher

It may sound obvious, but the first thing you should do if your dishwasher is overflowing is to stop the dishwasher. Try and stop the dishwasher using your controls, rather than opening the dishwasher.

Step 2: Place Towels on the Floor

The next thing you should do is place towels on the floor. Soak up the excess moisture that is already present. Then lay a dry layer of towels down because more water will leak out once you open the dishwasher.

Step 3: Control the Soap

Once you have a dry layer of towels in place, open your dishwasher. Be ready for water and suds to stream out. You can pour salt over the foam and suds to help control them. If salt does not work, place ice cubes on the foam and let it melt. As it melts, the foam will too.

Step 4: Clean the Dishwasher

Once all the foam is gone from the dishwasher, run a quick rinse cycle. This rinses salt and excess soap residue from your dishwasher. Pay close attention to the dishwasher as it is rinsing. If an excess amount of foam begins to form and overflow from the dishwasher again, you will want to repeat step 3.

Step 5: Clean the Kitchen

As the quick rinse cycle is running, clean your kitchen. Take the time to properly dry and wipe down any surface that got wet. If there is an excess amount of water present, consider opening your windows or using a fan to dry the area thoroughly.

Unfortunately, you may not have been around when your dishwasher overflowed. Your cabinets, flooring and drywall may have sustained water damage if there is foam and water all over your kitchen. A water damage professional should be called in to remove water, prevent mold growth and repair anything that is water logged. Here at SERVPRO of Vigo County, we can help you with damage caused by your overflowing dishwasher. Call us now at (812) 242-9611 to get started.