A dishwasher is designed to save us time, energy, and water while ensuring perfectly clean, sparkling dishes. But sometimes you may face the problem that after the wash cycle, the dishes remain dirty, stains stay on the plates, and glasses look cloudy. In this article, we will look at the most common reasons why the dishwasher is not cleaning dishes and give examples of how to fix them. Learn more about our dishwasher repair services:
For expert diagnostics and same-day service, trust our certified technicians specializing in appliance repair Tampa.
Reasons Why Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning Dishes
Clogged or Dirty Filters
Grease, scale, and food particles accumulate on the dishwasher filter. Over time (without regular cleaning), the buildup becomes so heavy that the filter can get clogged, preventing proper water circulation. As a result, the water pressure decreases, and the dirt is not washed off the dishes completely or as effectively as before.
Solution
- Usually, the filter is located under the lower rack. You need to remove it and carefully take out the filter.
- Rinse the filter under warm running water. Use a soft brush to remove residue and grease.
- Mineral deposits may form inside the filter. If you notice them, soak the filter in a vinegar solution for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Pro Tip: We recommend cleaning the filter at least once a week. This is especially important if you don’t rinse the dishes before loading. This simple procedure helps maintain high washing performance and extends the lifespan of your appliance.
Blocked Spray Arms (Sprayers)
Water is distributed through the spray arms, which can become clogged with scale, crumbs, or food debris. Not all holes may be blocked, but even a few are enough to stop the water jets from reaching all the dishes.
Solution
- To clean the spray arms effectively, remove the upper and lower sprayers. Usually, they are easy to unscrew.
- Rinse them carefully under running water.
- Use a needle or toothpick to clear the holes.
- Make sure all channels are open and allow water to pass freely.
Pro Tip: From time to time, run an empty cycle (without dishes) with white vinegar — it helps to remove scale and prevent clogging of the spray arms.
Problems with Water Supply and Heating
A low water supply directly affects poor washing results. This issue may be caused by a clogged hose, weak household water pressure, or a malfunctioning water inlet valve. Along with water supply issues, there’s often a problem with insufficient heating. Cold water doesn’t dissolve dirt and grease properly, especially during short cycles.
Solution
- First, check the water pressure in your faucet.
- Then inspect the inlet hose for kinks or blockages. If you’re unsure whether it works properly, it’s best to have it replaced by a technician to prevent water leaks.
- To check the water temperature, first review the dishwasher cycle settings.
- If everything seems correct but the water stays cold, the heating element may be faulty.
- You can test the heating element with a multimeter, but only if you have experience using this tool. Otherwise, contact a professional appliance repair service.
Malfunctioning Detergent Dispenser
Sometimes the detergent compartment does not open during the wash cycle. As a result, the tablet remains unused, and the dishes are still dirty.
Solution
- First, clean the dispenser cover from grease or detergent residue.
- Then check that you are not blocking the compartment with dishes when loading.
- If after doing this the mechanism still doesn’t work, the spring or actuator may be defective. In this case, a professional repair with part replacement is required.
Pro Tip: Do not overfill the dispenser. The amount of detergent you use should match the manufacturer’s instructions. Use only high-quality powders or tablets.
Faulty Sensors or Electronics
Modern dishwashers are equipped with multiple sensors — water level, temperature, and pressure. If one of them fails, the wash cycle can stop or run incorrectly.
Solution
Try restarting the machine by unplugging it for 10 minutes. If the issue persists, professional diagnostics are required. A technician can use the service mode to identify the error and replace the faulty sensor.
Pro Tip: Do not try to remove or open electronic panels yourself — you may damage the control board. It’s best to leave diagnostics to professionals.
Repair Cost
| Filter cleaning or replacing | $160-$280 |
| Spray arms cleaning | $140-$230 |
| Heating element replacing | $230-$300 |
| Inlet hose replacing | $220-$280 |
| Sensor replacing | $240-$320 |
The price of dishwasher repair varies based on the brand, specific model, and how complex the issue is to identify and resolve. If you’re experiencing issues with your stove or oven, our appliance repair Tampa team is ready to help with fast and reliable service.
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Contact Us For Any Dishwasher Repair Service
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes properly, our skilled technicians are ready to find the cause and get it working like new again. Common reasons include clogged or dirty filters, blocked spray arms, water supply or heating problems, a malfunctioning detergent dispenser, or faulty sensors and electronics. Sometimes, the issue can also stem from incorrect dish loading or hard water buildup, which affects cleaning efficiency. With expert diagnostics and high-quality replacement parts, we ensure your dishwasher is restored to optimal performance. Call us today or schedule your dishwasher repair service online.
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6 Comments
Why does the dishwasher smell bad even though it looks clean?
Hi Abigail! Odors usually come from trapped food particles, grease buildup, or mold in hidden areas like filters, door seals, and the drain. Clean the filter, wipe the rubber seals, and run an empty cycle with white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner to remove lingering smells.
Why is there water left at the bottom of the dishwasher after the cycle?
Hi Nathan! Standing water often indicates a clogged drain filter, blocked drain hose, or a faulty drain pump. Clean the filter and check the hose for bends or blockages. If the problem persists, the drain pump may need to be inspected or replaced.
Can hard water cause poor cleaning results?
Hi Amelia! Yes. Hard water leaves mineral deposits on dishes, reduces detergent effectiveness, and can clog spray arms and filters. Installing a water softener or using dishwasher salt and rinse aid helps prevent buildup and improve cleaning performance.