5 Reasons Why Your Dishwasher Is Not Cleaning Dishes

Have you ever resorted to using plastic utensils because your silverware is still dirty straight out of the dishwasher? Or having to eat cereal out of a mug because all the bowls had caked on food from prior meals?

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There are several reasons for your dishwasher’s shortcomings. Here’s what to know.

What Are the Common Reasons for a Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Properly?

Even a recently purchased dishwasher model can fall down on the job. Whether you've got a Whirlpool dishwasher not cleaning dishes properly or a malfunctioning GE dishwasher leaving residue behind, you probably want to fix the problem fast. Consider these culprits if your dishes are still dirty after a run through the dishwasher. 

Improper Loading or Stacking

Improper loading or stacking can make it difficult for your dishwasher to clean dishes. Before you call an appliance repair tech, make sure your family loads dishes correctly.

Dirty dishes need to have the right placement. If you stack bowls on top of each other or put bakeware in the wrong spot, things won’t get cleaned. Silverware often has a designated area, and cups and bowls may have one, too. Be careful not to block the sprayer arms in your appliance with large trays or pots, as this can be one reason the dishwasher top rack is not cleaning dishes properly.

Poor Quality Detergent

Tired of your dishwasher leaving residue on bowls and plates? Check the detergent you're using. Many people mistakenly believe dish soap, dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent can be used in any appliance, but that's not true. Double-check that you're using dishwasher detergent. This can help prevent residue on dishes.

Read your appliance manual or check the dishwasher's inner label for detergent recommendations if you're unsure what to buy. Your manufacturer may recommend a specific brand or type of detergent, such as gel detergent or powder detergent. 

Dirty Dishwasher Filter

Have you seen the social media trend where people show off the gunk in their clogged dishwasher filters? While it’s gross, it’s true that clogged filters may damage your dishwasher. Your dishwasher's filter helps capture particles of food from dirty dishes. A clogged or overflowing filter can't hold debris, so it ends up on your dishes instead. You may also notice that your dishes have an unpleasant odor when the filter gets clogged.

Luckily, it's easy to fix this issue. Clean your filter regularly with hot, soapy water, and use a soft brush to scrub away any hard-to-remove gunk.

Clogged Sprayer Arms

Your dishwasher's sprayer arms are the pieces that look similar to fan blades. If you remove the sprayer arms, you can check for obstructions. Food often gets stuck in the tiny holes, which reduces water pressure. Simply put, it's harder for your dishwasher to clean your dishes. 

Your appliance manual should have easy instructions on removing and cleaning the sprayer arms. Depending on your dishwasher model, you may want to clean the arms with a tiny bristled brush or poke toothpicks carefully into the clogged holes. 

Mechanical Issues

Mechanical issues can make it difficult for your dishwasher to wash, rinse or dry dishes. For example, maybe your appliance's rinse cycle doesn't activate when you run a load, or a faulty inlet valve blocks water flow. 

Troubleshooting mechanical issues can be tricky, especially if you need to repair or replace dishwasher parts. You may want to call a professional appliance tech for help if you suspect mechanical issues are making your dishwasher less efficient.

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How to Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly

Even the best-maintained dishwasher may act up eventually, but there are steps you can take to keep your dishwasher running properly. Here are some easy maintenance tips you can consider if you want debris-free dishes:

• Wipe the interior. At least once a month, wipe the inside of your dishwasher to remove gunk and grime that could leave dishes dirty. Don't forget the door, seals and detergent compartment.
• Clean your filter regularly. A dirty filter can equal dirty dishes.
• Clean your sprayer arms as needed. Clogged sprayer holes make it difficult for your dishwasher to do its job.