Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly? Try These Fixes

Quick answer

A dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly usually comes down to loading that blocks the spray, a clogged filter, spray arms with blocked holes, old or wrong detergent, or water that isn’t hot enough at the start. Start with the filter and spray arms, since they’re quick to check. This guide is for beginners who want safe, everyday fixes before calling a technician.

Safety first

• Before you remove racks, the filter or spray arms, switch off the dishwasher. Many built-in dishwashers are wired directly, so use the circuit breaker or a wall switch under the sink; portable models can simply be unplugged.
• Let the dishwasher cool down after a cycle. The heating area at the bottom and the dishes can be hot.
• Watch for sharp knives and broken glass when you reach into the tub or filter area.
• If water is pooling near an outlet or wiring under the sink, stop. Don’t touch anything electrical; switch off the breaker from a dry spot or call a professional.
• A burning smell, smoke or sparks mean stop using the dishwasher right away.
• Don’t remove the kick plate (the panel at the bottom front) or any other panel to look inside.

Before you begin

A few quick checks can save time.

• Is the problem every load or just some? Gritty glasses, food stuck on plates and a white film all point to different causes.
• What detergent are you using? Old powder that has clumped, or the wrong amount, often explains poor results.
• Is rinse aid filled? Many dishwashers have a rinse aid dispenser with a level indicator.
• Find the model number. It’s on the rating label, usually on the edge of the door or the side of the tub. The owner’s manual shows how to remove the filter and spray arms for your model. See how to find your appliance model number and manual.

Possible causes

Things you can check yourself:

• Dishes packed too tightly, or tall items blocking a spray arm
• A dirty filter at the bottom of the tub
• Spray arm holes clogged with food, seeds or mineral buildup
• Old, clumped or wrong detergent, or too little or too much of it
• An empty rinse aid dispenser
• Hard water leaving a white film
• Cold water at the start of the cycle, or a short or eco cycle used for heavily soiled loads

Problems that need a technician:

• A water inlet valve that isn’t letting in enough water
• A wash pump or motor that isn’t pushing water through the spray arms
• A heating or control fault
• Leaks or error codes that return after cleaning

Simple fixes for cleaner dishes

1. Rethink your loading. Face dirty surfaces toward the center and the spray. Keep bowls and pots from nesting together. Make sure nothing hangs below a rack and stops a spray arm from turning; spin each arm by hand to check. Did better loading help? If yes, keep the new habit. If not, go to step 2.
2. Switch off the power. Turn off the breaker or unplug a portable model before you reach into the tub.
3. Clean the filter. Most dishwashers have a filter at the bottom of the tub that twists out. Your manual shows how. Rinse it under warm water and scrub gently with a soft brush and a little dish soap. Wipe out any debris in the area where it sits, then lock it back in place exactly as the manual describes. Was the filter dirty? If it was clogged, run a test load before trying anything else. If it was clean, go to step 4.
4. Clear the spray arms. Many spray arms lift or unclip off for cleaning; your manual explains how. Look at the small holes. Use a toothpick to push out bits of food or scale, then rinse the arm. Reattach it and make sure it spins freely.
5. Use fresh detergent in the right amount. Use detergent made for automatic dishwashers, never hand dish soap, which makes heavy suds. Throw out powder that has hardened. Follow the detergent label and your manual for how much to use.
6. Fill the rinse aid. Rinse aid (a liquid that helps water sheet off dishes) improves drying and reduces spots. Top up the dispenser if the indicator shows it’s low.
7. Start with hot water. Before starting a cycle, run the kitchen tap until the water is hot. That way the dishwasher fills with hot water from the start. Choose a heavier cycle for very dirty pots. Are dishes clean now? If yes, you’ve found the fix. If they’re still dirty and the tub seems to get little water, or the spray arms don’t seem to move, the problem may be inside the dishwasher.
8. Deal with white film. A cloudy film on glasses can come from hard water. Using rinse aid and checking your manual for a water hardness setting may help. ENERGY STAR’s dishwashers page also has tips on using a dishwasher efficiently.

Think of a family that loads a big pasta pot on the bottom rack every night. If it blocks the lower spray arm, the top rack gets clean but the plates behind the pot don’t. Moving the pot to the side can make the difference.

If you see water left in the bottom after a cycle, read dishwasher not draining. If the dishes are clean but the tub smells, see how to get rid of a bad dishwasher smell.

When to stop and call a qualified technician

Contact a qualified appliance technician or the manufacturer’s service network if:

• Spray arms are clean but water barely sprays or the tub barely fills
• You hear humming, grinding or loud buzzing during the wash
• Dishes are cold and wet at the end of every cycle even with rinse aid
• An error code keeps coming back after you’ve followed the owner’s manual
• You notice a burning smell, smoke, or the breaker trips
• Water is leaking onto the floor
• Any fix would mean removing the kick plate or other panels

FAQ

Why are my dishes gritty after a wash?

Grit often comes from a dirty filter that lets food particles circulate, or from powder detergent that didn’t dissolve. Clean the filter and try fresh detergent, and start the cycle with hot water.

Do I need to rinse dishes before loading?

Scrape off large food scraps, but many dishwashers and detergents work well without a full rinse. Check your owner’s manual for what your manufacturer recommends.

How often should I clean the dishwasher filter?

It depends on your model and how much food goes in with your dishes. Your owner’s manual will suggest how often. Many households find a regular check helps keep washes clean and smells away.

Why do my glasses come out cloudy?

Cloudy glasses can be caused by hard water minerals, too little rinse aid or the wrong amount of detergent. Try rinse aid, adjust detergent, and check your manual for a water hardness setting.

Can I use hand dish soap in my dishwasher?

No. Hand dish soap makes lots of suds that can overflow and leak out of the dishwasher. Use only detergent made for automatic dishwashers.