Why does my dishwasher not clean properly?

Question

I have cleaned the filters etc and run it on a clean wash but still the items come out dirty.

Answer 1

Dishwasher adverts are very misleading.

Try putting clean dishes in. If these come out dirty, you need to do a better job of cleaning your machine, or getting a new one.

You usually have to rinse off the bulk of the food debris from the dishes before putting them in the machine. Don't leave the dishes in the machine dirty, because the dirt will just dry on and be hard to remove.

I have found it is quicker and cheaper just to wash up by hand.

Answer 2

Dishwasher Not Cleaning Properly

Answer 3

1. Be sure that it is filling with enough water. Test this by
starting the empty machine on the "normal cycle". Put
a heavy glass measuring cup or mug on the bottom
rack ...facing upward. When you hear the machine
begin to wash (water splashing around), wait about
a minute. Open the door and look at the upturned cup
It should be nearly full. Also, be sure that the wash
arms are spining freely. Check this by reaching in and
giving them a spin with your hand.

2. Be sure your incoming water is at least 145 degrees.
You can check this by running hot water over a candy
thermometer. When the thermometer stops going up,
will know how hot the incoming water to the machine is
Adjust your water heater if necessary.

3. Use a good detergent ie Cascade Complete powder.
It has enzymes in it that help to dissolve the food
particles.

The liquid detergents contain thickeners that can slow
down the wash arms; plus decrease the water
spray pressure coming from wash arms. Also, be
sure to fill both cups.

4. If your machine has a rinse agent dispenser for Jet
Dry, etc, does this need to be refilled?

5. Is your machine draining properly? After a normal
cycle is completed, is there any substanial amount of
of water left in the bottom of the machine? There
may be a little but it should be clear and clean!
When the machine goes into a normal drain phase,
before it starts to refill for the next wash or rinse
phase, open the door and see if most of the dirty
water has drained out.

6. Does your machine drain into garbage disposal?
If so, be sure to run the disposal before starting
a load of dishes so that the machine can drain
properly.

You don't say what kind of machine or age of the machine is. However, I have an 9 year old bottom of the line Whirlpool Portable machine and I never rinse anything before putting in machine. This includes dirty broiler pans, pots, pans, baking dishes, etc. And everything ALWAYS comes out clean and sparkling. We usually only run the machine everyother day. Dried on food should not be a problem if the machine is functioning properly; the water is the correct temperature and good detergent is used.

Have you reviewed your owners manual for proper loading and cycle selection. If you do not have the manual, they can be downloaded by going to the machine manufacturer's website. You will need your machine's model number. Go to the customer service area of the manufacturer's website and look for something that say's "manuals" or do a site search for manuals. They will be downloaded in an abode pdf file and you just print them off!

Would really be interested to know if the problem is finally resolved. I wouldn't be without a dishwasher. Bought my first one in 1961 and have never been without one since.

AgedWidsom

Answer 4

I have a dishwasher and I have this problem every so often. I live in Australia and in the dishwasher section of my supermarket, there is a product that you put in your dishwasher and it gives not only the dishwasher a clean, it also unclogs any debree thats also clogging the machine. I do this every couple of months. It makes my dishwasher sparkle and smells really fresh. Or if you don't have this product, then just a simple rinse with vinegar will do the trick. If these don't do the trick then I suggest you call someone out to have a look. Try each alternative before you call anyone out. It also might be as simple as changing your dishwasher powder or tablet.
Good luck with the machine.

Answer 5

it could be that it is not washing the dishes with hot water?... it happened over summer with our dishwasher, and we had to get the electrics fixed on it, and since then it has been fine. I would suggest you ring up the company who made your dishwasher, you might need someone to come out and have a look at it, as it may have a fault.

Answer 6

Do you ever put regular detergent in your dish washer? If so stop it. Rinse with clean water. Are you getting enough water in your dishwasher? If not correct the problem. Are the wands turning? Do you use a rinsing agent? Do it.

That is about it.

Answer 7

I have the same problem use Glass Magic in the grocer store with the dishwasher detergent. Works great follow directions on box

Answer 8

Since you have cleaned the filters and run through on clean cycle, I would have three guesses....

1) water temperature is not high enough
2) your detergent is inadequate
3) you are over-crowding or improperly loading the machine.

Answer 9

Get a bowl, place in top of dishwasher, fill bowl with a bag of "WASHING SODA" (Asda/Tesco, £0.55 pence)...Do a normal hot wash with no dishes in, Its worked for me, cleans the sensors/waterways. If not, its time to hit the piggy bank.

Answer 10

Are you using hot water when washing? That will help. Also if you run an empty load with a dish of vinegar this will help with getting your dishes clean.