Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly? Causes, Fixes & Expert Tips

If your dishwasher not cleaning properly, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this problem — cloudy glasses, greasy plates, bits of food stuck to dishes, or dishes that come out smelling bad even after a cycle. A dishwasher is meant to save time and effort, so it can be frustrating when you still need to rewash everything by hand.

If you’re new to using a dishwasher or want to be sure you’re doing it right, you can also check out this guide on how to use a dishwasher, it walks you through the basics step-by-step.

The good news? In most cases, the issue can be fixed easily at home. This guide walks you through the most common causes and practical solutions step-by-step, so your dishwasher can get back to cleaning like new again.

Signs Your Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning Properly

Here are the most common symptoms:

• Dishes still have food stuck on them
  
• Glasses look cloudy or greasy
  
• Bad smell inside the dishwasher
  
• Cutlery comes out dull or dirty
  
• Soap remains undissolved
  
• White residue or chalky film on dishes

If you’re noticing any of these, it means water flow, detergent, loading, or maintenance may be the issue.

Common Reasons Your Dishwasher Isn’t Cleaning And How to Fix Them

Let’s go through each cause one-by-one with simple, real-world fixes.

1. You’re Overloading or Incorrectly Loading the Dishwasher

This is one of the biggest reasons a dishwasher doesn’t clean properly.

When dishes block the spray arms or sit too close together, water and detergent can’t reach everything.

How to load correctly

• Leave space between plates
  
• Place bowls and cups face-down
  
• Do not block the spray arms
  
• Keep plastic items on the top rack
  
• Lay cutlery in opposite directions for better cleaning

Also avoid stacking dishes — the dishwasher needs water flow to work efficiently.

Tip: Run a quick empty wash and check if the spray arms rotate freely. If dishes block them, they won’t spin properly.

For more examples of common dishwasher loading mistakes and how to fix them, you can also check out this helpful guide on why a dishwasher may not be cleaning properly from Whirlpool.

2. Dirty or Clogged Spray Arms

Spray arms shoot high-pressure water to clean your dishes. Over time, food particles, grease, and mineral deposits clog the tiny holes, which reduces the spray power.

Fix it

1. Remove the spray arms
   
2. Soak them in warm vinegar for 20–30 minutes
   
3. Use a toothpick to clear clogged holes
   
4. Rinse and reinstall

Do this every 2–3 months for best results.

3. Filter Is Blocked With Food & Grease

Modern dishwashers have a filter at the bottom that traps debris. When the filter is clogged, dirty water circulates back onto dishes.

Clean it in 5 minutes

1. Remove the lower rack
   
2. Twist and pull out the filter
   
3. Rinse under warm water
   
4. Scrub gently with a soft brush
   
5. Reinstall securely

Cleaning the filter monthly prevents most cleaning problems.

Learn how to clean a dishwasher step-by-step here.

4. Incorrect Detergent Use or Excess Soap

Too little detergent = greasy residue
Too much detergent = soap buildup and cloudy dishes

Use high-quality dishwasher detergent and follow the recommended dose.
Avoid regular dish soap, it creates foam that damages the machine.

If you live in a hard-water area, use rinse aid to prevent mineral deposits.

5. Hard Water & Limescale Buildup

Hard water leaves white streaks, chalky residue, or cloudy glasses.

Fix options

• Use a rinse aid
  
• Run a dishwasher cleaner or vinegar cycle monthly
  
• Consider installing a water softener if the problem is severe

6. Dishwasher Not Getting Enough Hot Water

Dishwashers clean best at 120°F / 49°C or higher.

If water is too cold:

• Grease won’t dissolve
  
• Detergent won’t activate

Try this

Run your kitchen tap on hot before starting the dishwasher so hot water reaches it faster.

7. Old or Faulty Door Seal

If the seal is worn, water pressure drops meaning weaker cleaning.

Check for:

• Cracks
  
• Mold
  
• Water leaks

If damaged, replace the seal. It’s easier and cheaper than replacing the dishwasher.

8. Blocked Drain or Standing Water

If dirty water doesn’t drain, it pools back onto dishes.

Check the:

• Filter
  
• Drain hose
  
• Air gap (if installed)

Remove food and debris carefully, never use sharp tools.

9. Spray Arms Aren’t Spinning

If arms don’t move, dishes won’t get sprayed.

Possible causes:

• Overloaded racks
  
• Debris blocking arms
  
• Low water pressure

Fix the obstruction and test an empty cycle.

10. Your Dishwasher Needs a Deep Clean

Even if it looks clean, grease, soap film, and bacteria build up inside — reducing performance and causing smells.

Deep clean routine

1. Remove racks and filter
   
2. Wash removable parts
   
3. Run a hot cycle with vinegar
   
4. Run another cycle with baking soda
   
5. Wipe the door seal and corners

A clean dishwasher = cleaner dishes.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a technician if you notice:

• Burning smell
  
• Dishwasher won’t fill with water
  
• Loud grinding or rattling noises
  
• Error codes
  
• Water leaking

These may indicate motor, pump, or control panel faults.

Prevent Future Dishwasher Problems With These Habits

Follow these simple maintenance tips:

✔ Scrape food off plates before loading
✔ Clean the filter monthly
✔ Use rinse aid for shiny, spot-free dishes
✔ Don’t overload
✔ Run a hot cycle regularly
✔ Clean spray arms every 2–3 months

Small habits protect your dishwasher and improve performance.

Is It Time to Replace Your Dishwasher?

You may need a new dishwasher if:

Modern dishwashers use less water and power, saving money long-term.

Conclusion

A dishwasher not cleaning properly is frustrating, but in most cases the fix is simple. By loading correctly, cleaning the filter, maintaining spray arms, and using the right detergent, your dishwasher can perform like new again.

And remember — small maintenance habits prevent big repair costs.

If you want to make dishwasher care even easier, don’t forget to read:

• How to Use a Dishwasher: A Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Guide

Start applying these tips today and enjoy sparkling clean dishes without the stress.

FAQs — Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly