How To Troubleshoot Dishwashers That Are Not Cleaning Dishes

Dishwashers have made cleaning up after meals much more efficient. No longer do we have to worry about scrubbing the dishes by hand. However, technical issues sometimes occur, causing dishes to remain dirty. If this is the case, your machine could have an underlying issue. But with a few simple tricks, you may be able to correct it effectively. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to troubleshoot dishwashers that are not cleaning dishes.

Check the Filter

One of the first things you can do if your dishes aren’t getting clean is to check the filter. Some older dishwashers have self-cleaning filters, but newer models tend to have removable filters. Food and debris can easily clog these removable filters if you don’t clean them at least every two months. Remove your filter from the machine and rinse it with hot water. Let it soak in hot soapy water or vinegar, and then scrub it clean before placing it back in the dishwasher.

Check the Spray Arm

Checking the spray arm is another way to troubleshoot a dishwasher that isn’t cleaning properly. The spray arm is the spinning piece in your machine that dispenses water through jets to wash your dishes. But the little holes (jets) that the water comes out of can also clog, resulting in dishes not getting clean. You can detach the spray arm to clean it with dish soap and a soft brush. You can also utilize a toothpick to unclog the holes.

Check the Soap Dispenser

Occasionally, a jammed spring can stop the soap dispenser from releasing detergent during the wash cycle. Fortunately, you can correct this issue by mixing vinegar and hot water and using a soft brush to scrub the dispenser and springs. This process will free the springs of grease or gunk and allow them to function properly, releasing detergent at the appropriate time.

Check the Water Temperature

The water in your machine should be at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the dishwasher to clean your dishes properly. Many dishwashers have automatic systems that regulate the water’s temperature. However, some do not. In that case, you will want to check your water heater set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure not to turn it up higher than this, or the water can become dangerously hot.



When To Call a Technician

While these troubleshooting tricks are typically effective, they may not work in every case if your machine is suffering from a more severe issue. If you’ve tried everything you can think of and your dishes are still not getting clean, it may be time to contact an appliance repair service. They will send a professional to your home to investigate the problem and develop a solution.

Now that you have a few troubleshooting tips for dishwashers not cleaning properly, you can utilize these strategies on your machine today. If you require further assistance, contact Local Home Appliance, we offer home appliance repair services to help get your dishwasher back in working condition.