Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Start Here
A practical checklist for spray arms, filters, detergent use, and water temperature to fix poor cleaning results.
Opening your dishwasher to find dirty, cloudy dishes defeats the purpose of having this appliance. Most cleaning issues stem from simple maintenance oversights.
The most common culprit is a clogged filter. Check the bottom of your tub and clean the filter assembly. Next, inspect the spray arms. Food particles can clog the small holes, preventing water from reaching your dishes.
Hard water can cause mineral buildup, reducing your dishwasher's effectiveness.
Ensure your water is hot enough (at least 120°F) and you're using a high-quality detergent. If the problem persists, the circulation pump or an inlet valve might be failing.
