soap powder/tablet not dissolving?

Sounds like your water isn't being heated enough, or at all. The water needs to be around 140 degrees F to dissolve the detergent. Try this: Start the wash cycle, then stop it after a few minutes and open the door. Stick an oven thermometer or a candy thermometer in the water, and measure the temperature. Chances are good that you'll find it isn't hot enough. I am assuming that your water heater isn't set to 140 degrees. Our local electric/water utility recommends 120 F, which is what we do. Let us know what happens!

Kevin
July 2005