At a Glance:
Why Aren’t My Dishes Getting Clean in the Dishwasher?
Reason 1: Dishwasher Filter Cleaning is Needed
Reason 2: Dishwasher Spray Arm Not Working Correctly
Reason 3: Inlet Valve Needs Repair
Reason 4: Your Machine is Not Built for Your Needs
The Best Replacement Dishwashers
A dishwasher not cleaning correctly is one of the most common dishwasher problems users experience. It’s not surprising considering the dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen, and with most models lasting around 10 years, wear and tear will begin to show eventually. Fortunately, many of the dishwasher problems users will encounter can be fixed with just a little know-how. Take these tips from our appliance experts and use them the next time you might be wondering “why are my dishes still dirty after dishwasher?”
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Shop NowWhy Aren’t My Dishes Getting Clean in the Dishwasher?
A few different components in your dishwasher can be to blame for your machine not cleaning. Luckily, in most cases, whatever issue your dishwasher may be experiencing is something simple and sometimes even repairable at home. In more severe situations such as a broken pump or motor, the issue may require either a professional fix, or a replacement dishwasher.
If you’re wondering how to fix a dishwasher not cleaning properly, we can put you on the right path with some dishwasher troubleshooting options. Below are some ways to fix a dishwasher not cleaning correctly, and a few ways to spot a problem needing professional dishwasher repair or a replacement dishwashing machine.
✔ NOTE: Before touching and removing any internal components of your dishwasher it is recommended to shut off both the power and water to the machine.
Reason 1 - Dishwasher Filter Cleaning is Needed
One of the most common reasons your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly is the filter needs a good clean. As the cylindrical sieve located on the floor of the dishwasher, food particles and grease build up in a dishwasher filter preventing the appliance from doing its job correctly. What’s more, that a dirty dishwasher filter also means food can remain trapped in the machine, resulting in a smelly dishwasher, and leftover food debris in the dishwasher can also expose your dishes to harmful bacteria.
Fortunately, as far as answers to “what’s wrong with my dishwasher” go, this is one of the easier problems to solve that most users can DIY themselves without a repairman.
How to clean a dishwasher filter:
- Find the Dishwasher Filter: You’ll typically find the dishwasher filter at the bottom center of your machine, easily recognized for its cylindrical shape. If you’re having trouble distinguishing it, refer to the instructions in your manual.
- Remove the Filter: The filter can usually be easily lifted from the bottom of the machine. Sometimes, it requires undoing a twisting lock mechanism that keeps it in place.
- Give Your Filter a Good Scrub: Using hot water and a good quality dish soap, give your dishwasher filter a good scrub to remove debris, grease, and build up.
- Clean the Area Around the Filter: Grease and soap scum can get trapped in the area around your filter. Give the areas close to the filter a good clean with soap and water before replacing the filter.
- Replace the Dishwasher Filter: Place the filter back into the machine the same way it was removed. Take note of any twist or locking instructions on the filter, to ensure it fits back in correctly.
Now you should be clean and ready to go. If your next cycle still has problems with the dishwasher not cleaning, you may be experiencing a different problem and further troubleshooting dishwasher issues may be required.
Reason 2: Dishwasher Spray Arm Not Working Correctly
The water pumped into your dishwasher cleans your dishes by moving through spray arms inside the machine. These spray arms distribute water evenly around the dishwasher, cleaning your dishes evenly.
For water to flow through the spray arms on your dishwasher, they must be free from debris and be able to spray with the right water pressure. If there is a blockage outside or inside the spinning arm, they won’t work correctly, and the reason your dishes may not be coming out fully clean.
How to clean dishwasher spray arms:
Dishwasher arms are easily noted at the bottom and top of your dishwashing machine when you open the door and remove the racks.
While the bottom spinning arm can usually be lifted out easily, the top spinner is often bolted to the machine at the top. Check your spinning arms for any obvious blockages. Chunks of food can often get lodged in the spinning arms and you can remove them. We recommend using a toothpick or the tip of a paper clip to dislodge any food pieces that might be stuck inside the waterspouts. Additionally, you can use interdental gum brushes (like these) for a deeper clean.
If your spray arms appear to be blocked but there is nothing noticeable to clear on the outside, the blockage is probably internal, and you will need to replace the spinning arm.
Reason 3: Inlet Valve Needs Repair
Another very common yet serious issue with a dishwasher can be a problem with the machine’s inlet valve. The inlet valve is a vital piece of the machine. It allows water to enter the dishwasher from your water supply. A problem with the inlet valve can stop enough water reaching your dishwasher for a good clean, or completely block water from entering at all. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a dishwasher valve break or block during the life of the machine and need repair.
How to check the inlet valve on your dishwasher:
Your inlet valve isn’t an obvious removal like a filter, but a faulty valve does often cause some specific dishwasher symptoms. Some clues that your inlet valve may be the reason for your dishwasher not cleaning correctly include:
- A leaky dishwasher that fills when its turned off.
- Noticing leaks into your kitchen from your dishwasher.
- The dishwasher takes a long time to fill with water.
- Water isn’t passing into the dishwasher at all.
Faulty seals around your inlet valve can also be the culprit of your dishwasher not cleaning well.
Dishwasher inlet valve replacement:
Although some extremely handy DIY enthusiasts can sometimes make this repair themselves, for most average people, this is a job for a professional dishwasher repair tech. A professional appliance repair can diagnose the problem and potentially fix an issue with your inlet valve.
Reason 4: Your Machine is Not Built for Your Needs
Our lifestyles change over time and technology also moves on. Whereas a dishwasher might’ve been enough for a household before, adding members to the family, a change in diet and cooking frequency, and even local water conditions can all affect a dishwasher’s performance. Take the following scenarios, for example:
- Bottle cleaning issues when the dishwasher is not equipped with bottle jets.
- Living in an area of hard water without an inbuilt water softener in your machine.
- Overfilling your dishwasher when its capacity is too small for your needs.
When your needs have outgrown your dishwashers features or size, a new dishwasher to keep up with your lifestyle will make doing dishes fast, easy, and energy efficient again.
The Best Replacement Dishwashers
When repair is not possible for your dishwasher problems—or your dishwasher was no longer suitable for your needs—replacing the machine with a sleek, advanced dishwasher may be the best choice going forward.
When selecting a new quality dishwasher, consider your household’s needs for features like:
- Larger capacities for busy households (anything around 14 to 16 place settings is recommended).
- A third rack for utensils and cutlery.
- Sanitizing technologies for your family’s health.
- Quick wash cycle options for busy lifestyles.
- Energy efficiency.
- Matching an elegant design with your current kitchen appliances.
Below, we have highlighted of the highest quality replacement machines to end your dishwasher issues and return your kitchen to its former glory.
GE Profile™ 24” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This GE Profile Dishwasher
This sleek and fingerprint resistant option from GE Profile offers high-powered, quality cleaning, and a host of modern features. We gave top ratings to this model’s upgrades like its superb capability to dry even those oddly shaped items, jets for deep cleaning your silverware, a built-in third rack for extra loading capability, and disposal for breaking up hard food.
★ Featured GE Profile PDT715SYNFS review:
“The dishwasher is really nice on the outside. It has 4 different cycles. The inside is mostly stainless steel. There are 3 levels to fill in with items. Top level is for flat items like big knives or lids. Dishes come out really clean. Very happy with this purchase.”
Frigidaire® 24” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Frigidaire Dishwasher
Extremely user-friendly and with capacity for 14 place settings, this Frigidaire dishwasher is an excellent value with surprising features for the price. It’s one of the best dishwashers under $600 in our review that provides full cleaning with sanitation cycle to kill 99.9% household bacteria, a 1 hour quick wash cycle for busy households, and a 55-dBA noise rating. It’s available in three color choices just in case you’re looking for something a little less traditional.
★ Featured Frigidaire FFCD2418US review:
“This model was a great pick. It is well-built and does a really good job cleaning and drying the dishes.”
Electrolux 24” Stainless Steel Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Shop This Electrolux Dishwasher
A high-quality Electrolux dishwasher with modern upgraded features makes doing the dishes simple, fast, and effective. In addition to a sparkling clean, this machine offers the exclusive PerfectDry™ system for efficient and complete dish drying. Loading is simpler thanks to its third rack for utensils and knives, while its LuxCare dish technology provides better performance whether you pop a load on for the 30 Minute cycle option for dishes in a hurry or the Sanitation option for keeping your family healthy.
★ Featured EDSH4944AS Electrolux review:
“This dishwasher is worth every penny, and LOVE the upgrades.”
Cafe™ 24” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Beautifully designed, this two-tone dishwasher from Café is perfect for high-capacity loads and makes stacking unusual shaped items a breeze. This high-performance dishwasher features the works: A third rack for utensils and cutlery, plus an adjustable rack for accommodating different sized items, along with powerful spray jets and a bottle wash function. Over 1000 5-star reviews agree that this large capacity dishwashing machine keeps up with family use.
★ Featured Café CDT845P2NS1 review:
“We love our new dishwasher! It is so quiet that we need to listen to see if it is even running. It is easy to organize especially with the additional third rack on top. Our dishes come out very clean and dry. And it has many different options for washing including bottom/top only. I would encourage anyone to buy this dishwasher.”
Monogram Statement 24” Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher
Packed with the highest quality features, this elegant and incredibly quiet option from Monogram is one of the very best options on the market. Simplify your daily dishwashing needs with a full third rack for higher capacity, a powerful spray jet wash system, and complete control in your palms with Wi-Fi connectivity with Alexa and Google integration.
If your issue requires a replacement dishwasher for your household, at Fred’s Appliances, serving the inland North West, our experts can guide you through finding the perfect new dishwasher for your needs. Shop our entire selection online or visit one of our appliance showrooms in Montana, Washington, and Idaho near you today!
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Dishwashers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop dishwashers online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you with determine the cause of a dishwasher not cleaning and the solutions. Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: What Really Gets Your Dishes Clean in the Dishwasher