Why don't dishwasher door seals stop suds?

  • Thread starter Stephen Tashi
  • Start date
In summary, the reason that suds can leak past seals on a dishwasher is because they fill up the entire drum container and can come into contact with the seal. This creates an expanding bubble that forces the thin film of air through the seal. Additionally, the water level sensor may not register bubbles, leading to a higher water level in the dishwasher. It is possible that the seal is good enough for water, but leaks air due to changing temperatures, and suds act as air in this context. The presence of a surfactant on the water surface may also aid in wetting the seal, further contributing to the leakage of suds.
  • #1
Stephen Tashi
Science Advisor
7,861
1,598
If you put laundry detergent or detergent for hand wiashing dishes into a dishwasher, you may get suds leaking out the seals around the door. Why are suds able to get past seals that are sufficient to stop water and water plus non-sudsing detergent?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Good question.

The water spray is not directed at the seals, so any splash should not leak out. Would, with a pressure differential, some air might leak out before water?

But with suds, they fill up the whole drum container. An expanding bubble would contact the seal, with the air forcing the thin film through the seal. It could be that the water level sensor does not register bubbles, and thus more water would be added to the dishwater with a bubbly producing detergent, since some of the water is in the form of bubble film.

I don't know how correct that is.
 
  • #3
Perhaps the seal is good enough for water, but it leaks air (I think it has to, as the temperature inside is changing), and suds behave as air in this context? Or even better than air, when the surfactant is present on the water surface and helps wetting the seal?
 

1. Why do suds still form even though dishwasher door seals are supposed to prevent them?

Dishwasher door seals are designed to create a tight seal along the edges of the dishwasher door. However, they are not completely airtight and some suds may still be able to escape through small cracks or gaps. Additionally, the door seal may become worn or damaged over time, allowing suds to leak out.

2. Can I replace the door seal to prevent suds from forming?

Yes, in most cases, the door seal can be easily replaced. However, it is important to ensure that the new seal is properly installed and creates a tight seal to effectively prevent suds from escaping.

3. Are certain types of detergent more likely to cause suds in the dishwasher?

Yes, certain types of detergents, such as those designed for handwashing dishes, may produce more suds in the dishwasher. It is important to use a detergent specifically formulated for use in dishwashers to prevent excessive suds from forming.

4. Can other factors besides the door seal cause suds in the dishwasher?

Yes, there are other factors that can contribute to suds forming in the dishwasher. These include using too much detergent, using the wrong type of detergent, or having hard water. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for detergent usage and consider using a water softener if you have hard water.

5. Does the age of the dishwasher affect its ability to prevent suds?

Yes, over time, the door seal and other components of the dishwasher may become worn or damaged, reducing its ability to prevent suds. It is recommended to regularly inspect and replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure the dishwasher continues to function properly.

Similar threads

Find hole size for allowable leak in pressure vessel
    • General Engineering
Replies
6
Views
2K
Do You Call a Plumber if Washing Machine is Dripping Water in Tub?
    • General Discussion
Replies
17
Views
3K
B Monty Hall Paradox: Why Does It Matter What Host Knows?
    • General Math
Replies
12
Views
1K
Grocery Stores, Returning Sealed Perishable Items, < 4 Hours after purchase?
    • General Discussion
Replies
15
Views
2K
Sandy Hill Plunge: A Lifted Bronco's Free-Fall
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
20
Views
2K
Your Thoughts on the Most Sustainable 8x15 Trailer for Cold Climates
    • General Engineering
Replies
8
Views
2K
I Unidentified Luminescent Phenomena (ULP)
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
2K
Question about lifting water through a water pipe.
    • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
2K
So why is space travel so hurdlesome again?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
3K
Misc. Mechanism or method to unlock a window from the outside?
    • DIY Projects
Replies
6
Views
4K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top