Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes Well — How to Fix It
When dishes come out still dirty or gritty, the dishwasher isn't broken in most cases — water isn't reaching the dishes with enough force, or it's not hot enough. Work through these and cleaning usually returns.
1. Clean the Filter
A clogged bottom filter recirculates dirty water and starves the spray of pressure. Twist out the filter, rinse it under hot water, and clear the sump. This is the most common cause of poor cleaning and should be done regularly anyway.
2. Clear the Spray Arms
The spray arm holes clog with food and mineral bits, so water can't blast the dishes. Remove the spray arms (they twist or unclip), poke out each hole with a toothpick, and rinse. Make sure the arms spin freely and nothing (a tall pot, a utensil) is blocking their rotation.
3. Use Hot Water and Fresh Detergent
Dishwashers clean best with ~120°F incoming water — run the kitchen hot tap before starting so it fills hot, not cold. Use fresh detergent (old/caked detergent won't dissolve well) and add rinse aid. Don't over-pre-rinse, which can make detergent less effective.
4. Load It Right
Overloading and nesting dishes blocks the spray. Face dishes toward the spray arms, don't stack them, keep tall items from blocking the arms, and leave space for water to reach everything. Bad loading is a hidden cause of "won't clean."
5. Hard Water Buildup
Mineral scale on the heater and spray arms reduces performance. Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner monthly to keep it working.
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FAQ
Usually a clogged filter or spray arms, cold fill water, or overloading. Clean the filter and spray-arm holes, run the hot tap before starting, use rinse aid, and don't overload.
Scrape off solids but don't fully rinse — modern detergents need some food residue to work against, and over-rinsing can actually hurt cleaning. Just don't leave big chunks that clog the filter.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.