What's all this gunk in my dishwasher, and how do I fix it?

Question

When I wash dishes in the dishwasher, they come out covered in tiny food particles or something. =/ Usually the dishes on the top shelf, but sometimes the bottom, too. Like, there'll be pools of water in all the glasses, with gross junk floating in them all. U_U Or if I wait a while to unload the dishes, all the particles will be dried on. It's annoying! I have to wash them all again when I take them out.
Now, I have had other dishwashers that leave behind little particles and junk on the dishes, but this is just way in excess of that.
So, what do I need to do?? Is there a filter that needs changing, or some part of it that needs cleaning out??
Thanks so much!!

Answer 1

Yes, empty the filter - it should be at the top of where the water drains out.

You can also buy cleaners for Dishwashers (like those made by Finish) that will clear any debris in the pipes and stop the icky smells :)

Answer 2

I would clean the filter and thoroughly clean the entire machine. The way I clean the machine is this; I run a total of 2 cycles, empty of course. The first being, that I pour 1 quart of White vinegar in the machine, and let it cycle part way through the cycle, Shut off the machine and let this vinegar/water solution sit for approx 15 mins. Go back and turn the system back on and let it finish the cycle. The second load will run this way; pour 1 quart of bleach into the washer, let it cycle part way through the cycle, then let the solution sit in the washer for a bout 15 min. Return to the washer and let it finish the cycle. At the end of this treatment, you will have a super clean dishwasher that is also sterilized, and no more yuckies on the dishes.~ Happy Holidays!

Answer 3

check the filter on the bottem. it should lift out.
Rinse dishes before putting them in.
Check the discharge hose under the sink. It should have a high spot that sometimes is held in place by a plastic bracket and a screw. Sometimes it can get dislodged. The high spot prevents the junk from the garbage disposal from getting in the washer. If you use the garbage disposal while the dishes are being washed this will happen.

Answer 4

I also have the same problem with my dishwasher,after reading answers I went and checked my filter (I didn't even know there was one to remove!) It was nasty to say the least. I had to dig,scrub all the stuff in it. yech! So glad you posted that question.