FixPlainly

Dishes not getting clean

Check the water temperature, the loading, the detergent and the filter before anything else. Start at the sink, then work inward.

8 checks, quickest firstAbout 82 minutes if you do them allLast checked against its sources on

Fix Finder

Fix Finder: dishes not getting clean

Work through the checks below, in order.

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Before you start

  • Before reaching into the tub or under the sink: switch the dishwasher off at the circuit breaker.
  • Before touching any hose or connection: turn off the water valve under the sink.
  • Let the dishwasher cool after a cycle; the water and heating element can be hot.
  • Wear gloves when clearing filters. Broken glass ends up there.

More in appliance repair safety basics.

All the checks, in order

  1. Start with hot water

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Cool water doesn’t dissolve detergent or grease well.

    1. Run the kitchen hot tap until the water is hot, then start the dishwasher.
    2. GE recommends water reaching the dishwasher at 120°F or more.
    3. Avoid running showers or the washing machine on hot at the same time.

  2. Load for the spray

    Safe to tryAbout 3 min

    Overcrowded or blocked racks stop water reaching dishes.

    1. Don’t overload. Leave space between items.
    2. Angle dirty surfaces down and toward the spray arms.
    3. Keep tall items from blocking the spray arms.
    4. Put plastics on the top rack (or third rack), not the bottom.

  3. Check the detergent

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Old or wrong detergent cleans poorly.

    1. Use fresh automatic dishwasher detergent. Pods or tablets in the main cup work well.
    2. Never use hand dish soap. It makes suds that can overflow.

  4. Clean the filter

    Take careAbout 10 min

    A clogged filter sends dirty water back over the dishes.

    1. Turn the dishwasher off.
    2. Remove the filter at the bottom of the tub and rinse it under hot water.
    3. Put it back and lock it in place.

    Open the guide: Dishwasher won’t drain

  5. Check the spray arms

    Safe to tryAbout 5 min

    Food caught in the spray arms reduces the spray.

    1. Spin each spray arm by hand to make sure nothing stops it.
    2. Clear any food you can see in the arms.

  6. Use rinse aid

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Rinse aid helps drying and limits hard water spots.

    1. Fill the rinse aid dispenser until the indicator shows full.

  7. Deal with hard water film

    Safe to tryAbout 60 min

    A white cloudy film is often mineral deposits, not dirt.

    1. Run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner such as affresh, or a white vinegar rinse.
    2. Whirlpool recommends a water softener if your water is 15 grains per gallon or harder.

  8. Pick a stronger cycle

    Safe to tryAbout 1 min

    Quick cycles don’t have the time or heat for heavy soil.

    1. Use a heavy cycle or a high-temperature option for baked-on food.
    2. Make sure the water valve under the sink is fully open.

When to call a technician

  • Water never gets hot during a cycle, or a heater code appears.
  • The spray arms don’t turn, or you hear the pump struggling.

Error codes that point here

If your dishwasher shows one of these, open it for the brand’s exact meaning.

GE C6Incoming water too coolGE C8Detergent cup blocked or openSamsung 1EClogged filter (Waterwall) or heater fault (rotary models)LG nESpray pump not spinning normally

Questions

Why are my glasses cloudy?

Often hard water minerals. Use rinse aid and run a cleaner or white vinegar rinse; Whirlpool suggests a water softener at 15 grains per gallon or more.

What water pressure does a dishwasher need?

Whirlpool gives 20 to 120 psi.

Sources

  1. Dishes are not Clean, Whirlpool Product Help
  2. Removing Odors in your Dishwasher, Whirlpool Product Help
  3. Dishwasher: Error, Fault or Function Codes, GE Appliances Support
Last checked against its sources on