Have you noticed your dishes are still not completely clean after a cycle? It can be a frustrating experience to unload the dishwasher after a cycle is completed only to find your dishes have not been completely cleaned.
There are several reasons that could explain why your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes like you’d typically expect. Read this guide to understand some of the most common reasons causing this, and what can be done to address this.
5 Reasons Your Dishwasher is Not Cleaning Properly
Here are five common reasons why your dishes are not being cleaned after a cycle:
- Your Filter is Dirty or Clogged
- Poorly Loaded Dishes
- Low Water temperature
- Wrong Amount of Detergent
- Wrong Cycle
1. Your Filter is Dirty or Clogged
Do your dishes feel gritty every time you remove them from the dishwasher? Do you notice last night’s residue, such as butter, on them? If so, your filter may need to be cleaned.
2. Poorly Loaded Dishes
Loading your dishes wrongly will mean the spray will only reach some surfaces. That could also mean your dishes will have scratches or marks. Place the soiled side down and face the spray inward. Space the dishes and ensure the spray is not blocked.
3. Water Volume or Pressure Issues
Water pressure problems can affect appliances and the effectiveness of your dishwasher. If you’ve noticed decreased water pressure, consider reaching out to a home appliance professional.
4. Clogged Spray Arm
The dishwasher spray arms help distribute water around the dishwasher to cleans the items being washed. Spray arms have tiny jets that spray out water, however, sometimes those holes can get clogged with food and debris, reducing the water pressure.
For some models, spray arms can detach from your dishwasher and be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned with a brush and dish soap. To unclog the holes in the spray arm, use a toothpick to dislodge debris.
5. Inlet Valve
The inlet valve allows water to flow into the dishwasher. If you’ve recently noticed a hammering sound coming from the unit as it runs, a faulty inlet valve is the likely culprit. Check your owner’s manual for dishwasher parts and replacement information.
What You Can Do If Your Dishes Aren’t Cleaning
It is possible to remedy the dishwasher problem on your own. First, grab your owner’s manual to understand how your machine works. What does it say about product-specific details?
Begin by cleaning the filter. With time, filters tend to get clogged. The cleaning instructions are in your manual. Just remove the filter and clean the food particles using a sponge or a soft brush. If you are using the wrong water temperature, wrong cycle, poorly loading your dishes, or using the wrong detergent, change that.
When to Call a Professional Appliance Repair Company
First make sure:
- The dishwasher is loaded evenly, and no items are blocking the spray arms. Be sure that no items are blocking the detergent dispenser when the door is closed.
- The water you use must have a temperature of at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to clean your dishes well and remove tough stains and germs. You want to alternate for a wash cycle that works for you.
- The appropriate wash cycle is selected based on the number and the type of items in your load.
Then, try:
- Cleaning your filter
- Scrubbing and cleaning your spray arm and jets (if it detaches from your dishwasher)
- Clean the interior of your dishwasher
For more complex issues like a failed inlet valve, or water pressure issues, we recommend calling a professional home appliance repair company.
Have you tried the above DIY solutions, and nothing seems to work? If your dishwasher is not cleaning well, it is time to call Pete’s Appliances. We have helped thousands of people in Boston repair home appliances.