Does anyone else have this? Every few months I have to clean the inside of my dishwasher which seems like an oxymoron to me.

We have a relatively new dishwasher (2 years) it’s all stainless inside except for the racking. I use a gel type soap and I think maybe it’s soap build up, but it’s blackish brownish and it smells. I’ve never seen this before, it builds up around the bottom of the door and it’s really slimy. We always rinse our dishes before putting them in the dishwasher so I don’t think that it’s food built up.

I don’t know what to think.

By Tarable on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 12:27 pm:

When my sister got a new dishwasher she said that the instructions said you aren't supposed to use the liquid soap in it because it causes the seals to break down and also something like what you are talking about. She uses those chunks of detergent that you can buy..(I don't know what they are called). It might be worth a shot to just try the powder soap for a bit. (I have a really old dishwasher so I am giving you advice from my sister..)

By Heaventree on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 12:41 pm:

Thanks Tara, I think it might be the soap, we are moving in a few weeks and I'm leaving behind my nice new dishwasher, there is a much older one in the house we are buying. I really don't want to change soap as the one I use is non-toxic and enviro safe which is really important to me for two reasons, one I have little children and don't want any toxic stuff in the house (dishwasher soap if injested can be deadly) and two the obvious enviro issues which works into our family values.

I'll see what happens in the new place. Thanks for the input, who would have thought the soap would cause this kind of sludge. I guess I'll have to be careful not to let it build up as I'm try to keep my family healthy but the sludge is probably not a good thing for them either.

By Colette on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 12:48 pm:

Try using the Method brand dishwashing tablets. They are safe.

http://housekeeping.about.com/od/productreviews/gr/methoddishcubes.htm

By Kaye on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 12:53 pm:

I had that same issue. Turns out it was the soap. I had to go back to regular soap. However, one thing that I had to do was run it with a cup of vinegar in it, I did that twice to clear the pipes.

By Heaventree on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 01:08 pm:

Colette, do you use this brand? Where do you buy them? I've never seen this brand in Canada, but I'm not too far from Buffalo, so I could buy them there if I new which grocer sells them.

By Tarable on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 01:38 pm:

The Method Brand tablets is what my sis uses.. I just couldn't remember the brand. As to where she finds them I have no clue but we live in TX.

By Colette on Sunday, October 15, 2006 - 03:13 pm:

I just saw them the other day, and I am waiting for my regular stuff to be done and then I am going to try them.

Here is there website to find a store near you - I've heard nothing but good things from people who use their products.

http://www.methodhome.com/