Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Here is what you should do

It is inconvenient when your dishwasher is not working correctly. You certainly don’t want to spend hours in the sink cleaning a pile of dishes by hand. Fortunately, a quick fix can sometimes get your dishwasher up and running again.

The most common causes that may be responsible for your dishwasher not doing its job can be a clogged spray arm, a dirty filter, or a broken soap dispenser. Below, find some possible fixes to use when your dishwasher is not working as it should.

Clean and De-clog Your Dishwasher Interior

With frequent use, your dishwasher may accumulate food particles, soap scum, grease and mineral deposits from hard water. And in time, this can create a clog causing your dishes to come out not clean at the end of the cycle.

To try to resolve this situation, you can run a vinegar cycle. Just pour three cups of vinegar at the bottom of your dishwasher and select the longest cycle. Vinegar will help dissolve light mineral buildup, clean the holes in the spray arm of gunk, and remove residual grease from the interior walls.

Clean Your Dishwasher Filter

In most dishwasher models, you need to remove and clean your filter periodically to avoid the excessive accumulation of residues which prevent your dishwasher wash your dishes properly. The filter is usually located at the bottom of the appliance. You can consult your owner's manual if you cannot find it. It is recommended that you remove the filter and soak it in vinegar overnight. Then clean it under running water with a small brush to eliminate any stuck particles. Depending on use, the filter should be cleaned every one or two months.

Remove Clogs From The Spray Arms

The spray arms on your dishwasher can be above or/and below the racks. They rotate and shoot water through their small holes called jets. The jets can get clogged with time and use, reducing the required pressure to clean your dishes. The result is dishes with food residues at the end of the cycle.

To clean your spray arms, you need to remove them either by snapping them or unscrewing them. Then using soap and a soft brush, scrub them. You can also use a toothpick to unclog the jets and finally rinse them under hot running water.

Check Your Dishwasher Water Temperature

For your dishwasher to be able to eliminate food leftovers and clean your dishes, it needs to use a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Farenteight. Some dishwasher models have a feature that allows them to self-heat the water to the ideal cleaning temperature. However, if yours doesn’t, you can make sure that your water heater is set at 120 degrees Farenteight. Be careful when selecting the temperature, as anything above 120 degrees can cause scalding. Also, before putting your appliance to work, you can run the hot water on your sink for a minute to make sure the water is hot when it enters the dishwasher.

Check If Your Soap Dispenser Is Working

When your dishwasher's soap dispenser doesn’t work, the soap can not be released at the needed time for washing. The most common problem can be a spring jammed in the dispenser door, which must be replaced if broken. To clean the soap dispenser and springs, you can use a mixture of vinegar and hot water will help dissolve the buildup. If you notice the gasket is cracked, replace it.

Insufficient Water Pressure or Volume

You can check if the water volume of your dishwasher is adequate by starting a regular washing cycle. Then open the door after you hear the machine stop filling with water. If the water level doesn’t reach the heating coil, you must check if the valve is clogged.

If the problem is water pressure, you may have also noticed that the water pressure coming out of your faucets is lower than usual. Many appliances such as dishwashers and washers experience water pressure issues. In this case, you need professional assistance. Our electrafix appliance repair team is ready to help you in no time.

Using The Wrong Type/Amount of Detergent

Using the proper detergent and in the right amounts in your dishwasher can make a big difference in your appliance's performance. Therefore if you use inappropriate detergent, like when the water in your area is hard, you need a particular type of detergent. Also, researching the best detergent for your machine and installing a water softener can help your machine perform better. Additionally, a rinsing agent can help your glasses come out spotless.

Check If Your Inlet Valve Is Working

If you notice a hammering sound when the dishwasher is running is an indication that may be a problem with the inlet valve, which is in charge of allowing the flow of water in the appliance. If the inlet valve is faulty, it needs to be replaced. If you want to take over the task of searching on your owner’s manual, the type of inlet valve you need to order and replace. Be aware that this is not a fast and easy task. Thus, it is advisable that get in touch with a professional. Remember, the certified Electrafix is just one call away to help you out.

Remove Excess Foods From Dishes Before Loading Them

The point is not to wash your dishes manually before loading them in your dishwasher. However, getting rid of some big food pieces is an excellent help for your machine performance. Remember, your dishwasher has not the same system as a garbage disposal, but it can handle small food particles. This small step can significantly improve your dishwasher performance.

Load The Dishes Correctly

It's time to load your machine once you have cleared the dishes of any leftover food. For you to make the most of the washing cycle, check your dishwasher owner's manual. It is essential to load the dishes in the way the manufacturer recommends as all machines are not the same.

Also, bear in mind that if you leave no space between the dishes, the sprayers and detergent can not reach and clean them adequately. You should leave some space between plates and cups as if they are all touching each other. It will be hard for the spray arms to do their job.

Used The Proper Cycle And Load

In our busy modern lives, we try to simplify many actions to save time. Probably you are used to selecting the same cycle for all the washing of your dishes, pots, cups and more. However, your dishwasher is smart enough to wash pots and pans in a different manner than glassware, for example. Then taking a couple of minutes to check your manual and selecting the correct washing cycle can help your dishes come out cleaner and residue-free.

If you have attempted any of the recommendations above to troubleshoot your dirty dishes issues and still your dishwasher is not working as it should contact us. At Electrafix, our professional repair team of experts can help you. We can offer a reliable same-day service for any of your appliance needs. Don’t hesitate to call us ASAP.