For detergent left in the cups or a detergent door that will not open on the GE Profile PDT785, GE's table says dishes or utensils may be blocking the detergent cup: reposition dishes so the water from the lower spray arm can flush the cup, reposition tall utensils or heavy silverware that keep the cup door from opening, and never place large bowls or pots directly under the dispenser. The dispenser has two compartments, a main wash cup inside and a pre-wash cup on the lid, opened with the button on the side, and tablets and packets go in the main cup only for cycles of 60 minutes or more.
Differential
Likely causes of “GE dishwasher detergent door will not open or detergent remains”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Dishes or utensils block the detergent cup
What separates it Detergent is still in the cups after the cycle and the cup door will not open
How to confirm Reposition so the lower spray arm can flush the cup, and move tall utensils
- 2
A large bowl or pot under the dispenser
What separates it Detergent cup door stays shut and wash results are poor
How to confirm Never place large bowls or pots directly under the detergent dispenser
- 3
A tablet in the main cup on a short cycle
What separates it There is an undissolved tablet after a cycle under 60 minutes because a tablet was put in the main cup on a short cycle
How to confirm For cycles under 60 minutes put the tablet in the pre-wash compartment or the bottom of the dishwasher
- 4
Old or damp detergent
What separates it There is a caked cup and a lid that sticks because of old or damp detergent
How to confirm Store detergent dry in its original container and put it in just before starting
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which cycle was used and how long it ran
- The detergent form: tablet, packet, powder, liquid or gel
- What was positioned near the dispenser
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedClear the dispenser area
ReversibleDo not block the dispenser with large or tall dishware. Reposition dishes so water from the lower spray arm can flush the detergent cup, and move tall utensils or heavy silverware.
Use the right compartment
ReversibleThe main wash compartment is inside the dispenser; press the button on the side to open it. The pre-wash compartment on the lid is used only for extremely hard water or a heavily soiled load, and not with tablets or packets.
Match the detergent to the cycle
ReversibleFor washing cycles under 60 minutes put a tablet or packet in the pre-wash compartment or in the bottom of the dishwasher. For cycles of 60 minutes or longer put it in the main wash compartment and close the cover.
Never use rinse cycles with detergent
ReversibleNever use rinse cycles with detergent, since rinse cycles are designed for rinsing only, so do not use detergent in them.
Keep detergent dry
ReversibleStore detergent in a dry location and in its original container; place it in the cup just before starting and close the cover, which opens during the wash.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Loading points from the manual
- The upper rack is for glasses, cups and saucers, with openings tilted toward the center; make sure items do not protrude through the bottom of a rack or silverware basket where they block the middle spray arm, which can cause noise and poor washing. Some models have a hidden heater so dishwasher-safe plastic can go in the lower rack.
- Parts for this problem on the PDT785 (RepairClinic, 2026-09-21)
- detergent dispenser assembly, part number WD12X32799, at $45.70; dishwasher door latch assembly, part number WD21X10490, at $40.42.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models PDT755, GDP665, GDT670, GDT650, GDF650, GDF510.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the cup door will not open with clear space and fresh detergent, contact GE Appliances service
- !If suds spill from the vents, stop the dishwasher and see the leaking page
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
GE Appliances' own support articles for dishwashers; the article for this page is named in the page's notes.
GE's own page for the Profile PDT785 with its installation guide and specifications.
Parts and list prices as shown on RepairClinic's parts search for this model number on 2026-09-21.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is detergent left in the cup?+
Dishes or utensils may be blocking the cup or the spray arm's water is not reaching it.
Where should a tablet go?+
In the main cup for cycles 60 minutes or longer; in the pre-wash cup or bottom of the tub for shorter cycles.
What is the pre-wash compartment for?+
Extremely hard water or a heavily soiled load with powder, liquid or gel detergent.
How do I open the cup?+
Press the button on the side of the dispenser.
Do I use detergent for Rinse?+
No. Rinse cycles do not dispense detergent.
How should I store detergent?+
In a dry place, in the original container.
Can large items sit beneath the dispenser?+
No. Do not place large bowls or pots directly under it.