{"id":845,"date":"2021-10-29T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=845"},"modified":"2026-07-14T07:47:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T14:47:32","slug":"how-does-a-dishwasher-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-does-a-dishwasher-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Does a Dishwasher Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tired of wondering how a dishwasher actually works? Follow this simple guide to learn about the inner workings of your dishwasher. Knowledge of your appliances can stop potential issues from becoming costly repairs and give you the confidence to fix them yourself. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22035,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_aviaLayoutBuilderCleanData":"[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-md7j4nj6' admin_preview_bg='']\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Ever wondered what truly goes on inside your dishwasher beyond the press of a button? If dirty dishes are still plaguing your kitchen despite a seemingly completed wash cycle, it might be time to dive into the inner workings of this indispensable appliance. Discover how you can diagnose and fix common issues with our comprehensive guide\u2014and don\u2019t miss the step-by-step video tutorial just below for a hands-on approach!<\/span>\r\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-8hq1x']\r\n\r\n[av_video src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NU-LA8nqmSk' mobile_image='' attachment='' attachment_size='' format='16-9' width='16' height='9' conditional_play='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kvmpb1sw']\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-3bsdp']\r\n\r\n[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kvmre6de' admin_preview_bg='']\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dirty dishes go in, clean ones come out--that\u2019s <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hopefully <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how your dishwasher works, right? Of course, it\u2019s not magic. There\u2019s a lot more to it than just pressing a button. It\u2019s actually worth your time to get to know how this appliance works! <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why? Well, being familiar with the steps of a typical wash cycle and the major parts of your dishwasher can help you to accurately diagnose problems that may arise. If you know what\u2019s going on in your dishwasher, you can stop a potential issue before it becomes an expensive catastrophe, and fix individual parts as they break, saving you from splurging on a whole new appliance.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve got everything you need to know about how your dishwasher does what it needs to do right here. Ready to take a peek at the inner workings of your appliance? Let\u2019s go!<\/span>\r\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kvmrf4xf' admin_preview_bg='']\r\n<strong>Need a part for your dishwasher? Search below using your specific washer model number to identify the exact part needed:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[search]\r\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-ryig5']\r\n\r\n[av_image src='https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/66_how-does-a-dishwasher-work_bottom-1500x630.png' attachment='22035' attachment_size='featured_large' copyright='' caption='' styling='' align='center' font_size='' overlay_opacity='0.4' overlay_color='#000000' overlay_text_color='#ffffff' animation='no-animation' hover='' appearance='' link='' target='' title_attr='' alt_attr='' lazy_loading='disabled' id='' custom_class='' av_element_hidden_in_editor='0' av_uid='av-kvmrd16j' admin_preview_bg=''][\/av_image]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-irkv9']\r\n\r\n[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-kvmruybq' admin_preview_bg='']\r\n[lwptoc numeration=\"none\"]\r\n<p style=\"font-size:14.5px;margin:14px 0;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,sans-serif\"><a href=\"#app-safety-notes\">Full safety notes below<\/a><\/p>\n\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s Inside Your Dishwasher?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019re not going to cover every single hinge, screw, and wire harness, but before we get to the step-by-step breakdown of a dishwasher cycle, let\u2019s define a few of the most important parts.<\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Detergent Dispenser. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located on the door, this rectangular storage container holds detergent and rinse aid for a wash cycle. Thanks to the dishwasher\u2019s computer, the dispenser should always release detergent or rinse aid at the proper time during a wash cycle. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it seems like the detergent door isn\u2019t springing open during a cycle, it may need to be cleaned. Lingering detergent from previous washes can gunk up the mechanisms that hold the door shut.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Door Latch.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This may be obvious, but at the top of your dishwasher door, there\u2019s a latch. This holds the dishwasher door shut while it\u2019s running and it also flips a safety switch that tells the dishwasher\u2019s computer that the washing cycle is allowed to begin. If your dishwasher just isn\u2019t starting up when you tell it to and everything else seems to be in working order, check the door latch!<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Racks & Silverware Basket. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where you load your dishes. Dishwashers generally have two or three. Remember to load the racks with every dish facing the center and all cups and bowls turned upside down to get the most out of a wash cycle. Don\u2019t overstuff your silverware basket--you\u2019ll wind up with dirty utensils!<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Spray Arms.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your dishwasher has at least two sets of spray arms -- lower and upper -- and may have more. As the name implies, these hollow arms spray water to wet and wash dishes during a wash cycle. The pressure of water being pushed up through them causes them to spin, ensuring that dishes are cleaned on all sides.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s worth it to check on your spray arms every once in a while to make sure they haven\u2019t been clogged by food debris. It\u2019s pretty easy to clean them with a soft brush or even a toothpick, so long as you\u2019re careful.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Basin. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the bottom of your dishwasher. Water collects here to be heated, filtered, and pumped up through the spray arms to clean your dishes.<\/span><b> <\/b><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Pump <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is arguably the most important part of the dishwasher. The circulation pump and motor, typically found beneath the basin, pulls water into the dishwasher at the start of a cycle, pushes it up through the spray arms during the washing phases, and drains it all out at the end of a phase.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re finding standing water in the bottom of your dishwasher after a wash cycle has completely finished, the pump may be having issues.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Filter or Filtration System. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the bottom of the dishwasher tub, usually the corner or very center, you will find the dishwasher\u2019s filter. This part stops food material from reaching the pump and causing clogs. You should clean your dishwasher\u2019s filter every once in a while.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\r\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that dishes coming out of the wash are still grimy, your filter may need to be cleaned or replaced.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Water Line & Inlet Valve.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There\u2019s a metal hose attaching your dishwasher to your home\u2019s water line by valve. This is how water is brought into the dishwasher. The inlet valve controls the amount of water that is allowed in, ensuring that the basin does not overfill.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Drain Line.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A white flexible hose connects your dishwasher to your home\u2019s plumbing, allowing water to drain out of the appliance properly.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Heating Element.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This metal ring may or may not be visible in the basin of your dishwasher. During a wash cycle, this ring activates, heating water to upwards of 140\u00b0 F. In some models of dishwasher, it can optionally be reactivated at the end of a cycle to heat the air inside the dishwasher and dry the dishes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Does a Dishwasher Work?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a typical dishwasher cleaning cycle, there are three stages. We\u2019ll go over each one, and then break down the steps so you know just what happens when your dishwasher is running.<\/span>\r\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Pre-wash<\/span><\/h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The pre-wash cycle usually only lasts a few minutes, and is just intended to get dishes wet and do a bit of initial rinsing as the water begins to heat up.<\/span>\r\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Main Wash<\/span><\/h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where the cleaning really gets done. Soapy water heated to around 140\u00b0 F is continuously pumped through the dishwasher\u2019s spray arms to clean dishes and utensils. It then drips back down into the basin, where it is reheated and filtered to remove debris before being pumped through the spray arms again. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can typically set the length of your wash cycle, but the main wash can last upwards of 60 minutes.<\/span>\r\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Rinse<\/span><\/h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eventually, the heating element shuts off and the dirty water drains out. Clean water is pumped in to do a final rinse of your dishes to get rid of any lingering food material or detergent. This portion of the cycle can last up to 60 minutes.<\/span>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Details of Running a Dishwasher Cycle<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, now that you know the phases of the cycle, here\u2019s specifically what happens when your dishwasher is running:<\/span>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The basin fills.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once the wash cycle is started, the water pump pulls water into the bottom of the dishwasher. Just the appliance\u2019s basin is filled, not the whole appliance. A dishwasher is more like a carwash than a swimming pool, after all.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The dishwasher heats the water.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The heating element, typically found in the bottom basin of the dishwasher tub, activates and begins heating the water. Eventually, dishwasher water will reach between 130 and 140\u00b0 F, but it doesn\u2019t happen immediately. This high heat ensures dishes are sanitized during the clean.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Heated water is pumped into the spray arms. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This starts them spinning, and pre-rinses everything in the dishwasher.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Detergent is added.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> At this point, whether you\u2019re using dry, liquid, or pod detergent, the cleaning agent is released into the heated water.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Washing begins. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The heated, soapy water is pumped up through the spray arms, cleaning dishes and utensils. The water then drips back down to the basin where it is reheated, filtered, and sent back up through the spray arms again. This cycle repeats for anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dirty water drains out.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> An internal timer lets the dishwasher know when to end the wash phase and begin rinsing the dishes. At the end of the wash step, dirty water is pumped out of the appliance completely.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Clean water is pumped into the dishwasher basin.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This new batch of clean water is pushed through the spray arms to rinse any remaining food material or soapy residue from your dishes. This cycle, like the wash cycle, can also last for anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The remaining water is drained.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once the rinse cycle is complete, the water pump activates once more and drains the water used in the rinse cycle from the basin.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The drying phase begins.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Now that the wash is done, the dishes can dry. Residual heat in the tub of the dishwasher can dry dishes, but some models of dishwasher have an option that allows you to dry dishes faster by using the heating element. Opting to allow dishes to dry on their own with heat left behind in the dishwasher is the more energy saving option.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrapping Up<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dishwashers haven\u2019t changed too much in the century since the appliance was originally invented. Sure, better tech has made wash cycles more efficient and effective, but when you get down to it, it\u2019s the same as it was when Josephine Cochran invented the first dishwasher in 1886 -- using jets of soapy water to clean your flatware.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know the dishwasher\u2019s parts and just what happens at each step of a wash cycle, you should be able to better pick out the source of a problem if one does arise. And if something does go wrong? Hey, no sweat! You can almost certainly replace that part yourself. If you ever find yourself in need of more tips, tutorials, or replacement appliance parts, keep <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AppliancePartsPros.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in mind. We can answer your questions about replacing appliance parts.<\/span>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where To Find Us\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-to-find-your-appliances-model-number\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> model number<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> AppliancePartsPros.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/repair-help\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> repair help section<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@appliancepartspros\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> YouTube videos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to help you troubleshoot.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/appliancepartspros\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/appliancepartspros?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instagram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/applpartspros\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/customerservice\/contact.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or call us at 877-477-7278. We\u2019re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, US-based customer support team! <\/span>\n\n<div id=\"app-safety-notes\" style=\"border:1px solid #E6E6E6;border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;margin:22px 0;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,sans-serif\"><div style=\"background:#1C437C;color:#fff;padding:9px 16px;font-weight:700;font-size:15px\">\u26a1&nbsp;Electrical safety \u2014 before you start<\/div><ul style=\"margin:0;padding:14px 20px 14px 38px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1A1A1A;background:#fff\"><li style=\"margin:6px 0\"><b>Disconnect power<\/b> before you start \u2014 unplug it or switch off the breaker, and <b>confirm it's dead<\/b>.<\/li><li style=\"margin:6px 0\">Follow your <b>local electrical code<\/b>.<\/li><li style=\"margin:6px 0\">Anything involving <b>household wiring, outlets, or the breaker panel<\/b> itself is <b>licensed-electrician territory<\/b>.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-g5tv9']\r\n\r\n[av_social_share title='Share this entry' buttons='' share_facebook='' share_twitter='' share_whatsapp='' share_pinterest='' share_reddit='' share_linkedin='' share_tumblr='' share_vk='' share_mail='' share_yelp='' yelp_link='https:\/\/www.yelp.com' style='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' alb_description='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-9zddp']\r\n\r\n[av_blog blog_type='posts' categories='12' link='category' blog_style='blog-grid' content_length='content' contents='title_read_more' date_filter='' date_filter_start='' date_filter_end='' date_filter_format='yy\/mm\/dd' offset='0' conditional='' bloglist_width='' columns='3' preview_mode='auto' image_size='portfolio' items='3' paginate='yes' lazy_loading='disabled' alb_description='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-md7j70ev']\r\n\r\n","_aviaLayoutBuilder_active":"active","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>How Does a Dishwasher Work?<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tired of wondering how a dishwasher actually works? 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