Dishwasher Not Fully Cleaning Dishes: Top 5 Reasons & Fixes (With Video!)

Tired of dealing with a dishwasher that leaves your dishes less than spotless? Don’t rush to call a pricey repair service just yet. Discover the five crucial components that might be causing the issue and learn how to tackle these repairs yourself with our easy-to-follow guide and step-by-step video tutorial below. Say goodbye to dirty dishes and hello to a sparkling clean with the help of AppliancePartsPros.com!

If your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher less than perfectly clean, there are five main dishwasher part components that could be causing the problem. Follow this guide to learn how to fix your dishwasher yourself, save money, and get your dishes sparkling clean.

When you have identified the part needed for your dishwasher, search below using your specific dishwasher model number to identify the exact part needed:

1. Spray Arm

The spray arm (upper or lower) could also be the reason that the dishwasher isn’t working as well as it should. These arms are designed to spray the water on the dishes, which is hot and includes detergent. If the holes become plugged or the spray arms are damaged, they will not be able to clean effectively. If you do find that holes are plugged, you’ll want to inspect the filter for additional issues, too. 

Disconnect the dishwasher and then open the dishwasher to inspect the spray arms visually. This includes looking for signs of damage, as well as inspecting the holes to make sure there are no blockages. You’ll also want to turn the arms manually to make sure they spin properly and don’t wobble. Clean out any clogs or debris. If there are any other issues, the spray arm(s) will need to be replaced. 

2. Filters

Every dishwasher has a filter (or multiple filters) to help remove food particles from the wash cycle. Most filters are designed to clean themselves, but there are certain conditions when the filters can become clogged, causing the washing machine not to clean as effectively as it could. Make sure that you unplug the dishwasher before trying to locate and clean the filters. 

Then, check for filters in the circulation pump, the wash arm manifold, and the lower basin of the tub. Clean the debris from the filters, look for damage such as cracks or warping, and make sure that they are otherwise intact and in good condition. If the filters are damaged or have major issues, you will need to replace them.

3. Detergent Dispenser

A faulty detergent dispenser could be the reason that your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes properly. If the dispenser cannot deliver the detergent to the wash cycle at the right time, or it doesn’t release all of the detergent, it might not get the dishes as clean as they could be. You can check the detergent dispenser by opening the dishwasher and locating the component on the door panel. Check the door and the catch to ensure that everything is working properly.

Clean the parts if needed and check the visible linkages that can be seen behind the dispenser. If there is no apparent damage but the door isn’t opening, you can use a multimeter to determine if the solenoid is bad. Remove the wires, touch a probe to each terminal on the solenoid, and check the reading. If it isn’t accurate, your dispsenser will need replaced. 

4. Water Inlet Valve

The water inlet vale is a popular part and it’s one of the most likely to fail on a dishwasher. If this fails, it could also fail to clean the dishes properly because it doesn’t allow enough water into the wash tub. The water inlet valve is located on the bottom of the tub behind the access panel. The valve could be clogged or failing, which could cause issues. Remove the water line to inspect and clean the screen if yours has one. If the valve is damaged or clogged internally, it will need to be replaced. 

5. Circulation Motor

This is the motor that circulates the water through the dishwasher. It has a driveshaft on one end and terminals for power on the other. It may or may not include an impeller and is located on the bottom of the appliance. If the dishes aren’t getting cleaned, it could be that the motor is bad, and the water isn’t circulating properly to clean them. You will need to test the motor using a multimeter. 

Set the multimeter to continuity, then touch the probes to the terminals after removing the wires. If the motor doesn’t have continuity, it will need to be replaced. If you have a newer model with a diagnostic mode that can tell you if the motor is bad, check your tech sheet to see how this process is done. 

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to contact or call us at 877-477-7278. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!

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