How-To Guides
My Dishwasher Not Cleaning Dishes? Here’s How to Fix it
AAZparts Team
Updated on June 23, 2025
7 min read
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes properly, you’re not alone. This guide from AZParts will walk you through detailed troubleshooting tips and answer common FAQs to help you fix the problem and keep your dishes spotless every time. You’ll also discover where to find reliable replacement parts to keep your machine working at its best.
1. Troubleshooting Tips for my Dishwasher Isn't Cleaning Well
Understanding why your dishwasher isn’t cleaning well helps you fix the problem quickly and keep it running efficiently. Here are some common issues to check:
1.1. Dirty Interior
Grease, food scraps, mineral deposits, and soap scum can build up inside your dishwasher over time, stopping it from cleaning dishes properly. To tackle this, you have to wipe down the door, seals, and walls regularly. For light buildup, you need to pour 3 cups of white vinegar into the bottom and run a full hot cycle. For tougher grime, you need to use a dishwasher-safe cleaner to scrub away residue.
Dirty interior dishwasher causes improper cleaning (Source: Freepik)
1.2. Dirty or clogged filter
Most newer dishwashers use a removable filter under the bottom rack to catch food debris. If this filter gets clogged, it blocks water flow and leaves dishes dirty. To clean it, you have to twist off the filter cap, take the filter out, and rinse it well under hot water. For stuck-on grease or food bits, you should soak the filter in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush before rinsing again.
Regular filter cleaning keeps your dishwasher performing at its best. If your dishwasher filter is damaged or too worn to clean properly, AZParts offers high-quality dishwasher filters that fit many brands, making replacement quick and hassle-free.
1.3. Improper loading
Loading your dishwasher the wrong way can block the spray arms and stop water from reaching all your dishes. You should always place large items like pots and pans on the sides or bottom rack, leaving space between each piece. You also need to face dirty surfaces toward the center where the spray is strongest, and avoid stacking bowls or cups too closely together.
Improper loading dishwasher blocks the spray arm (Source: Freepik)
1.4. Wrong Wash Cycle
Many people select the wrong wash cycle, which makes the dishwasher clean poorly. You should use a heavy cycle for greasy pots and pans. You can choose a quick or eco cycle for lightly soiled dishes. Always read your dishwasher’s manual to pick the correct setting. The right cycle helps your dishwasher clean all items thoroughly.
1.5. Clogged Spray Arm
Spray arms spin and spray water to reach and clean all your dishes. Over time, food particles and mineral deposits can block the tiny holes, which lowers water pressure and leaves dishes dirty. To solve this, you should remove the spray arm as instructed in your manual, scrub it with dish soap and a soft brush, and use a toothpick to clear any clogged holes.
If your spray arm is damaged or too clogged to fix, AZParts provides high-quality replacement spray arms that fit many dishwasher models, so you can restore strong cleaning power quickly.
Clogged spray arm keeps dishwasher from cleaning properly (Source: Freepik)
1.6. Malfunctioning Soap Dispenser
The soap dispenser releases detergent at the right time to clean your dishes properly. If it does not open or close correctly, detergent might not reach the dishes, leaving them dirty. A jammed spring is a common cause. You should clean the dispenser and its spring with a small brush and use hot water mixed with vinegar to remove grease and debris.
1.7. Water Not Hot Enough
Your dishwasher needs water that reaches at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit to clean dishes well. If the water is too cool, it cannot dissolve grease and food particles completely. You should check your water heater and set it to 120 degrees, but do not set it higher to avoid burns. To make sure hot water enters the dishwasher immediately, run the kitchen faucet for about 30 to 60 seconds before starting a wash cycle.
Some dishwashers have a heating element to boost water temperature, but if the thermostat fails, the water may not heat up properly. AZParts provides reliable dishwasher thermostats so you can keep your dishwasher running at the right temperature for spotless results.
Dishwasher needs hot water to clean properly (Source: AZParts)
1.8. Low Water Pressure or Volume
Your dishwasher needs steady water pressure and enough water to clean dishes properly. If the pressure is too low or the water volume is too small, dishes may come out dirty or have soap residue. You should check your home’s water supply and make sure the supply valve to the dishwasher is fully open.
If the issue continues, a weak pump or motor could be the cause. A faulty pump cannot circulate water with enough force to clean effectively. AZParts offers high-quality dishwasher pumps and motor parts to help restore proper water flow and keep your dishwasher running like new.
1.9. Failing Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve controls how water flows into your dishwasher. If this valve fails, your dishwasher may not get enough water to clean dishes properly. You might also hear a hammering or banging noise during the wash cycle, which is a common sign of a faulty valve. AZParts provides reliable water inlet valve parts that fit many dishwasher models, helping you restore proper water flow and keep your dishwasher working efficiently.
Failed inlet valve causes dishwasher not to get enough water (Source: AZParts)
1.10. Detergent Issues
Using the wrong detergent or adding too much can leave spots or residue on your dishes. Always choose a high-quality detergent recommended for your dishwasher and measure the right amount according to the instructions. You can also use a rinse aid to help dishes come out shiny and spotless.
2. FAQs about My Dishwasher Isn't Cleaning My Dishes
Even when you follow basic maintenance steps, questions about your dishwasher’s cleaning performance can still come up. Here are quick answers to common dishwasher cleaning issues:
2.1. Is a clogged spray arm making my dishwasher underperform?
Yes. A clogged spray arm blocks the water flow, so the dishwasher cannot spray water with enough force to clean dishes properly. You should remove the spray arm and clean the holes often.
2.2. Is the spray arm causing my dishwasher to perform poorly?
Yes. If the spray arm is cracked, clogged, or stuck, it cannot spin and reach all dishes. You should inspect it and replace it if cleaning does not solve the problem.
2.3. Why is there still soap on my dishes after a cycle?
Soap left on dishes means the dishwasher did not rinse properly. You should check the spray arm and filter, clean them if needed, and measure the detergent correctly.
2.4. How can I avoid dishwasher cleaning issues in the future?
You should clean the filter and spray arm regularly, use good detergent, and load dishes properly. Also, make sure the water is hot enough before starting a cycle.
2.5. When should I call HVAC instead of DIY?
You should call a professional if cleaning parts does not help or if you suspect problems with the valve, wiring, or internal components that need expert repair.
Keeping your dishwasher in top condition doesn’t have to be complicated. By spotting problems early and following simple maintenance steps, you can prevent poor cleaning performance and extend your appliance’s lifespan. With so many dishwasher models from brands like Kenmore dishwasher parts and Amana dishwasher parts, it’s important to choose dishwasher replacement parts that fit your machine, whether it’s a dishwasher wash arm, a dishwasher filter, or other essential parts. Visit AZParts today to explore a wide range of products and keep your dishwasher running like new!
Contact Information:
8 The Green, Ste A, Dover, Delaware 19901-3618, United States
Dishwasher
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