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Blog & Articles
- Appliance Force
- December 11, 2025, 5:00 PM
Why Your Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Properly: 6 Common Causes & Easy Fixes
02
Dec
Is your dishwasher finishing a cycle only to leave plates greasy or glasses cloudy? A dishwasher should make life easier—not create extra work. The good news is that most cleaning issues have simple causes and quick solutions. Below, we break down the six most common reasons your dishwasher isn’t cleaning properly, what you can try at home, and when it’s time to call the professionals at Appliance Force. When a dishwasher stops cleaning effectively, it doesn’t always mean the appliance is failing. Everyday factors like buildup, loading habits, or maintenance issues are often to blame. Understanding these problems can save you time, money, and frustration. Let’s take a closer look.
1. Blocked Spray Arms
Spray arms distribute water throughout the dishwasher. If the tiny holes become clogged with food particles or mineral deposits, water flow is reduced.
What You Can Do:
Remove the spray arms carefully
Rinse them under warm water
Clear blocked holes using a toothpick or soft brush
2. Overloading the Dishwasher
Packing too many dishes into one cycle prevents water and detergent from reaching every surface.
What You Can Do:
Leave space between plates and bowls
Place large items along the sides or back
Avoid stacking items on top of each other
3. Incorrect Detergent or No Rinse Aid
Low-quality detergent or an empty rinse-aid compartment can result in streaks, residue, and poor cleaning.
What You Can Do:
Use a high-quality dishwasher detergent
Refill the rinse-aid dispenser regularly
4. Dirty or Clogged Filter
The filter traps food debris during washing. If it’s dirty, debris can circulate back onto your dishes.
What You Can Do:
Locate the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher
Remove and rinse it under running water
Gently scrub with a soft brush if needed
5. Water Not Heating Properly
Hot water is essential for breaking down grease and food. If the water stays lukewarm, cleaning performance drops.
When to Call a Professional:
A faulty heating element or thermostat may be the issue and should be inspected by a trained technician.
6. Weak or Faulty Circulation Pump
The circulation pump moves water through the spray arms. If it’s failing, water pressure won’t be strong enough to clean properly.
When to Call a Professional:
Pump issues are technical and require expert diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
A dishwasher that isn’t cleaning properly doesn’t always need replacing. Simple maintenance or loading adjustments often solve the problem. However, if you’ve tried these fixes and your dishes are still coming out dirty, professional help is the smartest next step.
Appliance Force provides fast, reliable dishwasher repair and installation services. Our experienced technicians work with all major brands and ensure your appliance is restored to peak performance—quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for dependable service you can trust.
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